This summer, we will have our granddaughter part of the summer. I have been researching summer camps around the north Florida area. It has been a few years since I have had a little one, so I wanted to check out my options.
The first option I checked out was our local YMCA. Every county in the North Florida area has a YMCA branch. Our small county of Baker is no exception. The summer camp in Baker County is housed at the local middle school. The camp runs from June 2nd to August 15th. The theme this year is Set Sail for Summer. Children between the ages of five and thirteen can attend the camp. The hours are from 7: 00 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. The cost is ninety dollars for YMCA members and ninety five for those who aren’t. A discount is offered for parents with more than one child in summer camp. Stipends and scholarships are offered to those unable to pay. Applications are available for scholarship assistance at the local YMCA office. Summer activities include sports, swimming trips, field trips, character building, art activities, games, and movies. For more information call 904-259-0898. .
(http://www.firstcoastymca.org/baker/default.php)
The next camp choice is the Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, Florida. The camp runs from June 16th to August 8th. Each week has a different theme around some historical or scientific theme. Children between the ages of pre school age to fifth grade can attend. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. However, for working parents, there are extended hours from 7: 30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the evening from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The camp costs $175 a week for non members and $155 for members. Extended hours are extra. Some of the examples of weekly themes are Dinosaur Adventure, and Fishy Friends. There is also a separate Space Camp and a Space Robot Camp. For more information call 904-396-6674. (http://www.themosh.org/programs/daycamps.asp)
The local Jacksonville Zoological Gardens also offers a summer camp. Their camp is from June 9th to August 8th. Each week has different themes. Some of the themes are Animal Senses, Built to Survive, and Animals Acting Up. The children are divided into age groups. The kindergartners are called the Kinder Zoo. Those aged6 and 7 are the Primary group. The children from 8 to 10 are the Middlers. And those from 11 to 13 are called the Zoo Keepers. It is advised to call the camp, as not every age group is held every week. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended care offered for working parents. The fees are $175 a week for non members and $150 a week for zoo members. The extended care costs $10 a day for morning and evening care. Every Thursday the zoo offers a sleep over complete with movies, games, and food for an additional $30. You can contact the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens for more information at 904-757-4463, extension 122. (http://www.jaxzoo.org/education/daycamps.asp)
Hopefully these camps will give you some options for your child this summer. While they all do cost a bit, in the long run it is worth it, because you know your child is safe and involved in creative, fun activities.
