Bay Soundings
COVERING TAMPA BAY AND ITS WATERSHED

Summer Camp Roundup

With summer vacation just around the corner, what's a parent with fidgety kids to do? Check out our summer camp roundup for sensational ideas, from sizzling summer science camps to splashy outdoor adventures. The seasonās coolest adventures are just a mouse click away. But space is limited and popular programs fill quickly, so book early.

 

Busch Gardens Zoo Camp
Tampa

1-877-BGT-CAMP

Conquer coasters and get cozy with critters at Zoo Camp. Day camp for pre-K through grade eight features animal interaction, habitat investigation and attractions at one of Americaās largest theme parks and zoos. Resident camps for grades four through adult take participants behind the scenes for intensive learning and special animal encounters. Day camps start at $220 for members; extended care is extra. Resident camps start at $750. Camps start June 6.

MOSI, Tampa
813-987-6000

Tampaās Museum of Science & Industry celebrates 25 years of summer camp fun with a sensational lineup a MOSI-mile long. Preschoolers can tour a parade of homes constructed by amazing animal architects or discover secrets for hiding from camouflaged critters. For grades K-3, thereās yummy chocolate chip volcanoes and Pineapple Under the Sea, introducing wee ones to sea stars, crabs and other marine critters. On tap for older kids are dozens of nature and science camps, including Extreme Explorers, in which participants kayak along the bayās lush mangrove fringe, hike back trails and learn wilderness survival skills. Member fees start at $17 for toddler camps and $89 for weekly half-day camps. Multi-camp discount and extended care available. Camps start May 31. Donāt miss the Memorial Day weekend opening of MOSIās Kids in Charge, the countryās largest childrenās science center with over 70 new exhibits.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater
727-441-1790

Splashy adventures abound for kindergarten grads on up. On deck this summer: marine critters, sea turtles, basic and advanced marine biology, resident animal care, and dolphins, plus snorkeling. A special junior scientist camp (for students who have completed grades 6-9) delves deeper into the mysteries of the marine world, with observation of live specimens, snorkeling and animal dissection. Most CMA offerings are half-day camps starting at $145 for members, $185 for non-members. Camps start May 30.

Florida Aquarium
Tampa
813-273-4015

Dive into something slippery and cool at the Florida Aquarium, offering full and partial-day camps for kids ages three to 15, from two days to two weeks, on site and on location. AquaTots and AquaKids programs are geared for youngsters while school-age kids can go behind the scenes with marine experts, learn about mangroves and make waves aboard the Bay Spirit while seining for critters and searching for dolphins. Family sleepover programs and special scuba diving camps are offered. Member fees start at $25 for AquaTots, $140 for fullday camps and $220 for camps with travel. Multi-camp discount and extended care available. Camps start May 31.

Great Explorations
St. Petersburg
727-821-8992

Weekly arts and science camps for children ages five to 10 feature different themes, starting with the Magic of Invention, Dragons and Dinosaurs, and the Magic of Nature. Fees start at $175 for members and multiweek discounts are available. Camps starts May 31.

Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa
813-935-8552 ext. 232

813-935-8552 ext. 232 Zoo school is monkey business and more fun and games with dozens of different science and nature camps that let kids experience the wild side of summer. Week-long camps for kids ages three to 13 start at $145. Camps begin May 31. Extended care available.

Moccasin Lake Park
Clearwater
727-462-6024

Weekly camps starting May 23 introduce junior explorers, ages six to 11, to Moccasin Lake Park with games, crafts and science and nature activities. Camps are $135 with $45 discount for participant cardholders.

Pier Aquarium
St. Petersburg
727-895-7437

Catch the Weedon Island Fever in a week-long marine discovery camp for students entering grades four through six featuring a canoe trip to Weedon Island, pier aquarium tour, seagrass harvesting and planting, and exploration of other bay ecosystems. Two sessions: June 27-July 1 and July 11-15. Camp fee is $150. A half-day Little Marine Explorers Camp, is offered for kids in grades K-2, June 20-24, with arts and crafts, water fun, animal encounters and seashore exploration. Camp fee is $75.

South Florida Museum<BR>Bradenton
941-746-4131

The South Florida Museum and Around the Bend Nature Tours have teamed up to offer Wet & Wild Science Adventure Camp for kids ages six through 12. Explore the science and history behind local wetlands and waterways at the museum and in the field, with trips to Emerson Point, Rye Wilderness and Durante Park. Sessions scheduled for June 13-17, June 20-24 and July 11-15.

Weedon Island Preserve
St. Petersburg
727-453-6500

Two camps for middle school students make island exploration and history fun. Exploring the Past, June 20-24, introduces kids (entering grades 6-9) to archaeology at this historic site through field work, island exploration, canoeing and pottery-making with a little spear-throwing contest tossed in. Cost is $125 for the weeklong day camp. A three day Island Explorers camp (for students entering grades 6-8) features hiking, canoeing and wading as students learn about the estuary and wildlife. Cost is $75. Offered June 14-16 and July 5-7.

Wetland Education Workshop
June 27-29 (Weedon Island)
June 30-July 1 (Manatee River)

Middle and high school teachers can team up with researchers and scientists this summer to study wetlands through digital mapping and aerial photography. Participants will explore changes in wetland habitats, learn how to use wetland maps, aerial imagery, topographic maps and GIS technology, and how to bring these tools into the classroom. Teachers will receive an educatorās supplement, mapping portfolio and set of classroom exercises correlated to national math, science and geography standards. Workshops will be held at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Pete with trips to study sites. Sponsored by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Southwest Florida Water Management District and U.S. Geological Survey. Limited to 25 West Central Florida teachers per workshop; a $25 fee is refundable upon completion. To register, call Nanette Holland at 727-893-2765 or email nanette@tbep.org

Weedon Island
Coastal Education Workshop
June 6-10

Explore the wild lands of Pinellas County, from mangrove forests to pine flatwoods to barrier islands at this free coastal education workshop for teachers. Featuring boating and hiking trips to Pinellas Countyās three largest preserves (Weedon Island, Brooker Creek and Shell Key) and discussions with Pinellas County land managers and researchers. Limited to 18 teachers; curriculum with classroom activities included. Call 727-453-6500 to register.

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