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Summer Camps Boost Scientific Literacy

If engaging children in science is the key to them becoming scientifically literate adults, then Tampa Bay has a significant lead on the rest of the nation. From the Science Center of Pinellas County – the first of its kind in the world – to the latest blockbuster exhibit at MOSI, there’s something here for almost every kid (and kids of every age).

April and May are the best months to enjoy Florida outdoors, particularly after the winter we’ve all been through. And, with summer rapidly approaching, it’s a great time to explore all the opportunities before deciding on which summer camps your kids should attend. Don’t delay on registering for the camps, though, many of the most popular events sell out long before school lets out for the summer.

Here are some of our favorite places or groups that schedule summer programs, listed alphabetically because we absolutely wouldn’t want to try and rank them.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve: A 245-acre park located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in St. Petersburg featuring more than three miles of trails and boardwalks and five unique ecosystems plus six different summer camps. Call 727-893-7326 or visit www.stpete.org/boyd/daycamps.asp.

Brooker Creek Preserve: An 8,500-acre wilderness area located in the northeastern corner of Pinellas County features multiple programs for adults and children scheduled year-round, including summer camps. Call 727-453-6800 or visit www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Busch Gardens Summer Camps: The nationally known attraction also offers behind-the-scenes summer camps for local kids. Call 1-877-248-2267 or visit www.swbg-adventurecamp.com/adventure-camps.

Camp Invention: Sponsored by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, camps are scheduled in various locations across the region. For more information, call 800-968-4332 or visit www.campinvention.org.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Coastal learning experiences with summer camps are available for students K-12. Or spend the day at CMA for a laid-back look at Tampa Bay’s wildlife, including Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tail in a new tank with underwater viewing windows. Call 727-441-1790 or visit www.seewinter.com.

Destination Aviation: Students ages 11-18 can learn to fly while exploring the science and technology of aviation. Both day and residential camps are offered at Florida Air Museum in Lakeland. Call 863-904-4073 or visit www.floridaairmuseum.org.

Discover! Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Residential Camps: More than 100 sessions in three residential camps are offered across the region with themes including science and technology. Call 813-281-4475 or visit www.gswcf.org.

Estuary EDventures Summer Camps: Tampa Bay Watch expands its summer camp offerings with multiple opportunities for learning and adventure from its Tierra Verde headquarters. Call 727-867-8166 or visit www.tampabaywatch.org.

Florida Aquarium AquaCamps: Diverse offerings for kids from ages 3 to 15 with a strong focus on science and wildlife encounters in downtown Tampa. Call 813-273-4000 or visit www.flaquarium.org.

Great Camps at Great Explorations Children's Museum: Themed camps including science are featured with volunteer opportunities for children over 13 in St. Petersburg. Call 727-821-8992 or visit www.greatexplorations.org.

Lowry Park Zoo: Tampa’s award-winning zoo hosts more than 100 week-long camps for kids K-8. Call 813-935-8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.

Mad Science Summer Camps: Budding scientists can attend camps in multiple locations across the region to learn to make indoor lightning, launch rockets and experience a giant vortex. Call 727-895-5595 or visit www.madscience.org/tampabay.

Mangrove Marcus Adventure Camp at Loretta Ingraham Complex: A special camp offered by the City of Tampa for kids who want to learn about Florida's marine environment. Call 813-274-8615 or visit www.tampagov.net/parksandrec.

MOSI Summer Science Camp: Take advantage of learning adventures in a wide range of science and technology areas for ages 2-18 at the region’s top science museum. Call 800-995-6674 or visit www.campfun.org.

Mote Marine Aquarium's Summer Camps: Hands-on marine science camps for kids from 2-18 on Longboat Key. Call 941-388-4441 x229 or visit www.mote.org/summerprograms.

Pathfinder Outdoor Education Summer Camps: Day or overnight camps in locations across the region exploring nature and developing student leadership. Call 727-328-0300, ext. 221 or visit www.pathfinder-ed.org.

Pier Aquarium Summer-ful of Fish and Fun in the Sun: Eleven camps combine marine science with other activities for students entering grades 1-6 in downtown St. Petersburg. Call 727-895-7437, ext. 205 or visit www.pieraquarium.org.

Science Center of Pinellas Summer Camps: The nation’s oldest science center offers a full schedule of summer camps for kids from K-12. Call 727-384-0027 or visit www.sciencecenterofpinellas.org.

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center: A series of camps introduce kids ages 6-12 to the natural wonders of Weedon Island. Call 727-453-6503, or visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org.