Summer is fast approaching and for many young people, that means signing up for camp. Here’s a helpful list of some of the season’s top offerings.
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
After a four-year hiatus, The Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre will once again offer Camp Rock for teens 12 to 18 years of age.
Camp Rock is a one-of-a-kind band experience. It focuses on rock music instruction and organization. Kids can focus on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards or vocals; they must have some experience.
Instructors will group students into bands that will perform on the main stage of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and, through a partnership with Jim Stafford of Eclipse Studios, record their songs in a professional recording studio.
Camp Rock will be held July 22-26, with studio time scheduled from July 29 through Aug. 1. The cost is $300 per camper and includes a nonrefundable $25 deposit. Fees may be pre-paid on the Friends website at fosaa.org/events.
Scholarships are available; parents and/or guardians should submit a letter explaining why support is needed with their application. To register for Camp Rock 2024, contact camprock@eclipserecording.com.
THE LINK
The link, 425 Town Plaza Ave., Ponte Vedra (Nocatee), is offering several camps between May 28 and Aug. 5. Camps are open to members and nonmembers. To register, go to thelink.zone/summercamps or call 904-469-0334.
Creative Culinary
Kids will learn to cook and acquire essential life skills, such as kitchen safety, sanitation, proper knife technique and more.
For ages 5-13
There are six sessions, all from 9 a.m. to noon: May 28-31, June 3-7, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 29-Aug. 2, and Aug. 5-9.
LEGO Robotics, Drones, Carerra Cars and Sphero
Led by an experienced coach, this camp offers a hands-on STEAM learning experience that combines play with technology.
For ages 6-12
There are 11 sessions, all from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: May 28-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 2, and Aug. 5-9.
Let’s Get Creative Art Camp
A fun-filled camp where kids can unleash their creativity and craft dream designs. Activities include marbling mastery, sugar scrubs and jar art, clothing transformations, resin magic, aromatherapy candle making and colorful abstract art.
For ages 5-12
There are six sessions, all 1-4 p.m.: May 28-31, June 3-7, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 2, and Aug. 5-9.
Kids In The Kitchen
A blend of fun activities and essential culinary skills. Activities include sample cooking, etiquette, kitchen safety and organization and creativity in cooking.
For ages 5-12
There are three sessions, all from 9 a.m. to noon: June 10-14, June 17-21, and July 15-19.
Dance and Tumble
Kids will have an opportunity to learn and practice their dance and tumble skills, engage in fun games and unleash their creativity with crafts.
For ages 5-12
There are two sessions, both from 9 a.m. to noon: June 24-28 and July 8-12.
Olympic Style Fencing
Learn the craft behind one of the earliest Olympic sports from a fencing expert.
For ages 6-13
There are two sessions, both from 9 a.m. to noon: June 10-14 and June 17-21.
FIRST COAST CULTURAL CENTER
For summer camp information, locations, pricing and registration, go to firstcoastculturalcenter.org/programs-events/art-camps. First Coast Cultural Center is located at 6000B Sawgrass Village Circle, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Art Camps
Students will create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art using various tools and techniques. Camps will be offered at two locations: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the First Coast Cultural Center and 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at PVPV/Rawlings Elementary School.
For ages 7-12
There are nine weeks of camps, May 28-Aug. 2. Each week has a different theme.
“Fairytales”
Campers will create fairytale-inspired art projects, making their own twists on classic stories.
“Dinosaur Mania”
Kids will learn about dinosaurs, make dino-inspired art and make a dinosaur world, which will include a volcano experiment.
“Enchanted Wood”
Participants will create whimsical and nature-inspired art projects.
“Travel to Italy”
The campers will explore the art, culture and history of Italy and create art inspired by their discoveries.
“Magical Creations”
The kids will create “magic” using both their imaginations and a bit of science.
“Explore the Deep Blue”
The focus of this camp is ocean-inspired crafts, stories and songs, with an emphasis on sea creatures and ancient tales of the deep.
“African Safari”
Participants will create projects inspired by the wildlife and art in Africa.
“Art History Detectives”
Campers will explore art and history across time and space to learn techniques and styles from some of the great masters.
“Travel to South America”
Participating children will learn about the art, culture and history of South America. They will also get a chance to learn some Spanish.
Youth Drama and Improv Camp
Seasoned acting coach Sheri Lahres leads this camp, where kids will learn improvisation, monologues, scene work and more.
The camp will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. July 29-Aug. 2 at the First Coast Cultural Center.
For ages 8-13
Campers should bring their own snack, lunch and water bottle.
Summer Culinary Camps
Campers will learn kitchen safety, accurate measurements and how to prepare and cook various dishes, including fresh soups and sauces with herbs from the garden. They will also learn dining etiquette and how to “clean as you go.”
For ages 6-12
There are four separate weeks of camp: June 3-7, June 17-21, July 1-5 (closed July 4), and July 15-19. All camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
YMCA
The Brown Family YMCA is located at 170 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach. For information, go to fcymca.org/locations/ponte-vedra-ymca or call 904-543-9622.
YMCA at Nocatee is located at 400 Colonnade Drive, Ponte Vedra. For information, go to fcymca.org/locations/ymca-at-nocatee or call 904-671-9622.
Summer Day Camp registration is now open. Registration is available online only, and spots are limited.
For ages 5-12 in St. Johns and Duval counties. Dates vary by location. There will be no camp on June 19, July 4 and 5.
Camp activities include: STEM, arts and humanities, character development, welcome and inclusion activities, outdoor games, swimming and more.
Every two weeks, a new theme will help participants learn new skills, build self-confidence and gain a sense of achievement and belonging.
Themes are as follows: Out of this World (May 28-31 and June 3-7), Super Hero Mania (June 10-14 and June 17-21), Dino-mite! (June 24-28 and July 1-3), Spies in Disguise (July 8-12 and July 15-19), Under the Sea (July 22-26 and July 29-Aug. 2, and Spirit Wars (Aug. 5-9).
Camp Immokalee
At YMCA Camp Immokalee, kids get to try new things and make lasting friendships and memories.
For information about resident camp, go to camp.fcymca.org/summer-resident-camp.
For information about day camp, go to camp.fcymca.org/summer-day-camp.
Camp Immokalee is located at 6765 Immokalee Road, Keystone Heights.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
