There’s plenty for kids to do this summer at venues in the area. Here’s a roundup of camps and more:
BAILEN BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMPS
Nease High boys basketball coach Josh Bailen will hold five weeklong sessions of basketball camps this summer with the dates being June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, July 11-15 and July 25-29. Each session will be Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at Nease High School, 10550 Ray Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. Boys and girls in grades three to nine may participate, and a registration fee of $150 is required for one of the weeklong sessions. Parents can register at joshbailenbasketball.com or Venmo with their child’s name and session.
FIRST COAST CULTURAL CENTER
3972 3rd St. South, Jacksonville Beach
904-280-0614
firstcoastculturalcenter.org
Camps
The nonprofit arts organization will present summer classes and programs featuring renowned fine artists, musicians and speakers addressing the theme, “Explore Your First Coast: The History and Culture That Makes Us Unique.” Students will learn more about the First Coast region while creating art and other projects to celebrate what makes our area unique, from native cultures to historic architecture to modern tourism.
Classes and programs are held at 3972 3rd St. South in Jacksonville Beach and at CareConnect+, 351 Town Plaza Ave. in Nocatee. These programs will be held between May 31 and Aug. 12. For further information and registration go to bit.ly/3NFJu5d.
Discover the artists that made the First Coast rich in culture. Painting, drawing, theatre and architecture are just a few of the types of art to explore.
Study the early drawings of René Goulaine de Laudonnière and Jacques le Moyne of the peoples that were here before the Europeans. First encountered by the French, these early works of art help us to see into the past. Create your own sketches, create a village, make a clay pot and make hard-tack (a staple of soldiers).
The Spanish force the French out of Florida and hold control for almost 200 years before the British are here. How did they help to shape our landscape? Create your own Spanish tiles, learn about the Flamenco and try some gazpacho.
Sailors coming to the new world saw incredible things — or did they? Explore sea monsters, mermaids and superstitions through art.
How did people in the past get to the First Coast of Florida? Learn about travel in the past and build some of your own mini 3D versions. Masted ships, hot air balloons sail cars and more.
Travel through time to the late 1800s to see what was in fashion, like silhouettes. Also, take a closer look at optical illusions from that time and create your own. Flip books, zoetrope and other games will make the week tons of fun.
Look into the science behind colors, light, shadow, texture and more. Explore how some of this affects the architecture in our area. Create masterpieces utilizing science.
Using the observable in nature, learn how to experiment to make natural art. Leaf rubbings, natural suncatcher, using nature to make color and more.
What are tourists and why do they visit our First Coast? What do they buy to take home when they leave? Build your own First Coast treasure with shell art, hand-tinted postcards and other souvenir art.
Learn about the cuisine and dishes central to our area. Recreate the food that thrives along the First Coast.
Discover the artists that make the First Coast rich in culture. Painting, drawing, theatre and architecture are just a few of the types of art to explore.
Theater camps
This is a two-week summer theater camp for aspiring actors or for those who want to experience the theater and acting. Snack and water will be provided, but campers should bring their own lunches.
The musical will be "Twinderella." One complimentary ticket and one child's meal is included with registration.
Refunds will not be offered to campers dissatisfied with their role in the play.
Dive into the world of acting through improv, monologues scene work and more. There will be a short student presentation on the last day of class for friends and family to enjoy a sampling of short skits, commercials, monologues and fun drama creations.
THE LINK
425 Town Plaza Ave., Ponte Vedra Beach
904-299-3671
thelink.zone
All of the summer camps at the link are taught by professional instructors or teachers. There are half-day camps with after-camp care as well as full-day camps. Camp ages typically range from 5 to 14. All summer camps are available to members and nonmembers and can be reserved via the link app. To register for any camp, go to app.thelink.zone and click “Summer Camp” or download the app to your favorite device.
After-camp care is held from noon to 4 p.m. for those who don’t want to leave the link after the morning camp is over. Campers can learn, play, think and do for the afternoon with camp counselors. There will be arts and crafts, games, movies and more. The fee is $125. Dates are June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, June 71-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29 and Aug. 1-5. A shorter week will be offered July 5-8 for $100.
Culinary camps
Campers must register allergies.
Healthy Hand Cooking Camp will lay the foundations for a lifetime of healthy eating. Chef Corina Danielson will cover all kinds of foundational information such as kitchen preparedness, kitchen safety, proper food handling, hygiene, cross-contamination, measuring, and proper food storage. Interactive workbook with recipes included.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies. Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies.
Kids will make dishes from Mexico, the Mediterranean, Asia and Italy. Interactive workbook included.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies. Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies. Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies.
Campers will learn about the vitamins, minerals and health benefits in foods of different colors.
Activity sheets, recipes, helpful tips, student workbook and individual workstations for hands-on activity are included in the course. Each class offers nutritional education and activities.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies. Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies.
Activity sheets, recipes, helpful tips, student workbook and individual workstations for hands-on activity are included in the course. Each class offers nutritional education and activities.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers must register allergies. Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Math camps
Session 1 morning program is 8:30-11 a.m. Session 2 afternoon program is 12:30-3 p.m.
Session 1 morning program is 8:30-11 a.m. Session 2 afternoon program is 12:30-3 p.m.
Robotics camps
Mankind's challenge has been the growth of cities. It is very complex and important task to provide the life in the city. The main challenges are ecology, life safety, modern building, agriculture and effective using of the natural resources. Students will find out how to solve this problems the STEAM way using the modern technologies, robotics and programming. In the CityBots course, campers will create the robots that help to make cities more comfortable, cleaner and safer.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Robots, smart houses, internet of things, robotized factories and things with automatic smart functions — it’s a new world and an opportunity for children to learn about the future.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers will create, write programs and immerse themselves in the “Star Wars” universe through five different adventures.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Build and program a SUMO Bot to compete with others. Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle with them.
Teen Life Skills Summer Workshops
9 a.m. to noon (half-day workshops). Ages 12-18. Cost: $250 for each set of workshops.
There are four sets of workshops to choose from. The dates are June 6-10, June 20-24, July 11-15 and July 25-29.
Do you ever wonder if you've taught your teens enough life skills to go out into the real world and succeed? School fills them with facts and numbers, history, math, writing skills and rudimentary sciences. But do our teens have the life skills to function in their day-to-day lives?
If you could craft a series of 15-minute "you need to know this" sessions, what would you want to teach?
The link has partnered with leaders in the community for these Teen Life Skills workshops. Topics will include banking/finance, building a resume, mock job interviews, public speaking, building an online presence, social media awareness, life planning, etiquette and domestic skills.
Coding camp
Driving Dash & Dot Robots with Code: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (full-day camp). June 13-17. Ages 6-12. Cost: $350.
Experiment with measurement, sensors and abilities to achieve awards. Get creative with robot dance parties and fashion shows. Create music with Dash’s xylophone. Draw with the robot’s marker attachment. Even shoot some hoops with the launcher.
Campers will learn and practice coding concepts through each coding language compatible with Dash & Dot Robots: Path, Wonder, Blockly and Swift.
The main focus will be in using a block-based coding language called Blockly. This is a visual coding language that is rooted in Javascript code. Beginning coders will become proficient in the Blockly language as they learn the fundamentals of coding: sequences, algorithms, loops, events, conditionals, functions and variables.
Tumble Dance Camp
9 a.m.-noon (half-day camp). Ages 5+. Members and nonmembers $200. Instructor: Reilly Hughes.
There are two sessions to choose from. The dates are June 13-17 and July 11-15
Enjoy a fun day of dance, tumble, games and crafts. Children will learn and practice basic dance and tumble skills from Coach Reilly in the link’s multi-purpose athletic studio.
Please bring a snack and refillable water bottle for your camper.
Fencing Camps
Olympic Style Fencing Camp: 9 a.m.-noon (half-day camp) June 20-24. Ages 6-13. Members and nonmembers $250. Instructor: Alan Chernomashentsev.
Curious about one of the oldest Olympic sports? In this Fencing for Beginners Camp, participants will learn basic skills, technique, rules, etc. Fencing is one of only four sports to be a part of every modern Olympic Games since they debuted in Athens, Greece, in 1896.
Coach Alan Chernomashentsev has more than 30 years of fencing and coaching experience. He began fencing at age 9 in Lvov, Ukraine, earned the title Master of Sport of Fencing in the Soviet Union by the age of 17.
Ranked second in Veteran Men’s Foil in 2018 by USA Fencing, the sport’s national governing body, he represented Team USA at the 2018 Veteran World Championships in Livorno, Italy, achieving a fourth-place finish internationally.
Campers should bring a snack and refillable water bottle.
Olympic Style Fencing Camp: 9 a.m.-noon (half-day camp) July 18-22. Ages 6-13. Members and nonmembers $250. Instructor: Alan Chernomashentsev.
Campers should bring a snack and refillable water bottle.
Sapna Academy Creativity Camps
9 a.m.-1 p.m. (half-day camp). Ages 4-15. Instructors: Johanna & Justin Lawson
There are four separate week-long sessions to choose from. The dates and prices are July 5-8 for $150; July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29 for $200 each. Open to members and nonmembers.
At Sapna Academy, the self-directed learning approach to education is used to combine creativity and critical thinking. Throughout the week, kids will have the opportunity to participate in various art projects, immersive (virtual) field trips, creative storytelling, real world math, hands-on science/engineering activities, interactive games, imaginative play, performance art and more.
Each camper should bring a refillable water bottle, snacks and a sack lunch.
TOMMY HULIHAN BASKETBALL
St. Paul’s School Gym
212 5th St. North
Jacksonville Beach
904-349-2611
To learn more or to register, go to tommyhulihanbasketball.com.
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Cost: $150
3-6 p.m. Extended Care. Cost $50.
There are also prices for early drop-off and single day rates. See the website.
Campers participate in a variety of team sports and age-appropriate activities, including basketball, soccer, flag football, kickball, tag and more. Campers are required to bring a lunch Monday-Thursday. If your camper will be in extended care, remember to provide an extra snack. Every Friday there will be a pizza lunch for campers.
All times: 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $150 per weeklong session.
Register: register.ryzer.com/camp.cfm?id=209744
Gym locations: St. Paul's Gym, 212 5th St. North, Jacksonville Beach; and Beaches Chapel Gym, 610 Florida Blvd., Neptune Beach
Divisions for Kindergarten-Grade1, Girls Grades 2-3, Boys Grades 2-3, Girls Grades 4-5, Boys Grades 4-5.
JACKSONVILLE CHILDREN’S CHORUS
10131 Atlantic Blvd.
Jacksonville
904-353-1636
info@jaxchildrenschorus.org
River City Choral Festival & Day Camp
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 6-10
Where: Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville
Enjoy a fun-filled week of music, choral singing and dance workshops. On the final day, all singers will perform in a concert showcasing what they have learned.
The summer day camp is available to rising fourth- through eighth-grade singers. Camp designed for treble voices (soprano and altos) only.
Early bird registration through April 30 is $250. Registration starting May 1 is $350.
Register at emailmeform.com/builder/form/7I5a6FWvqU4ctDdNhfb
KARATE AMERICA
288-A Solana Road
Ponte Vedra Beach
904-285-4031
pvbkarateamerica@hotmail.com
Summer Camp
Each day starts at 8 a.m.
Cost: $220/week in April, $240/week in May, $250/week in June.
Bring own bag lunch and snacks. Karate America workout clothing is recommended.
Register at karateamerica.info/summer-camp/summer-camp-registration-ponte-vedra
LIMELIGHT THEATRE
11 Old Mission Ave.
St. Augustine
904-825-1164
thelimelighttheatre@gmail.com
Learn more about each summer camp and performance and register at limelight-theatre.org/kidzfactory.
COVID PROTOCOL
There will be no parent drop off/sign in. Each student will be issued two dashboard name tags and will be escorted to and from cars. All students, teaching artists and interns will be masked and social distanced for the duration of camp, and for all showcases/performances. The classroom will be disinfected before and after and each class. Lysol and hand sanitizer will be available in every classroom. High touch surfaces will be disinfected before and after each class.
“High School Musical, Jr.”
Grades: 4+
Rehearsals: 2-5 p.m. June 6-July 1
Black Box performances: 5 p.m. July 1 and 3, 2 p.m. July 2
Tuition: $525
“Spaced Out!”
Grades: Kindergarten+
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 6-10
Showcase: 1 p.m. June 10 in the Black Box
Tuition: $175
“Something Rotten!” (Musical Intensive)
Grades: 8+
Rehearsals: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 27-July 15 (no rehearsal on July 4)
Rehearsals: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 18-July 22
9-10 a.m. Intensive classes: vocal, dance, and conditioning
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Rehearsal
Performances: 7 p.m. July 21, 22, 23, 2 p.m. July 24
Tuition: $625
“Winnie the Pooh, Kids”
Grades: 3+
Rehearsals: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 13-24
Performances: 5 p.m. June 24 and 25, 2 p.m. June 26
Tuition: $525
“The Cheese Stands Alone”
Grades: Kindergarten+
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 25-29
Showcase: July 29 at 1:00pm in the Black Box
Tuition: $175
“It’s a Jungle Out There!”
1 WEEK CAMP | JULY 25 – 29
Grades: Kindergarten+
2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 25-29
Showcase: 5 p.m. July 29 in the Black Box
Tuition: $175
“E-I-E-I-Oops!”
Grades: Kindergarten+
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-5
Showcase: 1 p.m. Aug. 5 in the Black Box
Tuition: $175
“Nuts!”
Grades: Kindergarten+
2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-5
Showcase: 5 p.m. Aug. 5 in the Black Box
Tuition: $175
