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Children Are Springing Into Summer Camp

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Educator Heather Franco shows a group of summer campers hermit crabs at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.

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By NEIL JOHNSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 10, 2008

TAMPA - When Hillsborough County schools closed last week, more than 190,000 students were unleashed to begin practicing their summer chant:

"I'm bored. There's nothing to do."

Fortunately, this week saw the kickoff of summer camp season. Hillsborough County, Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City offer various summer camp programs.

Also, public institutions, private companies and local attractions have added a host of programs. You can find camps that focus on art, cooking, horseback riding, golf, tennis and just about any other activity you want.

Today was the second day for the AquaCamps run by The Florida Aquarium. This week about 70 children will attend the camp, and in a few weeks the number should approach 100, said Tristin Becker, education camp coordinator.

At 8 years old, Kendall Haselwood is a veteran, starting her third summer at the aquarium's camp.

Without the camp, it would be difficult to occupy Kendall and 6-year-old Jordan, who just started her first year at the aquarium camp, said her mom, Kira Hazelwood.

"I pick up the girls at 4:30, and they're mad I picked them up so early," she said.

The camp isn't cheap. Depending on the child's age and activities, the cost can reach $300 a week or more.

But Rodney Kayton, whose daughter Riley is in her third year at the camp, said things would be "challenging" without 7-year-old Riley in some kind of summer camp.

The money would go toward some other camp or activity if Riley didn't go to the aquarium.

For those looking to spend less, Hillsborough County's eight-week summer recreation camp costs far less. The summer program -- at each of the county's 43 recreation centers -- runs $50.

The program has room for about 8,000 youngsters, said county parks and recreation spokesman John Brill.

Some of the recreation centers are full, but others have openings. You can also go on a waiting list. The camps run from early morning to about 6 p.m. and offer traditional activities such as playground games, arts and crafts. There are optional field trips that cost extra.

Here are links to the county, Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City recreation departments' Web sites:

Hillsborough: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/resources/forms/a...

Tampa: www.tampagov.net/dept_parks_and_recreation/program...

Temple Terrace: www.templeterrace.com/parks/index.htm

Plant City: www.plantcitygov.com/index.asp?nid=79

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