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Winter Fun Camp Right On Target

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By RONNIE BLAIR rblair@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 1, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - It's an annual problem for some parents.

Schools close just before Christmas for a two-week winter break. But some parents don't have the time off.

Enter the Winter Fun Camp at the Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex. The camp offers supervised fun for children and relief for parents.

"It definitely helps those working parents," said Cindy Szappan, recreation supervisor for the complex.

Several other recreation complexes in Pasco County also conduct Winter Fun camps.

Szappan said the Land O' Lakes camp is a miniature version of the recreation complex's summer camps. Parents line up to grab one of the summer slots, but there isn't as much competition during the winter.

The camp had room for 30 children from age 6 to 12, but the highest number reached was 22 the first week. Thirteen children showed up Wednesday, the camp's last day.

The cost was $40 for one week or $60 for both weeks.

Last year, the winter camp filled up. Szappan is not sure why the demand wasn't as high this year.

Szappan had volunteer help from Kasey Tanner, 15, a sophomore at Wesley Chapel High. Tanner, who needed service hours for the National Honor Society, said she enjoys working with children.

"The kids are great, really energetic," she said.

The one downside: "Having to wake up a little early during the break," Tanner said. "Other than that, it's great."

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218.

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