Summer Camp Guide 2012

School will soon be out! If you haven’t finalized summer plans for the kids, SocialMiami’s Camp Guide offers some exciting camps to engage your youngsters right here in South Florida. There’s a wide range of activities for kids of all ages, including creative and performing arts, sports, science adventures and more. And if you’re having trouble making a choice, contact our resident camp advisor, Karen Meister from Camp Experts & Teen Summers. She’ll put you on the right track.

HistoryMiami’s Tropical Adventures Camp

101 West Flagler Street, Downtown Miami

305-375-1629
education@historymiami.org
Children ages 5 to 12 can explore new worlds and make friends at HistoryMiami’s Tropical Adventure Summer Camp. Beginning June 8 through August 17, the award-winning camp offers quality hands-on activities, a stimulating environment and exciting field trips. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free before and after care between 8:30 and 9 a.m. and from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Rates are $165/week for HistoryMiami members and $190/week for non-members.

Miami Children’s Museum’s Summer Camp

980 Macarthur Causeway, Watson Island, Miami

305-373-5437, Ext. 112

Summertime at Miami Children’s Museum means a new educational adventure every week! Campers ages 3 to 11 will enjoy a fun-filled learning experience as they explore the Museum from top to bottom while developing new interests and making new friends. Children will experience fun and educational weekly themes through special programming offered for MiChiMu’s Mates (Pre-K 3 – 2nd grade) and for the Castaway Crew (3rd – 5th grades). MiChiMu’s Mates will enjoy themes such as Ocean Odyssesy, Festival of Nations, Planet Protectors and Music Mania, to name a few. Older children in the Castaway Crew will flourish with themes including Archeological Adventures, Everything Energy, Artists’ Exhibition and Art of Robotics! Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, weekly beginning June 11 and ending August 31. Cost is $198 per week for members and $220 for non-members. Before and after care are also available for a fee.

Miami Science Museum’s Summer Camp

3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami

305-646-4222

Miami Science Museum will engross youngsters, ages 4 to 14, in engaging activities and unique experiences offered in eight one-week sessions from June 18 through August 10. Ecology, robotics, engineering, technology, field trips and more will be supervised by enthusiastic and knowledgeable educators, guaranteeing a summer experience that your kids won’t stop talking about. Weekly camp sessions are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with “before” and “after” camp programs available. Camp fees range from $180 to $250 per week for Miami Science Museum members and from $210 to $290 for non-members. Camp begins June 18 and runs through August 10 with a different class every week.

Arts Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive Program of Russian Technique

15939 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach

305-948-4777

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, in conjunction with the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy of Saint Petersburg, Russia, will host the Summer Intensive Program of Russian Technique. Only a select group of young aspiring dancers will get the opportunity for a month of intense training led by the greatest teachers and stars of the legendary Marinsky Ballet (formerly the Kirov). Students from around the country and abroad will be joined by a professional staff of skilled teachers to continue their training in classical ballet. The program will also include instruction in Modern Dance, Pas de Deux, Character Dance, Pilates and Flamenco. The four-week program begins July 2 and runs through July 28, culminating with a performance on July 27th at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, where the students will perform excerpts of the most famous classical ballets, as well as demonstrations of Modern, Flamenco and Character Dances. Cost to attend is $1,350 plus a $150 non-refundable registration. Housing and meals are not included. There are a limited number of scholarships available, thanks to the support of the Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs and the Miami Children’s Trust.

Bass Museum of Art Summer Camps

2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

305-750-1016 (Kylee Crook)
kcrook@bassmuseum.org
Take an adventure with the Bass Museum of Art in painting, drawing and 3-D design during the Museum’s 10-week Summer Art Camps. The camps are geared for creative-minded children where budding artists can explore various types of aesthetic to become fully immersed in the arts. Divided into two different camps – one for ages 4-6 and one for ages 7-12, each camp is taught by certified art instructors exploring a different theme weekly. Sign up for a day, a week or the whole summer, and with scholarship assistance available and a sibling discount, the whole family can join in on the fun. Camp runs from June 11 to August 17, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Camp fees are $150 per week for Bass Museum members and $190 for non-members. There is no camp on July 4, and camp fees for that week are $120/members and $160/non-members. After care available until 5:30 p.m. for an additional $10 per day.

City Trekker Summer Camp at Coral Gables Museum

285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables

305-603-8067 (Caroline Parker Santiago)

City Trekker Summer Camp at the Coral Gables Museum offers 10 weeks of fun, educational activities for children ages 5-12, from June 11 through August 17. Campers will explore the City of Coral Gables through a variety of disciplines and take advantage of all the cultural destinations and activities that The City Beautiful and the Museum have to offer. This year, the Museum will offer weekly trips to the Venetian Pool and an optional French track. Through exhibits, special presentations, art adventures and field trips, campers will learn about art, architecture, design, history and more! Camp is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every Friday at 4 p.m. family and friends are invited to join in for Friday Finales that feature creative projects accomplished during the week-long adventures. Campers are grouped according to age. The Camp provides hats, water bottles, field trip fees, and Friday pizza lunch as part of the registration fee. Tuition ranges from $350 to $450 per two-week session. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available for a fee. Discounts are available for early registration, siblings and multi-session registrations.

Summer Portfolio Workshop at The Bakehouse

561 N.W. 32nd Street, Wynwood Art District

305-576-2828 or email info@bacfl.org

Middle and high school students who are seeking to strengthen their art portfolios or get into an art magnet school should consider the Intensive Portfolio Development Summer Workshop offered by The Bakehouse Art Complex. Set up with two four-week sessions, the weekly themes are Pastel Still Life, Charcoal Still Life, Stetchbook Intensive and Self Portrait. Professional instructors will challenge students to experiment with a multitude of styles, materials and mediums in class to build a strong skill set of techniques. Classes are limited to just 10 students, ages 11 to 18. Session I runs from June 11 to July 4 and Session II from July 9 to August 1 with classes Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $250 per student with discounts for BAC members. A materials list will be provided.

Summer Dance Intensive 2012

Little Haiti Cultural Center
212 N.E. 59th Terrace, Miami
305-960-2967 (Anita Darbonne)

Dance Now! Miami and the Little Haiti Cultural Center are hosting the Summer Dance Intensive 2012, nurturing the stars of tomorrow! Classes will be offered in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Pilates, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, West African, Afro Brazilian, Haitian Folklore and Repertory. The four-week program is designed for dancers ages 12 to 21 with an intermediate to advanced level of dance training. The focus is to foster the ability of each student while maximizing their full potential as dancers. Students will work closely with professional instructors who will share their knowledge and extract the best attributes of all dance forms. The intensive culminates with an exciting student performance of original works, as well as classical ballet repertory. Classes are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The session begins June 11 and runs through July 7. Cost is $500 for the four weeks, and there are scholarships available. A $50 non-refundable deposit will insure your spot.

Bal Harbour Beach Camp by Miami Children’s Museum

Sea View Hotel
9909 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour
305-373-5437, Ext. 112

Creative themes are planned each week for campers, ages 3 to 11, who attend Miami Children’s Museum’s Bal Harbour Beach Camp. Youngsters will use their imagination as they become kings and queens during Once Upon A Time Week; and let their creative juices flow as they design their own masterpieces for All About Art Week. Camp sessions are weekly beginning June 11 and ending the week of August 27. Choose from a half-day (9 a.m. to noon) or a full-day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) options. Costs are $25 per day for Kids take part from 9 a.m. to noon, and the cost is $25 per day for half day or $50 per day for full day. A discounted rate is also available for full-week registrations.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Summer Camp

10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables

305-667-1651, Ext. 3322

Get ready for a great time at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s summer camp! Campers will explore the tropical flora and fauna of Fairchild as they participate in fun outdoor environmental activities, carry out astounding experiments, create lovely garden crafts and play nature games. Campers will hunt for bugs, look for birds, dissect flowers, construct solar ovens and record observations while learning about South Florida’s eco-systems. After participating in this fun filled, hands-on camp, young campers will be certified as “Junior Naturalists.” Session 1 (ages 6 to 8) runs from June 11 to June 29, and Session 2 (ages 9 to 12) runs from July 2 to July 20. Camp sessions are available by the week as well. Each camp session is limited to 25 children. Camp days begin at 9 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. If registered before May 15, each session costs $600 for Fairchild members and $675 for non-members; after May 15 $675 for members and $750 for non-members. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.

Miami Children’s Theater’s Creative Camps

Coral Gables Youth Center
405 University Drive, Coral Gables

Alper JCC Russell Theater
11155 S.W. 112th Avenue, Miami

Byron Carlisle Theater
500 71st Street, Miami Beach
305-274-3595

Sing. Dance. Act. That’s what you’ll do at Miami Childrens Theater’s award-winning Summer Camp. Offered at three locations this summer, Creative Camps will make your child feel like a star. Campers work four weeks towards a common goal – putting up a fully realized main stage productions with sets, lights, costumes, make-up. The real deal! Camps are outrageously fun and thoroughly rewarding. Though there are auditions for each show within the camp, every camper plays a role in the play. Campers learn from working theater professionals with Broadway and national tour experience. Miami Childrens Theater’s camp directors have a minimum of a BFA in Theater, and the counselors are all working actors with a passion for teaching their craft to kids. The quality of MCT’s summer shows is legendary. Camp sessions are from June 11 to July 6 and from July 9 to August 3. Select a four or eight-week camp session. Fees are $950 for 4 weeks and $1700 for 8 weeks, and there are a variety of payment plans available. Creative Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and there are early morning drop off at 8 a.m. and after-care till 6 p.m. available.

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind Children’s & Young Adult Summer Camp

601 S.W. 8th Avenue, Miami

305-856-2288

Miami Lighthouse is hosting its Children’s and Young Adult Summer Camp for ages 5 to 22. Sighted students from 14 to 18 or blind and visually impaired from 14 to 22 can participate in the Music Program as an inclusion youth development program. During the program, students learn songwriting and composition, receive instruction from professional vocal coaches, musicians and songwriters. For blind and visually impaired children ages 5 to 13, a six-week Summer Training and Recreation Program (STAR) camp will provide services and offer fun, engaging and enriching activities, including literacy, technology, physical fitness, social skills development, art and music. Students between the ages of 14 and 22 can be part of the Transition Program which builds independence and preparedness with important life skills like home and personal management, technology, job readiness, orientation and mobility, social skills and community integration. Students are able to get in to the kitchen, prepare their own meals using safe techniques and learn how they can label and organize their own home, providing access without limitations. Campers will also partake in fun and educational field trips to unique workplaces. Paid part-time work experience is available for those students who qualify with placements in a variety of fields ranging from clerical work, digital recording studios, cultural institutions, and legal work. All Miami Lighthouse Summer sessions are offered at no cost. STAR (for 5-13 years) is from June 11 to July 20, and both Transition and Music Camps (14-22 years) runs from June 18 to July 27.

The PlayGround Theatre’s Musical Theatre Summer Camp

Miami Shores Presbyterian Church
602 N.E. 96th Street, Miami Shores

305-751-9550 or info@theplaygroundtheatre.com

The PlayGround Theatre’s talented company members will lead students, aged 6 to 12, on a fun-filled artistic adventure. Musical Theatre Summer Camp will give campers the opportunity to explore self-expression and work together to develop an original production for the camp’s final performance. Acting, music, dance, improvisation and theatre games will all be part of the programming offered in each of the two sessions. Camp runs June 11 through July 6 (no camp July 4th) and Session 2 is from July 16 to August 10. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $800 per child per session with a sibling discount available.

MOCA Art Institute Creative Arts Summer Program

770 N.E. 125th Street, North Miami

305-893-6211 (MOCA’s Education Department)

Children ages 6-12 will have fun as they develop their artistic skills at MOCA Art Institute’s popular Creative Arts Summer Program. Under the guidance of experienced art teachers, children learn about contemporary and modern art while working with a variety of media, including painting, drawing and sculpture. Projects are designed to meet the needs of all ages and abilities. Each week-long session offers a different theme, such as Creating a Circus, The Art of Rock & Roll, Design and Architecture, Upcycle: Green Art Marking, and Super Sculpture. Sessions are offered from June 11 to August 17, and camp days run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free after-care is offered until 5:30 pm. Tuition is $150 per week for MOCA members, North Miami residents, and City of North Miami employees and $200 for non-members. A 20% discount will be given for each additional child in the immediate family who is registered. A limited number of scholarships are available for applicants who show proof of eligibility for free or reduced lunch through the Federal School Lunch Program. Scholarship requests must be made by June 2, 2012.

For more information and to register, contact MOCA’s Education Department at 305 893 6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org. The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL, 33161.

Zoo Miami’s Zoofari Summer Camp

12400 S.W. 152nd Street, Miami

305-255-5551
zoocamp@zsf.org

Zoo Miami is hosting Zoofari, a fun-filled, educational summer camp that offers a wide range of activities for campers 4 to 13 years old. Youngsters will be immersed into the world of wildlife through animal encounters, interaction with zookeepers, exciting games and the creation of special treats for zoo animals. Weekly themed interactive presentations involve animal biofacts, such as skulls, teeth and skins, and Banfield Pet Hospital FutureVets program presentations. Monorail trips, carousel rides, arts & crafts, playtime in the playgrounds are also included in the fun! Camp begins June 18 and runs through August 10. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an 8:30 a.m. drop off. Extended care is available until 5:30 at an additional cost of $35/week. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided, but campers must bring their own lunches with drinks. Cost is $190 per week per child and $170 per week per child for Zoo Miami members.

Broadway Musical Theatre Triple Threat Summer Intensive Workshop Series

Key Biscayne Community Center
10 Village Green Way, Key Biscayne

786-223-9663

Broadway Musical Theatre will present its Triple Threat Summer Intensive Workshop Series for young performers. Campers will train to become unparalleled actors, singers and dancers by focusing on the scenes, songs and choreography from Broadway’s most coveted musicals. Study topics include: bringing a characterization to song, defining a character, vocal techniques, and mastering the styles of musical theater. Offered in one week sessions: June 11th (Newsies); June 18th (Glee); June 25th (Fame); July 9 (Cats); July 16 (Billy Elliot); July 23 (Mary Poppins); July 30 (Wicked); August 6 (Chicago/Tangled), camp runs Monday – Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. Cost is $200 per session for members, and $235 non-members.

Greater Miami Youth Symphony Summer Camps

South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center
10950 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay
305-375-3584

South Miami Senior High School
6856 SW 53rd Street
305-666 5871

Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 SW 72 Avenue, Miami
305-235-1668

Atala Montessori School
240 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead
786-738-1210

The Greater Miami Youth Symphony Summer Camp is in its sixth year. It is divided into three levels and is held at four different locations. Advanced camp (June 11-29) will be hosted at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, and Intermediate camp (June 11-July 20) will be held at South Miami Senior High School. Beginners camp will be held at The Deering Estate at Cutler and the Atala Montessori School (July 16 – August 10). Beginners can attend camp for either 2 or 4 weeks. Each camper will have opportunities in small and large ensembles, instrumental techniques, recitals, gala concerts, as well as workshops in improvisation, sight-reading, conducting, and music theory and music history. Intermediate campers will also participate in physical education, literacy classes, and social skills development. Tuition fees are $450 for 3-week advanced camp; $500 for 6-week intermediate camp; and beginners camp is $350 for a 2-week session and $600 for 4-weeks. Financial need scholarships are available.

Miami Seaquarium’s Summer Camp 2012

4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

305-361-5705, Ext. 520 or 298

Students K through 12 will learn about animals, environmental awareness and animal habitats at Miami Seaquarium’s Summer Camp 2012. Camp runs from June 11 to August 17 with summer activities that focus on educational topics specific to the campers’ grade levels. Campers will experience at least one animal interaction and show each day. Summer Camp curriculum revolves on a three-week schedule with additional weeks optional. Hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with early and late care available for an additional charge. Camp fees are $200 per week and include a T-shirt, souvenir photo and a daily snack.

Alper JCC Summer Camp

11155 S.W. 112th Avenue, Miami

305-271-9000, Ext. 271 (Camp Office)
camp@alperjcc.org
Children, ages 15 months through 9th grade, will find activities and programs designed just for them at Alper JCC’s Summer Camp. There are swimming classes in Alper’s Olympic-size pool, canoeing in the boating lake, hobby hours, skill-building trips with horseback riding and rock climbing, visual and performing arts, and all kinds of sports offered. Alper’s campus offers an art and ceramics studio, professional theater, teaching kitchen, computer lab, sports fields and more. Campers are under the supervision of a well trained and fun loving staff, and all programs are age-appropriate and created to accommodate a wide variety of interests, including an Inclusion Program for special needs campers. Camp sessions run from June 18 to August, and you can sign up for 2, 4, 6 or 8 week intervals. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and early and late care are available.

Tandem Theatre Camp

South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center
10950 S.W. 211th Street, Cutler Bay

305-299-6990

Children 10 to 18 will enjoy Tandem Theatre Camp, a first-time camp experience hosted by the Tandem Theatre Project, a local theatre group. Offered from July 16 to August 10, the camp session culminates with a performance of The Pirates of Penzance, Jr. Campers will learn all aspects of the theatre, including acting, singing and dancing, lighting, sound, costume and set design from visiting theatre professionals who will mentor and guide the campers each week. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday throught Friday, and before and after care are also available. The cost is $800 per camper, plus a $35 registration fee. Tandem is offering six full scholarships this year.

ArtCenter/South Florida Art Camp 2012

924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

305-674-8278

Eight weeks of visual arts fun is being offered by ArtCenter/South Florida for campers ages 6 to 12. Working in small groups organized by age, campers are guided by artists who offer instruction in drawing, painting, printing and other art techniques. Small class sizes and talented staff members create an atmosphere for learning, creativity and fun. Previous experience or skills are not required, but campers should have an interest in art. Weekly sessions are offered beginning June 11 through August 3. A typical day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. with campers taking part in four classes for full-day students with two breaks and lunch, which is provided by the camper. Fees are $190 for AC/SF members and $220 for non-members for full-day, one-week sessions, and all art supplies are included in the fee. Pre-care and after-care are available for an additional fee. Campers should dress for mess! The last Friday of each session is set aside for Art Camp Extravaganza when all the campers’ artwork is displayed and refreshments are served.

Art and Culture Center of Hollywood’s Summer Arts Camp 2012

1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood
(Location varies for camp selected)

954-921-3274

Bring out the artist and performer in your child with visual, performing, and interdisciplinary programs at Art and Culture Center of Hollywood’s Summer Arts Camp. For children, ages 6 to 18, the camp offers 10 weeks of Young Actors and Young Artists for those who love to participate in the arts. For those talented performers who love to be in the spotlight, there is an 8-week program of Broadway Actors and 4 weeks of Broadway Actors Advanced program. For the advanced visual artists, a 2-week program of Young Artists Advanced is offered. Camp runs from June 11 through August 17. Cost per child ranges from $275 to $775. Before and after-care services are available for an additional charge. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for qualifying families but may not be available for all sessions.