Summer Kids Calendar 2017

Summer is approaching, and soon, the school year will be over. If you’re seeking kid-friendly activities to keep your children entertained, active and out of trouble, then look no further. Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s annual Summer Kids Calendar provides great ideas to get you started.

Campers learn self-esteem while experiencing modeling and more at The Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School.

ACTING, MODELING, IMAGE & CONFIDENCE DEVELOPMENT CAMPS at The Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School, 999 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-5989, www.lisamaile.com. The Maile School trains in the areas of image and confidence development, professional modeling and on-camera acting for TV, commercials and film. Camps are held at the Maile School and a special fashion camp at The Mall at Millenia. One-day workshops are available in etiquette, casting, auditioning and more, and all sessions are taught by industry professionals. It also offers a free, professional industry seminar on breaking into the industry for parents. The Maile School has been training since 1982 and is a member of the Better Business Bureau.


Shine In the Limelight offers camps for children and teens entering grades K-college.

ACTING, MUSICAL THEATER & PRODUCTION CAMPS presented by Shine In the Limelight, a performing-arts training program operating out of the Gotha Community Center in Windermere and The Parke House Academy in Winter Park, 407-340-0920, www.shineinthelimelight.com. Theater summer stage camps are offered for children entering grades K-college. Aspiring stars learn production, acting and musical theater skills from June 5-30 and July 17-Aug. 6. Musicals are Disney’s Jungle Book Kids, Singin’ in the Rain, Peter Pan Jr. and Chicago. Auditions are April 15 and May 20. Other offerings include Creative Acting (American Girl and Star Wars) and Musical Theater (Moana, Sing, Hamilton, Wicked and Pop Divas). Costs range from $180-$450.


Theatre South Playhouse enters its ninth summer season and celebrates a brand-new theater in Dr. Phillips.

ACTING, MUSICAL THEATER & PRODUCTION CAMPS at Theatre South Playhouse at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, 7601 Della Drive, Suite 15, Orlando, 407-489-4459, www.theatresouthplayhouse.com, enters its ninth summer season. Camps, for grades K-12, include I Wanna Moana; Revolutionary Musicals — Hamilton and Les Mis, Matilda Rocks, Pitch Perfect and Pop Princess, Camp Wicked, Awaken the Force, Midsummer Night’s Dream — No Fear Shakespeare, and Viral Video Camp. All of Theatre South’s teaching artists are professional performers who hold bachelor degrees in fine arts or master’s in theater. Costs range from $150-$500, and before- and after-care is available. Welcome to The Playhouse!


Orlando Repertory Theatre camps foster self-confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and more.

ACTING & PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS offered by Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. The REP, Florida’s only professional theater for young audiences, presents summer camps for grades pre-K through 12. Each year, young people across Central Florida come together to learn about theater, develop new friendships and try something new. At The REP, dedicated and professional staff members work together to create a positive learning environment and build a stronger community through engagement in the arts. Visit www.orlandorep.com for enrollment information and camp listings — now at five campuses across Central Florida.


Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Academy participants learn to take their game to the next level (photo by ©Michael Cairns).

BASKETBALL CAMPS offered by Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Academy, orlandomagic.com/youth. Orlando Magic summer basketball camps for ages 6-17 are the best way to learn the game of basketball, have fun, meet new friends and enjoy all the experiences of an NBA team. Don’t miss out on attending one of these weeklong summer camps that can take your game to the next level. Camps are designed by the academy team, who have more than 40 years of camp experience to enhance the game of any player who attends.


The Academy of Etiquette & Protocol teaches campers social, business and dining etiquette, and ballroom dancing.

ETIQUETTE & BALLROOM DANCE CAMPS, presented by Academy of Etiquette & Protocol, www.academyofetiquette.com, is committed to helping the next generation understand the “art of Southern hospitality” and good manners to prepare them with lifelong leadership skills. Social, business, dining and tea etiquette skills are taught, along with ballroom dancing, to campers ages 5-17 with interactive, role-playing activities. Topics include the 65 table manners and more. Daily snacks, lunch, a formal five-course graduation meal, and award of completion are included. Camp dates are June 5-9 or June 12-16. This is a full-day camp (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) offering 40 hours of fun interactive education. Camp is held at The First Academy at First Baptist Church of Orlando.


Spirit Movie Productions Film Academy students let their imaginations run wild through the world of filmmaking.

FILM ACADEMIES by Spirit Movie Productions offer participants a unique opportunity to discover the world of filmmaking. For middle and high school students, the eight-week program (choose one of four two-week sessions) takes place June 5-July 28, Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It covers script writing, character development, directing, production management, casting, cinematography, editing, location scouting and set design. Students work together to develop and produce a short film that is screened at the end of the summer, and family members and friends are invited to a red carpet awards show. Each academy is limited to 12 students and costs $320 per week. For more information or to be added to the wait list, email david@spiritmovieproductions.com or visit www.spiritmovieproductions.com.


Student and collegiate athletes stay in shape during the summer at Zero Gravity Fitness.

FITNESS CAMPS, at Zero Gravity Fitness, 2910 Maguire Road, Suite 1007, Ocoee, 407-654-2600, zerogravityfitness.net. For more than a decade, Zero Gravity Fitness has spent summers with the best of Central Florida’s student and collegiate athletes. For many, summer means beach time and a good book. But for these kids, it’s no offseason! Summer is a time to prepare for challenges and opportunities. It’s a time to get ahead of the competition. When it comes to your children, trust that Zero Gravity has the reputation and experience to bring out the best in any athlete.


iBrick Academy offers a safe, structured environment in which to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics training through the use of Lego Education Curriculum and sets.

iBRICK ACADEMY LEGO CAMPS, 407-230-6100, www.ibrickacademy.com, fun@ibrickacademy.com. iBrick Academy provides summer Lego camps covering most of Central Florida. With 18 years of experience in Lego Camps and 50-plus years of combined teaching experience, iBrick Academy specializes in all types of Lego Camps: robotics, master builder, Minecraft, stop animation, early learning and more, for ages 3-17. Directed by National Brick Education Trainer/Presenter/Consultant James C. Jones, all of iBrick Academy’s head counselors are certified Florida teachers. Online registration is available, and iBrick invites readers to like its page on Facebook.


Youngsters enjoy a variety of activities, including live performances, through Orange County Library System’s camps and classes.

LIBRARY CAMPS AND CLASSES through the Orange County Library System, 407-835-7323, ocls.info/srp, teach children how to create video games, mix music, build robots, harness solar power and more. Participants attend live performances on science, animals, art and storytelling as well as log reading days, track library activities and submit online book reviews to earn virtual badges. Registration opens April 1, and seating is limited for some events, so register in advance.


Campers gain self-esteem and respect during summer camps at Victory Martial Arts.

MARTIAL ARTS CAMPS at Victory Martial Arts. Summertime is just around the corner, and Victory Martial Arts officials are happy to announce that a variety of camps are offered in June, July and August 2017, giving parents the flexibility to choose what type of camp they would like for their children to experience. Allow children to grow both mentally and physically with a variety of martial arts programs. Summer camps are a great way to keep kids and teens active and away from video games and TV during the summer. Victory Martial Arts offers self-defense classes for children and adults, and is now offering three weeks of classes, one week of summer camp, and a free Victory uniform for just $99. For more information, call 407-903-1133 or visit www.victoryma.com.


Orlando Premier Music Instruction provides high-quality music lessons.

MUSIC LESSONS at Orlando Premier Music Instruction, 407-963-5529, www.orlando-premier-music-instruction.com. If your child has a passion for music, cooking, art, dance or acting, an OPMI specialty summer camp can be his or her perfect summer experience. OPMI offers a wide variety of specialized summer camps that help children focus on their strengths and passions, all while making new friends! Benefits include improving social skills (share and communicate), physical (dance, cook or perform), emotional (confidence) and psychological (self-assured). For more information, email opmi@opmi-lessons.com.


Interactive Academy of Performing Arts sponsors performing arts camps at Veranda Park in MetroWest.

PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER CAMP, sponsored by Interactive Academy of Performing Arts, www.1apa.com, and co-presented by Russian Ballet of Orlando, M.G. Tennis and MetroWest Country Club, includes lessons in ballet, dance, piano, strings, voice, musical theater and more, taught by accomplished professionals. Additional packages include tennis, golf and soccer. Attending children experience the learning of the performing arts and sports in one of the most striking locations in Central Florida — Veranda Park at MetroWest. For more information, call 407-745-1553.


SeaWorld’s campers make friendships that go deeper.

SEAWORLD CAMPS are the coolest ways to have fun this summer! Campers have unparalleled opportunities to connect with the sea while making lifelong friends and memories. Its counselors provide each age group with specialized activities to make their camp a truly unique experience. At SeaWorld, all campers are able to feed and interact with inspiring animals, including stingrays, sharks and sea lions. Each program takes participants behind the scenes to get closer than ever to the natural world everyone shares. Campers will go home with a lasting impression of wildlife and a long list of favorites from SeaWorld Camp! For more information or to register, call 407-545-5550 or visit seaworldcamps.com/orlando.


Campers make lifelong memories at Camp J at the Rosen JCC.

SUMMER CAMPS at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, 407-387-5330, campjorlando.org. Camp J at the Rosen JCC in Dr. Phillips is the place to be! It offers a full selection of summer programs, including a traditional camp, sports camp and a variety of specialty camps. This summer, Rosen JCC is proud to host The Orlando Repertory Theatre Camp (The REP) and TNBA Orlando Magic Basketball Camp as part of its growing program. Camp J is a diverse community open to all!


Campers enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Gan Israel Day Camp.

SUMMER CAMPS at GAN ISRAEL DAY CAMP, 407-354-3660, www.ilovegi.com, are camps on 27 beautiful acres that are dedicated to enriching the lives of children from diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations through stimulating camp experiences. Activities include sports, swimming, archery, a ropes course, water sports, art and specialty fun shops. Camp Gan Israel is part of the largest, fastest-growing network of day camps, enjoying a reputation as a trendsetter in Jewish camping, with innovative ideas and creative programs. CGI is accredited by the American Camp Association. Camp sessions are June 26-July 21 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Extended care is available.


St. Lukes United Methodist Church summer camps and Vacation Bible School offer a Christ-centered environment where children feel confident.

SUMMER CAMPS and VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at St. Lukes United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, 407-876-4991. How will you keep your children active this summer with programs that help them learn and grow? St. Luke’s United Methodist Church offers three different camps this summer: Vacation Bible School, pre-K camp and camp for rising first- through seventh-graders. Full-day and half-day camps, plus extended-day options, are available. Visit st.lukes.org/camps to learn more and register.


Onstage performances are part of Dr. Phillips Center’s summer programs.

SUMMER PROGRAMS at Dr. Phillips Center, 407-455-5551, drphillipscenter.org/schoolofthearts. Broadway, jazz, dance, acting and a special needs partnership will fill the stages when Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts takes over the arts center this summer. Join Broadway’s Paul Cannan, recording artist Rodney Whitaker, and other seasoned professionals for weeklong programs, with final performances onstage. Participants’ ages range from 7–20. Register before May 19 to save $25.


Surfguys Surf School teaches ocean safety and stances.

SURFGUYS SURF SCHOOL, featuring excellence in surfing education since 1997, begins its 20th year of quality service on the Space Coast. Weekly summer surf camps are Monday-Thursday from 8-11 a.m. Professional staff members teach age 6 and older. Parents can also participate for a fun-filled week of surfing activities. Equipment is supplied for all students. Also offered are private, semiprivate, group and birthday surfing parties — weather and surf permitting. For more information or to enroll, call 321-956-3268 or visit www.surfguyssurf.com.


The staff at Safety First Swim School makes students their first priority.

SWIM LESSONS at Safety First Swim School, 321-418-6532, safetyfirstswim.com, offers survival swim lessons at West Orange Country Club. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4 (U.S. Centers for Disease Control). The truth is that although drowning is the No. 1 cause of accidental death in young children, it is also true that this unfortunate statistic is 100 percent preventable. According to the National Institute of Health, swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent.


Lake Cane Tennis Center Fun and Sun Tennis Summer Camp boasts a fun and outgoing environment.

TENNIS CAMPS at Lake Cane Tennis Center Fun and Sun Tennis Summer Camp, 407-254-9170, www.mgtennis.com, make tennis, the sport of a lifetime, easier and more fun than ever to learn and improve for kids of all ages and abilities. The passionate coaches make each camper’s experience fun and positive while instructing children in fundamental tennis skills that ensure a connection and love of the sport for years to come. The outgoing and fun environment for the camp is conducive for children to learn the sport while having an opportunity to make new friends and participate in tennis skills, in addition to off-court activities such as field, water and board games. Weekly sessions are June 5-Aug. 4 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.


The Tennis Academy at Windermere Preparatory School gives its campers hands-on tennis experience.

TENNIS CAMPS at The Tennis Academy at Windermere Preparatory School, 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere, 407-928-6666 — the No. 1 facility for educational tennis. Experienced coaches are on hand to give children of any age or ability a week of tennis, fun, games, activities and lifeguard-supervised swimming at its world-class facility. The cost is $275 per person for five days or $175 per person for three days. Lessons/junior programs continue throughout the summer. Elite Tennis training with top coaches Fernando Valdajos, Howard Jones and Nick Jones runs Monday-Thursday and costs $320 per person each week. For more information or to enroll, visit www.orlandotennisacademy.com or www.elitetennisusa.com, or email info@thetennisteam.com.


Elite Animation Academy offers both traditional and digital animation camps.

TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL ANIMATION CAMPS at Elite Animation Academy, 8933 Conroy-Windermere Road, Second Floor, Orlando, eliteanimationacademy.com, take place in 10 weekly sessions from June 5-Aug. 11. Campers ages 8-17 — Drawing Fundamentals, Disney Style “Ink and Paint,” Character Design, Draw Disney Characters, Sketching, Photoshop, 2-D/3-D animation, and more. Camps take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch. (Lunch is not provided.) Before and after care is available for a fee, and all supplies are provided. The cost is $350 per week. 💓