SWB Summer Kids Calendar 2017

Summer is just around the corner, and soon, the 2016-17 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 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; and 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.


Creative U in Winter Garden offers cool summer art camps.

ART CAMPS at Creative U, 15502 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Suite 128, Winter Garden, 407-205-5388, www.creativeuart.com, are the coolest summer art camps in town. Weeklong camps allow artists ages 5-14 to experiment with art media while having fun. Themes include “Art From Movies,” “Animals,” “Around the World,” “Art Rocks,” “Superheroes,” “Famous Art,” “Video Games,” “Exploring Art,” “Cartooning,” “Stories Come Alive” and “Canvas.” Session times are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1 p.m.-5 p.m., and cost $150 per week ($160 for “Canvas” week). Pack a snack/lunch and dress for mess! All supplies are included.


Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Academy participants learn to take their game to the next level.

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.


Summer camps at CBP Martial Arts Academy help parents raise happy, healthy, respectful, confident, strong children.

CAPOEIRA MARTIAL ARTS CAMP at CBP Martial Arts Academy, 407-226-3195, www.cbporlando.com, is all about making summer fun, enriching and life-changing. Kids learn Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that merges self-defense with acrobatics, music and dance. Camp days are full of excitement, during which campers have a blast learning Capoeira, plus each day is filled with different activities that coincide with awesome weekly themes! By the end of summer, your child will be more fit, focused and confident. Learn how you can save $20 off the regular weekly camp rate!


Super Awesome Cool Pottery brings out the creativity in its campers.

CLAY & CANVAS CAMPS at Super Awesome Cool Pottery, 6100 S. Orange Ave., Suite 290-H, Orlando, 407-720-3699, superawesome cool.com, teach participants how to spin a bowl on a potter’s wheel, sculpt with clay and paint with acrylic paint on canvas. Sessions, which are held from 9 a.m.-noon, are filled with art, excitement and so much fun!

 

 

 


Footworks Dance Studio campers have fun while learning dance techniques.

DANCE CAMPS at Footworks Dance Studio, 1201 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden, 407-877-2260, www.footworksdancestudio.com, offer summer fun programs for all ages. Camp sessions with fun themes include “Dance With Me,” “Creative Movement,” “Elementary Dance & Art,” “Fairy Tale Fun & Tea Party,” dance-intensive workshops and more.

 


Orlando Ballet School offers an extensive summer program for dancers of all ages.

DANCE PROGRAMS at Orlando Ballet School (OBS), orlandoballet.org. OBS, which boasts three convenient Central Florida locations, is regarded as one of the finest training academies and is the official school of the Orlando Ballet. Orlando Ballet School adheres to the American Ballet Theatre National Training curriculum and offers an extensive summer program for dancers of all ages. Whether you are a serious dancer looking to refine your technique or a young dancer looking for some summer fun, OBS has a summer program for you! Online registration is available.


The Tutoring Center offers camps for children to develop stronger academic skills.

EDUCATIONAL CAMPS at The Tutoring Center, 7583 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, 407-286-2389 orlando2.tutoringcenter.com; 2572 Maguire Road, Ocoee, 407-614-5980, ocoee.tutoring
center.com, serve the Southwest Orlando area and specialize in one-to-one instruction combined with the trademarked Rotational Approach to Learning. The center’s staff serves kindergartners to high schoolers in a fun, caring environment. Programs include reading, writing, math, algebra and geometry. Children develop stronger academic skills, and gain more confidence and motivation. The center offers individualized programs, month-to-month tuition, and no contracts.


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

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.


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@ibrick
academy.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 is open, 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.


Overnight campers at Camp Ithiel in Gotha participate in a variety of activities.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS at Camp Ithiel, 2037 Hempel Ave., Gotha, 407-293-3481, campithiel.org. Are you looking for the perfect overnight youth camp for your children or teenagers? Well, you have found it! Camp Ithiel is exactly what every youth needs. Each day is packed with Bible studies, worships, sports, arts and crafts, team-building games, campfires and more. Camp Ithiel has one weekend camp and four one-week camps for separate age groups, ranging from ages 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-18.


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 407-896-0309.


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.


Cranium Academy’s summer camps offer a perfect combination of learning and fun.

SUMMER CAMPS at Cranium Academy, 407-294-6950, www.craniumacademy.com, offer the perfect combination of learning and fun. Campers can become junior paleontologists discovering fossils, aspiring artists creating their own portfolios, young entrepreneurs opening a restaurant, and more. With more than 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space to explore, exciting curriculum and classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art learning technology, Cranium Academy is the ultimate summer camp destination. Various schedule options are available for ages 3-10. STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — camps are now available! Space is limited.


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.


Children can choose from a variety of programs, including two youth digital camps, at Holy Family Catholic School’s summer camps.

SUMMER CAMPS at Holy Family Catholic School, 407-876-9344, 5129 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, www.hfcschool.com, are for everyone, whether they are an academic, artist or athlete. HFCS offers art, drama, Irish culture, STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — and sports camps; as well as two youth digital camps — App Design and Mod Design. Participants learn coding skills and have access to their work after the camp is over.


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!


Lake Cypress Summer Camp at Windermere Preparatory School offers a variety of fun activities for children ages 5-12.

SUMMER CAMPS at Windermere Preparatory School, 407-905-7737, option 8; camp@windermereprep.com; www.camp.windermereprep.com, offer a variety of activities for children in kindergarten-sixth grade. Activities include crafts, field games, swimming, sports, dance, cooking, martial arts, “Drums Alive,” “Game Room,” “Gaga,” “Box Forts,” and weekly themes for each session. From June 5-Aug. 4, campers can participate in on-campus field trips and academic half-day camps for elementary and middle school. Discounts are available for siblings and entire summer early enrollment. Choose from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 7:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.


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.


Campers explore nature at Oakland Nature Preserve summer camps.

SUMMER CAMPS at Oakland Nature Preserve, oaklandnaturepreserve.org, offer participants a fun time while exploring the environment and gaining an understanding of plants, animals and the ecosystems in which they exist. Open to first- through fifth-graders, sessions are “Animal Allies” from June 12-16, “Nature Ninjas” from June 19-23, “Water Warriors” from June 26-30, and “Eco-Heroes” from July 10-14. Activities include guest speakers, wildlife encounters, games, crafts, outdoor activities and more. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and cost is $150 for members/$175 for nonmembers.


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.

SURF CAMPS at 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, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. 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.


SouthWest Aquatics provides swim lessons that ensure children are ready for summer fun around the water.

SWIM LESSONS at SouthWest Aquatics, 205 Windermere Road, Winter Garden, 407-905-0999, southwestaquatics.com, ensure children are ready for summer fun around water. Enroll your child in a PediaSwim course, which continues to be the safest, most effective learn-to-swim program available. As soon as children learn to crawl, they are capable of swimming and floating for safety and fun. Call today to learn about all of SouthWest Aquatics’ summer programs.


Parkland Enrichment’s camps enrich the lives of teens and tweens.

TEEN CAMPS by Parkland Enrichment, 321-549-7239, www.parklandenrichment.com. Tweens and teens aren’t babies anymore; however, parents are still concerned about their summer development. So is the staff at Parkland Enrichment, who focus on enriching the lives of teens by providing resources and teen leadership camps to help them achieve success in both school and life. This summer, attending middle and high schoolers will be exposed to leaders and strategies that will help them discover, create and activate their dreams. Camps are held at New Life Church, 2342 Hempel Road, Gotha.


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 on 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. 💓