News Release Header
For Immediate Release:
March 16, 2012

Media Contact:
Laura Phillips
[email protected]
305-755-7842



Miami-Dade Parks' Unique Summer Camps Encourage Kids to Maintain a Healthy and Active Lifestyle during the Summer School Break

Summer Camps


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- 

Summertime is almost here. This year, get the kids away from the television and game systems and treat them to fresh air, awesome outdoor activities and the opportunity to make new friends and life-long memories, by enrolling them in one of the exciting 'Fit to Play, Green It Up' Summer Camps offered by the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Conveniently located at 38 parks throughout the County from June 11-August 17, 2012, camps will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, and offer 7:30 a.m. early drop-offs and 6:00 p.m. late pick-up options, and are managed by recreation professionals.

At $40-$90 per week, Miami-Dade Parks General Camps are affordable and offer financial assistance and scholarships to those who qualify. General Camps will not only thrill and challenge your child, but are fully supervised, offering parents peace of mind, while their child enjoys a full recreational schedule, with fitness activities, sports, arts and crafts, nature encounters, quiet games, and field trips.

Miami-Dade Parks is funded in part by The Children's Trust. The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.

Miami-Dade Parks has teamed up with partner sponsors the University of Miami Health System (UHealth), the UM Miller School of Medicine, and The Children's Trust, to provide the Fit-to-Play, Green-it-Up general camp program. In it children will learn the fundamentals of living a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, fitness and exercise, as well as safety and prevention. In addition, children will learn about the health benefits of going green as they discover that a healthy planet is essential for a healthy life by learning the basics of recycling, water conservation and other eco-friendly behaviors that are beneficial for the planet.

There are also Specialized Camps which focus on a specific interest and offer unique experiences that include EcoAdventuresTM, Nature-Science, Sports, Cultural Arts, and Zoo Miami camps. Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services also offers inclusion programs and specialized camps for those with disabilities, managed by certified therapeutic recreation specialists. Learn-to-Swim programs are also offered at most of its parks with pools, which are taught by American Red Cross certified water-safety instructors. Specialized Camps are competitively priced, ranging from $100-$225 per week. Camps for children with disabilities are FREE.

General and specialty camps also feature exciting field trips to sites such as Zoo Miami, Crandon Park Visitors and Nature Center, Deering Estate at Cutler, and Pelican Island. Campers will also enjoy the annual end-of-summer bash which includes: games, sports competitions and lunch, July 24-27 at the Tropical Park Equestrian Center. Most of the camps offer rolling registration, so parents can enroll their child for one week or for several weeks at any time throughout the summer, but they must register at least one week prior to the desired start date, in some cases.

Registration is now open. You can register for the General or Specialized camp of your choice directly at its host park. Parents can also register their child for most of Miami-Dade Parks' exciting Summer Camps from the convenience of their own home with the new online registration system at Miami-Dade Parks. However, families in need of financial assistance must register in person at their selected park. For more information, patrons are encouraged to visit Miami-Dade Parks, call their local park, or call 3-1-1 for Miami-Dade County Information.

General Camps - 'Fit to Play, Green it Up' (Ages 6-14)
Note: Sites designated with (TCT) are sponsored by The Children's Trust, a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami- Dade County. Sites designated with (YMCA) are operated by the YMCA. Sites designated with (OLR) offer on-line registration.

North
Arcola Park, 1680 NW 87 St., 305-835-7987
Arcola Lakes Park, 1301 NW 83 St., 305-836-5095
Country Village Park (OLR),, 6550 NW 188 Terr., 305-622-2594
Gwen Cherry Park (Y.E.T.), 7090 NW 22 Ave., 305-694-4889
Highland Oaks Park (OLR),, 20459 NE 24 Ave., 305-932-2164
Jefferson Reaves Park (TCT), 3100 NW 50 St., 305-635-2081
Little River Park, 10525 NW 24 Ave., 305-694-5121
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park (TCT), 6000 NW 32 Ct., 305-633-2044
Norman and Jean Reach Park (P.S.N.), 7901 NW 176 St., 305-823-2414
North Glade Park, 17355 NW 52 Ave., 305-621-2461
Oak Grove Park (OLR), 690 NE 159 St., 305-944-8670
Ojus Park (YMCA), 18995 W. Dixie Highway, 305-931-5726
Soar Park, 120 NW 83 Street, 305-756-4165 Central
Bird Lakes Park (OLR),, 14365 SW 48 Ln., 305-207-1644 
Continental Park (OLR), 10000 SW 82 Ave., 305-274-9666  
McMillian Park, 6125 SW 27 Drive, 305-382-6407
Miller Drive Park, 5510 SW 94 Ct., 305-271-0812
North Trail Park, 780 NW 127 Ave., 305-207-2420
Rockway Park, 9460 SW 27 Dr., 305-223-8769  
Ron Ehmann Park (OLR), 10995 SW 97 Ave., 305-271-3853
Ruben Dario Park,9825 W. Flagler St., 305-222-2194  
Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24 St., 786-315-5295  
Tropical Estates Park (OLR), 10201 SW 48 St., 305-226-5782
Westwind Lakes Park (OLR), 6805 SW 152 Ave., 305-388-4771

South
Cinco de Mayo Park (TCT), 19350 SW 384 St., 305-242-7930
Deerwood Bonita Lakes Park (OLR), 14445 SW 122 Ave, 305-235-2053
Devon Aire Park,10411 SW 122 Ave., 305-270-4951
Eureka Villas Park (OLR), 14301 SW 180 St., 305-254-5856
Goulds Park (TCT), 11350 S.W. 216 St., 305-255-2399
Hammocks Community Park (OLR), 9885 Hammocks Blvd., (305)-380-6917
Leisure Lakes Park (TCT), 29305 Illinois Rd., 305-248-1527
Modello Park, 28450 SW 152 Ave., 305-247-1553
Naranja Park (TCT), 14150 SW 264 St., 305-258-1945
Sgt. Joseph Delancy Park (OLR), 14450 Boggs Drive, 305-235-4503
South Dade Park (OLR), 28151 SW 164 Ave., 305-247-9453
Southridge Park, 11250 SW 192 St., 786-293-4549
West Perrine Park, 10301 SW 170 Terr., 305-235-2053
Wild Lime Park, 14751 Hammocks Blvd., 305-386-0227

Specialty Camps:

EcoAdventures™ Nature Adventure Camps for Children & Teens (June 11-August 17)
      
Boys and girls, together with naturalist guides that are also certified in water safety, will have fun exploring the South Florida environment through a variety of fun and exciting activities in a safe park environment ranging from nature hikes on wooded trails, canoeing (9-year olds and older), swimming (guarded pools), playing interactive nature games, arts and crafts, field trips to local park preserves, Zoo Miami, Monkey Jungle, Crandon Park, Shark Valley in Everglades National Park and more. For additional information or to locate an EcoAdventures™ Camp near you, www.miamiecoadventures.org, or see the below listing and contacts:

  • Sense of Wonder Nature Center at A.D. Barnes Park
    Nature Detectives (Ages 6-8); Nature Explorers (Ages 9-14)
    Meets at the AD Barnes Park Nature Center, 3401 SW 72 Ave., Miami. The cost is $100/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 305-662-4124.
  • Camp Manatee at Greynolds Park (Ages 6-14)
    Meets at the boathouse, Greynolds Park, 17530 West Dixie Hwy., N. Miami Beach. The cost is $100/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 305-948-2891/ 305-944-6111.
  • Eco Explorers at Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center (Ages 6-8)
    Meets at the Nature Center, 17555 SW 79 Ave., Palmetto Bay. The cost is $110/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call the Deering Estate at Cutler, 305-235-1668, ext. 233.
  • Camp on the Sea at Matheson Hammock Park (Ages 12-17)
    Marine science, South Florida ecology, and aquatic adventures are the focus of this unique camp based at Matheson Hammock Park (located on Biscayne Bay), 9610 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, from June 11-20. Campers will explore the coastal waters and off-shore coral reefs through snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding activities. Participants must be able to pass a mandatory swim test; June 11-July 20, 2012. The cost is $175/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 305-255-4767.
  • Fishing Camp (Freshwater) at Tropical Park - New! (Ages 9-15)
    Developed in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, this camp is designed for kids who love fresh water fishing and want to improve their fishing skills. They'll learn about fish biology and get fishing tips and instruction in safe boating skills. There's a 'Fish Fry-Day Party' on the last day of camp. July 23-August 17, 2012. Meet at the Lake-side Pavilion in Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St. (Bird Road). The cost is $100/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 305-255-4767.
  • Camp Redlands at Castellow Hammock Park - New! (Ages 6-12)
    Children will explore nature's wonders through fun games, hands-on projects, nature hikes, and field trips such as Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. Camp meets at the Castellow Hammock Park Nature Center, 22301 SW 162 Ave. The cost is $125/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 305-255-4767.

Camp at the Deering Estate at Cutler - June 11-August 17 (Ages 6-15)
Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $188 per five-day session. Please note there is a one-time $12 annual camp registration fee. Early drop-off and late-pick up are available for an additional fee of $10.00 per day for any combination of early drop-off and late pick-up. Early drop off is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and late pick up is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233.

Ten five-day sessions are available! Each session focuses on a different theme:
  • Session 1: June 11-15, “Curiosities”
  • Session 2: June 18- 22, “Under the Sea”
  • Session 3: June 25- 29, “The Game”
  • Session 4: July 2-6, “Born to be Wild”
  • Session 5: July 9-13, “Dirty Jobs”
  • Session 6: July 16-20, “Fab FLOW (Future Leaders of the World)
  • Session 7: July 23-27, “Journey to the Center of the Earth”
  • Session 8: July 30-August 3, “Up in the Air”
  • Session 9: August 6-10, “Frozen in Time”
  • Session10: August 13-17, “Cast Away”
Cheerleading/Dance Camp (Ages 6-14)
Learn jumps, chants, and modern and jazz dance techniques. Program includes field trips. Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24 St. The cost is $100/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 786-315-5295. Basketball Camp (Ages 8-14)
Trained staff will teach team and individual play using defensive and offensive drills to improve skills and knowledge of the game. The cost is $100/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. Program includes field trips and tournaments. Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24 St. For more information, call 786-315-5295. Football Camp (Ages 9-17)
This is an intensive camp on football fundamentals, including position skill drills, film sessions and 7-on-7 games. Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St. The cost is $110/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 305-226-8315, ext. 221.

Golf Camp (Ages 8-15)
Kids will learn the fundamentals of golf from resident instructor and golf pro, Larry Levow, who has been featured on the Golf Channel and has taught golfers of all levels including top PGA Tour players. Topics include putting, short games, full swing, bunkers, rules, and etiquette. Camp is Tuesday-Friday, with full-day and half-day sessions. The cost is $225/full-day session and $145/half-day session, includes instruction, practice balls and short course play. Students must provide their own lunch. Country Club of Miami, 6801 NW 168 St. For more information call 305-828-8456, ext. 249 / cell: 561-702-9202, website: www.FLORIDAGOLFLESSONS.COM

Women's Park Summer Arts Camp for Girls - “GEM” (Ages 11-16)
(Girls Empowerment and Mentoring), at Women's Park, focuses on the role of women in the development of our community and the arts. Participants will enjoy classes and workshops in the visual and performing arts, photography, and women's history. The GEM program challenges and inspires girls to develop and improve their communication, leadership and artistic skills. The cost is $75/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12 (includes early drop-off at 7:30 a.m. / late pick-up until 6:00 p.m.) Women's Park, 10251 W. Flagler St. For more information, call 305-480-1717.

Zoofari Summer Camp at Zoo Miami (Ages 4-13)
Zoofari Summer Camp will be held June 18-August 10. This fun-filled learning adventure for children includes live animal presentations, craft projects, special zookeeper talks, wildlife enrichment activities, visits to exhibits, recreational games, and more! Cost: $170/week for Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) members and $190/week for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St. For more information, call the Zoological Society of Florida at 305-255-5551 or visit: www.zoomiami.org.

Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services FREE Camps for Children with Disabilities
Those with disabilities will find enriching camp experiences, including sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and field trips. These camps are sponsored by The Children's Trust, a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. There are six locations for Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services Camp:
  • Camp Matecumbe, 13841 SW 120 St.; for more information, call Belinda Phillips, 305-752-4966, or e-mail: [email protected].
  • Coral Estates Park, 1405 SW 97 Ave.; for more information, call Celia Leyva, 305-226-1622, or e-mail: [email protected].
  • Goulds Park, 21805 SW 114 Ave.; for more information, call Jody Cox, 305-234-1673, or e-mail: [email protected].
  • Greynolds Park, 18601 NE 22 Ave.; for more information, call Kim Fowler, 305-954-3425, or e-mail: [email protected].
  • Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 St.; for more information, call Arlene Bouza-Jou, 305-222-2128, or e-mail: [email protected].
  • Westwind Lakes Park, 6805 SW 152 Ave.; for more information, call Diana Bonet, 305-380-9106, or e-mail: [email protected].

Learn-to-Swim Programs and Pools

Learn-to-Swim
Boys and girls are taught to swim by certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. Various levels of courses, including Parent and Tots (ages 2-5), are offered for children, adults, and persons with disabilities. Cost for Learn-to-Swim classes: Morning classes are FREE at most pools; Parent and Tot classes range from $30-$60 per week, depending on the pool. For more information or to register, contact the pool of your interest.

Pools
  • A.D. Barnes Park, 3401 SW 72 Ave., 305-665-1626
  • Arcola Park, 1680 NW 87 St., 305-691-5104
  • Helen Sands Park (South Dade), 16350 SW 280 St., 305-248-1386
  • Little River Park, 10525 NW 24 Ave., 305-696-7651
  • Naranja Park, 14150 SW 264 St., 305-258-4534
  • Palm Springs North Park, 7901 NW 176 St., 305-558-3762
  • Rockway Park, 9460 SW 27 Dr., 305-223-8742
  • Sgt. Delancy Park, 14450 Boggs Dr., 305-238-5692
  • Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 St., 305-223-7077
  • Tropical Estates Park, 10201 SW 48 St., 305-221-5041
  • Gwen Cherry Park, 7090 NW 22 Ave., 305-694-4889.

About the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award and winner of the 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade Parks call 3-1-1, or visit Miami-Dade Parks.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.


 

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MIAMI-DADE PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT
275 NW 2nd Street, 3rd Floor Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 755-7842