Summer Camps Offer Something for Everyone

Have you started looking for activities to keep the kids occupied this summer?

Nearby Independent Day School offers more than 60 weekly camps to suit a variety of ages and interests—from academics, communications and technology,  to  performing arts, visual arts, recreation, sports, and travel.

“Camp IDS has been providing something for everyone from PreK through high school for many years,” said Independent Day School’s Marie Massara, who co-directs the camp with Assistant Head of School Nick Rodriguez and middle school teacher Stephen Shoe.

"The majority of children who come to Camp IDS have been here before. They keep coming back because they feel safe, welcome, and have a great time."

"Our highly trained teachers and experienced camp counselors love what they do," Shoe said. "That fun and positive attitude permeates the entire camp."

Though many campers participate in traditional sports camps such as soccer, volleyball and archery, children looking for something new can choose from camps in disc golf, filmography, Chinese kids' games, or earth-friendly art.

Fine arts camps in musical theatre, drama, band, dance, photography, and painting complement other creative endeavors in cooking, newspaper reporting, broadcasting and computers.

A Wilderness Extreme camp for fifth through eighth graders includes hiking, mountain biking, snorkeling, canoeing and inline skating. And an Adventure Camp for grades 3 through 5 takes children to a variety of attractions around the Tampa Bay area.

“What’s great about Camp IDS is that children can choose what they really want to do,” Rodriguez said. “The wide selection exposes children to new things and offers them an opportunity to expand their interests in a positive and supportive environment.”

Middle school thrill seekers can join IDS-CC middle school teacher Tom Bronson on the roller coaster connoisseur's dream trip, Adrenaline Camp. Last year, participants rode 50 roller coasters in five parks, in five days, and this year, Bronson says he hopes to top that record. Bronson is also conducting a SCUBA camp during which middle schoolers can earn their NAUI certification and then head to the Florida Keys for diving.

“Campers can strengthen reading, writing or math skills in the morning and then dance on stage or shoot hoops in the afternoon," Massara said. "They can paint, perform in a Broadway musical, build and launch model rockets, learn archery, cook, bake, and so much more.

"We offer something fun and exciting for everyone."

 Full-day and half- day camps are available in weekly sessions from June 11 to July 27.

For more information, visit the IDS website or call 813-961-3087 for a
brochure.