Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps for Kids in St. Augustine, FL
Summer camps are a quintessential part of childhood, offering benefits that go beyond mere entertainment. They foster independence, enhance social skills, and provide unique learning opportunities in a fun environment. In St. Augustine, FL, the summer camp options are as diverse as they are plentiful. This guide delves into the best local summer camps, each providing unique experiences tailored to various interests and age groups.
Summer Art Camp
Young artists at the St. Augustine Art Association’s Summer Art Camp will delve into a range of mediums and techniques designed to foster art appreciation and critical thinking.
These week-long programs will run from June 10-28, with three different sessions:
Mixed Media Magic (June 10-14): This session explores mixed media by blending traditional and experimental art materials. Campers will play with texture, color, and composition through captivating collage projects.
Sketchbook Studio (June 17-21): Focused on drawing skills, this session teaches campers various techniques and the basics of line, form, and texture. By understanding the color wheel and the rule of thirds, children will leave with newfound confidence and their very own sketchbook.
Lights, Camera, Click! (June 24-28): Campers will learn the basics of photography, from arranging scenes to creating compelling compositions. With hands-on experience and field trips through Historic Downtown, children will capture meaningful moments and transform their favorite photos into physical creations.
Each session runs from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and is designed for age groups of 6-10 and 11-14. Supplies for each session are included, but campers are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages. These sessions are designed to allow experimentation with different mediums, fostering an environment where they can freely express themselves.
Alligator Farm Camps
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm offers two engaging summer camp programs: Zoo Camp and Venture Camp, perfect for children eager to learn about wildlife and nature.
Zoo Camp (June 3-August 9): Divided into age-specific sessions for children aged 6-10 and 11-14, Zoo Camp provides a full summer of fun and education. Each session lasts one week, running Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Activities include animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on science experiments, and arts and crafts, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience. Campers can choose from various themed weeks, such as "Junior Zookeeper," "Animal Superheroes," and "Creepy Crawlies." The camp comes with a discounted rate for members of the Alligator Farm. Parents are encouraged to register early, as spaces fill quickly. For added convenience, extended care is available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for an additional fee.
Venture Camp (Multiple Dates): This camp focuses on outdoor adventures and survival skills, including kayaking, rock climbing, and archery for older children aged 10-14. Each day, campers will explore different ecosystems and engage in exciting activities that foster teamwork and confidence. Similar to Zoo Camp, extended care is available for an additional fee. This camp offers a thrilling opportunity for children to connect with nature and develop new skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Session I: June 10th – 14th: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Session II: June 24th – 28th: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Session III: July 8th – 12th: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Session IV: July 22nd – 26th: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Both Zoo Camp and Venture Camp provide exceptional summer experiences, filled with educational and adventurous activities that will leave a lasting impact on all participants.
Anastasia Baptist Church Academy - Elementary Summer Camp
The Anastasia Baptist Academy, established in 1975 as an outreach ministry of Anastasia Baptist Church, is dedicated to providing quality early childhood education. The academy nurtures children from infancy through five years of age, emphasizing spiritual, emotional, social, mental, and physical growth through Christian-based teachings.
Anastasia Baptist Academy's Elementary Summer Camp for 2024 welcomes children entering 1st through 5th grade in the 2024-2025 school year. Running from May through July, the camp operates Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, offering engaging themes like:
Teacher's Choice Week (May 28-31): Varied activities selected by teachers.
Vacation Bible School (June 3-7): The academy is closed for a church-wide event.
Camping Week (June 10-14): Outdoor-themed activities and crafts.
Jurassic Week (June 17-21): Dinosaur-themed adventures.
USA Week (June 24-28): Patriotic games and learning.
Ocean Week (July 8-12): Marine life explorations.
Space Week (July 15-19): Space-themed activities and learning.
S.T.E.M. Week (July 22-26): Science, technology, engineering, and math projects.
Pirates & Mermaids Week (July 29-31): Imaginative play and crafts.
A non-refundable registration fee is required, with tuition for camps due upon registration.
YMCA Summer Camp
The YMCA Summer Day Camp in St. Johns County offers a comprehensive program for children aged 5-12 from May 28 - August 9, with breaks on June 19 and July 4-5. Hosted at locations such as the Brown Family YMCA, YMCA at Flagler Health+ Village, Galimore Center, St. Augustine YMCA, St. Francis on the Field Episcopal Church, and Swiss Cove Church. Operating from 7 am to 6 pm, weekly rates come with discounts for members and military families.
Some of the camp activities included are STEM, arts and humanities, character development, outdoor games, and swimming, with an exciting range of bi-weekly themes:
Out of this World
SuperHero Mania
Dino-mite!
Spies in Disguise
Under the Sea
Spirit Wars
Additionally, the YMCA offers Specialty Camps in St. Johns County, focusing on specific interests such as sports, arts, and science. These half-day camps run Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 3 pm, providing a more focused experience in a shorter time frame.
Registration is available now, with full payment required to secure a spot. Specialty Camps can be paired with regular day camps for a more extended summer experience. For more details, visit the YMCA Summer Day Camp page and the Specialty Camp page.
Lighthouse Day Camps
Nation’s Oldest Port Summer Camp at St. Augustine Lighthouse offers an enriching five-week program for children in grades 1 - 4. Running from June 10 - July 19, 9 am to 4 pm, with options for lunch. Each week focuses on a unique theme, including:
Where the Wild Things Are (June 10-14): Campers will explore local wildlife and their habitats, learning about the animals native to St. Augustine through hands-on activities and guided tours.
Underwater Investigators (June 17-21): Young explorers will delve into maritime archaeology, discovering the secrets of underwater worlds, and learning about shipwrecks and ancient artifacts through interactive activities.
Sailing Through St. Augustine (June 24-28): This week focuses on sailing and nautical skills. Campers will learn the basics of sailing, navigation, and maritime history while enjoying time on the water.
Colonial St. Augustine (July 8-12): Campers will step back in time to explore the colonial history of St. Augustine. They will engage in activities that highlight life in the colonial era, including historical reenactments and visits to significant sites.
Creatures of the Deep (July 15-19): This week is dedicated to marine biology, where children will study the diverse marine life found in the ocean. Activities include examining marine creatures, learning about their ecosystems, and understanding conservation efforts.
Each week also includes exciting field trips to local attractions such as the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, enhancing the educational experience.
Sports Programs
St. Augustine offers numerous sports camps that focus on a variety of disciplines, which include:
Junior Lifeguard Program: There are multiple 5-day sessions in June and July. Ages 9-17. Cost is $150 per child per session (limit of two sessions per child), which includes a bathing suit, hat, and sun shirt. Children must pass a swim assessment. Transportation to and from the Solomon Calhoun Community Center for try-outs and Pier Park for sessions must be provided.
Freshwater Fish Camp: 5-day camp that splits into two groups: boys (July 29-August 2) and girls (August 5-9) that are 7th to 9th grade students. The cost per child includes one rod/reel, tackle box, and tackle. Campers will learn safe boat-handling skills, how to use tackle and live bait in freshwater areas, how to clean and cook fish, and more. Transportation to and from Trout Creek on the St. Johns River (6795 Collier Rd. off SR 13/16) must be provided. This is a joint program with the Florida Wildlife Commission.
Nature Exploration Camp: 5-day camp that runs from June 3-7, 9 am to 4:30 pm for children in 6th to 9th grade.The week is filled with outdoor explorations, attending multiple field trips and participating in kayaking, fishing, beach cleanups, and more. Transportation to and from Ketterlinus Gym must be provided.
Super Summer Spectacular Camp: 7-week camp that runs from June 3 - July 26, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm for children aged 5-12. This camp is held at four locations in St. Johns County and emphasizes outdoor activities staffed by experienced, motivated leaders from within our community. Transportation to and from Ketterlinus Gym or the Solomon Calhoun Community Center must be provided.
Counselor in Training Program: Operates alongside the Super Summer Spectacular Camp. Ages 13-16. Transportation to and from Ketterlinus Gym or the Solomon Calhoun Community Center must be provided.
Other Camps and Activities
Aside from the camps mentioned above, St. Augustine also offers the following vibrant array of summer camps designed to engage and inspire children of all ages:
CampAbility Special Day Camp: Kids Camp offers a fun and safe summer program for elementary-aged children with disabilities, running June 10-28 and July 8-26, 2024, from 9 am to 2 pm, and also welcomes siblings to provide companionship. The camp features six themed sessions integrating educational and life skills into recreational activities, with flexible registration options and arrangements for community support staff if needed.
CampAbility Youth Day Camp: Running from June 10-28 and July 8-26, 2024 (Monday to Friday, 9 am-2 pm, closed the week of Independence Day), this camp offers a recreational and life skills program for youth with disabilities in grades 6-12. Campers engage in activities like cooking, science experiments, music, and acting, while also taking community trips to learn shopping, self-advocacy, social interaction, and money management, with flexible registration for one or multiple sessions.
Drama Kids International Summer Camps: From June 3-28, 2024, Drama Kids offers themed camps each week from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for children aged 6 to 14. These camps focus on fun and educational drama activities that promote teamwork, communication, and creativity, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to explore singing, acting, and dancing while developing essential performance skills.
Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Summer Quest: From June 16-21, 2024, for ages 8-12, and June 23-28, 2024, for ages 13-17, Summer Quest offers an unforgettable overnight camp experience in the oldest city, filled with new friends and exciting adventures. Designed for Florida residents aged 8-17 who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind, the camp features ECC activities, leadership development, and evening recreational activities like kayaking, swimming, art, team sports, and dancing.
Lion’s Den Karate Adventure Summer Camp: Choose from multiple weeklong camps for ages 6-11, running from June 3 to August 2, 2024, featuring three karate lessons, themed activities, and field trips. Discounts are available for bundling multiple weeks.
Marineland’s Seaside Eco-Adventure Camps: S.E.A. Camp offers exciting weekly sessions from June 3 to August 2, running Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (half-days on Fridays). Designed for ages 7-9 and 10-12, campers will enjoy beachcombing, exploring the Intracoastal hammock ecosystem, science experiments, conservation projects, animal observations, and an in-water dolphin encounter culminating in a graduation ceremony.
Marineland’s T.E.E.N Camp: T.E.E.N. Camp offers teenagers a unique opportunity to explore the environmental field and local wildlife. Campers will kayak the Intracoastal waterway, conduct lab experiments, perform mock fieldwork, and conclude with an in-water encounter with a bottlenose dolphin, gaining an in-depth understanding of local ecosystems and resident species.
St. Augustine Surf Camp: Surf camp, for ages 8-15, offers an exciting experience for boys and girls of all skill levels, featuring high-quality soft top surfboards, healthy snacks and drinks, and in-store discounts for the whole family during the camp week. Participants must be competent ocean swimmers.
Conclusion
St. Augustine offers a wide array of summer camps that cater to diverse interests and age groups. Whether your child is an aspiring artist, a budding scientist, or an energetic athlete, there's a camp to match their passions. Participating in these camps not only provides children with memorable summer experiences, but also contributes to their growth and development in numerous ways. Encourage your child to join one of these enriching programs this summer and watch them thrive in an environment that blends fun, learning, and friendship.
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