MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA – This summer, take vacation plans to the next level with summer camps for kids in Martin County, Florida. This easy-to-get-to-area, encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island, offers beautiful beaches and 75+ parks–not to mention the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere–all within two hours or less driving time of four international airports: Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando. Explore these ideas and start planning your camp-cation, where children are engaged in surfing, fishing, and unique educational adventures while mom and dad relax seaside in a town known for its beaches, shopping and culinary offerings.
Environmental camps
If you have a nature bug on your hands, the Hobe Sound Nature Center Summer Camp is a natural choice. The camp is designed to enlighten little ones about the natural world around them. Kids will participate in a variety of activities including nature crafts, games and wildlife presentations. Registration opens April 20. The camp is designed for children ages 6-12 and the registration fee is $90 per student ($85 for additional siblings). For more information on Hobe Sound Nature Center Summer Camp: HobeSoundNatureCenter.com/event_calendar/summer_camp.
Enlighten little ones about the natural world around them through summer camp offerings in Martin County, Florida. Credit: Florida Oceanographic Society.
Bring kids to a camp at the Environmental Studies Center where learning is hands-on and engaging. A variety of topics are covered throughout the June and July sessions which include activities like boat trips, snorkeling, fishing, arts and crafts and special Friday activities. For more information: www.ESCMC.org/
Martin County’s Florida Oceanographic Society offers many choices for aquatic camps. At the Coastal Discovery Summer Camp kids learn about the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems while conducting relevant science experiments and interacting with the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center’s wide array of live marine animals. Programs run throughout the months of June and August for ages 5-16. During the Salty Shorelines week little ones will learn about the plants and animals of the sea and are able to get up-close and personal with each animal group. During the Eco Explorers week kids have hands-on interactions with many different sea creatures and explore the ocean floor. To learn more about the Coastal Discovery Summer Camp visit: www.FloridaOcean.org/uploads/docs/blocks/222/2016-coastal-disc-registration-packet.pdf.
The Specialty Immersions Summer program takes place on Hutchinson Island located between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. This camp is offered to ages 12-16 during July and August. Activities include exciting exploration of the fascinating Florida ecosystems. Little ones are able to explore and learn more about the plants and animals that live under the sea. If you have an expert junior-fisher on your hands they can hone their skills with the Saltwater Fishing 101 instruction class; here, kids learn about fishing tackle, methods and techniques. A Snorkeling and Reef ID 101 class is also offered; children are taught the basics of snorkeling, identifying local species and conducting REEF fish surveys. To learn more about the camps offered by the Florida Oceanographic Society, visit: www.FloridaOcean.org/uploads/docs/blocks/222/2016-spec-imm-registration-packet.pdf
Surf’s up
Surf’s up in Martin County! There are several surf camps taking place this summer in Martin County at beautiful Jensen and Stuart beaches. Martin County offers the first consistent surf as you travel north along Florida’s coast. Plan a trip here during the summer, sign the kids up for camp and relax seaside while your children are engaged in a memory-making activity, learning about the ocean and beach safety while surfing the summer away.
Below are a few of the surf camps taking place in Martin County: most accept ages 5-17 and operate May-August:
- Ohana Surf Shop, www.OhanaSurfShop.com/surfcamp.html
- Surf Central, Stuart.MacaroniKid.com/article/271901/surf-camp-with-surf-central
- Aloha Surfing School, www.AlohaSurfingSchool.com/site/camp.php?camp=surf
- Cowabunga Surf and Sport Camp, www.CowabungaSurfandSport.com/camp
Something for everyone
Looking for an all-around camp for your boys or girls? Try YMCA Camp Expedition, running weekly from May until August for ages 5 and older. There are a variety of different weekly field trips ranging from laser bowling, ice-skating, Palm Beach zoo, cookouts, swimming and dance clinics. For information: www.YMCATreasureCoast.org
Set sail
The US Sailing Center Sailing Camp is a great fit for sea-loving children. The US Sailing Center of Martin County is one of only three Community Sailing Centers in the United States sanctioned by the US SAILING Association–the national governing body of the sport of sailing. A variety of programs each week range from beginner to advanced skill lessons and training on sailing. The camp is available to children ages 5-17. To register your little skipper go to www.USSCMC.org/content/summer-camp-program-details where you can find more information about the camp.