While there are overnight camps that last for a week or longer in rural parts of South Florida, there are also summer programs for youth within the city of Miami. Parents have many options for keeping their children occupied during the long school break with fun and healthy enrichment activities. There are programs for kids of all ages around the city ranging from sports programs at area colleges to arts camps at museums.
Sports Camps
Young athletes who are serious about developing their skills and who want to stay in shape over the summer can enroll in sports camps at local universities. The University of Miami, Florida International University and Barry University offer programs for elite high school athletes. Teenagers receive instruction in techniques, strategy and conditioning at from nationally recognized coaches and athletes in top-tier facilities. Elite camps include sports, such as football, soccer, basketball, swimming, diving, baseball, tennis and volleyball. There are also sports camps for younger children who want to learn a sport.
Recreational Camps
Kids may not have to travel outside of their neighborhood to attend a summer camp. Miami's Parks & Recreation Department and local Boys and Girls Clubs have summer programs for area youth. Nearly 30 city run facilities host summer camps for kids ages six to 13. Activities include field trips and sports. There is a free lunch program and campers from around the city compete in a talent show in July. The Boys and Girls Club has five locations with summer camp opportunities. Activities include arts and crafts, field days, computer activities, movies and sports. The age range of campers is five to 13 and camps last all day and have early drop off times for working parents. Colleges and universities also offer recreational camps for younger kids.
Academic and Enrichment Camps
Even though summer is break from the academic routine of school, some youth may want to enroll in classes to advance their studies. Miami's colleges and universities have programs in a wide range of subjects from science to languages. FIU has an EcoAcademy for youngsters who are interested in marine biology and the environment. The University of Miami's Summer Scholar Programs lets students live on campus for three weeks and take classes to get a feel of what college life is like.
Art and Theater Camps
Conservatory-style theater training is available in the Los Prometeitos Summer Theatre Camp at Miami Dade College. Kids take acting, dancing and singing classes. Teenagers who are serious about performance careers can enroll in one of the many summer camps offered by the Miami Children's Theater and audition for summer productions. Local museums and colleges have summer day camps for budding visual artists. The Museum of Contemporary Art accepts kids as young as six-years=old in its drawing, sculpture, print-making and painting camps.
Music Camps
High school marching band members, youth orchestras and individual young musicians can take advantage of the instruction offered at the University of Miami and Greater Miami Youth Symphony summer camps. At Miami Dade, kids can enroll in a "Rock Camp," take music production classes and participate in a Latin Jazz camp.
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