INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — There’s no shortage of camps and activities children can get involved in over this coming summer as they take a break from their schoolwork. From outdoor sports such as sailing, surfing and hiking to indoor endeavors that include reading, dance and acrobatics, choosing the right camps for children could seem a daunting task for parents.
Phil DeLange brought his kids out to the Indian River Mall Saturday to peruse the various summer camp offerings while taking a break from manning the surf camp booth.
Camps can “develop them into who they want to be,” DeLange said of children. Camps can also help to shape children into who their parents want them to be, he added.
“They teach a skill the kids wouldn’t have had otherwise,” DeLange said.
Jodi Hargreaves spent her Saturday morning at the mall trying to find a camp for her 5-year-old son.
“He likes sports,” she said, noting that she’d like to find him a camp that’s age appropriate and might serve to help him branch out socially.
Though they live in Vero Beach, he attends school in St. Lucie County, where Hargreaves teaches. Many of his friends live there – not closer to home.
As a teacher, Hargreaves said choosing a summer camp hinges on the child’s individual needs.
“It really depends on the child,” she said, explaining that a child who might need some additional academic help over the summer could benefit from a camp with a similar mission. Likewise, a child who might spend all day in front of the television or computer could benefit from an active camp.
One such organization offering outdoor activities is the Life For Youth Camp, located in south Indian River County off 82nd Avenue. The Christian-based camp is situated on 100 acres and features more than 30 activities, including swimming, canoeing and kayaking, hiking and “rock” climbing.
“We’re trying to get more campers,” Camp Director Sherri Stevens said of why she chose to participate in the summer camp expo. “There are lots of camp options and we’re one of them.”
For her, summer camps provide an opportunity for children to keep busy and out of trouble and – for a while – disconnect from their electronics.
Also at the expo was the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department, getting the word out about various camps that it offers to residents and non-residents alike.
“We’re hoping to get our name out there,” said Recreation Supervisor Angie Holshouser.
Among the many camps the city has to offer is the popular Aerial Circus, a camp that teaches a combination of dance and acrobatics and culminates in numerous performances in the fall.
The city is also offering sporting and aquatics camps, providing outdoor physical activity. Children will get the opportunity to participate in the off-site field trips, going bowling, roller skating, taking in a movie and a Mets baseball game, as well as ice skating – traveling to Rockledge to do so.
“You don’t have to be a resident,” Holshouser said of living in Vero Beach proper. “We’ll take anyone.”
Residents, however, do get a discounted rate, though non-residents can get $5 off if they contact the Recreation Department Sunday.
Also at the mall offering information about camp activities were the Performing Arts of Vero Beach, Artistry in Motion, Christi’s Family Fitness, Vero’s Reading Garden, St. Edwards School, Tot Spot of Vero Beach, the Skate Factory, Riverside Children’s Theatre, the Field House, and the Jungle Club.
Those interested in finding out about specific camps are encouraged to contact the organization directly.