News Release Header
For Immediate Release:
April 01, 2013
Media Contact:
Laura Phillips
[email protected]
305-755-7842

Miami-Dade County Parks' Fun & Affordable 'Fit2play, Green-It-Up' Summer Camps Encouraging Kids to Stay Active & Fit All Summer Long

Registration starts May 1st


Summertime is almost here. This year, get the kids away from the television and game systems and treat them to fresh air, awesome outdoor activities and the opportunity to make new friends and life-long memories by enrolling them in one of the exciting Fit2 Play, Green-It-Up Summer Camps offered by the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department.  Managed by recreation professionals and conveniently located at 33 parks throughout the County from June 10 through August 16, 2013, camps will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offer 7:30 a.m. early drop-off and 6:00 p.m. late pick-up options. 

At $40 - $90 per week, Miami-Dade Parks General Camps for kids ages 6 - 14 are affordable and offer financial assistance and scholarships to those who qualify.  General Camps will not only thrill and challenge your child, but are fully supervised, offering parents peace of mind, while their child enjoys a full recreational schedule with fitness activities, sports, arts and crafts, nature encounters, quiet games, and field trips.

Miami-Dade Parks has teamed up with partner sponsors the University of Miami Health System (UHealth), the UM Miller School of Medicine, and The Children's Trust, to provide the Fit2Play, Green-It-Up general camp program.  Children will learn the fundamentals of living a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, fitness and exercise, as well as safety and prevention.  In addition, children will learn about the health benefits of going green as they discover that a healthy planet is essential for a healthy life by learning the basics of recycling, water conservation and other eco-friendly behaviors that are beneficial for the planet.  

Each day's session includes Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) activities. SPARK is an evidence-based, outcome-oriented active recreation component of Miami-Dade Parks ''Fit2Play' programs, dedicated to improving the quantity and quality of physical activity that children engage in.  It is designed to develop and improve motor skills, movement knowledge, and social and personal skills. With parental permission, Miami-Dade County Parks will track and measure key health indicators in participants, such as blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI), assisting parents and children to make informed decisions about their fitness and nutrition needs. Upon completion of the programs, participants will know how much their fitness levels have improved through charted documentation.

In November 2012 the University of Miami UHealth System released their results of a year-long comprehensive study of children enrolled in the Miami-Dade Parks ''Fit2Play' program, which concluded that the community-based intervention program is having a positive impact on the health of its participants and actually making them healthier.  

''An active lifestyle that combines outdoor recreation and healthy eating is key to winning the battle against childhood obesity.  This concept is most effective and sustainable in the Miami-Dade County Parks ''Fit2Play' Program, because it encourages children to practice their newfound healthy lifestyles knowledge at home by electing to eat nutritious food, engaging in more physical activity, and reducing their time in front of the computer and television.  Fit2Play is a national model,'' said University of Miami UHealth Pediatrician Tracie L. Miller, M.D.

Miami-Dade County Parks' camps are inclusive so children with disabilities may attend general camps.  Specialized camps exclusively for children with disabilities are also available and are managed by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. There are also Specialized Camps which focus on a specific interest and offer unique experiences that include EcoAdventuresTM, Nature-Science, Sports, Cultural Arts, and Zoo Miami camps.  Specialized Camps also include Learn-to-Swim programs are also offered at all Miami-Dade County public pools, which are taught by American Red Cross certified water-safety instructors.  Specialized Camps are competitively priced, ranging from $100 - $225 per week. Camps for children with disabilities are FREE.

General and specialty camps also feature exciting field trips to sites such as Zoo Miami, Crandon Park Visitors and Nature Center, Deering Estate at Cutler, and Pelican Island. Campers will also enjoy the annual end-of-summer bash at the Tropical Park Equestrian Center which includes: games, sports competitions and lunch (Date TBA). 

Most of  the camps offer rolling registration, so parents can enroll their child for one week or for several weeks at any time throughout the summer, but they must register at least one week prior to the desired start date, in some cases.

Registration begins May 1, 2013. You can register for the General or Specialized camp of your choice directly at its host park. Parents can also register their child for most of Miami-Dade Parks' exciting Summer Camps online at www.miamidade.gov/parks. However, families in need of financial assistance must register and apply for assistance in person at their selected park.  For more information, patrons are encouraged to visit the Miami-Dade Parks website at www.miamidade.gov/parks, call their local park, or call 3 - 1 - 1 for Miami-Dade County Information.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PARKS GENERAL PROGRAM CAMPS:
The cost for these camps is $40 - $90/week, depending on the program, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12.  Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

South Region
Deerwood Bonita Lakes Park, 14445 SW 122 Ave., 305-234-1660
Devon Aire Park, 10411 SW 122 Ave., 305-270-4951
Eureka Park, 18320 SW 119 Ave., 305-971-8814
Eureka Villas Park, 14301 SW 180 St., 305-254-5856
Hammocks Community Park, 9885 Hammocks Blvd., 305-380-6917
Modello Park, 28450 SW 152 Ave., 305-247-1553
Sgt. Joseph Delancy Park, 14450 Boggs Dr., 305-235-4503
South Dade Park, 28151 SW 164 Ave., 305-247-9453
Southridge Park, 11250 SW 192 St., 786-293-4549
West Perrine Park, 10301 SW 170 Terr., 305-235-2053
Wild Lime Park, 14751 Hammocks Blvd., 305-386-0227

Central Region
Bird Lakes Park, 14365 SW 48 Lane, 305-270-1644
Continental Park, 10000 SW 82 Ave., 305-274-9666
Kendale Lakes Park, 7850 SW 142 Ave., 786-315-5295
North Trail Park, 780 NW 127 Ave., 305-207-2420
Raices Hispanic Cultural Arts Center at Miller Drive Park, 5510 SW 94 Court, 305-271-0812
Rockway Park, 9460 SW 27 Ave., 305-223-8769
Ron Ehmann Park, 10995 SW 97 Ave., 305-271-3853
Ruben Dario Park, 9825 West Flagler St., 305-222-2194
Tropical Estates Park, 10201 SW 48 St., 305-226-5782
Westwind Lakes Park, 6805 SW 152 Ave., 305-388-4771

North Region
Arcola Park, 1680 NW 87 St., 305-835-7987
Arcola Lakes Park, 1301 NW 83 St., 305-836-5095
Country Village Park, 6550 NW 188 Terr., 305-622-2594
Gwen Cherry Park (NFL/YET Center), 7090 NW 22 Ave., 305-694-4889
Highland Oaks Park, 20300 NE 24 Ave., 305-932-2164
Jefferson Reaves Sr. Park, 3090 NW 50 St., 305-635-2081
Little River Park, 10525 NW 24 Ave., 305-694-5121
Marva Y. Bannerman Park, 4830 NW 24 Ave., 305-633-4064
North Glade Park, 17355 NW 52 Ave., 305-621-2461
Oak Grove Park 690 NE 159 St., 305-944-8670
Olinda Park, 2101 NW 51 St., 305-635-2081
West Little River Park, 2326 NW 84 St., 305-694-5096


MIAMI-DADE PARKS' SPECIALIZED CAMPS

June 10 - August 16    
EcoAdventures' Nature Adventure Camps for Children and Teens
Boys and girls, together with naturalist guides that are also certified in water safety, will have fun exploring the South Florida environment through a variety of fun and exciting activities in a safe park environment ranging from nature hikes on wooded trails, canoeing/kayaking (age 9 and older), swimming (guarded pools), playing interactive nature games, arts and crafts, field trips to local park preserves, Zoo Miami, Monkey Jungle, Crandon Park, Shark Valley in Everglades National Park and more. Camps hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, and offer 7:30 a.m. early drop-offs and 6:00 p.m. late pick-up options. For additional information or to locate an EcoAdventures' Camp near you, visit http://www.miamiecoadventures.org/, or see the below listing and contacts:


Sense of Wonder Nature Center at A.D. Barnes Park
Nature Detectives (Ages 6 - 8)/Nature Explorers (Ages 9-14)
Meets at the AD Barnes Park Nature Center, 3401 SW 72 Ave., Miami. The cost is $111/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12.  For more information, call 305-662-4124.

Camp Manatee at Greynolds Park (Ages 6 - 14)
Meets at the Greynolds Park Boathouse, 17530 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach.  The cost is $111/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12.  For more information, call 305-948-2891/305-944-6111.
              
Camp on the Sea (Ages 12 -  17)
Marine science, South Florida ecology, and aquatic adventures are the focus of this unique camp. Campers will explore the coastal waters and off-shore coral reefs through snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding activities. Participants must be able to pass a mandatory swim test. The cost is $175/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. The excursion will launch from various locations. For more information, call 305-662-4124.
          
Fishing Camp (Freshwater) at Tropical Park (Ages 9 - 15)
Developed in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, this camp is designed for kids who love fresh water fishing and want to improve their fishing skills.  They'll learn about fish biology and get fishing tips and instruction in safe boating skills.  The camp is held July 22-August 16 at the Lake-side Pavilion in Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St. (Bird Road).  There's a ''Fish Fry-Day Party' on the last day of camp.  The cost is $125/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 305-662-4124.


Deering Estate at Cutler Summer Camps

June 10 - August 16
Eco Explorers (Ages 6 - 8)
Expedition Deering (Ages 9 - 14)
Campers will enjoy the Deering Estate at Cutler as a base camp for exploring our many South Florida habitats.  Weekly themed camps consists of three field trips (ZooMiami, state preserves, national parks, museums, cultural arts facilities, and more) and two days of nature-based learning with plenty of adventures ranging from hiking and biking to eco-art projects; plus water related activities like kayaking, canoeing and snorkeling for ages 9-14. Cost: Eco Explorers Camp-$125/five-day session / Expedition Deering Camp-$188/five-day session; plus a one-time $12 annual camp registration fee and $9/week field trip transportation fee.  Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.  Early drop-off starts at 7:30 a.m. with no additional cost. Late-pick up is available from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for an additional fee of $10/day.  For more information, please call the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233 or visit www.deeringestate.org.  You can also visit the Deering Estate located at 16701 SW 72nd Ave Miami.

Ten, five-day sessions are available and each session has a different theme:

Session 1:  ''Getting Dirty,'' June 10 - 14
Session 2:  ''Moving and Grooving,'' June 17 - 21
Session 3:  ''Time Travelers,'' June 24-28
Session 4:  ''Where the wild things are?,'' July 1 - 5
Session 5:  ''Wild and Crazy,'' July 8 - 12
Session 6:  ''Under the Sea,'' July 15 - 19
Session 7:  ''To the Extreme,'' July 22 - 26
Session 8:  ''Do or Die,'' June 29 - August 2
Session 9:  ''Ocean Commotion,'' August 5 -9
Session 10: ''Planet Patrol,'' August 12 - 16

June 10 - August 2
Junior Naturalist (Ages 15 - 18)
Our Junior Naturalist Program gives teens the opportunity to develop leadership, team building, and career skills. Our first session will focus on a nature based learning orientation and the essential certifications of First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety that would prepare the Junior Naturalist to be a well-qualified volunteer. Following sessions will focus on more advanced skills in outdoor recreation and nature based learning.  These counselor-in-training programs provide service learning hours to participants and prepare the Junior Naturalist for experiences, internships, and other opportunities in environmental studies, natural sciences, nature-based recreation, and volunteerism.

The cost is $188 per five-day session, plus a one-time $12 annual camp registration fee, and a $9/week field trip transportation fee. Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.  There may be additional fees for transportation and/or special field trips.  For more information, please call the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233 or visit www.deeringestate.org

Session 1:  June 10 -14
Session 2:  June 17- 28
Session 3:  July 8 -19
Session 4:  July 22 - August 2

June 10 - August 16
Cheerleading/Dance Camp (Ages 6 - 14)
Learn jumps, chants, and modern and jazz dance techniques. Program includes field trips. Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24 St. The cost is $100/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. For more information, call 786-315-5295.

June 10 - August 16
Basketball Camp (Ages 8 - 14)
Trained staff will teach team and individual play using defensive and offensive drills to improve skills and knowledge of the game. The cost is $100/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12.  Program includes field trips and tournaments. Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24 St. For more information, call 786-315-5295.

June 10 - July 5
Football Camp (Ages 9 -17)
This is an intensive camp on football fundamentals, including position skill drills, film sessions and 7-on-7 games. Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St. The cost is $110/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12.  For more information, call 305-226-8315, ext. 221.

June 10 - August 23
Golf Camps
Children and teens will learn the fundamentals of golf from PGA Professional instructors.  Topics include putting, short game, full swing, bunkers, rules, and etiquette. Golf clubs are provided for those who need them.

Country Club of Miami (Ages 8 - 15)
Resident instructor and PGA Professional, Larry Levow, has been featured on the Golf Channel and has taught golfers of all levels including PGA Tour players. Camp is held Monday - Friday and is offered in full-day (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)/half-day (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) sessions. The cost is $255/week for full-day sessions and $175/week for half-day sessions. Includes instruction, golf clubs, practice balls and short course play. Students must provide their own lunch. Country Club of Miami, 6801 NW 168 St.  For more information call 305-828-8456, ext. 249 / cell: 561-702-9202, or visit www.floridagolflessons.com.

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne (Ages 4 - 16)
Campers will learn at the state of the art practice facilities of Crandon Golf Academy. PGA Professional, Alex Fernandez, uses the latest training and instructional techniques, including video analysis, for junior player development. Camp is held Monday - Friday and is offered in full-day (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)/half-day (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) sessions. The cost is $500/week for full-day sessions and $250/week for half-day sessions. Lunch is provided with full-day session. Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, 6700 Crandon Boulevard. For more information call 786-253-2548, or visit www.crandongolfacademy.net.

Palmetto Golf Course (Ages 5 - 15)
PGA Professional, Michael Ford, brings the latest training and development techniques from Crandon Golf Academy to Palmetto Golf Course. Camp is Monday - Friday and is offered in full-day (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)/half-day (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) sessions. The cost is $300/week for full-day sessions and $175/week for half-day sessions. Snacks provided to campers. Lunch is provided with full-day session.  Palmetto Golf Course, 9300 SW 152 St.  For more information call 305-972-2713, or visit www.crandongolfacademy.net.

June 10 - August 16
Women's Park Summer Arts Camp for Girls - ''G.E.M.'' (Ages 11 - 16)
GEM (Girls Empowerment and Mentoring), at Women's Park, focuses on the role of women in the development of our community and the arts.  Participants will enjoy classes and workshops in the visual and performing arts, photography, and women's history. The GEM program challenges and inspires girls to develop and improve their communication, leadership and artistic skills.  Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.  The cost is $75/week, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12 (includes early drop-off at 7:30 a.m. / late pick-up until 6:00 p.m.)   Women's Park, 10251 W. Flagler St.  For more information, call 305-271-0812.

June17-August 9
Zoofari Summer Camp at Zoo Miami (Ages 4-13)
Zoofari Summer Camp will be held June 17- August 9, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with extended care available. Please note that availability per age group varies per week. This fun-filled learning adventure for children includes live animal presentations, craft projects, zookeeper talks, wildlife enrichment activities, visits to exhibits, recreational games, and more!  Cost: $175/week for Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) members and $195/week for non-members. Pre-registration is required.  Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St.  For more information visit: www.zoomiami.org or call the Zoological Society of Florida at 305-255-5551.

June 10 - August 9
Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services FREE Camps for Children with Disabilities
Those with disabilities will find enriching camp experiences, including sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and field trips. Specialized camps for children with disabilities only, are managed by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. These camps are sponsored by The Children's Trust, a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. There are six locations for Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services Camp:

Camp Matecumbe, 13841 SW 120 St.; for more information, call Belinda Phillips, 305-752-4966, or e-mail: [email protected].

Coral Estates Park, 1405 SW 97 Ave.; for more information, call Celia Leyva, 305-226-1622, or e-mail: [email protected].

Goulds Park, 21805 SW 114 Ave.; for more information, call Jody Cox, 305-234-1673, or e-mail: [email protected].

Greynolds Park,18601 NE 22 Ave.; for more information, call Kim Fowler, 305-954-3425, or e-mail: [email protected].

Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 St.; for more information, call Arlene Bouza-Jou, 305-222-2128, or e-mail: [email protected].

Westwind Lakes Park, 6805 SW 152 Ave.; for more information, call Diana Bonet, 305-380-9106, or e-mail: [email protected].


Learn-to-Swim Programs and Pools

Learn-to-Swim
Miami-Dade County Parks ''Learn-to-Swim' classes are taught by certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. ''Learn-to-Swim' classes include Parent and Tot (ages 2 - 5), Levels 1-6 (ages 6 - 18) and Adults.  For more information or to register, contact the pool of your interest.
Pools
Miami-Dade County Parks' pools are open for swimming, fun, exercise programs and ''Learn-to Swim' programs.   Fees vary for each facility. Call the pool of your choice for more information. Pool lifts are available at ALL pools.

A.D. Barnes Pool, 3401 SW 72 Ave., 305-665-1626
Arcola Pool, 1680 NW 87 St., 305-691-5104
Gwen Cherry Pool, 7090 NW 22 Ave., 305-691-2439
Helen Sands Pool, 16350 SW 280 St., 305-248-1386
Little River Pool, 10525 NW 24 Ave., 305-696-7651
Naranja Pool,14150 SW 264 St., 305-257-0404
Palm Springs North Pool, 7901 NW 176 St., 305-558-3762
Rockway Pool, 9460 SW 27 Ave., (305) 223-8742
Sgt. Joseph Delancy Pool, 14375 Boggs Dr., 305-238-5692
Tamiami Pool, 11201 SW 24 St., 305-223-7077
Tropical Estates Pool, 10201 SW 48 St., 305-221-5041


About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award and winner of the 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.

Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department's efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County's world-class parks system for residents and visitors.  Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.  For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.miamidade.gov/parks_foundation.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.