News Release Header
For Immediate Release:
February 18, 2014
Media Contact:
Laura Phillips
[email protected]
305-755-7842

Miami-Dade County Parks "Fit2Play" spring break camps registration begins March 3

Affordable camps will help stretch your dollars and fill your child’s spring school recess with fun outdoor adventures, fitness and friends


(MIAMI, February 18, 2014) – Keep your kids active, fit and engaged during the spring school break with one of these affordable and memory-making “Fit2Play” Spring Break Camps being offered by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Registration begins on Monday, March 3, 2014.  Camps will be held March 24 – 28, 2014, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with early drop-off available at 7:30 a.m. and late pick-up until 6:00 p.m. 

General Camp programs will thrill and challenge youngsters with a variety of activities from fitness, sports, and arts-and-crafts to games and exciting field trips. There are also Specialized Camps, which focus on a specific interest or need, including camps for nature and wildlife-lovers like Zoo Miami’s “Zoofari Spring Camp” and Eco AdventuresTM Camps at AD Barnes Park, Greynolds Park and the Deering Estate at Cutler. For young golf enthusiasts, there are Junior Golf Camps at the Country Club of Miami, Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne and Palmetto Golf Courses.

Parents may register their child by visiting the specific Miami-Dade County Park where they wish their child to attend.  Some parks offer online registration at www.miamidade.gov/parks, where the entire list of camp sites is also found. The public may also dial 311 for the Miami-Dade County Information Hotline. Prices for camps vary.  Children with disabilities are welcome in all park programs. Contact the park manager to develop an inclusion plan as early as possible.

Miami-Dade County Parks General Program Camps:
The cost for these camps is $40 – $90/week, depending on the program.  Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. 

South Region

Central Region

North Region

Miami-Dade Parks’ Specialized Camps:                                                                                                      

“Zoofari Spring Camp” at Zoo Miami
“Zoofari Spring Camp” at Zoo Miami is designed to immerse children ages 4 – 10 into the world of wildlife and conservation. It’s a fun-filled learning adventure that includes live animal presentations, visits to animal exhibits, interactions with zookeepers, wildlife enrichment activities, and much more!  Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami. March 24-28. The cost is $195/five-day session for non-members; and $175/five-day session for Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) members. Extended care is available at an additional charge. Pre-registration is required.  For details visit http://www.zoomiami.org/, call ZSF at 305-255-5551, or e-mail [email protected].                                      

Eco AdventuresTM Camps at AD Barnes Park and Greynolds Park
Eco AdventuresTM Camps at AD Barnes Park and Greynolds Park provide unique opportunities for children, ages 6 – 14, to explore the wonders of our South Florida ecosystem with outdoor activities from trail hikes and wildlife encounters, to canoeing and fishing excursions.  Participants will not only learn about their environment and connect with nature, but will get plenty of exercise. 

“Nature Detectives” (Ages 6 – 8) and “Nature Explorers” (Ages 9 – 14) Camps at AD Barnes Park
AD Barnes Park, Sense of Wonder Nature Center, 3401 SW 72 Ave., Miami, (305) 662-4124. March 24-28. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m. The cost is $100/ five-day session, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12. 

“Camp Manatee” at Greynolds Park (Ages 6 – 14)                                                                                    
Greynolds Park (Boathouse), 17530 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, (305) 944-6111.  March 24-28. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The cost is $100/five-day session, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12.

Eco AdventuresTM  “Spring Into Action” Camp at the Deering Estate
Children, ages 6 – 14, can “Spring into Action” and try out everything that the Deering Estate at Cutler has to offer!  From biking in the Pine Rocklands and Swamp Tromping in the wetlands, to getting a closer look at marine organisms by performing dissections and fishing!  Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, (305) 235-1668, Ext. 233.  March 24-28. Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Cost: $188/five-day session, plus a one-time annual registration fee of $12.  Late pick-up is available from 5:00 – 6:00 pm., for an additional charge. 

About the Deering Estate at Cutler:
The Deering Estate at Cutler is a 444-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for education, culture and recreation. For more information on the Deering Estate's educational and cultural programs, please visit http://www.deeringestate.org/.       

Junior Golf Camps at Country Club of Miami, Crandon Golf and Palmetto Golf Courses

Junior Golf Camp at the 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 March 25-28 and is offered in full-day (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and half-day (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) sessions. The cost is $235/four-full-day sessions and $155/four half-day sessions (Register a second child at half-off the camp rate). Fees include instruction, golf clubs, practice balls, and short course play. Students must provide their own lunch. Country Club of Miami Golf Course, 6801 NW 168 St., Miami.  For more information call 305-828-8456, ext. 249 / cell: 561-702-9202 or visit http://www.floridagolflessons.com/.

Junior Golf Camp at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne (Ages 4 – 15)
PGA Professional Alex Fernandez of Crandon Golf Academy hosts golf camp for beginner and advanced golfers at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne. Camp is held March 24-28 and is offered in full-day (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and half-day (9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) sessions. The cost is $500/five full-day sessions and $250/five half-day sessions. Camp curriculum covers: full swing with video analysis, short game, putting, rules, golf etiquette, contests and prizes. Lunch is provided with full-day session. The full-day session includes on-course play and a   tournament for advanced golfers. Early registration discount is available for multiple students. Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, 6700 Crandon Blvd.  For more information call 786-253-2548, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.golfcrandon.com/.

Junior Golf Camp at Palmetto Golf (Ages 5 – 15)
PGA Professional, Santos Caceras, brings the latest training and development techniques from Crandon Golf Academy to Palmetto Golf Course. Camp is held March 24-28 and is offered in full-day (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) and half-day (9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) sessions. The cost is $425/five full-day sessions and $200/five half-day sessions. Camp curriculum covers: Full Swing with video analysis, Short Game, Putting, Mini Golf, Rules, Golf Etiquette, and Contests. Lunch is provided with full-day session.  Palmetto Golf Course, 9300 SW 152 St.  For more information call 305-496-9522, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.golfpalmetto.com/.

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and 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.