Campus Life

Opening kids’ eyes: UWF Explore Summer Camps

Helping children discover interests, develop character and make life-long friends while learning valuable skills, summer camps have always been a haven for kids to make the best memories. Whether their interests are cartoons, robotics, the arts or geography, the University of West Florida Division of Continuing Education has a little something for everyone this summer, offering a variety of day camps for students in first through 12th grades.

Offered June 9 through Aug. 8, the camps will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with some camps being offered for half-day sessions in the morning or afternoon. Costs range from $70 for some of the half-day programs to $263 for two-week programs. Campers are asked to provide their own sack lunch. For those who can’t get enough camp, extended camp is available for an additional fee. Camp categories include “Cartoon Camp,” “Creative Summer: Art and Theatre Camp,” “Whodunit Mystery Camps,” “Math, Science and Geography Camps,” “Tech it Up! Technology Camp,” “Engineering: Robotics Camp” and gifted camps.

“Explore Summer Camp is designed to provide a fun atmosphere for students while also stimulating their minds,” said Jennifer Rohman, director of Explore Summer Camps. “Our programs are tailored towards interests that excite and motivate students. With a variety of programs like marine science, space, drama, art, robotics, cartooning and technology, there is a fit for all.”

Combining the highest level of art instruction with the newest methods and animation technologies, “Cartoon Camp,” offers a hands-on environment for campers who will learn how to draw, animate, sculpt and paint their favorite characters. For those interested in the arts, “Creative Summer: Art and Theatre Camp” focuses on children’s artistic interests through visual and performing arts, exploring different art venues for each child’s preference.

Stepping into the science world, “Math, Science and Geography Camps” offer several choices, including “Marine Science Camp” (at Pensacola Beach Elementary), “Math and Science Camp,” “Space and Beyond Camp” and “Around the World Camp,” all designed to make often intimidating subjects enjoyable and exciting for kids through a series of experiments.

During “Tech It Up! Technology Camps,” campers receive hands-on learning experiences with instructors and have fun developing technology skills. Also available to a wide range of grades and skill levels from beginner to advanced, “Engineering: Robotics Camps” participants will explore firsthand “real” robots used on a collegiate-level and will learn the basic principles of building robots. Middle school participants will get a more in-depth look at the construction of robots and how to work in collaboration with them. Participants in either category will have their own robot to take home at the end of the program.

Taught by local gifted teachers, the two gifted program options are “Forensic Science Camp” and “Web Quest Creations Camp,” both designed to challenge and actively engage children intellectually through meaningful and authentic experiences.

For kids who always want to solve the mystery, “Whodunit Mystery Camp” combines creativity, theater and reading into one week of fun-filled mysteries. Each camper will have a character role and learn how to be a detective in their choice of one of three mystery camps including “Mystery in the Library,” “Who Stole the Cookies” or “Hollywood Lies.”

For a complete schedule of available camps and more information, call (850) 474-2083 or visit uwf.edu/explorecamps.

By Megan Tyson, University Marketing Communications