As the school year ends for students in Tallahassee, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs department is gearing up for its annual summer camps—and there’s a camp for every child’s interest.
The city is offering eight general camps in locations across town, as well as specialty camps, including arts and crafts, sports, and even swimming lessons. The camps run from the second week of June to the beginning of August, and are available for kids ranging as young as kindergarten and as old as 17.
The department’s Recreation Superintendent Bobby Sparks said although the city has a lot planned for the kids, there’s more to the camps than just fun in the sun.
“I think it’s important, not just for city kids, but for any child to be a part of a camp environment,” said Sparks.
“I think it encourages team work and collaboration, and I think the social interaction—outside of what they may get at home—emphasizes what they get at school. Being in a camp environment is important in a young person’s development.”
The city also has camp programs at many of the general purpose centers that youth use as afterschool programs during the school year.
Sparks said the summer camp programs are meant to be environments with no safety worries for parents and families.
“Our parks are ensured that kids have a safe place to go for the summer, and we ensure that we have fun things for them to do and be a part of.”
Combined, the camps will be able to service 1,000 youth this summer.