A Peek Into Jacksonville Summer Camps
School’s out, the sun’s out and adventure is calling. As the temperature heats up and the days stretch on, Jacksonville camps are keeping the summer doldrums at bay with a wealth of activities to keep children active, engaged and entertained. With offerings from sports to arts and everything else in between, these camps are packing summer break with fun. Here’s a roundup of experiences our neighborhood youngsters are enjoying this year.
Bishop Kenny
wwww.bishopkenny.org/summer/camps2025
Known for its excellent athletics facilities and programs, Bishop Kenny High School is offering camps for all ages in six sports: basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football and volleyball. Led by talented coaches, camps take place at BK and Holy Family. For young players eager to elevate their game, the
BK camps focus on building essential skills serve as a strong foundation for future growth. The goal is
to help each player sharpen their fundamentals while deepening their passion for the game.
The Bolles School
www.bolles.org/about-us/auxiliary-programs/summer-programs
The Bolles School offers all-day, morning and afternoon camps for children from pre-school through 12th grade on all three campuses (San Jose/Whitehurst, Bartram and Ponte Vedra Beach), combining a specialty camp in the morning with adventure camp or day camp in the afternoon. Extended- day options are also available. This year’s theme is “All Things Possible.” River access allows campers to enjoy tubing, boating, marine science study and water sports. State-of-the-art facilities make the baseball, tennis and swimming programs popular. The new robotics and computer labs take technology and computer activities to a new level.
Boy Scout Troop 35
Members of Boy Scout Troop 35 at Southside United Methodist Church traveled to Camp Daniel Boone in Canton, North Carolina for a week of overnight camp last month. They completed merit badges, enjoyed camp activities, campfires and flag ceremonies. A highlight of the experience was the cool mountain air.
Camp I Am Special
www.ccbjax.org/camp-i-am-special
A program of Catholic Charities Jacksonville, Camp I Am Special provides camp experiences for persons with intellectual and developmental differences and physical disabilities – teenage “buddies” volunteer as counselors to provide one-on-one companionship and care for their campers. Buddies are
trained and earn service hours.
Coach Polster’s Camps
A day camp for kindergarten to eighth grade, Coach Polster’s at Assumption Catholic School offers weekly sports and enrichment/art activities. From PE camp, science camp, engineering camp, and a new favorite, Taylor Swift Camp, there is a camp to suit every child’s interests. Many camp counselors attended as kids and now help the campers have a safe and enjoyable experience. There are arcade game rooms, scavenger hunts, sports games like tennis, baseball and Gaga ball, and fun science projects throughout the summer – and every day ends with snow cones.
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
www.cummermuseum.org/learn-and-engage/
Students entering grades one through six are welcome to explore their inner artist at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens this summer. Each week features a fun theme including Mystery in the Museum, Paws, Claws and Art, Earth Protectors and Myths and Legends. Young artists explore the galleries and gardens for inspiration, experiment with a variety of art materials in the studio and proudly showcase their creations at a weekly open house.
Grit Camp
A summer sports camp built to strengthen young people’s mental, physical and emotional resilience, Grit uses field and court sports as dynamic tools to teach essential life skills and success principles. At the heart of the program is the Grit Creed: a set of values instilled through structured play, hands-on practice, films and guest appearances by collegiate and professional athletes and coaches. Located in San Marco, the Grit Camp mission is to help kids ages six to 12 build the foundation for a happy, healthy and purpose-driven life.
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
From art and dance to sports and strength training, Episcopal offers a variety of day camps and academic programs for pre-K through 12th grade. Some of the unique programs include beach fishing, film and TV acting and production, studio art, photography, lacrosse, sculling, study skills and intro to improv comedy. Campers enjoy lunch in the cafeteria each day, and extended-day options are available. Most camps include daily pool time supervised by certified lifeguards.
Epping Forest Cubs Den Camp
For children ages four to 10, Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club offers a full-day or half-day camp option for its membership. Campers enjoy aquatics, tennis, fitness, culinary, crafts and more. Lunch is provided.
Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)
There’s something for everyone at the JCA. It offers camp activities such as horseback riding, art, karaoke, sports, swimming, theatre, cooking and more. Campers build leadership skills, deepen their appreciation for cultural diversity, strengthen teamwork through group activities and enjoy unique experiences at three Southside locations. There are fun theme days for dress-up each week and field trips. The camp philosophy is to have a great T.I.M.E.: Teamwork, Instilling self-confidence, Making
a difference and Empathy.
MOCA Jacksonville
mocajacksonville.unf.edu/education/camp.html
Camp at MOCA invites kids to explore contemporary art, artists and ideas in a creative, hands-on environment. Campers make new friends while learning art techniques across different media, guided by skilled museum educators. Each day includes time in the galleries, discovering exhibitions and studio sessions where imagination takes shape. Through observation, critical thinking and creative self-expression, young artists are empowered to explore, experiment and grow. Themes include 2D design, ceramics and clay, figure and character drawing, painting, theater and comics and animation.
San Marco Community Center
SMCC features four summer camp adventures: Apex for kindergarten through fifth grade, Apex Preschool for one- to five-year-olds, Vacation Bible School for preschool to sixth grade and a pickleball league for third to eighth graders. With a community focus and diverse programs, these camps cater to a broad array of interests. From art and music to travel and sports, science and nature, every day is an opportunity to learn, make new friends and create lasting memories.
Summer Sailing at the Florida Yacht Club
www.thefloridayachtclub.org/youth-sailing
Offering a full summer waterfront program, the Florida Yacht Club features sailing, kayaking, fishing, power boating, paddle boarding and waterfront activities for kids of all ages. Many of the campers go on to join the club’s youth race teams that compete locally, regionally and nationally. There are Opti, Laser and 420 race teams. All participants are children of Florida Yacht Club members and/or children of their guests.
Thompson Surf School
Summer in Jacksonville isn’t complete without a visit to the beach, and many of our neighborhood kids enjoy surf camp at 6th Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach. With safety a top priority, all students must be competent ocean swimmers. The co-ed camp is for ages seven to 16. Professional surf instructors with a 3:1 ratio to campers utilize soft surfboards and provide rash guards. Not only do they learn the fundamentals of surfing, but kids are also educated on ocean safety and the environment.
