Kiddie Academy children play at Camp Adventure

Children seeking adventure are touring East County and Tampa Bay for the next two months.

Kiddie Academy at Lakewood Ranch’s Camp Adventure, held June 10 through Aug. 16, offers students in kindergarten through fifth-grade opportunities to enjoy 35 field trips to area attractions, such as the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) and Legoland.

The camp features technology, sports, cooking, performance and LEGO-themed weeks. Every two weeks, the campers focus on a new topic.

On June 12, 25 students snacked on popcorn and watched “James and the Giant Peach,” before heading to Summerfield Park, in Lakewood Ranch.

There, competition ensued as students chased one another on the basketball court while Kiddie Academy camp leaders acted as referees.

Other children blew bubbles, and some, with beads of sweat dripping down their foreheads, scaled the park’s playground and raced down the slide.

Students also craft projects to accompany each theme. Thus far, campers have crafted robots and gifts for Father’s Day.

“This camp is great for creating good relationships and for them to see some kids they may not see over the summer normally,” said Sara Wagner, a teacher at Kiddie Academy’s after-school program.

BY THE NUMBERS
12 - The number of hours campers can spend at camp Monday through Friday

35 - The number of field trips campers will take this summer

500 - The number of popsicle sticks used for Father’s Day gifts

50 - The number of campers

Camper Spotlight: Jaide Brown

How many times have you been to camp?
This is my first time. I heard it was fun from my mom and stepdad, and it is fun.

What have been your favorite parts of camp so far?
Today and yesterday. Yesterday (June 12), we were at the park. Today, we went to Chuck E. Cheese. And we’re going to Legoland, but that’s not until later.

What have you learned in camp?
We made robots. First, we had a box, and we had another box and another box. Then, they were done. And the judges came and gave first place to another robot — not mine.

Have you made friends so far?
Yeah. Oh, but I forgot her name. Wait, her name is Kendal, I think.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected]