County offers summer camps for adults

Pickleball Camp, Fishing 101 and Wine Pairing Camp are all coming up this summer — for adults over 50 only.

By Cassidy Alexander
| 4:13 p.m. July 6, 2017

The camps are the first for adults the county is offering, and are scheduled through August.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adults, well, adults over 50, have the chance to experience the joys of summer camp again, thanks to a new program hosted by the county — but with distinctly grown-up twists.

“Camp All Grown Up!”, hosted by the Sarasota County Department of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, offers adults a chance to learn a new hobby or skill.

Camp Info

Pickleball Camp

This introduction to pickleball will teach adults the basic rules and fundamentals to this fast-paced, easy-to-learn game that’s capturing the fascination of all ages! Participants will learn the various strokes and techniques to serving, dinking and volleying through daily team competitions, ball machine skills sessions and individual drills while playing on both indoor and outdoor courts. Campers should bring water and snack daily; wear tennis shoes.

Dates: July 17-21 (another date to be announced)

Hours: 9-11:30 a.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Locations: Venice Community Center & Englewood Sports Complex

Fishing 101

Campers will learn about the variety of fish in the area, the bait to reel them in and special angler techniques for pier fishing. You will learn the special angler techniques for pier fishing. Bring your own rod and reel or Sharky’s will provide one for you. Bait will be provided as well. Bring sunscreen, snack and water to stay hydrated. Younger anglers are welcome.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 5 (rain date Aug. 12)

Hours: 8-11 a.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Location: Sharky’s on the Pier

Kayak Camp

Spend 3 glorious days on the beautiful and serene Myakka River. Campers will launch their kayaks at Snook Haven. This camp is suitable for all skill levels and consists of instruction, demonstration and guided tours on the river. Bring towel, sunscreen, water and wear water shoes. NOTE: Weather conditions and river water levels may impact camp.

Dates: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Aug. 7, 9 and 11

Hours: 9 a.m.–noon

Cost: $100 per person

Location: Snook Haven

Wine Pairing Camp

This interactive camp will teach you about various wines and how to pair with meals. You will taste your way through red and white wines while tasting delicious dishes prepared by Fins’ chefs. In-house sommeliers will take the mystery out of selecting wines and deciding what to serve with it. Campers will also receive a souvenir wine opener.

Dates: Wednesdays, Aug. 16, 23 and 30

Hours: 3-5:30 p.m.

Cost: $180 per person

Location: Captain’s Room at Fins at Sharky’s

“We have a lot of retirees and they have a lot of time on their hands,” said Dorian Hardy, a program coordinator with the department. “Let’s give them something to do that normally they won’t try on their own.”

Pickleball Camp is the first one scheduled, for July 17-21, but Hardy said it’s full already. Another will be scheduled but a date hasn’t been set yet.

The next available camp will be Fishing 101 on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 8-11 a.m. This camp will teach campers how to fish from a pier, and bait will be provided.

After that will be Kayak Camp on Aug. 7, 9 and 11, and Wine Pairing Camp on Aug. 16, 23 and 30.

“We’re just trying to gear things to the folks that have a lot of time on their hands, that they might be interested in,” Hardy said.

If these camps go well, the department is planning to add more, including a camp where adults can learn personal protection, and a Geek Squad camp for adults to learn about using their email and cell phones.

To sign up for a camp, call the department at 941-861-PARK.