Ball would have quite the advantage over the kid playing just Little League. So, kids who have made the commitment to one particular sport would have little time to play another seasonal sport.
The downside to that is the burnout factor. The worst possible outcome is a fourteen year old who has committed to a particular sport at say six years old, only to find out it’s not fun anymore.
Summer sports camps can give kids an opportunity, especially at a young age, to try out many different sports without making a long term commitment. So if you have an AAU travel baseball player, a FUN basketball camp for a week might be just the ticket.
Multi-Sports Camps are another great option!
These camps usually fall into the FUN category. Different sports are played each day or even within a single day. Basics of the game are taught and then the kids can be broken up into age and skill appropriate groups to play games. For young kids who have no real favorite sport, this can be a great opportunity to find out what they really like.
But, either way, remember, the summer should be fun and the sports camp should also be fun. Whether the goal is to develop skills to reach the next level of a specific sport or just to kick the ball around and meet new friends, be sure to match up the right kid with the right camp and the coming school year will be filled with positive memories of an awesome summer!
When I was a kid, summer vacation meant playing pick up games in the neighborhood and field trips meant going to the beach. We didn’t have all these structured camps and daily activities that they have today. We went out in the morning and came back before it was dark.
Don’t get me wrong, structure for kids is a great thing, but having free time to figure out how to have fun with your friends is also a good thing. But, regardless of what era we are in, one thing about summer remains constant, kids and their families go to the beach. Especially here in Florida where there is an abundance of sandy beaches.
SENIOR MUSINGS
Speaking of the beach, I have always loved the beach and have always been drawn to the water. Many other activities that I’ve tried have always confirmed that notion.
I like playing golf, and I do love the beautiful grounds of the golf course, and I do truly love being outside. It is absolutely a great feeling when I hit a shot just right (which I am pained to say is not very often). But the draw to the water is evident every time I send a shot cascading into a water hazard.
The sandy beaches of the Pinellas shore line apparently are on my mind every time I hook a nine iron into a sand trap. So, summer is coming and for me, it’s best to cut out the middle man and put my nine iron in my beach bag. I bet it works great as an umbrella stand.
‘til next month, thenThe Senior Muser
Ride Off into the Summer Sunset...
It’s a good old fashioned western movie cliché, where the good guy in a white hat arrives in a troubled town and saves the townsfolk from the bad guys, in black hats of course.
If you kids want to experience this American tradition you need a horse ‘cause at the end of the movie, the good guy rides off into the sunset. And since horses are really big, it’s a good idea to learn how to ride one before you head off into that sunset. How do you do that? Well, Horseback Riding Camp, of course!
In the Breeze Horse Ranch
7514 Gardner Road, Tampa (813) 264-1919
At In the Breeze Summer Camp all campers are assigned their own horse daily and ride up to 2 times a day and have up to 2 lessons per day. The trail rides go out across their creek and onto 300 acres of property, and the lessons are either held in the round-pen or in the arena. Fridays they host a horse show for all campers to showcase the skills they learned while at the Ranch. They
send out for lunch (pizza or Subway or fast food) and that includes a drink. Or, you are welcome to have your child pack a lunch, snacks and plenty of drinks. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended for safety. Please also bring a change of clothes to swim in. Helmets are required for children under the age of 16. You may bring your own or wear one of theirs. For more info email itbhorseranch@ gmail.com or call the office.
HorsePower For Kids
8005 Racetrack Road, Tampa (813) 855-8992
HorsePower for Kids Critter Camp is a great way to spend your time learning about all kinds of critters including horses! They also offer camps throughout the year. Critter camp includes Riding Lessons, Equine Education, Grooming and Feeding, Horse Shows and Animal Care. Camp registration requires a non-refundable $50 deposit to reserve the week. Campers must bring lunch, drinks, snacks, sun block, and insect repellent.
Appropriate riding attire such as long pants and enclosed shoes help keep campers safe in their farm setting. Safety helmets are available, or if desired you may bring your own. All personal belongings must be labeled as they are not responsible for lost items.
Early drop-off and late pick-up are available upon request, at an additional charge. For more info email 4dreams@ horsepowerforkids.com or call the office at 813.855.8992.
WHAT’S UP IN APRIL?
CLEARWATER PARKS AND RECREATION
(727) 562-4800
THE MARKET MARIE
Saturday, April 15th
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
710 Court Street, Downtown Clearwater
Shop local at The Market Marie with over 85 small business owners every second Saturday in Downtown Clearwater.
Enjoy live music, delicious food, art, clothing, jewelry, henna, handmade candles, soap, pet treats, home goods and more. Event is located next to the City of Clearwater Municipal Svcs Bldg,
SUMMER CAMP 2026 CAMP BY THE SEA
Parking is FREE and can be found throughout downtown. The closest parking garage is the city employee parking garage located diagonally from the field. The garage is FREE on the weekends.
FUNTASTIC FRIDAYS AT COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION CENTER
Morningside Camps are the place to be this summer, where children learn, grow, and make lifetime friends and memories. With our Camp by the Sea theme, each day is filled with creativity, adventure, and hands-on fun that keeps kids engaged and excited
It’s the perfect mix of learning and laughter, all wrapped up in a summer experience they’ll be talking about long after it ends.
For more information, call (727)562-4280 or email Kelsey.Mccray@myclearwater.com
SUMMER CAMP: JUNE 1 - AUGUST 7 GRADES 1-7; 7:30AM TO 6PM COST: $990 W/ REC CARD PLUS $1 125 W/ REC CARD
562-4280
Friday, April 24th 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM Join Countryside Recreation Center for their monthly parent’s night out! Drop your kids off at Countryside for a fun night of pizza, games, and excitement! Cost $7 with recreation card, $8 without a recreation card. For More Info Call (727)-669-1914
DUNEDIN RECREATION (727) 812-4530
ART IN THE PARK Sunday, April 12th
| 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park, 420 Main St.
SUMMER SESSION 2026
June 22-26 Ballet/Contemporary Intensive
10a-2p $250* (by April 30th)
$275 after May 1st
June 22-26 K-Pop Dance Camp (ages 5+)
9a-3p $275* (by April 30th)
$300 after May 1st
July 6-10 Toddler Camp-Zootopia (ages 3-6)
9a-12p $155* (deposit by April 30th)
$180 after May 1st
July 20-24 Nutcracker Workshop Week
Ages 5-9: 9a-12p
Ages 10 and up: 12:30p-3:30p
$155* (deposit by April 30th)
$175 after May 1st
* To receive the discounted amount, payment MUST BE MADE by April 30, 2026. (A non-refundable deposit of half the amount can be given to hold your spot until it can be paid in full by April 30th.)
Explore a vibrant collection of artwork created and available for purchase by the talented members of the Creative Artists Guild of Dunedin. For More Info email the Creative Artists Guild of Dunedin at cagdunedin@gmail.com
PALM HARBOR RECREATION
(727) 771-6000
BUNNY BREAKFAST AND EGG HUNT
Saturday April 4th
8:30 am-9:30 am
Egg Hunt - Free Breakfast $8 a plate
Start the morning off with a delicious breakfast to fuel your excitement for taking pictures with the Easter Bunny! Children 0-12 years old can bring their basket and take part in a fastpaced egg hunt. Call the Centre 727.771.6000 for details.
Breakfast is served 8:30-9:30 am. Egg Hunt starts at 9:30 am
SEMINOLE
RECREATION (727) 391-8345
KIDS’ MAGIC ACADEMY
Learn about the world of magic and illusions through fun and interactive instruction. Learn specific tricks and how to develop performance skills for individual and group magic arts. Tuesdays, Thur April 21 5:30pm - 6:30pm
$60 Members
$90 Non-Members
KIDS NIGHT OUT
The Rec turns up the fun each month that the kids won’t want to miss!
Friday, April 24th
Jumping Fun
6:00pm – 10:00pm Grades K – 5th
Pizza is provided. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. Pre-registration is required.
$20.00 Members
$30.00 Non-Members
LARGO RECREATION
727-586-7455
LARGO CENTRAL PARK TRAIN RIDES
Saturday and Sunday April 4th & 5th
Join us for a ride around beautiful Largo Central Park on our miniature railroad on the first full weekend of the month.
The accurately modeled scale locomotives pull you and your family along a mile-long loop through great scenery, the spooky tunnel, and our waterfall pond. Fun for all ages!
There is no charge for this family-fun activity, but donations are welcome. Your contributions keep the trains running.
Save some time and fill out the waiver online. (Note that this resets each day, so please only fill it out just before you arrive).
THE LARGO EVENING MARKET
Saturday April 25th
Join them on the 4th Saturday of the month and wander through
different tents adorned with artisanal goods, from handmade jewelry to organic produce, all while enjoying the music from local musicians. There will be food trucks onsite for purchase.
Please email TheLargoEveningMarket@ gmail.com for vendor inquires for this market.
CONCERT SERIES ON THE BREEZEWAY
Friday, April 17th
6:00-9:00pm
The Guilty Pleasure| Food Truck: Conch Sabroso Mark your calendars for a night of live music, delicious bites, and good vibes at the Concert Series on the Breezeway!
No memberships needed, everyone is welcome to groove to the tunes, indulge in great food from food trucks, and sip on refreshing drinks from the bar. For more information, please call 727-518-3024 .
GULFPORT RECREATION
(727)893-1068
TEEN NIGHT
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 6pm - 9pm at the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex and Gulfport Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd. S.
The Teen Night Program is a great opportunity for teens in grades 6-12 to enjoy recreational and social activities with
APRIL CURTAIN CALLS
AMERICAN STAGE
RAYMOND JAMES THEATRE
163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. (727) 823-PLAY (7529)
INTO THE WOODS
In the Park at Demers Landings Each Performance @ 7:30pm Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by James Lapine Closes April 26th
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening curtain is at 7:30pm
Friday and Saturday evening curtain is at 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday matinee curtain is at 3 pm
FREEFALL THEATRE
6099 Central Avenue St. Petersburg 727-498-5205
AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME: REMEMBERING THE WORLD OF ANNE FRANK by James Still April 10th - May 17th
Wednesdays and Sundays, 2:00 pm Thursdays, 7:00 pm
Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 pm
JOBSITE
THE RESIDENT THEATRE COMPANY AT THE STRAZ CENTER
THE SHARK IS BROKEN by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon Closes April 5th
jobsitetheater.org
For tickets go to tickets@jobsitetheater.org or call the Straz Center Box Office at 813.229.STAR
STAGEWORKS
1120 E Kennedy Blvd Tampa 813-251-8984
THE MEETING by Jeff Stetson April 17th - May 3rd
Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo (727) 587-6793 COMING IN MAY CRAZY FOR YOU
April 30th - May 17th
Closes April 5th
peers their age. It offers field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects.
There is a gymnasium, game room and outdoor area that the teens can use.
For Teen Night Community Service Project and Teen Night
Registration Form contact, Jami Rowell, Recreation Coordinator at jrowell@mygulfport.us
Gymnasium and game room activities, monthly field trips & cooking projects.
