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May 5, 2008 8:39 am US/Eastern
S. Fla. Summer Fun: Summer Camps
Miami Dade Park Programs Are $70 Per Week
Broward Will Offer 6 Free Park Programs
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
With food prices on the rise, gas prices edging near $4 a gallon and summer break time just around the corner, many South Florida parents are wondering how they're going to afford some type of vacation for their kids without breaking the bank.
For those on a tight budget, or who can't afford to take time off from work, Miami Dade and Broward's summer camp programs may be just the ticket.
Summer camp is popular summer break tradition for kids and it is an affordable option if there's not enough money for an out of town family vacation. More than 40 parks across Miami Dade will offer the county's successful
'Fit to Play' program again this year; 10 weeks of health, nutrition, and good times.
"We still focus on the art component, we still focus on nutrition, we still focus on social skills, learn to interact with each other, team work," said Renae Nottage with Miami Dade Parks & Recreation. "All of those activities are tied into camps and because it's fun the kids don't realize that they're learning."
Not only will kids enrolled in the program get to do arts and crafts and play sports, they'll also get to go on a number of day long excursions.
"Field trips go to the Miami Seaquarium which is a favorite, Miami's Metrozoo," said Nottage, "they go to the Miami Children's Museum."
The cost, which includes all the on and off campus activities, is $70 a week.
"We also have a program called "Bring a Buddy," said Nottage. "If you bring a friend to camp who's never gone to a Miami Dade County facility, they get 50 percent off their first week."
Parents who live in
Broward and are considering the summer camp programs may want to consider what the county has to offer; there are half a dozen to choose from and the price is right.
"They're absolutely free!" said Broward Parks & Recreation Director Chester Pruitt. "We are one of the few programs that exist in the State of Florida that still will allow youth to come for a full structured day of activities and it's absolutely free."
Broward's brand new Roosevelt Park is one of the 6 participating county parks which offer a cost-free camp complete with sporting activities, park amenities and computer activities.
Mother Nature is also part of this year's camp curriculum with a couple of Earth friendly excursions in the works.
"The county has several nature sites, secret woods, fern forest, tree tops, and Anne Kolb where they can go and actually learn more from an educational aspect and that is free," said Pruitt.
Space is limited in both counties and parents who are interested in the programs are encouraged to sign up early during the registration period.
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