Camp IDS Offers Something Fun and Exciting for Everyone

Submitted by Mary Beth Erskine:

Whether you're looking for something for your adventurous middle school student to do this summer, or you're searching for a safe and nurturing environment for your 3-year-old, Camp IDS at Independent Day School-Corbett Campus has more than 60 options from which to choose.

Preparing your 3 or 4-year-old for prekindergarten? How about Bookworms in the Garden and Fun with Numbers?

Have a budding scientist? There's Junior Astronomy, Junior Scientists, and CSI IDS.

Is there a future Broadway star in your family? Check out the That's Entertainment or Musical Theatre.

And when it comes to sports, Camp IDS offers everything from basketball to matball.

Divided into seven weekly sessions from June 11 to July 27, Camp IDS offers full-day and half-day camps in a broad array of fields – academics, communications and technology, performing arts, visual arts, recreation, sports, and travel.

“Camp IDS has been providing something for everyone from PreK through high school for many years,” said Independent Day School’s Marie Massara, who co-directs the camp with assistant head of school Nick Rodriguez and middle school teacher Stephen Shoe.

"The majority of children who come to Camp IDS have been here before. They keep coming back because they feel safe, welcome, and have a great time," said Massara.

"Our highly trained teachers and experienced camp counselors love what they do," added Shoe. "That fun and positive attitude permeates the entire camp."

While many campers participate in traditional sports camps such as soccer, volleyball and archery, children looking for something new can choose from camps in disc golf, filmography, Chinese kids' games, or earth-friendly art to name just a few.

Fine arts camps in musical theatre, drama, band, dance, photography, and painting complement other creative endeavors in cooking, newspaper reporting, broadcasting and computers.

A Wilderness Extreme camp for fifth through eighth graders, for example, includes hiking, mountain biking, snorkeling, canoeing and inline skating. And an Adventure Camp for grades 3 through 5 takes children to a variety of attractions around the Tampa Bay area.

“What’s great about Camp IDS is that children can choose what they really want to do,” said Rodriguez. “The wide selection exposes children to new things and offers them an opportunity to expand their interests in a positive and supportive environment.”

For example, middle school thrill seekers can join IDS-CC middle school teacher Tom Bronson on the roller coaster connoisseur's dream trip, Adrenaline Camp. Last year, participants rode 50 roller coasters in five parks, in five days, and this year, Bronson says, he hopes to top that record. Bronson is also conducting a scuba diving camp during which middle schoolers can earn their NAUI certification and then head to the Florida Keys for diving.

“Campers can strengthen reading, writing or math skills in the morning and then dance on stage or shoot hoops in the afternoon," said Massara. "They can paint, perform in a Broadway musical, build and launch model rockets, learn archery, cook, bake, and so much more. We offer something fun and exciting for everyone."

For more information, visit www.idsyes.com/camp-ids.html, or call 813-961-3087 for a brochure.

Founded in 1968, Independent Day School-Corbett Campus is a fully accredited, nonsectarian private school located on Orange Grove Drive in northwest Hillsborough County with over 500 students from PreK3 through 8th grade. At IDS, all children experience the International Baccalaureate Programme in a highly academic and nurturing environment focused on excellence and excitement in learning. IDS-CC has become recognized as an exemplary school with over 6,500 visitors observing and learning from IDS-CC teachers. For more information, visit www.idsyes.com, or contact the Admissions Office at 813-961-3087 for a personal tour.