Hillsborough County Parks Department Cancels Summer Camps

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Working parents who depend on the county's summer camp programs to provide child care when their kids are out of school will have to find an alternative this summer.

Hillsborough County is canceling all its parks and recreation summer camps due to the coronavirus. Full refunds will be given to any families that have preregistered.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group said this week that the decision was made to protect the safety of children, their families and parks staff members who lead the camps.

The closures align with a decision this week by Hillsborough County Public Schools to cancel in-person summer classes.

The county's summer camps traditionally begin in the first week of June and run in a series of two-week sessions throughout the summer. As an alternative, parks staff are developing virtual programming designed to engage children at home during the summer months.

But Riverview parent Jen Cait said that doesn't help parents like herself who must return to work and can't leave their children unsupervised at home.

"So many people need this summer camp in order to continue to work," said Cait. "Other summer camp programs are not nearly as affordable. The closing of the summer camp program really does put so many parents into a bind."

"How are people supposed to go back to work with no access to care?" asked Kattrina Dowd Miller.

"Summer camps in the area are running at minimum, $150 a week up to $200 a week," said Cait. "With multiple children in many of these homes and their income being affected by everything, that is just not feasible. The families that are able to afford it are having a harder time getting in as spots are limited. I understand that everyone wants to air on the side of caution, but we also have to be able to work, to provide for our families and get back to whatever this new normal will be

Fortunately, the county's summer camps aren't the only option for working parents.

The city of Tampa is in the process of registering children for summer camps at a limited number of locations and with reduced capacity. Click here.

The Family Recreation Complex in Temple Terrace will accept priority registration for summer camps beginning May 18 for city residents/members only. Regular registration will begin on May 26. The camp will run from June 1 to Aug. 7 and is limited to children entering first through fifth grades. Call 813-506-6600 for prices and details.

The Tampa Metropolitan YMCA is now accepting registration for summer camp at its 11 Hillsborough County facilities with modifications to protect the safety of children and staff members including:

• Before children and staff are checked in, their temperatures will be taken. Those running a temperature of 100.4 or more degrees cannot attend.
• Staggered curbside check-in.
• Low ratio camp groups spread throughout the facility. Campers will remain in their same small groups throughout the week.
• Individual and spaced-out activities to practice safe social distancing.
• Ample access to hand washing and hand sanitizer stations, especially at check-in, before meals and after restroom use.
• Significant disinfecting of supplies and activity areas throughout the day.

Other summer camps will be offered at:

• ZooTampa - camps are currently filled but parents can get on a waiting list.
• The Museum of Science & Industry currently plans to offer summer camp from June 1 to Aug. 7 and is now accepting registrations.
• The Studio of South Tampa summer music and theater camps will take place from June 29 to July 24 with camps limited to 15 children. Preregister here.

Family-Friendly Tampa Bay is now hosting its fourth annual Summer Camp Expo through May 17 for families in Pasco and north Hillsborough counties. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year's expo will be virtual.

“We have prepared activities for the kids and the whole family, as well as informative sessions for parents to learn about virtual and available in-person camps, Q & A with healthcare professionals, virtual camp tours, camp-themed crafts, games and more.” said Miriam Cook, Family-Friendly Tampa Bay’s founder and Summer Camp Expo organizer.

Families can check out camps at FamilyFriendlyTampaBay.com and on Facebook. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to register online for free to stay up to date on all the expo offerings.

"Tampa Bay Area camps understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on the finances of many families," said Cook.

Therefore, for registered expo participants, select camps are providing coupon offers, free summer camp voucher opportunities and giveaways.

If you're hosting a summer camp for kids, send the information to Patch at dann.white@patch.com and we'll add the information.