Broward Living

Free Camps for Kids and Adults

Camp Amigo!
Camp Amigo is a free summer camp for kids ages 6 to 18, living in North or Central Florida that are burn survivors. Camp Amigo provides kids who have physical and emotional scars a place to be themselves and build a network of support that will last throughout their lives.
http://www.campamigo.com

For more information and application http://www.campamigo.com/contact.htm
or call 850-509-6200

Camp BeginAgain
Camp BeginAgain is for children and teenagers ages 6-18 who have recently experienced the death of a loved one. The camp combines recreational and sharing activities.
http://www.halifaxhealthhospice.org/camp-beginagain

Camp Bluebird Adult Cancer Survivor’s Camp
Camp Bluebird is a three day two night retreat where adults ages 18 and older, who have been diagnosed or treated for cancer, get to be kids again!
http://www.campbluebirdfl.com

Camp Boggy Creek
Camp Boggy Creek is a permanent, year-round facility where children between the ages of 7-16 with chronic or life-threatening illnesses can come at no charge to them or their families. For more information and application, go to http://www.boggycreek.org/campers/application_request.html
or call 866-Go-Boggy (866-462-6449)

Camp Corral is a free summer camp for children, ages 8 to 15, of wounded, disabled or fallen military service members. Week-long activities include canoeing, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, ropes course challenge, archery, horseback riding and other camp and outdoors activities.
http://www.campcorral.org

Camp Florida
Rotary’s Camp Florida, Inc. is an 18-acre campground for children with medical, physical, mental and emotional illnesses and challenges. The camp is a nonprofit organization and is located in Brandon, Florida, USA.
http://www.rotaryscampflorida.org

Camp FunRise
Camp FunRise is the first camp in Florida designed especially for children ages 8-12 with arthritis. The week long juvenile arthritis camp focuses on what campers can do, not what they can’t do. Campers are able to learn from others who have similar conditions and experiences. The program is designed to increase campers self-esteem by creating opportunities for them to meet personal challenges.
http://www.arthritis.org/chapters/florida/juvenile-arthritis.php

Camp Hopetake
Camp Hopetake (pronounced hope’ e’ tockee) was created to be a safe haven for children ages 5 through 17 who have to cope with the social and emotional scars of living with burn injuries. The camp’s counselors are volunteering nurses, therapists, firefighters and paramedics who strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for these young survivors.
http://www.tampafirefighters.com

Camp Kesem
Camp Kesem is a college student run summer camp for kids with a parent who has (or has had) cancer. Our one-week sleep away camps are a chance for kids 6-13 to have a fun-filled week and just be kids.
http://www.campkesem.org

Camp Monarch
Camp Monarch offers bereaved children the opportunity to explore their emotions in a safe environment and gain strength from other children in similar situations through a variety of therapeutic activities including confidence-building exercises, music and art therapy, crafts and one-on-one sharing.
http://www.choosecovenant.org/patient-and-families-Camp-Monarch

Camp Sunshine
A retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. This year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement groups are also offered for families who have lost a child to an illness.
http://www.campsunshine.org

Children’s Cancer Center
The CCC hosts three camps for families throughout the year, all of which are completely free for families to attend – Kite (Oncology) Camp, Hematology Camp and F.L.I.G.H.T. Camp. Campers must have completed kindergarten (6 years old) and be no older than 12 years old to participate.
http://www.childrenscancercenter.org/explore-our-programs.html

CIP Summer Program
The Florida Institute of Technology campus offers teens ages 16 to 19 with Asperger’s, ADD and other learning differences a chance to experience a taste of independence while residing on campus in a college dormatory.
http://www.cipsummer.com/index.html

Deliver the Dream
Deliver the Dream helps Florida families experiencing a serious illness or crisis in their lives by organizing monthly three-day, two night retreats. Each family that attends has a family member – whether it’s a child or parent – living with an illness/crisis such as cancer, autism, a blood disorder, spina bifida or multiple sclerosis. Our program invites up to 15 families, free of charge, to one of our retreat locations so they can relax, enjoy time together, forge new friendships and create support groups with the other families dealing with the same illness/crisis.
http://www.deliverthedream.org

Dream Oaks Camp
Dream Oaks Camp provides programs for children with physical and developmental disabilities and serious illnesses by offering camping experiences throughout the year. Programs include weekend camps and summer day residential programs. Financial assistance available.
http://www.foundationfordreams.org

Easter Seals Camp Challenge
Camp Challenge reaches out to people with disabilities and special needs, and provides them with opportunities to do things they never imagined possible. It really is a place where “dreams come true”.
http://fl.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=FLDR_SummerCamp

Eco-Art Camp
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is offering a free eco-art camp for kids 8 to 12 on Wednesdays this summer. The camp runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12 to Aug. 14. For more information or to register, call the garden at 305-673-7256 ext. 201.
https://www.facebook.com/miamibeachbotanicalgarden

Equine-assisted Therapies of South Florida
This therapy strengthens muscles and increases mobility while building self-confidence, self-awareness and a feeling of freedom and joy for the rider. Financial scholarships available to those who qualify.
http://equineatsf.org

Florida Diabetes Camp
All programs are open to youngsters with type 1 insulin dependant diabetes. Financial aid is available for all events. No child is denied attendance due to financial circumstances.
http://www.floridadiabetescamp.org

Florida Lions Camp
The Florida Lions Camp is a private non-profit, inclusive camp established and dedicated to serving the needs of youth of varying ability levels, and adults with physical and developmental challenges.
http://www.lionscampfl.org/index.html

Frontier Travel Camp
Frontier Travel Camp is a summer camp alternative for individuals 16+ years of age with special needs. Diagnoses include: Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, William’s Syndrome, and other special needs.
http://www.frontiertravelcamp.com

MDA Summer Camp
Youngsters ages 6-17 who are affected by any of the 40-plus neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program and who are registered with MDA are eligible to apply. There is no fee to register with MDA.
http://www.mda.org/clinics/camp/

Miracle Camp
Miracle Camp provides camps and programs that lifts the spirits of children and adults with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Our campers enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities — from hiking and fishing, to singing, arts and crafts, softball, swimming in our pool, taking in the beautiful scenery around the pond, and more.
http://www.sacred-heart.org/miraclecamp/

OCA Day Camp
OCA Day Camp enables individuals and families with autism or other disabilities the opportunity to maximize their abilities through functional, behavioral, social, recreational and vocational programs to live within the community.
http://gooca.org/Programs/page=157

Quest’s Camp Thunderbird
Quest’s Camp Thunderbird is dedicated to providing a real summer camp experience for people with physical and behavioral challenges associated with Down syndrome, autism, mental retardation, Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities.
Camp Thunderbird is their chance to learn new skills and focus on the remarkable things they can do, while making new friends and unforgettable memories.
http://www.questinc.org/camp.htm

ROCK Camp
ROCK Camp (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) is open to Florida children, ages 7-16, who are currently being treated for cancer or who have not been off treatment for more than three years. This program is provided free by the American Cancer Society.
http://www.cancer.org/InYourArea/Florida/AreaHighlights/rock-camp-fl

Rotary Youth Camp
Rotary Youth Camp is intended for any child, age 9 through 16, with a physical limitation which would make it difficult or impossible to participate at other camps.
http://www.nfryc.org

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Upcoming Parks and Recreation Programs – Register Now!

Adult Basketball Pick-Up Games
Pick-up games on your lunch break for beginners and novice players. Improve your overall basketball skills, get in shape and increase your stamina in a fun, social setting. This is a FREE program for city residents.

Location: Holiday Park
Phone: 954-828-5383
Dates: Ongoing – Ends June 1
Days/Time: Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturdays 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Big Brothers United Summer – Teen Basketball Camp
This camp will consist of learning basic skills and drills, defensive and offensive moves and positioning, scrimmages and conditioning drills. Learn the fundamentals of the game and work with coaches and players whom have gone on to become professional athletes. This is a FREE program for ages 12-18.

Location: Osswald Park
Phone: 305-917-3842
Dates: June 10 – June 14
E-mail: cherrypie@bigbrothersunited.org
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Counselors-In-Training
Counselors-In-Training gives tweens and teens the opportunity to work with children and develop leadership skills in an enjoyable atmosphere under the leadership of experienced and trained mentors/counselors. Lunch and snack provided. This is a FREE program for ages 12-16.

Location: Bass Park
Phone: 954-828-8498
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes Football Camp: Tackle Football & Cheerleading
The camp will provide attendees with the opportunity to participate in non-contact drills in a structured environment and will be instructed by coaches with years of championship experience. The camp caters to various ages and will focus on conditioning, self-discipline, rules and team work. This is a FREE program for ages 5-15.

Location: Mills Pond Park
Phone: 954-655-7516
Dates: June 10 – June 14
E-mail: yverdilariva@yahoo.com
Time: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Teen Hot Topics
Equips young men and women with social skills, etiquette, self-esteem and health awareness in a social setting. This is a FREE program for city residents, ages 11-19.

Location: Warfield Park
Phone: 954-759-6896
Dates: August 22 – June 22
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Teen Scene
Provides activities such as games, sports, movies and special events in a positive community environment. This is a FREE program for city residents, ages 14-21.

Location: Warfield Park
Phone: 954-759-6896
Days: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Teens Open Gym
Provides opportunities where teens can engage in competitive and non-competitive basketball games while increasing their basic fundamentals and building community interaction. This is a FREE program for city residents, ages 14-21.

Location: Warfield Park
Phone: 954-759-6896
Dates: Ongoing
Days/Time: Fridays 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Women’s Open Gym
Provides opportunities for women from the community to engage in competitive and non-competitive basketball games. This is a FREE program for city residents, ages 15-19.

Location: Warfield Park
Phone: 954-759-6896
Dates: Ongoing
Days: Mondays
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

For more information on these programs or to register, please call (954) 828-7275 or visit your local community center.