A Mom’s Guide to Holiday Camps in Jacksonville

Yes, it’s that time of year. A time when we are supposed to spend time with family, build gingerbread houses, and deck the halls. How did it get so busy? The shopping, the elfing, the baking, the card mailing, the wrapping. All this makes it very stressful for anyone but especially a mom! That’s why this mom is taking a break this year and putting the kids in a camp this holiday season. That’s right – camps are not just for working moms! Take a look at some of JMB’s favorite camps to see if one might work for you:

My Gym CampMy Gym Winter Camp 2014

December 22, 23, 29, 30, & 31 |  For Ages Potty-Trained & Up
My Gym camp is simply the best! Children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and so much more. Each camp program is uniquely designed to keep your children moving and active, as we emphasize physical development and personal success. Our themes and programs change daily, so no two camp days at My Gym are ever the same!

TNT Holiday Camp

December 22-23, 26, 29-31 & January 1-2 | Ages 3 & Up

TNT offers camp for children throughout the entire year. Whether it’s during Spring Break, Summer Break, or a special holiday, bring your children to TNT and know that they will spend their days off in a safe, energetic, fun camp experience!

TNT Holiday Camp

Tommy Hulihan Sports Camp

December 22, 23, 29, 30 | Ages 5 years through 6th grade

Sports Camp is open to girls and boys 5 years old through 6th grade. They have a special program for 7th/8th graders (See below). Campers will participate in Team Sports and age appropriate activities including: Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Kick Ball, Whiffle Ball, Dodge Ball, Tag Games and much more.

Bricks 4 Kids

November 28, December 22, 23, 29, 30 |Ages 5+

Classes offered at Grace Lutheran Church. Click here to see the 2014 Holiday Camp schedule! Our programs provide an extraordinary atmosphere for students to learn the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), using LEGO® bricks. The activities are designed to trigger young children’s lively imaginations and build their self-confidence.

MOSH Winter Discovery Camps

December 19, 22, 23, 29 & 31 | Kindergarten through 5th grade

MOSH Winter Camp topics are Science with Santa, Candy Science, Blast Off, Strange Matter, Snowflake Science, and more! Campers will also get to explore Museum exhibits. MOSH Winter Discovery Camps are from 9 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Cost is $55 per day; extended care available for additional charge. Members receive a 20% discount.

Pump It Up CampPump It Up Jump-N-Art Day Camp plus Turkey Camp!

Nov 26, 28, December 19, 22, 23 29, 30, January 2 | Ages 5-12

Jump-N-Art Camp is a fully supervised art and activity-based curriculum. Their program is for school-aged children that combines art education with bouncing, climbing, and sliding on our Gigantic Inflatables. The schedule consists of organized games, jumping, crafts, snacks, lunch, & inflatable activities for children ages 5 to 12 years.

YMCA School’s Out Camp

Various Dates and Times | Ages 5-12

When school is out, camp is in at the Y. Join them during the school holiday for fun games and activities that are sure to keep kids ages 5-12 having fun and learning along the way. They will have the opportunity to make new friends and engage in indoor and outdoor activities in a safe, positive environment. Dates, times and prices vary by location. Camp is available on most school holidays. For more information, stop by the Welcome Center at your local Y or call 904.265.1775.

Jewish Community Alliance

December 19 – January 3 | Ages 5-12

J-CAtion Days, a fun-filled adventure around the world! On days when school is closed, send your children to the JCA, where they will experience a wide range of activities including sports, arts and crafts, cooking and more. Pack a dairy lunch and swimsuit, and we will do the rest.

Jacksonville Zoo Winter Zoo Camp

Jacksonville Zoo CampDecember 19 & January 2 | Ages 5-12

Winter Zoo Camp – full of crafts, activities, zoo tours, and up-close and hands-on encounters with our Education Animal Ambassadors! Winter Zoo Camp is for children ages 5 – 12. Class size is limited to the first 24 children to register. Camps meet from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Extended Care is available from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Children will be in a supervised environment with movies, games, puzzles and quiet activities available.

Starlight Gymnastics HO-HO-HO Camp & Turkey Camp!

November 26, 28, 29 | 9am-3pm | 3 days for $100

December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 and January 2, 5 | Ages 3 & Up

Come jump, flip, and play with us! Pick one day or pick them all. Camp is $40 per day or 7 days for $245. Registration fee applies for Non-Starlight students. Ages 3 and up welcome. Camp hours are 9:00am-3:00pm. They provide snack…you bring a lunch. All campers must be pre-registered with a 50% deposit paid.

Publix Aprons School Kids Camp

December 29, 30 | Ages 8-12

Note: This mini camp fills up fast! Some stores have a waiting list already.

2-Day Kids Camp:  Join Publix for this exciting class as kids travel around the globe cooking cuisine from Asia and Italy to the Caribbean. This class is for kids 8-12 and lasts approximately 2-2 1/2 hours.

Publix Aprons School Teen Holiday Camp

December 29, 30 | Ages 13-18

After the holidays the new year begins, so start the year off right by taking familiar things and making some changes. The food world is alive with challenging ways to make ordinary, not-so ordinary. This class is for teens 13-18 and lasts approximately 2-2 1/2 hours.

Kids Art CampThe Cultural Center Holiday Arts Camps and Workshops

Various Dates | Ages 4-14

Holiday Arts Camps offers classes like iPad Art, Snow Blast, Clay Studio, Gifts Galore, Candy Cane Lane, and Arctic Animals. Fun for all!

KidsPark

Daily | Ages 2-12

And of course, there is “camp” everyday at KidsPark! A great option for hourly care almost any day, not just during Winter Break!

My husband and I are planning a quiet lunch and a day of wrapping gifts! What will you do while your kids are at camp?

Let us know if we missed one and we will add it to the list!

 

Kathy Waller
Kathy is a Georgia girl who followed her surfer husband Chuck to the beaches of Jacksonville where she became mom to elementary-aged twins Sophie and Will, preschooler Lainey, and baby Henry! Stay at home mom and avid volunteer, Kathy truly believes in teaching her children to embrace the community, to depend on each other, and to serve one another. Kathy served for a decade in the Junior League of Jax and is in her third year serving on the executive board of the PTA where her children attend school. She is very active in her church, Neptune Baptist and has been involved in the MOMS Club of Jax Beach for over eight years. Kathy has learned so much in her career as a software consultant for Oracle, but is always amazed at the skills she has acquired as a mom and community volunteer. Kathy also enjoys running and completed her last marathon (#9) in 2011, but always wonders if she shouldn't just do another to have a good even 10 under her belt!

3 COMMENTS

  1. Glad you mentioned Kids Park. I took my girls to the Tinseltown location many times and they loved it. Very nice for drop off care. They do crafts, provide snacks and meals or you can pack. More affordable that most baby sitters and they stay on a nice schedule.

  2. Needing help. We have only be in Arlington FL for a little bit over a year. Now that we settle and looking for actives for my little guy. He really want to play soccer. He is 5 , turn 6 in April. He also is deaf/heard of hearing. Are there any clubs/ teams anyone knows of

  3. Hi Melissa! I know your comment is from several months ago, but I thought I’d reach out anyway. I have four year old twin boys who are also D/HOH. They will be starting soccer in January through the Arlington Football Club. They play at Ed Austin Park off Monument/McCormick. My older son is 8 (typically hearing) and has been playing soccer through AFC for a year. Feel free to contact me ([email protected]) if you have questions or just want to chat about our D/HOG kiddos#

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