Half-Day Camps Combine for Full-Day Fun

Your kids want summer camps where they can battle robots, decorate cupcakes, design video games and play with American Girl dolls and Legos. Your goals for them are academic practice, exercise, time away from screens and maybe an opportunity to try a new activity.

Can one summer camp accomplish all that before school is back in session?

A program that offers half-day camps could be the solution.

Families can mix and match different morning and afternoon camps to design a full day that fits their needs. Parents have the convenience of one drop-off and pickup at the same camp, while kids enjoy two distinct programs in one day. A child who wants to play basketball can do that in the morning at the same time as a sibling who hopes to learn hip hop, for example, and their parents can schedule both of them for art in the afternoon.

Each weekly session at Corbett Prep’s CAMP IDS features dozens of arts, STEM, sports and recreational camps for elementary and middle school students. Full-day camps are also available for field trips or programs that require more time, but the majority of the camps are half days to allow for the greatest flexibility.

If you’re ready to make summer camp selections, here are some combinations to consider as you mix and match.

New/Old

Some kids are hesitant to try new activities. Summer camp is a perfect time to branch out. Maybe your child has undiscovered talents at archery, chess or robotics. Or maybe they would like to learn an instrument or take dance, but you’re reluctant to commit to a semester of lessons without knowing how they’ll like it. A weeklong half-day camp gives kids just the right amount of time to test the waters. Pairing a new venture with a favorite camp tradition—such as CAMP IDS’ popular Jr. Scientists, Mystical Muggles, Young Artists or Cooking—ensures their day balances comfort and challenge.

Inside/Outside

It’s Florida. It’s summer. It’s hot. But fresh air and physical activity is still important. CAMP IDS has partnerships with local coaches and sports organizations to offer performance enhancement training, soccer, lacrosse, tennis and baseball hitting and fielding. Take half a day to practice skills outdoors and then head into the air conditioning for the second camp. Kids can switch gears and try something different such as baking, drama, songwriting or sculpture. Or for kids who need to stay on the move, active indoor camps such as martial arts, matball, cheerleading, basketball, volleyball or physical education games may provide the perfect outlet.

Your pick/Their pick

Reaching a compromise on camp selections is a lot easier when you have half-day options. You can ensure your gamer gets a break from computer screens when you merge Minecraft, App Design or VR with camps featuring outdoor games, hands-on crafts or yoga. And while academic camps on phonics, writing, reading and math do include fun, engaging activities, your camper might appreciate pairing one of those camps with something less structured such as fishing, board games, slip-and-slide kickball and gaga ball.

When it comes to choosing summer camp sessions for your kids, more options make the process easier. Summer camp is about making memories and friends as students recharge from a busy school year, and half-day camps double the amount of fun in store for them.

*Presented by Corbett Prep | Originally published in the March 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.