Camp FAQs

REGISTRATION TERMS

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Full payment is due at the time of registration. You will receive a confirmation email from OVATION TICKETING with LINKS to CAMP GUIDELINES and REQUIRED PERMISSION FORMS, which must all be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian to complete registration. The forms MUST be on file before the child may attend camp.

DISCOUNTS

  • The 15% EARLY BIRD ends April 30
  • The 10% SIBLING DISCOUNT or MULTIPLE WEEK DISCOUNT begins MAY 1
  • Discounts cannot be combined
  • Early and Aftercare are not included in the discounts

REFUND POLICY

Withdrawal from camp must take place by the following deadlines:

  • On or before May 12: Tuition refunded minus a $25 withdrawal fee
  • May 13 – June 1: Half tuition refund
  • June 2 – August 1: No refunds issued
  • No refunds, credits, or make-ups for camper absences or force majeure
  • Online registration processing fees are non-refundable

Center Cancellations: The Center reserves the right to cancel any session that does not meet the minimum enrollment. In such a case, full refunds will be issued, less any applied discounts.

What are the dates of your summer camp?

Our Summer Camp programs will be held nine weeks from Monday, June 2 to Friday, August 1. There will be a 3-day camp the week of June 30-July 2 due to July 4.

Where is the camp held?

Camp programs are held in the main building (4537 Lowell Road) and behind the main building at The Studio at Carrollwood Cultural Center (13345 Casey Road).

  • Campers ages 4-5 have their own dedicated classroom and outside play area. They also have recess under the shaded trees.
  • Campers ages 6-10 rotate activities throughout the building in the art room, dance studio, music and theatre room, as well as in the outdoor, shaded yard adjacent to the Center.
  • Campers ages 11-13 will have a dedicated space in The Studio behind the main building and the theatre and the Carrollwood Village Room in the main building.
  • Students 14-16 will utilize the main theatre, shop, tech booth, Carrollwood Village room, and The Studio.

What ages can participate in summer camp?

We offer camp programs for ages 4 to 16. Children must be able to use the bathroom without assistance—no exceptions. They must also be 4 years old by April 30, 2025.

How are groups divided and how many will be in each group? 

  • Campers are grouped according to age.
  • The capacity for each age group is 20. If an age group reaches capacity, at the discretion of the Education Director, it will be split evenly, with no more than 15 campers per group (example: 6-8 Team Blue and 6-8 Team Red)
  • Age 4-5 is limited to 20 campers with 1-2 lead teachers and 2-3 camp crew assistants.
  • Age 6-10 is divided into 2 appropriate age groups (6-8 and 9-10) with 20 per group, 1 lead teacher and 1-3 camp crew assistants.
  • Age 11-13 is limited to 20 campers with 1-2 lead teachers and 1-2 assistants.
  • Age 14-16 is limited to 20 students with 1-2 lead teachers and 1-2 assistants.

What will my child do during summer camp?

Ages 4-5 will experience age-appropriate arts-based activities that stimulate their creativity, including drawing, painting, arts and crafts, music, dramatic play, song and dance, and other activities related to our fun weekly camp themes. With each individual week’s theme, campers may also learn about history, pop culture, geography, and more!

Ages 6-8/9-10 will rotate between art activities, including music, theatre, visual art, and dance/movement that tie into our fun weekly themes.

Ages 11-13 will use each three-week session theme to inspire an original performance. The first three weeks are a well-known musical, the second three-week session involves filmmaking, and the last will be devised or a prewritten script. The performance may culminate from an original script, music, dance, tech, and more. Taught by professional artists, students will learn a variety of skills needed to build an original show from the ground up.

Ages 14-16 will learn auditioning, acting, directing, tech, and design to showcase a play over the course of four weeks. Taught by professional artists, students will learn a variety of skills needed to build a show from the ground up and learn skills to work in the world of theatre.

  • Ages 4-10 will perform every Friday beginning at 4 pm.
  • Ages 11-13 will perform every 3 weeks on Thursday.
  • Ages 14-16 will perform twice during the summer on the 4th Thursday of their session.

Special Days

  • Kona Ice Thursdays: Includes a visit from KONA ICE of Tampa Bay (KONA ICE will visit on Wednesday the week of July 4th)
  • Dress-up Days:
    • Every Tuesday is Spirit Day! We will spin the wheel the day before and see what it lands on! With a chance to wear wacky socks, pajamas, favorite team jerseys, and more, the possibilities are endless, and so is the fun!
    • Every Friday is Theme Dress Day, so dress in costume to represent the week’s theme.
  • Show & Share Fridays: Every Friday starting at 4 pm campers will show off their new skills and perform skits, music, songs, dances, etc. for each other, friends, and family.
  • Youth Intensive Performance Dates:
    • Ages 11-13: Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition Performance –Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 5:30 pm
    • Ages 14-16: War of the Worlds Performance – Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 5:30 pm
    • Ages 11-13: Adventures in Film Making Premiere – Thursday, July 9, 2025 at 5:30 pm
    • Ages 11-13: In Between the Lines Performance – July 31, 2025 at 5:30 pm
    • Ages 14-16: Return to the Forbidden Planet Intensive Performance – July 31, 2025 at 6:30 pm

Why do you have weekly themes?

Themes provide a jumping-off point for our faculty as they plan the summer activities and provide an overall focus to the week’s experience. The campers enjoy the different themes and fun activities while learning specific skills and theme-based knowledge. Plus, it makes the summer more fun!

Are there breaks during the day?

Yes, there is a 15-minute break between activities each morning and afternoon for a quick snack, water, and bathroom break.  After outside lunch, campers have outside recess (weather permitting) for 30 minutes each day. We have contingency plans in place for weather. Of course, any time a child needs to use the bathroom they are encouraged to tell a teacher or counselor.

When and where do we drop off/pick up our child each day?

  • Camper check-in is done by car line.
  • Ages 4–10 are dropped off and picked up in front of the main building.
  • Ages 11-13 and 14-16 are dropped off at The Studio, which is behind the main building at 13345 Casey Road. Most days, they are picked up there as well.
  • A parent or other authorized adult must come into the building outside of car line hours to sign in or out a camper(s). Proper ID is required before a camper is released at the end of the day.
  • Campers who are 16 may sign themselves out if the Education Director has received written consent.
  • Anyone allowed to pick up a camper must be listed on the pick-up list. If in the car line, they must have a name and age placard from the Carrollwood Cultural Center.

    • Early Care is from 8-9 am
    • Morning sign-in is between 8:50-9:15 am
    • Afternoon sign-out/Car Line is
      • 3:30-4 pm for ages 4-5
      • 4-4:30 pm for ages 6–10
      • 4-4:30 pm for ages 11-13 and 14-16 (at The Studio)
    • After Care is from 4:30-5:30 pm (Campers aged 4 to 5  with older siblings may stay and get picked up at the same time as their older sibling without incurring an After Care charge.)
  • Camper carline will be used for drop off and pick up.
  • A map of the parking lot and car line procedure is printed on the back of the camper name placard and provided the first day of camp.
    • Car Line Dismissal for ages 4-5 begins at 3:30 pm
    • Car Line Dismissal for ages 6-16 begins at 4 pm and goes until 4:30 pm.
    • Ages 11-13 and 14–16 are dropped off and picked up at The Studio with a teacher or staff member present. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED IF STAFF IS NOT PRESENT.
    • After 4:30 pm, please come into the main building to sign out your camper. This includes 11-13 and 14-16-year-olds, who come to the main building after 4:20 pm.
  • Do not forget to display your child’s name placard on the driver’s side dash of your car for pick-up.
  • If the designated person picking up does not have the placard, they must park and come inside to sign out the camper and be listed on the approved pick-up.
  • Anyone allowed to pick up your camper must be listed on the pick-up list and must show proper ID. Proper ID is required at in-person pick-up.
  • Please arrange in advance (call ahead) if a child is going home with a camp friend.
  • Unless previous arrangements have been made for Early Care/After Care, we request that parents follow the daily schedule to allow students full participation in creative times.
  • We ask that you inform us if your child needs After Care.

What does a Show & Share schedule look like?

  • Show & Shares are always on Friday for ages 4-10
  • The show will always begin at 4 pm with the 4 to 5-year-olds
  • Ages 6-8 will not start until 4:30 pm (on single and double weeks)
  • Ages 9-10s will not start until 5 pm

Show & Share Days for 11-13 and 14-16

On the day of the performance, teen students will not be picked up from camp. They must come to camp with everything they need for the day: food, costume, hair, make-up, etc. They will have time to eat and get ready for the show.

Do you have Early Care or After Care? 

Yes, we offer Early Care for $5 a day per child and After Care for $5 a day per child. Prior reservations for Early and After Care must be made in order to ensure proper staffing.

YOU MUST REGISTER THEM PRIOR TO THE WEEK THEY ARE REGISTERED.

Doors open for Early Care at 8 am. No earlier.

After Care campers must be signed out by 5:30 p.m. Pick-ups after 5:30 p.m. will incur a $2 per minute late fee.

How should my child (teen) dress for camp?

Dress comfortably and dress for a mess – jeans, shorts, and a T-shirt are perfect!

Closed-toe shoes are required.

  • No flip-flops, crocs, roller shoes, or high-heel shoes allowed.

Leggings or bike shorts must be worn under dresses for activities.

No revealing or inappropriate clothing

Can I request my child be put in the same group as a friend?

Certainly, let us know at time of registration and we will do our best to accommodate your request.  Note: Requests for an older child to be with a younger child will be honored only with the older child in with the younger group and pending space.

What should my child bring?

  • Campers will receive a mesh bag prior to or on the first day of camp. Please pack your belongings in the mesh bag.
  • Campers need to bring a lunch (with utensils if needed) and two snacks each day; we suggest an extra snack if the child is staying for After Care.
  • We suggest campers ages 4-5 bring a change of clothes in their backpack and a comfort object (blanket, stuffed animal, for example) for quiet time.
  • Please label all backpacks and lunch bags with the child’s name.
  • We are unable to microwave, refrigerate, or heat food for campers.
  • Sunscreen for outdoor play times; we will only apply with parent permission.
  • Necessary medications labeled with the camper’s name, dosage info, doctor – a medical waiver /information form must be on file with permission to administer and handed directly to the Camp Director.

What should my child NOT bring to camp?

  • Campers should not bring valuables, electronics such as tablets or smartwatches, sharp objects, Pokémon Cards, or other valuables that are not needed for camp activities.
  • NO CELL PHONES.
  • If you want your child to bring a cell phone, please discuss it with the Education Director.
  • Electronics are not to be used during camp activities. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

What about child safety?

Campers are supervised at all times throughout the building and outside. The play area for the 4-5-year-olds is a small alcove directly attached to their classroom. They also get supervised time and activities in the main shaded area each day.

We reserve the right to dismiss any camper whose behavior may be harmful to another camper(s).  Faculty and staff have undergone background checks prior to hiring. Camp crew volunteers have been interviewed and approved by their school guidance counselors and the Center’s Volunteer Coordinator. The Education Director and Volunteer Coordinator train and supervise the Camp Crew to prepare them to assist with all camp activities, sign-in, and sign-out.

What if my child is ill or becomes sick at camp?

Please keep your child home if a fever is present OR illness prevents your child from participating.

If your child becomes ill at camp, we will contact you or another authorized adult to sign the camper out.  We do not provide child care for campers who are unable to participate in camp activities.

What if my child needs to take medication during camp?

When registering your camper, you will complete a medical questionnaire informing us of any allergies, conditions or medications. If your child needs to bring medication to camp it MUST be checked into Education Director. It should be in a clear plastic baggy with child’s name clearly marked and with complete dosage instructions. Camp staff will not administer any medication without a pre-signed authorization from the parent/guardian on file.

Inclement Weather / Power Outage

Camp is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, parents may elect to keep their campers home or sign them out early. If a power outage occurs during the camp day, adequate time will be given for power to be restored before contacting parents for sign-outs. If there is no power before the day begins, we will do our best to notify all camp families. Acts beyond our control are not eligible for refunds, credits, or make-ups.

Tom Jones Tuition Assistance Fund

Financial assistance is available for summer camp tuition. Need-based scholarships are awarded for up to 2 weeks per child / family, one 3 week session for the Summer Youth Intensive, or one 4 week Teen Summer Theatre session.  The 2025 Scholarship Application, guidelines and deadline information is available on our website by clicking the summer camp tab and scrolling to the Tuition Assistance Tab.