Camp FAQs

REGISTRATION TERMS

Registration is on first come, first serve basis. Full payment is due at 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 parent/legal guardian to complete registration. Forms MUST be on file before the child may attend camp.

DISCOUNTS

15% EARLY BIRD ends April 30 / 10% SIBLING DISCOUNT -OR- MULTIPLE WEEK DISCOUNT begins MAY 1. Discounts cannot be combined. Early and After Care are not included in the discounts.

REFUND POLICY

Withdrawal from camp must take place by the following deadlines in regards to refunds:

  • On or before May 13: tuition refunded minus $25 withdrawal fee
  • May 14 – June 5: half tuition refund.
  • June 6 – August 5: No refunds issued.
  • No refunds, credits or make-ups for camper absences.
  • Online registration processing fees are non-refundable.

Center Cancellations: The Center reserves the right to cancel any session not meeting minimum enrollments, in such a case full refunds will be issued less any applied discounts.

COVID-19 Updates

Please refer to our General COVID-19 Updates for the Center.

What are the dates of your summer camp?

Our Summer Camp programs will run Monday thru Friday for nine weeks from Monday, June 5 through Friday, August 4. There will be a 3-day camp the week of July 5-7 due to the July 4th holiday.

Where is the camp held?

Camp programs are held in the main building of the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa Fl.  Campers ages 4-5 have their own dedicated classroom and secure outside play area designed just for them.  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 classroom in The Studio behind the main building and use the theatre space in the main building. Students ages 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 – 16. Children 4 years old must be able to use the bathroom without assistance. No exceptions. Children must be four years old by April 30, 2023.

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

  • Campers are grouped according to age.
  • 15 is the capacity for each age group. In the event an age group reaches capacity and at the discretion of the Education Director, the age group 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 15 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 15 per group, 1 lead teacher, and 1-3 camp crew assistants.
  • Age 11-13 is limited to 15 campers with 1-2 lead teachers and 1-2 assistants.
  • Age 14-16 is limited to 15 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 art 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.

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.

Age 11-13 will use each 3-week session theme to inspire an original performance. The performance may involve original script creation, music, dance, tech, and more. Taught by professional artists, students will learn various 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 an original show from the ground up and earn skills to work in the world of theatre.

What other activities do you have planned for each week?

Kona Ice Thursday: KONA ICE of Tampa Bay will visit the Center after lunch on Thursdays

Dress-Up Friday: Campers can dress as their favorite princess, knight, superhero, alien, etc…to go along with the week’s theme.

Show & Share: Each week, campers will show off their new skills and perform skits, music, songs and dances for each other, friends and family.  Show & Share for ages 4-10 is every Friday afternoon, beginning at 4 pm. Ages 11-13 will perform every three weeks. Ages 14-16 will perform every fourth week (twice during the summer).

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.

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 lunch, campers have outside recess (weather permitting) for 30-minutes each day.

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

  • Camper check-in is done by car line. 4 – 10 ages are dropped off in front of the main building, 11-13 and 14-16 ages are dropped off at the studio building off Casey Road.
  • A parent or other authorized adult must come in the building outside of car line hours, to sign-in or out the camper(s) Proper ID is required before a camper is released at the end of the day.
  • Anyone allowed to pick up camper must be listed on the pick-up list. In 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 to 5; 4–4:20 pm for ages 6 to 10; and 4-4:20 pm at The Studio for ages 11 to 16.
    • After Care is from 4:20–5:30 pm
  • Camper car line 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 provided the first day of camp.
    • Car Line Dismissal for 4-5 begins at 3:30 pm
    • Car Line Dismissal for 6-13 begins at 4 pm and goes until 4:20 pm
    • Campers in the 11-13 group are dropped off and picked up at The Studio with a teacher present
    • After 4:20 pm please come in to sign out your camper (all ages)
  • 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 come inside to sign-out the camper and be listed on the approved pick-up list.
  • 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.

Do you have Early Care or After Care? 

Yes, we offer Early Care and After Care. Early Care is $5 a day, and After Care is $5 a day ($10 per day for both, $50 per week for both). Prior early and after-care reservations must be made to ensure proper staffing.

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EARLY CARE AND AFTER CARE PRIOR TO THE WEEK OF CAMP YOUR CHILD(REN) ARE REGISTERED. Doors open for Early Care at 8 am. After Care campers must be signed out no later than 5:30 pm. After 5:30 pm pick-ups will $2 per minute late fee.

How should my child dress for camp?

Dress comfortably and dress for mess – jeans, shorts, t-shirts are perfect!

Closed toe shoes are required. No flip flops, crocs, roller shoes or high heel shoes allowed.

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

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.

What should my child bring?

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

What should my child NOT bring to camp?

Campers should not bring valuables, electronics, sharp objects, Pokemon Cards or other items that are not needed for camp activities.  If you want your child to bring a cell phone, please notify a Center staff member. Cell phones 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 4-5-year-olds is enclosed and gated for security. We reserve the right to dismiss any camper whose behavior may be harmful to another camper.  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 Education Director and/or Community Engagement Director. The Center’s Education Director and/or Community Engagement Director train and supervise Camp Crew to prepare them to assist all camp activities, sign-in and sign-out.

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

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 other authorized adult to sign the camper out. We do not provide child care for campers that 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 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 camper 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 the best to notify all camp families. Acts beyond our control are not eligible for refunds, credits or make-ups.

Tom Jones Tuition Assistance

Financial assistance is available for summer camp tuition. Need-based tuition assistance is awarded for up to 2 weeks per child per family, or one 3-week session of the Summer Youth Intensive.  Click here for guidelines and deadline information.