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 the parent/legal guardian to complete registration. Forms MUST be on file before the child may attend camp.

DISCOUNTS

15% EARLY BIRD ends April 10 / 10% SIBLING DISCOUNT or MULTIPLE WEEK DISCOUNT begins April 11. Discounts cannot be combined.

Early and Aftercare are not included in discounts.

REFUND POLICY

Withdrawal from camp must take place by the following deadlines regarding refunds:

  • On or before May 11: Tuition refunded minus $25 withdrawal fee
  • May 12 – May 31: Half tuition refund
  • June 1 – July 30: No refunds issued
  • No refunds, credits, or make-ups for camper absences or for 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 cases, full refunds will be issued, less any applied discounts.

What are the dates of your summer camp?

Our Summer Youth Arts Camp programs will run for 9 weeks, from Monday, June 1, to Friday, July 31. There will be a 3-day camp the week of June 29-July 1 due to the July 4th holiday.

Where is the camp held?

Camp programs are held at the Carrollwood Cultural Center’s main building (4537 Lowell Road) and The Studio at Carrollwood Cultural Center (13345 Casey Road), which is located directly behind the main building.

  • 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 around building in the art room, dance studio, music and theatre room, and the outdoor, shaded yard adjacent to the center.
  • Campers ages 11-13 will have a dedicated space in The Studio behind the main building, use the theatre space in the main building, and the Carrollwood Village Room.
  • Students ages 14-17 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 4-17.  Children 4 years old must be able to use the bathroom without assistance. No exceptions. Children must be 4 years old by April 30, 2026.

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

  • Campers are grouped according to age.
  • 20 is the capacity for each age group under 10. 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 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 25 campers with 1-2 lead teachers. 5 dedicated tech positions with a dedicated teacher
  • Age 14-17 is limited to 25 students with 1-2 lead teachers. 5 dedicated tech positions with a dedicated teacher

What will my child do during summer camp?

Ages 4-5 will experience age-appropriate arts activities that stimulate their creativity, including drawing, painting, arts and crafts, music, dramatic play, song, 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 among 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 first 3-week session is a one-act play, the second 3-week session involves filmmaking, and the last will be a Jr. Musical. Taught by professional artists, students will learn a variety of skills needed to build an original show from the ground up. This year, we are introducing a tech-specific part of the program for students specifically interested in backstage and building a show

Age 14-17 will learn auditioning, acting, directing, tech, and design to showcase a play or musical over the course of 4 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. This year, we are introducing a tech-specific part of the program for students specifically interested in backstage and building a show.

Show & Share

Show & Share Performances for ages 4-10 are each Friday afternoon beginning at 4 pm.

Ages 11-13 will perform on the third Thursday of each 3-week session.

Ages 14-17 will perform on the fourth Thursday of each 4-week session.

Special Days

  • Kona Ice Thursday: KONA ICE of Tampa Bay will visit the Center every Thursday during camp. (They will visit the Center on Wednesday during the week of July 4th.)
  • Dress Up Days
    • Every Tuesday is Spirit Day! Wear your favorite jersey or team colors
    • Every Friday is Theme Dress Day! Dress in costume for the theme of the week. Teens are encouraged to participate.
  • Show & Share Performance Day: Every Friday, starting at 4 pm, campers ages 4-10 will show off their new skills and perform skits, music, songs, and dances for each other, friends, and family.
  • Intensive Performance Dates: 
    • Age 11-13: The Love of Three Oranges – Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5:30 pm
    • Age 14-17: The Lightning Thief – Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 5:30 pm
    • Age 11-13: Adventures in Film Making Premiere – Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 5:30 pm
    • Age 11-13: Peter Pan Jr. – July 30, 2026, at 5:30 pm
    • Age 14-17: Peter and the Starcatcher – July 30, 2026, 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 the 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 (4537 Lowell Road)
  • Ages 11-13 and 14-17 are dropped off at The Studio (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 the 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. In the car line, they must have a name-and-age placard from the Carrollwood Cultural Center.
    • Early Care is 8–9 am
    • Morning sign-in is 8:50–9:15 am
    • Afternoon sign-out/Car Line is
      • 3:30 pm – 4 pm for 4-5’s,
      • 4 pm – 4:30 pm for 6 – 10’s,
      • 4 pm – 4:30 pm 11-13’s and 14-17’s at The Studio
    • After Care is from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm (4 to 5 campers with older siblings may get picked up at 4 pm without incurring an After Care charge)
  • Camper car line will be used for drop off and pick up.
  • A map of the parking lot and carline procedure is printed on the back of the Camper name placard provided on the first day of camp.
    • Car Line Dismissal for 4-5 begins at 3:30 pm
    • Car Line Dismissal for 6-17 begins at 4 pm and goes until 4:30 pm.
    • 11-13 year olds and 14 – 17 year olds are dropped off and picked up at The Studio with teacher/staff present. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED IF STAFF IS NOT PRESENT.
    • After 4:30 pm, please come to the main building to sign out your camper. This includes 11-13 and 14-17 year olds. They come to the main building after 4:20 pm.
  • Do not forget to display your child’s name placard on the driver’s side dashboard 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 to 10.

The show will always begin at 4 pm with the 4 to 5-year-olds

The 6 to 8s will not start until 4:30 pm (on single and double weeks)

The 9 to 10s will not start until 5 pm (sometimes just after on double weeks)

Performance Days for 11-13 and 14-17: Teen students will not be picked up from camp on their performance day. They must come to camp with everything they need for the day: extra snacks or 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 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 no later than 5:30 pm.

After 5:30 pm, pick-ups will incur a $2-per-minute late fee.

How should my child (teen) dress for camp?

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

Closed-toe shoes are required. No flip flops, Crocs, wheelies, or high-heeled shoes allowed.

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

No revealing or inappropriate clothing

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

Certainly, let us know at the 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 if the older child joins the younger group and pending space.

What should my child bring?

  • Please pack belongings in the mesh camp bag given to each camper prior to, or on the first day.
  • Campers need to bring a lunch (with utensils if needed) and 2 snacks each day; we suggest an extra snack if the child is staying for aftercare.
  • We suggest that campers ages 4-5 bring a change of clothes in their backpack and a comfort object for quiet time (e.g., a blanket or stuffed animal).
  • 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 camper name, dosage info, and doctor info – 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 smart watches, sharp objects, Pokémon Cards, or other items not needed for camp activities.
  • NO CELL PHONES. NO EXCEPTIONS. Must be arranged with the Education Director.
  • If you want your child to bring a cell phone, please discuss 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 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 CCC Education Director and Volunteer Coordinator 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?

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 in with the Education Director. It should be in a clear plastic bag with the 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 camper home or sign them out early. If a power outage occurs during the camp day, adequate time will be given to restore power 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.

(FAQs as of January 20, 2026)