2024 Complete Guide to Unique, Creative, Awesome Summer Camps on the Space Coast
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2024 Complete Guide to Unique, Creative, Awesome Summer Camps on the Space Coast

May 1, 2024 | By Lee Nessel, EverythingBrevard Managing Editor
Complete Guide to Unique, Creative, Awesome Summer Camps on the Space Coast

Summer camp is where kids go to be kids and get through the hottest time of the year with some cool experiences. Some of the most sought-after camps, like Brevard Zoo and Space Camp at Kennedy Space Center (which is sold out), fill up quickly. But there’s something for every creative mind on the Space Coast, including unique and lesser-known options — all with the common goal of sparking imagination and creativity.

Here’s a look at some camps you may not have heard of, and some maybe you have. Get ready to unleash your budding chef, fisherman, artist, sailor, rock star, fashionista, athlete, thespian, scientist, potter and equestrian. Kids will emerge with not only enriching experiences but also education about our environment, sustainability, animals, and life skills.

Below, we highlight several camps, each with additional links to more camps in the same categories. Plus, you’ll find a comprehensive list of links at the end, with a designation of where each camp is located. Click the links to learn age range, hours, fees and more details.

If you don’t see your Brevard County summer camp listed, feel free to email Lee@everythingbrevard.com with information and it can be added to this online resource.

VISUAL ARTS

It’s a treat for budding artists to have their imaginations nudged by amazing Space Coast professional creatives, including world-renowned collage artist Derek Gores, who continues to produce the Create Your World Summer Art Camp in the Eau Gallie Arts District. 

Each of the camp’s seven weeks has an uber creative theme and is offered Tuesday through Friday in three time options: all day, half-day morning or half-day afternoon.

“At Create Your World Summer Art Camp, we carry on the tradition done so well for years at the former Foosaner Art Museum. I actually attended an earlier version when I moved to Florida at age 10,” Gores said of his fourth year leading the camp. “We emphasize a broad array of art materials and projects, some directed skill-building, and lots of room for individual personality and imagination. We are not a cookie-cutter art class.” 

Camp is at the Highland Avenue Fellowship, with space for four age groups to have their own dedicated classrooms. Campers get lots of outdoor creative time, too, including a build-it-yourself mini-golf hole. 

Weekly themes spark the projects, with some new ones this year including Art Safari, Art Around the World, Art at the Movies, and the grand finale, Art Theme Park. 

“Art is the spark of innovation and outside-the-box thinking that is useful to every child, no matter their future path,” Gores said. “When a child is able to create their world on a piece of paper or canvas, they can take the leap to creating their own future out in the real world.”

The camp welcomes sponsors, which allows for continued scholarships. Last year, Create Your World granted more than 60. 

Learn more about the seven weeks of creative themes at 

Create Your World Summer Art Camp
591 Highland Ave., Melbourne, FL  32935
321-468-3251
info@derekgores.com
Instagram: @create_your_world_art_camp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083210438329

More art, crafts camps:

Sewing & Art

MyMakerscape is back for its eighth year of sewing camps and fourth year of art camps in its Indialantic studio. All supplies are provided, and kids can make matching outfits for themselves and their doll, or even design and make their own outfit in Camp Fashionista. Art camps include painting and wood crafts, which are cut in studio.

“Exploring creative outlets like sewing and art not only offers a therapeutic escape but also fosters personal growth and self-expression for both young and adults,” said MyMakerscape owner Flo Mandus. 

Mandus said she’s seen some former students continue to sew and even embark on their own entrepreneurial ventures. She said she’s witnessed countless benefits, including increased confidence, stress relief, and a sense of accomplishment. 

“It's incredible to see how these activities can positively impact mental well-being and overall happiness,” she said. “Sewing teaches patience, which is important in life. I also love to start every kid telling them that with sewing and even art, we go through different emotions. We experience happiness when we accomplish something, frustration when things don't turn out as expected, but then we learn to adapt, improvise, and work through it.”

Check out MyMakerscape’s 16 weeks of sewing and art camps running from early June through August.

MyMakerscape camps
344 Fifth Ave., Suite 1, Indialantic, FL 32903
Call or text: 321-693-2637 
flo@mymakerscape.com
Instagram: @mymakerscape
Facebook: /mymakerscape

SAILING

With over 70 miles of coastline and so much river access, water activities are natural on the Space Coast. Melbourne Yacht Club hosts summer camps for kids age 6-17 that include a variety of activities. They also have a homeschool program during spring and fall. 

“Sailing is a lifelong sport that allows kids to enjoy being on the water, while developing their skills, encouraging independence, and building their self-confidence,” said MYC Sailing Education Director Nicole Dooley.

Summer Camps - Melbourne Yacht Club
Melbourne Yacht Club
1202 E River Drive, Melbourne, FL 32901
mycflsailinged@gmail.com 

Eau Gallie Yacht Club in Melbourne also lists a youth summer sailing program. Visit their website or call 787-601-8570.

SCUBA DIVING

Hatts Diving’s scuba camp for ages 10-16 focuses on fundamentals of the traditional scuba course in a fun atmosphere. Campers earn their PADI Open Water Diver certification and study PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation lessons. 

Campers learn what they can do in their daily lives to help protect coral reefs for generations to come. The camp is taught on-site in Hatts’ classroom and training pool in Melbourne.

The camp includes five full days at the dive shop, a pizza/ice cream party, and two days of open water diving. Three different camp sessions are offered, beginning May 28, followed by a kids advanced open water/nitrox camp in July. 

“Our kids scuba camp focuses on introducing kids to the underwater world through scuba certification and ocean conservation,” said Director of Training Kendra Makowsky. “Throughout the course of two weeks, students get to study ocean conservation while learning to dive and get the opportunity to dive on the reefs of South Florida.”

2006 Front Street, Melbourne, FL 32901
321-723-5932
hattsdiving@gmail.com

FISHING, SURFING

Space Coast Fishing Academy’s Capt. Gio, a.k.a. retired firefighter and paramedic David Giovannini, welcomes anglers age 10-17. Space is limited to three anglers per week with the goal of having fun, fishing and incorporating knowledge of the local river systems and the effects we have on them. 

Select weeks, campers will get hands-on experience with local groups doing clam restoration and mangrove replenishment, but most days will be spent on the river. Depending on what’s biting, campers may be surf fishing for snook and tarpon or be within a mile of the coast trying to catch the elusive tarpon.

Budding anglers will learn additional skills like knot tying, fish identification and rigging different bait types.

Camp runs 7 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday with the meeting location to be determined on fishing reports and how the fish are biting.

“I look forward to getting these young anglers on the water while instilling in them a passion for conservation and environmental stewardship,” Capt. Gio said.

spacecoastfishingacademy.com 
givemeavent@gmail.com

Cocoa Beach is the hub of all things surfing on the Space Coast, including at least 10 surfing camps. Check out these links to find a good fit. Several mix in art and other activities.

More fishing and surfing camps:

FILMMAKING

Returning for its third year is Filmmaker Workshop, a one-week intensive July 8-12 for youth to learn how to make their own short film. Campers can work solo on a project or team with others. It’s led by filmmaker/producer Jennifer Jacono of Jacono Studios, who also brings in other industry professionals to help educate and guide the budding Scorsezes. 

Campers start with writing a script, do some storyboarding, make a shot list, scout locations, work with Turner Talent for casting their actors and go make a movie!

The most rewarding part is getting to see their film on the truly big screen, as part of the youth program at the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival, held each fall at Premiere Oaks 10 Theater in Melbourne. Kids can invite friends and family to view their film in a real theater.

“Filmmaker Workshop inspires kids to have fun making personalized short films,” Jacono said. “Everyone can choose how and what to shoot. Learning the entire process allows kids to improve their media skills with each new project and helps to explore solutions to technical challenges that come up along the way. It is always an adventure.”

Filmmakers Workshop

Jaconostudios.com (click on MORE and FILMMAKER WORKSHOP) or register at this Eventbrite link.

New in Brevard this summer is Movie Kamp, where kids age 13-18 will learn the skills necessary to create their own films — screenplay writing and story development, camera operation, lighting, and audio.

Led by filmmaker Marcos Noriega, with his industry standard equipment, campers will film on location in the Eau Gallie Arts District and at the historic William H. Gleason House (Gleason gave Eau Gallie its name.) Campers will explore roles in acting, directing, make-up, wardrobe, and more. A screenplay will be voted on, with everyone working on one project during the week and then screened on Sunday at Pineapples.

“We want to let kids know that there is a whole other art form available to them. This is something that is fun and exciting and it could be a career choice for them. Movie Kamp is the introduction,” Noriega said.

Movie Kamp
action@moviekamp.com
214-532-0817
Facebook: /moviekamp

BALLROOM DANCE

Brevard County is rich with dancing opportunities, but one of the more rare forms of dance for youth is ballroom. Infinity Ballroom owner and head teacher Nadezhda Rudovich brings world-class training and experience to three Ballroom Champion Camps divided by age, for dancers as young as 5.

Activities include learning dance techniques, choreography, teamwork exercises, and fun dance-related games.

“We understand that each child has unique strengths and areas for improvement, therefore, our instructors will provide personalized attention to help your child progress at their own pace,” Rudovich said.

Spots are limited to no more than 10 people per group. Learn more about the three camps, which each run Monday-Thursday during June:

Summer Ballroom Champion Camp
Infinityballroomdance.com  
1270 Lake Washington Road, Melbourne, FL 32935

More dance camps:

PERFORMING ARTS

Beachside Performing Arts has a new studio in Satellite Beach and is offering summer camps for various ages, including aspiring thespians as young as kindergarten age.

“Performing arts are so valuable for life skills like confidence and assertiveness,” said owner Katie Parsons. “I always say that if a student can get up in front of a group and sing a song or act out a scene, they can feel confident in any room.”

Younger campers will mix in art projects with musical activities and dancing while teens will perform or create complete plays. Aside from the one-week camps, teens age 14-18 also can do the summer intensive.

Beachside Performing Arts
765-730-0929
Katie@beachsideperformingarts.com
Instagram: @beachsideperformingartsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556743708886

More drama camps:

CULINARY ARTS

The Gathering Table is fighting the summertime slide by building math, science and literacy skills in the kitchen. Choose from eight weeks of camps that each run Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Kids work together in small groups to prepare recipes from scratch, while they learn kitchen safety, basic etiquette and nutritional information. Meals are eaten together once cooking has finished for the day. 

“Cooking not only teaches an important life skill for when they are older but establishes creativity and healthy eating habits,” said owner Carrie Sullivan.

The Gathering Table
318 E New Haven Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901
Call or text: 321-345-1965
thegatheringtableinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @thegatheringtablefl
Facebook: /thegatheringtablefl 

Florida Academy of Baking has five full-week summer camp options and some single-day sessions, which are listed as suitable for “dynamic duos.” Kids will be immersed in the academy’s professional-grade commercial kitchen with stocked work stations while learning to make recipes, and will come away with life skills including food preparation, food hygiene and kitchen safety. 

Florida Academy of Baking camps
1370 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, FL, 32937
321-622-6185
info@fabbaker.com

More culinary camps:

Florida Design

Design of the Times Florida in Palm Bay hosts one-day summer workshops for ages 5-13 that focus on easy to complete designs using creative plants and fresh flowers, plus how to care and handle them. Fun games reinforce the importance of sustainability.

The Saturday morning sessions have themes like Ghoulish Succulent Garden. There’s no class in May, but look for one-day options each in June, July and August.

Design of the Times Florida camps
2394 Minton Road, Melbourne, FL 3290
321-676-2452

THERE'S MORE!

We have SO much summer camp information, it didn't all fit in on one page!

CLICK HERE to view a comprehensive list of summer camps in Brevard County.

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