Summer camps can be expensive, but it is important to many parents that their children have fun and educational activities during the summer months. There are few camps that are free for children to attend; however, many programs offer scholarships that will cover the tuition for the child to attend.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten is a free program that is available during the summer for children who have not previously attended VPK. The child must be four years old and entering kindergarten in the fall. The program is between five and seven hours per day, and is offered by public school providers and private child care facilities. Contact the Early Learning division of your local Florida school system for more information.
The Easter Seals provides assistance to people and families dealing with disability or special needs. They offer a summer camp for children with special needs, Camp Challenge. This camp is not free, but scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis.
Community Connections in Jacksonville, Fla., offers a summer camp program for children from low income families. Eligible children are between kindergarten and 15 years of age. This is a day program and includes two snacks and a full lunch.
The Salvation Army also offers summer camps for children of low income families. It has a camp in Starke, Fla. called Camp Keystone. The camp includes activities such as swimming, horseback riding, music and crafts.
