HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. -- Although many kids are already counting down to summer break, parents may not be as ready.
- Summer camps around Bay area already filling up
- Hillsborough School District's Nature's Classroom is 1 option
- Camp teaches kids about environment, Florida's native wildlife
Some summer camps are already nearing capacity, so now is the time to register.
One possible option in Hillsborough County is Nature's Classroom.
It's operated by the Hillsborough County School District, and 17,000 students visit every school year.
But it's when school is out is when the fun begins.
"We have summer camps going on here. We have some free summer camps that are funded by SWFMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District), through a grant, and we also have some fee-based summer camps as well," said Keith Laycock, principal of Nature's Classroom.
On Saturday, Nature's Classroom held its annual open house to show families what kids do at the facility. Over the summer, kids can attend a day camp where they'll collect and test river water samples, see Florida's native wildlife and study environmental sciences.
"They both love science very much. We have a small farm of our own, so they're used to being outside, and they love nature and they love learning about it," said Ruth White, a parent.
Another parent said the educational aspect of camp is extremely important to them, too.
"Obviously he would be entertained, but also be taken care of, and the activities that he does have educational or some sort of value to them. It's not just a babysitting service," said Maria Cook, whose son is 5 years old.
Summer camps like Nature's Classroom fill up fast, though. Only 400 children are admitted to the camp, and registration for camps offered by Hillsborough County started last month. School officials say now is the time to get your kids' summer plans in place.
The summer camp at Nature's Classroom is $150 per session.