Camps for Kids

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Manatee County Blast Camps 

The Manatee County Sports & Leisure Services Department welcomes you and your children, Ages 5 to 13, to join us for fun filled Summer and Holiday Camps. We have planned many exciting arts and crafts, games, and STEM activities to have a fun and safe adventure! The Blast Camp is dedicated to keeping kids active and offers exciting opportunities to learn, experience, and create lifelong memories.  

Our goal is to offer a variety of recreational camp opportunities that meet the needs of the community in a safe and fun environment. Register only for the weeks you would like for your child to attend. This flexibility allows you to create the program that works best for you, your family, and your budget.

Note: The $30 Summer Camp Registration Fee does not guarantee your child’s space in our camp, a specific week, or trip.  Due to our camp’s popularity and to ensure your child’s enjoyment in camp, weekly limits on registration will be set for each week. Space will only be held for the weeks you pay for.

 

Spring and Winter Blast Camps (2024)

The G.T. Bray Recreation Center offers Spring Break and Winter Blast Camps during school breaks in the spring, Thanksgiving week, and throughout Christmas to New Year's. No registration fee. 

The Registration process is completed On-Line. Please Click "Register Online" Tab to proceed and secure your Child's spot in any of our activity filled camps!


Additional Information / Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I Register?

Summer Camp Registration, both campus locations, opens ONLINE April 1. Please click the "Online Registration" icon above. 

Holiday Camp Registrations are now OPEN. Please See 'Spring & Winter Blast Camps' for more details.

What are the Registration Deadlines?

Those registering for weekly Day Camps need to register by 6:00 p.m. on the prior Friday (if space is available). Camp space is limited and not guaranteed unless registered. If registering for our Specialty Camps, registration is to be submitted and paid one week prior to the first day of that camp.  Special Note: Specialty Camps are in high demand and tend to fill up each week.  Registering early is encouraged.

Are there any Limits? 

Yes, space is limited for all camps.  These limits include minimal numbers needed to host the camp.  To ensure your child’s space in any of our camp programs, please register early as we do expect to fill up. 

Can I reserve a spot in a Holiday, Specialty, or Week of Summer Camp? 

The Registration Fee does not reserve your child’s spot in any of our camps.  In order to guarantee your child’s spot, you must register and pay for that week or weeks in advance.  Please note space is limited and camp sessions will fill up.  Once each week is full, staff will not be able to approve additional campers due to programming space and camper to counselor ratios.

Can I get a Refund? 

All refund requests require a written recommendation from a doctor indicating that the participant should withdraw from an activity or program to be entitled to a full or prorated refund, no administrative fee will be assessed.  In the event that an activity or program is cancelled by the Sports & Leisure Services Department, the individual or group would be entitled to a full or prorated refund or credit.  No administrative fee will be assessed.  All refund requests must be accompanied by an original receipt or a copy of the cancelled check.  Registration fees are non-refundable.  Refund requests will not be addressed until the last week of camp in the session is complete.

Can I Transfer weeks or receive a Credit? 

Transfers or credits may be requested, however may not be guaranteed and cannot be completed during the requested week or after.  If the week your child is registered in or the week being requested is full, transfer nor credits will be approved. 

What are the Counselor to Camper Ratios? 

We are focused on maintaining ratios of 1:15, therefore affecting the number of campers permitted each week.  We understand this will limit the number of participants permitted into our program, however we believe the experience benefits greatly from quality of service being provided.

Cancellations? 

Camps may be cancelled due to lack of enrollment.  Please make every effort to register weeks in advance so a camp will not be cancelled unnecessarily.

What is your Photo Policy? 

We’ll be taking photos on many occasions during each camp session and posting on our website, social media and other camp related material.  We will always take photos in an obvious and respectful manner.  If you don’t wish to be included, please inform the photographer.

Lunch? 

During Summer Blast Camp, we are able to provide FREE lunches courtesy of the Manatee County School Boards free lunch program. For more information visit www.SummerBreakSpot.org.

For Specialty and Holiday Blast Camps, campers are required to bring lunch and snacks each day.

Camp Sites & Hours

Two Camp Locations

  • West Location:

G.T. Bray Recreation Center 
5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton

  • East Location: (Summer Camp ONLY)

Braden River Middle School
6215 River Club Blvd, Bradenton

*No registration at the School. Camp is not affiliated with the School or School Board.

FRIDAYS: Camp will be relocated to theEAST COUNTY LIBRARY on RANGELAND PKWY, Behind Premier Sports Camps off SR70 due to School Facility Closures.

Dates


Hours
  • Holiday Camps: Monday - Friday / 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Summer Camps: Monday - Friday / 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Excluding County observed holidays

Fees