[newkid]

Can anyone share their experience with the Camp Villages summer camp for grandkids? We're interested in the activities available for young children.
Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks
N.K.

[redwitch]

How young? From what I've seen, there's not a lot for younger than four, but it really isn't needed for them -- golf cart rides and the pool thrill them to no end. For older kids, there is a tremendous amount to do from archery and athletics to crafting and chocolate. It can, however, get very pricey, so it is best to pick a couple of the summer camp activities that you know your grandkids will really like and then planning other things to do at home and the local rec areas (swimming, bowling, bocce, shuffleboard are all fun for the under-10 crowd).

[Jim 9922]

Last year we found the program to be wonderful for our 5 year old granddaughter. The "sporting" events did a good job of blending in the younger and older (usually under 11yrs) kids and were conducted by an excellent and watchful staff. We thought the staff did an especially watchful job in the water sports. While there were teams, none really seemed to care who won or lost. The arts and crafts can get expensive but seemed to be worth it. Line dancing lessons and a couple of specialized activities are sponsored by local clubs and are very well run with specialized equipment available free. The younger kids will especially like the "shows", such as the magic show.
The only thing to watch for is to match some of the activities to the age of your child. Forget elementary crafts or youngsters swim and field relays for the older kids. Also, I suggest only one event each in the AM and PM. Don't over schedule the day because the day will really go by fast, especially with all the other free time stuff to do; shuffle board, tennis the pools, etc. etc.
In short, the summer program is great. Our now 6 yr old can't wait to get back and her 3year old sister can't wait for her 5th year so she can participate. Probably 1/3 of the activities involves active grandparent's participation. Almost all of them will have you watching the fun.
One word of caution; sign up early because many events sell out.
A few days of summer camp, a couple at a gulf beach and something in Orlando or Tampa - life doesen't get better for the grandkids or the grandparents!

[KYWildcat]

Question concerning the grand childrens camp since I am new and making plans for my granddaughter.

1. Will there be an Easter Camp Village this year and if so, what are the dates and where is sign ups?

2. For the 8 week summer camp for 2012, what are the dates and where do you sign ups?

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I'm new too (so new I haven't even move in to the house we bought yet) and was wondering how paying for camp goes. My granddaughter will be 8 when we come down full time. Do you pay for each actibity she wants to do? Is it the weeks you pay for? All I know is that camp exists but I have no idea how it works or how the cost is determined. Any info would be appreciated. Also, if you have done it how is it better than just letting your gc tag along with you as you play certain games (shuffleboard, bocci etc) with them?

[ddan32162]

We've taken our two grandsons to the Camp Villages events in the past. The Rec Dept. (I think) will have information about it (not sure it's available yet for 2012). There are numerous activities for the 6 weeks involved, and one must sign up for each activity that you wish to participate in. Each activity is explained in the "brocure" you can get at the rec centers (or perhaps on-line). Some activities we've enjoyed more than others, but it's certainly a great program for grandparents to share with their grandkids. And each event has an "evaluation", so I'm sure each year the program is adjusted accordingly. The rec dept does a great job.

[DandyGirl]

Last year the Camp Villages schedule came out in early April. It can be picked up at the Rec Centers or you can go online through The Villages Box Office. You sign up for each individual activity per child in which you want to participate. I did mine online through The Villages Box Office and then picked up the tickets for the event at La Hacienda Rec Center.

[pqrstar]

Below is a link with a downloadable PDF file of the activities from 2011 (last year)

Village Community Development Districts

The guide explains the activities and the fees

As the summer progresses and sign-ups are filled, they do add additional activities.

Our grandson enjoyed the fishing activity.
It was run be the Villages fishing club.
They had stations that the kids rotated through and even had clowns and face painting.

For Easter, they do have some activities.
I would check the above link later on in the year as they will probably update it

[vj1213]

I had my grandkids last summer for a month and we went to several of the camp events. She was 5 and he was 8. We did the relays (it was very hot that day so I think that was their least favorite), we did the pool games, line dancing class (there were kids of all ages and they seemed to enjoy it), we also did a class where they made a scrapbook of their time in TV, which will be a great keepsake for them to look back at. There were a few others too. Another thing we did which wasn't through camp Villages, was a chocolate making class at Peterbrooke. It was like 3 hours or so, dropped them off, they took them to lunch at Johnny Rockets, and they came home with baskets of chocolates they made like chocolate pizzas, dipped pretzels, apples, and marshmallows and other chocolates.
But they do enjoy riding in the golf cart & going to the pool just as well

[willey]

We've just bought a house in Tamarind Grove, will be moving in May and will be looking forward to having the grandson down for the summer, Camp Villages sounds like just the ticket. Thanks for the info.

Willey

[swrinfla]

I have only three step-grandchildren, all of whom are now college graduates, so no personal experience with Camp Villages.

But, I have many friends who rave, rave, rave about the variety of exciting programs offered.

Yes, many of them include a couple/three days at the attractions in Orlando, but all absolutely love the interaction of grandparents and grandchildren at the various Camp Villages activities.

I mean, what could be better than being able to get there by golf cart instead of an hour and a half or so in the dull, boring car?

Just saying.

SWR

[cathyharrison]

Check out the summer classes at Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts in addition to The Vilages camp.