If you’re looking for a summer camp or summer program or even a summer volunteer opportunity for your teen in Southwest Florida you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best summer camps for teens in Southwest Florida. Although many teens start working during the summers, summer is also a great time for teens to build social skills, get work experience in a supervised environment and even give back to the community.

Best Summer Camps In Southwest Florida for Teens 

Summer is a time for teens to relax and enjoy the warm weather, but it can also be an opportunity for personal growth and exploration. One way to achieve this is by attending a summer camp, and Southwest Florida offers a variety of options for teens looking for a summer adventure. From volunteer opportunities and counselor-in-training programs to merit-based and free camps, Southwest Florida provides ample opportunities for teens to develop their skills and interests in a supportive and engaging environment.

For tweens and teens aged 11 through 17, summer camps can be a way to explore new activities, meet new friends, and gain valuable life and work skills. Many camps in Southwest Florida offer a range of programs, including sports, service, and travel opportunities. These camps not only provide fun and engaging activities but also help teens develop leadership skills, independence, and a sense of responsibility. Additionally, many of these camps offer opportunities for teens to give back to their community by volunteering or participating in service projects.

Mapping Justice Program Virtual Summer Camp

• Ages: Rising 10th and 11th graders
• Cost: Students receive a $500 stipend once they complete the program.
• Dates: June 14 through August 4th (time investment is apron 20hrs)

The Mapping Justice Program is a virtual summer camp for high school students in Southwest Florida that focuses on environmental justice and geographic information systems (GIS). It is a partnership between trubel&co, Esri, and FGCU’s Water School Center for Environment and Society, and aims to empower students to design geospatial tools for social change and promote equity within their communities. The program runs from June 12th to August 4th, and students who complete it will be awarded a $500 stipend. The program provides valuable career skills, college readiness, and community-driven change experience by teaching participants about Gulf Coast climate issues, GIS, and fostering critical consciousness and responsibility/ethics in STEM. The application deadline is April 17th, and students from backgrounds historically excluded from STEM are encouraged to apply. If you have questions or need more information, contact Regina Bale, Environmental Education Coordinator at 239.745.4652, or email her at rbale@fgcu.edu. Apply on the trubel&co website here.

Jr. Camp Assistant at IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers

• Ages: For 9-12 graders
• Cost: Free
• Dates: choose the weeks you want to participate in from June 12th through August 9th.

The IMAG History & Science Center in Southwest Florida is offering a Jr. Camp Assistant Training Program for students in grades 9-12 who want to gain professional development and work with children during the Camp IMAG Spring/Winter/Summer sessions. This year, the summer camps will not only be held at The IMAG but also at their new STEMLab located in Estero. Students who participate in the program will assist camp educators with daily activities and may earn volunteer hours or community service credit. The application process includes completing an application and receiving confirmation from the museum staff, as only a limited number of spots will be filled based on performance and attendance. Fill out the application here.

Sanibel Seas School: Counselor In Training Program

• Ages: 13 – 17
• Dates: June 12 – August 25 (offered weekly)
• Cost: $265/week (limited scholarships available)

This program is designed to teach our older campers the skills needed for leadership and future employment. CITs are a vital link between our younger campers and the counselors in our programs. We teach our CITs how to be leaders and positive role models to those around them through theory and practice. We assign duties and create and maintain performance expectations for these young leaders. We treat them with gentleness, love, and respect but show them how to carry out the responsibilities they are now capable of and how to use their abilities to become excellent role models. All CITs will complete an online leadership training course before camp. On any given day, it is hard to tell who is having more fun, the campers or the CITs. Register on the Sanibel Sea School website here.

 

Sanibel Sea School: Wahine Toa

• Ages: Targeted to girls ages 13 – 17
• Dates: June 19 – 23, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Cost: $470/week (Includes First Aid/CPR Certification)

Wahine Toa is a Polynesian phrase that roughly translates to fierce ocean woman warrior. This week ten teens will become ocean women warriors in our female-led, girls-only camp. In this program, we’ll learn paddleboarding and survival skills and gain confidence – girl power! The girls will have to prove themselves worthy of the Wahine Toa title by completing paddling challenges, practicing urban and wilderness survival skills, and camping overnight on an uninhabited island. The young ladies will not only walk away from this camp CPR/First Aid certified but with unforgettable memories and a lasting bond between them that only Wahine Toa survivors will understand. Includes an overnight camping trip from Thursday to Friday Register on the Sanibel Sea School website here.

Sanibel Sea School: Have Paddle, Will Survive

• Ages: 13 – 17
• Dates: June 26 – 30, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Cost: $450/week

Would you have what it takes to survive if we sent you on your way with just a kayak and a compass? By the end of this week-long adventure to the lesser-known places on Sanibel, we promise you will. We’ll leave no shell unturned and inspect every nook and cranny of the mangroves, and we’re doing it by kayak! We’ll master basic paddle strokes, tow those in need, and learn what to do if you flip your boat. The plan includes learning to use compasses, fire-starting and much more. Register on the Sanibel Sea School website here.

Sanibel Sea School: A Week in the Field

• Ages: 13-15 years
• Cost: $450 per week.
• Dates: July 31 to August 4th

The Week in the Field is from July 31 to August 4, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is for ages 13-15. The price is $450 per week. Campers will work with SCCF’s scientists to learn how to be a biologist by performing fieldwork, surveying shorebirds, combing beaches in search of sea turtle nests, water sampling, and oyster measuring. They will also learn how to analyze and gather data and communicate results to different audiences. Register on the Sanibel Sea School website here.

Sanibel Sea School: The Art of Fishing

• Ages: 11 – 15
• Dates: June 12 – 16, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Cost: $450/week

People of all ages engage with nature through fishing. Some fish for fun, some fish to eat. Some consider fishing an art, others a science. Regardless, fishing is much more than catching and conquering – it is about how we study, locate, handle, and safely engage with the fish we encounter. This week we will learn about fish, fishing gear, and techniques; we will walk and fish the beaches; we will get out on and in the water; we will learn to read the water to tell us where there might be fish. We’ll don masks to see what fish we see. We’ll have casting competitions. We may catch fish; we may not, but we will have fun and all be better equipped to enjoy a lifetime of this rewarding sport responsibly. Register on the Sanibel Sea School website here.

 

Sanibel Sea School: Keys Coral Reef John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Overnight Camp

• Ages: 13 -14 years
• Cost: $625 per week.
• Dates: July 10th to 14th
• Location: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo

The July 10-14 camping trip is for ages 13-14 and will take place at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. The campers will learn outdoor skills, explore the coral reef, and conduct simple laboratory investigations. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects more than 2,900 square nautical miles of coastal and ocean waters. The campers will stay in gender and age-segregated 8-person tents and go on a snorkel boat each morning to explore the reef. In the afternoons, they will conduct experiments and explore snorkel spots from shore. They will also have access to nature trails and swimming at the beach. Register on the Sanibel Sea School website here.

Sanibel Sea School: Keys Coral Reef Bahia Honda Overnight Camp

• Ages: 15-17 years
• Cost: $625 per week.
• Dates: July 17 to 21st
• Location: Bahia Honda State Park in Bahia Honda Key

The July 17-21 camping trip is for ages 15-17 and will take place at Bahia Honda State Park in Bahia Honda Key. This trip is more advanced, and campers will hone their camping and snorkeling skills, identify a wider variety of coral reef critters, and conduct more extensive laboratory exercises.The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects more than 2,900 square nautical miles of coastal and ocean waters. The campers will stay in gender and age-segregated 8-person tents and go on a snorkel boat each morning to explore the reef.  In the afternoons, they will conduct experiments and explore snorkel spots from shore. Register on the Sanibel Sea School website here.

#RespectForLaw Overnight Camp for Teens in Fort Myers

• Ages: 11-14 years
• Cost:  Early registration $125 (ends April 19th), registration $135
• Dates: June 15th -18th

The Fort Myers Police Athletic League is offering the #RespectforLawCamp for teens between the ages of 11-14, taking place from June 15th-18th at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School in Fort Myers. This 4 day and 3 night camp will provide real-life scenarios and fun activities to promote respect for public service. Some of the topics covered in the camp include internet safety, human trafficking awareness, CPR/stop the bleed, and fire safety. Early registration is available until April 19th, and interested participants can register on the Fort Myers PAL website.

The Brown Academy Counselor In Training Summer Camp for Teens in Fort Myers

• Ages: 11-15 years
• Dates: Session 1 from June 12th -July 7th, Session 2 from July 10th -August 4th

The Brown Academy Summer Camp provides a Counselor in Training Program (CIT) for children aged 11 to 15 years old. This program is specifically tailored to cater to middle school students who have a keen interest in working with younger children, while also building a strong foundation of work ethics and experience. To be eligible for the program, the child must be entering middle school and undergo an interview process, as well as have a desire to spend their summer in a camp environment. More information on the Brown Academy website here.

Lee Parks Wilderness Explorers Camp in Fort Myers

• Ages: 13 to 16 years
• Cost: $75
• Dates: July 17-21

The Wilderness Explorers Camp is an exciting summer program that takes place at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. The camp runs for a week, from July 17-21, and is open to children between the ages of 13 and 16. During the camp, children will have the opportunity to challenge themselves and develop their skills in various areas, including tracking, animal study, awareness, and primitive skills. They will learn how to create fiber twining, build shelters, and start fires by friction. The camp is designed to be both fun and educational, providing children with a chance to explore the wilderness and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. If your child is interested in outdoor adventure and learning new skills, the Wilderness Explorers Camp is the perfect summer program for them. Sign up on the Lee Parks website here.

The Laboratory Theater Summer Camp for Teens in Fort Myers

• Ages: 12 to 17 years
• Cost: $525 (limited scholarships available)
• Dates: June 26th through July 14th

The Laboratory Theater of Florida has opened registration for their 2023 Summer Camp program. The camp will run from June 26th to July 14th, with a performance of “She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition” by Qui Nguyen on July 13-16. The campoffers a “whole actor” approach to acting, covering physical movement, stage combat, voice modulation, blocking, stagecraft, scene study, set design, lighting elements, lighting design, costuming, stage makeup, stage management, theater etiquette, and theater games. The program is limited to 15 students to ensure personalized instruction and safety. The performances will take place on July 13-16 at 8 pm and July 16 at 2 pm. The professional theater company only uses credentialed educators and professional actors in its education department. Camp runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. More information and registration on the Laboratory Theater website here.

YMCA Counselor in Training Summer Camp for Teens: Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh 

• Ages: 12 to 15 years
• Cost: $150 weekly (non-members), $120 weekly (members)
• Dates: June 12th -June16th, June 19th – June 23rd, July 10th- July 14th
• Location: Cypress Lake Middle School in Fort Myers, Trafalgar Middle School in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres Middle School Lehigh Acres

The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is offered by the YMCA of Lee County  for teenagers between the ages of 12-15 who are interested in becoming camp counselors or pursuing a career in youth development.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn about youth development, leadership, and the responsibilities of being a camp counselor, while engaging in fun and challenging activities. This program sends your teen through a week of training in working with 5-11 year olds, camp songs, games & crafts. Register on the YMCA website here.

YMCA Aquatics Camp for Junior Lifeguards Camp for Teens: Fort Myers

• Ages: 13 to 15 years
• Cost: $188 weekly (non-members), $150 weekly (members)
• Dates: June 19th -June23rd, June 26th – June 30th, July 10th – July14th and July 17th – July 21st
• Location: Cypress Lake Middle School in Fort Myers

The YMCA offers an Aquatics Camp for Junior Lifeguards, open to ages 12-15, taking place from June 19-23, 2023, at Cypress Lake Middle School in Florida. The program aims to develop swimming skills to prepare participants for the Lifeguard course, while teaching important lifesaving skills such as in-water rescues, use of rescue tubes, and first aid, CPR and AED. In addition to the educational components, participants will also have the opportunity to shadow working lifeguards and gain practical experience. The program offers a fun and engaging way to learn new skills and develop important life-saving abilities. Register on the YMCA website here.

YMCA  Teen Travel Camp: Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh 

• Ages: 12-15 years
• Cost: $210 weekly (non-members), $168 weekly (members)
• Location: Trafalgar Middle School in Cape Coral, Cypress Lake Middle School in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres Middle School Lehigh Acres
• Dates: 7/24/2023 – 7/28/2023

The Lee County YMCA offers a Teen Travel camp during Week 7 of their summer camp program, which takes place from July 24th to July 28th, 2023, at both Cypress Lake Middle School and Trafalgar Middle School. This program is geared towards mature teenagers who are interested in exploring various local areas of interest and activities through daily field trips and off-site excursions. It’s an exciting option for teenagers looking to stay active and engaged over the summer. Register on the YMCA website here.

YMCA Teen Stem Camp: Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh 

• Ages: 12-15 years
• Cost: $173 weekly (non-members), $138 weekly (members)
• Location: Trafalgar Middle School in Cape Coral, Cypress Lake Middle School in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres Middle School Lehigh Acres
• Dates: July 3rd – July 7th

The Teen STEM program is an excellent opportunity for children to explore and learn more about the fascinating world of science. The program is specifically designed for kids aged 12-15 and will take place from July 3rd to July 7th, 2023. During this week-long program, campers will have the chance to participate in a wide range of science-based experiments and activities. The program is an excellent way for teens to keep their minds engaged and active during the summer months when schools are closed. By participating in the Teen STEM program, campers can expand their knowledge and skills in science, as well as make new friends and have fun. Register on the YMCA website here.

Be sure to check out our article for best camps for special needs children in Southwest Florida were we also include camps for teens and youth with disabilities. 

The post Best Summer Camps for Teens in Southwest Florida in 2023 appeared first on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

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