Since I’ve been in town, I don’t think there’s been a summer in Plant City with as many kid-friendly options as this one. With the school-free season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your kids ready.
I’ve written in the past about my own summer experiences as a kid, having attended a YMCA summer camp in rural Western New York for several years. I made some fond memories there that I still hang on to to this day, so I’d recommend whatever the Y’s offering to anybody — even if there’s nothing quite like camping near the south shore of Lake Ontario around these parts.
Of course, summer camp is far from the only thing around Plant City worth putting your kids into this summer. It’s the first time since I’ve been here that the Plant City Y is fielding a swim team during the season, for example.
There’s no shortage of martial arts programs, from karate to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, around town that cater to the kids and offer pretty much everything a parent could ask for. We now have a boxing gym with a goal of giving kids something positive to do and work for, and a wrestling club operated by coaches from one of the Tampa Bay area’s top prep programs. Having covered some of their summer camps, I’ve seen for myself how much fun the kids have learning and playing.
It’s worth checking with local high schools to see which coaches are offering summer camps and activities for kids. One of the most popular recurring events is the Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp at Durant High School, which is going into its seventh summer next month. I make the trek out there every year with my camera.
I also can’t forget about the City of Plant City’s own offerings, as the Recreation and Parks Department has plenty going on these days. Kids can learn cheerleading, basketball and other sports from high school coaches, and get the most out of the season with the MLK and Planteen recreation centers’ annual summer programs.
Don’t just let your kids have all the fun, though. I know the temperature outside is going to be stupidly hot before long, but this summer would be as good a time as any to get out there and try something new in the fitness world.
In fact, I would say the kids aren’t the only ones who should give some of those martial arts programs a whirl. I’ve done some jiu-jitsu and boxing training out here in the summer months, toiling in buildings without air conditioning, and I would recommend that to anyone looking for a serious cardio regimen and a unique experience.
Whatever activity you or your kids choose, just remember to stay hydrated. Mother Nature doesn’t play around, after all.