FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Even though public and private schools will close their doors for the summer, there's still a place where children can go to keep learning, share in unique experiences and have a lot of fun at the same time.
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale's Happyland Day School's summer camp, Camp Happyland, will allow children, ages 2 to 4, to experience an entire summer of learning and fun in a safe and secure church environment. The summer camp program is being offered from June 1 – August 7. (Week one of camp, June 1 to 5, is also open to 5 and 6 year-olds).
"It's a first time camp experience for the children. There's socialization, a lot of learning and they walk away with fun little projects every day," said Happyland Day School Director Shari Vordermeier.
Each week is themed - Fun in the Summer Sun, Nuts About Nature, Wacky Week, Fun with Food & Fitness, America the Beautiful, Animal Kingdom, Mission Space, The Wonderful World of Art, Silly Science, and many of the camp's outside activities are held in beautiful Colee Hammock Park, located right next to First Presbyterian Church.
Beyond the themes and activities, Camp Happyland participants can learn in a classroom, dubbed "Cabins," during the camp. There are also a few unique offerings that children don't often experience on a regular basis in urban South Florida - a petting zoo and planetarium.
"One of the things the kids love is the petting zoo. We bring in baby pigs, ducklings and goats. That's one thing that's always been a lot of fun," said Vordermeier. "With the inflatable planetarium, provided by Broward College, the kids can look up at the night sky and talk about the planets."
Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a half day and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a full day. Early drop-off and late pick-up is also available for parents with long work schedules.
Weekly Rates (per entire week)
5-Day Camp (PK-2 to PK-4):
Half Day $165
Full Day $210
3-Day Camp (PK-2, Monday/Wednesday/Friday):
Half Day $105
Full Day $135
To sign-up for Camp Happyland, call (954) 463-6051 or visit www.firstpres.cc/home_happyland.asp. Register for any five weeks of camp and the 5th week is half price. The registration fee is $50.
Founded in 1947, Happyland Day School, offers both preschool and kindergarten programs. Located on the quaint and peaceful First Presbyterian Church Campus in Fort Lauderdale's Colee Hammock neighborhood, Happyland Day School, through creativity, discipline and individualized learning, provides programs of educational activities, social development and personal growth as a basis for future success.
About First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale
Founded in 1912, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale is located on the banks of the New River in the historic Colee Hammockneighborhood in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. With more than 1,800 members, and a strong core of volunteers, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale prides itself on offering something for everyone, regardless of age. Since 1947, First Presbyterian Church ofFt. Lauderdale has operated Happyland Day School, which offers both preschool and kindergarten programs in a safe, quality Christian environment. Adult, youth and children's choirs, as well as youth groups, offer ample opportunities for fellowship at any age. An Adult Activity Center is open to senior citizens and features weekly lunches, entertainment and monthly bus trips. First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale offers two regular Sunday services, as well as special worship services held throughout the year to commemorate significant days in the life of the church. For more information, please visit the website at www.firstpres.cc.
