Fun-Filled Summer Camps in Volusia County, Florida

Florida has sunshine year round, yet in summer the weather heats up, and school is out. There are many fun events in summer that cater to the kids and adults who have more time on their hands. Some great places to take the kids in the summer are to Florida's summer camps.

Many camps are located in Florida's colleges. In Volusia County, Stetson University, the preeminent Florida law school, has some interesting programs available for kids, including a soft ball academy, and a girl's soccer academy. There are also programs sponsored through Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches, that coincide with a natural environment setting, but these are usually at the end of summer.

What is great about the summer camps in Florida, is that many of the programs center around eco-tourism. This means your child is getting an education about the environment, while having fun. In New Smyrna Beach, there are kayaking lessons at the Marine Discovery Center, and the YMCA in Edgewater has a beautiful pool that is popular with both adults and children, with various programs for the kids available through the YMCA as well.

There are various age groups for summer camps, even for children in the lower grades. In DeBary Florida, located in Volusia County, there is a summer camp for grades 1-5, both boys and girls. The Girl Scouts are active with their programs in the summer, and there are many tournaments, such as fly-ball and soccer games to keep kids busy and entertained.

Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center are fun summer stops, along with Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeBary Natural Springs, where the manatees swim in the warm, natural blue spring waters.

Fishing is mandatory in the summer, for the waters are warmer, bringing forth a variety of migratory fish, and there are many professional charters that offer package deals with guides to get you and your party to the prime locations.

Summer means no more chilly nights, or odd weather changes, so outdoor dining is essential. Chases on the beach is the perfect New Smyrna Beach outdoor casual dining experience, right on the ocean. In the Ponce Inlet, one of the best areas for fishing, some popular historic restaurants offer outside dining as well, right on the ocean and inlet harbors.

Are you into some sophisticated entertainment for your adult ears? Then the London Symphony Orchestra is for you. They play Daytona Beach every summer, and their shows are famous and bring culture to Daytona Beach. Race fans, can't get into opera, but want to live the red neck dream? Then head on down to the race track, and the Daytona 500. Located on International Speedway, there is a myriad of events at the racetrack for all ages.

There are some great nature preserves as well, all along the Ponce Inlet, on the beach-side in New Smyrna Beach, down to Canaveral Seashore. There are wonderful farmer's markets throughout, where fresh produce and plants are sold at affordable prices. Flea markets thrive in the summer months, and shoppers can find really great bargains; from collectibles, antiques, plants and more at Volusia County's outdoor markets. The most popular ones are in Port Orange, Daytona Beach, Oak Hill, and DeLand.

In DeLand, at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, are a variety of events as well; from rodeos, carnivals, and some of the biggest antique markets, visited by thousands. The historic old town of DeLand has some fun, family friendly events, from dog shows, and many other summer small-town happenings. Look for the local fairs and festivals in many of the small Florida towns this summer!