The Land O' Lakes area has no shortage of summer camps you can send your kids to.
There are camps at the area's recreation centers, churches and many schools. There are even summer programs offered at nearby sites such as the YMCA in Northdale.
Now, officials at the Cheval Athletic Club are hoping to add another option for local parents with the first ever "Camp Cheval."
An open house on summer camps is set for May 9 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Club.
Pete Young, director of youth development at the club, 4212 Cheval Boulevard in Lutz, said Camp Cheval - which boasts an Olympic theme - will offer field trips that include a trip to the Glazer Children's Museum, Lowry Park Zoo and Skate World. Camps run from June through August, and include activities like relay races, football and kickball tournaments.
Young said he isn't worried about the club, tucked on the east side of Dale Mabry Highway about a mile north of Van Dyke Road, competing with more well-known camps.
"We have some amazing activities with fantastic counselors," he said of the club, which is 14,500 square feet. "It will be extremely well-organized."
We recently talked to Young about how the camp started and what attendees can expect.
Patch: How did the idea come about?
Young: It's about Larry King Jr., the owner, and the partnership with the It's a huge component of what they do. We are borrowing their business model. They've got a master plan they've tweaked and worked on, and it's become a fantastic part of their operation. We're looking to do that same thing here.
Patch: What does your summer camp entail?
Young: Virtually everything. Obviously, we have an unbelievable facility for kids. An amazing pool, gaming room with seven high-definition TV's hooked up to gaming consoles, an arcade area, tennis facility. We've got brand new basketball courts, and a great playground for younger kids.
Patch: Can kids come whose parents don't belong to the Club?
Young: Anybody can come. They just pay a different rate.
Patch: Who are the counselors at the camp?
Young: A lot are college students or education majors who have gleaned some teaching experience. A lot have summer camp experience.
Patch: What's the age group for camp?
Young: Entering kindergarten through entering 8th grade.
For more information on summer camp at the Club, call 813-949-8281 or go to www.ChevalAC.com.
