From beach programs to cooking classes, seasonal camps provide options for kids of all ages

By Jane Bartnett

It is almost summer camp season, and registration is now open for Sarasota County camps. The county is one of several providers offering programs for children in the Siesta Key and Gulf Gate areas.

On Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach, children can learn to surf, build sandcastles and develop lifeguarding skills, while Gulf Gate offerings include swimming and cooking classes.

Siesta Beach — Kids’ one-mile summer fun runs

A free weekly one-mile summer evening fun run for children will take place each Tuesday on Siesta Beach beginning June 3 and continuing through July 29. On race days, families may register at the pavilion near the playground starting at 5:30 p.m., with the race beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Each runner will receive a free ice pop, and ribbons will be awarded at every race. Participants who complete four runs will receive a T-shirt. There will be no run on Tuesday, July 1, due to the Fourth of July holiday.

2026 Sarasota County summer camps on Siesta Beach

• Sand sculpting classes — Inspired by the Siesta Key Crystal Classic sandcastle competition, children ages 6-12 can learn sand sculpting techniques from experienced instructors. Each camper will receive a custom tool kit. Campers should bring hats and sunscreen. Sessions are scheduled June 15-17 and June 22-24 from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $140 per child.

• Junior Lifeguard Camp — Strong swimmers ages 9-17 can participate in this one-week morning program, held June 22-26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fee is $200. Campers will work with professional lifeguards and learn water safety, rescue techniques, CPR, first aid and marine life identification, along with participating in competitions.

All participants must complete a 30-minute tryout at Arlington Park Pool, 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota. Requirements include swimming 100 yards freestyle in 2:05 or less, treading water for five minutes and retrieving objects from the pool bottom. Tryouts will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on May 17, May 31 and June 7. Registration is required. Returning campers are exempt. Participants receive a rash guard and T-shirt.

2026 Sarasota County summer camps on Turtle Beach

• SURfit Camp — Certified lifeguards teach stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, ocean swimming, ocean safety and marine biology to children ages 7-14. The program maintains a low 1-to-6 instructor ratio and is offered weather permitting.

Morning sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for $250. A full-day option is available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $315.

Sessions are scheduled for June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19 and June 22-26.

Sarasota County Summer Chef Camp at Mattison’s 41, Gulf Gate

A new offering for aspiring chefs ages 10-15 will be held at Mattison’s 41, 7275 S. Tamiami Trail. Campers will learn cooking techniques such as sautéing and grilling. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and tie back long hair.

Two five-day morning sessions will be held June 22-26 and July 20-24 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. The fee is $250.

Camp guide and parent handbook

The 2026 Sarasota County Summer Camp Guide is available online, along with the “Summer in the Parks” parent handbook. To view the guide and register, visit sarasotacountyparks.com/programs-and-events/camps.

Financial aid is available for families who qualify for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program. Applications must include an approval letter from Sarasota County Schools. Apply at bit.ly/SRQCampFinancialAid. Applications are processed in order received. For more information, call 941-861-PARK or email parksonline@scgov.net.

Registration is available by mail or online.

Employment opportunities

Students age 16 and older may apply for summer camp positions, including counselors and supervisors. Visit scgov.net/jobs and search “Summer Camps.”

Additional summer programs

Registration is also open for The Out-of-Door Academy Summer Academy on Siesta Key. More information is available at oda.edu/summer.

The Sarasota Sharks swim program offers camps at the Selby Aquatic Center, 8501 S. Tamiami Trail. For details, visit gomotionapp.com/team/flsysst/page/home or call 941-260-9107.