Photos courtesy of Camp Cristina.
Affectionately referred to as “the 65-acre best-friend-maker,” the YMCA Camp Cristina is gearing up for summer, with camp programs for youth that include swimming, fishing, horseback riding, riflery, archery, arts and crafts, and cooking.
Led by Executive Director Andrea Cook, Camp Cristina is nestled on 65 acres of land off Balm Riverview Road, and it’s easy to miss from the road if you’re not paying close attention.
Next Wednesday, April 29, Camp Cristina will host a YMCA Work Day in which hundreds of staff members will volunteer their time building, painting, and landscaping the grounds, preparing Camp Cristina to welcome nearly 1,000 campers this summer.
The YMCA is asking for donations from the community, including paint, painting supplies, landscaping materials and gift cards to hardware and retail/warehouse stores.
For those who are unfamiliar with Camp Cristina, it is a year-round facility with activities that are designed to nurture the potential of every child and provide a safe and secure place for them to connect with others and participate in enriching activities.
The credo of Camp Cristina is to “build friendships and self-confidence that will last them a lifetime.”
Camp Cristina prides itself in teaching children and teens the fundamentals of growing new friendships through a wide variety of experiences.
Kids can sign up for swim lessons, horseback riding, archery, arts and crafts, fishing, paintball, cheerleading, riflery, flag football, soccer, rock climbing, basketball and kickball, to name a few.
Programs for summer campers include Equestrian Camp, Courage Camp, Splash Camp, Ultimate Sports Camp and Explorers Camp. There are also special workshops with titles like Princess-In-Training, Silly Science, and Record Setters & Breakers.
Clinics are designed to give children the opportunity to select activities that interest them and are taught by trained staff. Each day is filled with experiences that help children grow and thrive.
There is a Fishing Camp at Lake Cristina to teach campers everything from identifying types of fish to baiting a hook, casting a line and operating a small motor boat.
For those interested in the culinary arts, Chef School teaches kids how to prepare an entire meal from start to finish.
Art Sensation Camp provides campers with the opportunity to explore different mediums, including beading, painting, drawing and chalk.
For drama enthusiasts, Lights Camera Action showcases singing, dancing and acting skills, culminating in a finale show at the end.
Crazy Chemists allows kids to experiment with crazy, slippery, fizzing phenomena each day.
And for die-hard sports lovers, the Ultimate Sports Camp offers an action-packed week of flag football, soccer, basketball, tag games and kickball.
Camp Program Director Megan Lawrence oversees team-building retreats and field trips, teen programming, and the Day Camp program at Camp Cristina. She is joined by Richard McDaniel, whose responsibilities include supervising after-school and sports programs, the aquatics department and the membership welcome center.
Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the programs offered at Camp Cristina. For teenagers, there is the E.P.I.C. program, which stands for “Encouraging People to Impact the Community.” It’s a valuable course of study designed to give teens the opportunity to gain volunteer hours as they venture out into the community to serve at local organizations and make an impact.
For senior citizens, there is the Silver Sneakers Club, which is a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take control of their health by encouraging physical activity, social events and conditioning classes to improve strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.
Local businesses and organizations interested in donating supplies and/or gift cards to the Camp Cristina’s Work Day may call Executive Director Andrea Cook at 813-677-8400 or email her at andrea.cook@tampaymca.org. The YMCA will pick up any donated items.
Camp Cristina is located at 9840 Balm/Riverview Road in Riverview. For more information on activities and registration, call 813-677-8400 or visit their website at www.ymcacampcristina.org.
