Once again, we are putting together a listing of camps and programs (cursos de verano) for Children in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya for the summer of 2014. These are the programs and summer camps that we have found so far for kids living in Playa del Carmen and all across the Mayan Riviera. There are some exciting new programs this year for children of all ages, both day programs and sleep over camps. Whether your children are interested in sports, nature, the arts or even a traditional sleep-over Camp experience, there are a variety of options to choose from. I have not yet heard back from all of the organizations who I have reached out and I will update the list and re-post the link to the blog on the BuyPlaya Facebook page as new offerings come in. If you know of any summer camp options that we do not have listed, please feel free to send me the info at [email protected].
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Agua Azul Camp (Sleep-away Camp)
Dates:     July 14 - July 19, 2014 - $4500 mn per camper
               July 21 - July 26, 2014 - $4500 mn per camper
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Camp Agua Azul, 1 hour west of Cancun, in Nuevo Valladolid

Want your kids to experience the traditional "sleep-over" camp like you did as a child? Check out Camp Agua Azul! This summer camp is located just about 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen near Nuevo Valladolid. Children ages 6 - 16 will spend 1 week sleeping in tents, surrounded by lush jungle and mystical cenotes. Campers will learn about the environment they live in and enjoy all sorts of games and activities including swimming in cenotes, kayak races, water zip-lines, campfires, foam wars, obstacle courses, competitions and all the fun you would expect from a true summer camp. Adult counselors and lifeguards with paramedic training will be onsite at all times. Cost includes transportation to and from Cancun, lodging, meals, accident insurance and all onsite activities. For more information visit the Agua Azul website and check out these camp videos on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnsyxsJCD1Q and http://youtu.be/c8Rz384u1yQ. To reserve, contact camp organizer Marilu Rivera at 998-120-4825 or via email [email protected]. 

Azul Maya Summer Camp (Sleep-away Camp)
Dates:     July 20 - July 26, 2014
                July 14 - Aug. 2, 2014
Time:       Sleep-over camp
Location: Camp Azul Maya, Laguna Bacalar
Cost:       $12,600 mn per camper/per week-long session

Camp Azul Maya is located just about 2 hours from Playa del Carmen on Laguna Bacalar. Children and teens, ages 8 - 16, will spend 1 week sleeping in eco-cabins on the shores of Bacalar, the lake of seven colors, surrounded by nature. Summer Camp Azul Maya combines various elements that make this an unforgettable life experience where your children will learn, live together with nature and have a great time! Activities include swimming in cenotes, SUP, kayaking, zip-lines, hiking, climbing/rappelling, visits to archeological sites, campfires and all the fun you would expect from a great summer camp experience. Onsite counselors are trained in biology, nutrition, conservation, ecology and the unique history and culture of the region. Medical/first aid care will be available 24/7. Sessions are limited to 40 campers to provide a personalized camp experience. Cost includes lodging, meals and all onsite activities. For more information and to reserve a place for your child, visit the Azul Maya webpage, the Azul Maya Facebook page or contact camp organizers at [email protected] or [email protected].

Parque La Ceiba Curso de Verano (Day Camp)
Dates:      July 7, 2014 - August 15, 2014
Time:        8 am - 2 pm
Location:  Parque la Ceiba - Calle 1a sur and Diagonal 60, Col. Ejido
Cost:        1 day $350 mn per child
                1 week $1100 mn per child
                6 weeks $4200 mn per child

Children ages 5 - 11 are invited to spend the summer break in the jungle at Parque la Ceiba in Playa del Carmen. This summer the camp will invite your child to "Travel the 5 Continents" using their 5 senses. The goal of this program is to encourage the development of a child's sensory curiosity, imagination and creativity through artistic, cultural and recreational activities related to environmental and cultural awareness. To help our children appreciate and care for our natural environment, children will travel "Virtually" around the world sampling the cuisine and discovering the art, dance and natural habitats of countries from around the globe. Children will progress through the 6 week course participating in story-telling, art activities, music, games, dance, cooking, cine club, "Mundo Magico", environmental education activities, games of skill and training and tours related to all kinds of interesting environmental and cultural themes. Prices include all materials. Instruction will primarily be given in Spanish providing a wonderful opportunity for children new to Mexico to immerse themselves in the language in a casual and fun environment without the pressures of school. Parents are invited to come a bit early at pick-up time to see what the children have been working on! This is the 7th year that Parque la Ceiba has offered a summer camp for local children and it is very popular. For more information and to reserve a spot for your child, contact Lei de Landero at [email protected]. 

Horseback Riding Camp (Day Camp)
Dates:      July 14, 2014 - August 15, 2014 Monday - Friday
Time:        8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Location:  Hipico Playa del Carmen, located behind Rancho Guadalupana, just south of Xcaret on 307 south.
Cost:        $1500 mn per student per week

Boys and girls, ages 7 and older, will spend their mornings at the Hipico Playa del Carmen learning all about horses; how to feed and care for the animals and their tack. Riding instruction daily for beginning and intermediate riders. Children who enroll for a month long session will be able to "Adopt a Horse" for the month! This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to horses, animal care, stable maintenance and riding in a safe and fun environment under the supervision of experienced equestrian Paco Magallon. After riding class, campers can cool off in the cenote onsite! No previous experience required. Bi-lingual instruction.  For more information, visit the Hipico Playa del Carmen Facebook Page or email [email protected].

PLAY TENNIS Camp for Kids (Day Camp)
Dates:     July 7, 2013  - Aug. 15, 2014
Time:       8:00 am - 10:00 am or 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Hotel Ocean Maya Royal, Carratera 307 km 299
Cost:       1 week:  $900 mn  
               2 weeks: $1500 mn   
               3 weeks   $2000 mn

For several years, PLAY TENNIS ACADEMY has organized a wonderful summer tennis camp for kids ages 5 - 15. Kids of all skill levels will learn the proper technique and form for each of the strokes used in the fast paced game of tennis! Children will develop important motor skills with the racket in a manner suitable for children at all levels of play. Young and beginning players will focus on development of motor skills with the ball and racquet, learning the techniques of each stroke and fun games and learning activities to reinforce new skills. Older children and more advanced players will work on technical stroke training and tactics of the game. They will master the 5 game situations - serve, return, base-line play, attack and defense and delve into the psychology of the game of tennis. There will be a Mini-Olympics to finish the course with prizes! Fees include an official summer camp t-shirt, sports drinks and snacks for each child. For more information and to sign up contact Alvaro Flores at [email protected] or call 984-806-4666.

Palapa Suuk Cursos de Verano (Day Camp)
Dates:     June 30, 2014 - Aug. 15, 2014
Time:       10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Palapa Suuk, Av. CTM between 5th and 10th
Cost:       1 week $650 mn per child
               1 month $2300 m per child

Palapa Suuk invites children ages 6-12 to spend the day having fun, learning and developing new skills and making new friends! Children will have the chance to participate in a variety of artistic, active and educational pursuits including yoga, cooking classes, dance, arts and crafts, games, storytelling and more. For more information email [email protected] or call (984) 120 3780. You can also connect with Maju on Facebook. 

Puerto Aventuras Sailing Camp (Day Camp)

Sailing:   July 15 - August 15, 2013
               Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00am - 12:30pm
Location: The Marina in Puerto Aventuras
Costs:     $500 mn per month (2 classes per week)

Since its inception, the sailing club in Puerto Aventuras has attracted a great following and their sailors have had great success in national regattas. Captains in the making train on easily maneuverable Optimist sailboats, perfect for young ones. This summer the Club Deportivo de Velas in Puerto Aventuras will offer both sailing instruction for children ages 8 -12. The classes are appropriate for all levels of sailors. The only requirement is the ability to swim. Space is VERY limited so don't wait until the last minute to register. For more information and to sign up contact Director Daniele Gracis 984-127-1392 or via email [email protected].
 

Colegio El Papalote Cursos de Verano (Day Camp)
Dates:     June 7, 2014 - Aug. 1, 2014
Time:       8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Colegio El Papalote, Av. 25 between Calles 30 and 32
Cost:       1 day $ 250 mn per child
                1 week $ 1000 mn per child
                1 month $3500 mn per child
            
Every summer Colegio El Papalote opens its doors to all Playa del Carmen children in preschool and primary grades to spend their summer days having fun, staying active and making new friends! Children will have the chance to participate in a variety of artistic, active and educational pursuits including painting, arts and crafts, music, water games and lots of fun activities for kids of all ages. For more information call Miss Yanett at (984) 185 9485. 

Colegio El Papalote Sports Camp (Day Camp)
Dates:     June 7, 2014 - July 24, 2014
Time:       8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Colegio El Papalote, Av. 25 between Calles 30 and 32
Cost:       1 week $600 mn per child
               3 weeks $1500 mn per child
              
This summer Colegio El Papalote will be offering a fun sports camp to keep your kids active and help them build new skills. Monday - Friday Coaches Omar and Carlos will be supervising kids ages 7 and up in a variety of sports and recreational activities such as Basketball, Soccer, Yoga and Swimming. For more information call Coach Omar at (984) 134 6189 or Coach Carlos (984) 133 6046.  

Harmon Hall English Summer Course (Day Camp)
Dates:     July 14, 2014 - Aug. 21, 2014 Monday - Friday
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Harmon Hall, Calle 6 between Ave. 25 and 30
Cost:       Call 01-800-HABLA YA for tuition information.

Harmon Hall, likely the best known English language school in Mexico, is offering a Summer Course for students ages 6 - 17. Harmon Hall Summer Course 2014 is designed for children to earn English and have fun while getting to know different cultures of the world. Each week will focus on a new country; its geography, art, cuisine and traditions. In only 6 weeks your children will achieve the same results they would get normally in 6 months!! This will be of particular interest to National families who are looking for an intensive English summer program for their school age children. Students will be grouped by age: Kids 6-10 years of age, Pre- teens 11-13 years of age, Super Intensive 14-17 years of age. 4 week program begins July 14. For program details visit  http://www.harmonhall.com/summer/#programa. Call 01-800-HABLA YA for tuition information.

DanceClub Playa Summer Dance Camp 2014 (Day Camp)
Dates:     Aug. 4, 2014 - Aug. 8, 2014
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Comunidad Educativa El Papalote, Av. 25 between Calles 30 and 32
Cost:       4 Days: $1200 mn per child (Space is limited to 20 students)

DanceClub Playa Summer Dance Camp ZZZ (Overnight Camp)
Dates:     Aug. 13, 2014 - Aug. 15, 2014
Time:       Overnight Camp
Location: DanceClub Playa, Calle 24 between Av. 30 and 35
Cost:       3 Days/2 Nights: $1900 mn per child (Space is limited to 10 students)

The DanceClub Playa day camp is open to all children, boys and girls, ages 5 and up and will take place at El Papalote School. The overnight Dance Camp ZZZ welcomes children from age 10 and will be held at the DanceClub Playa campus on calle 24. Children will participate in intensive dance classes, games and fun activities! Students will learn street dance, hip hop, break dance, popping, capoeira and more. Fees include all classes and course materials, water and fresh fruit and an official DANCE CAMP t-shirt. Overnight dance campers will receive 5 healthy meals daily and a dance video at the end of the session. Discounts will apply for registration before August 1. For more information and to register your child email [email protected] or call Johanna at 984-142-4094.

Centro Caricol Marino Summer Camp (Day Camp)
Dates:     July 16, 2014 - Aug. 15, 2014 (5 weeks)
Time:       9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Centro Cultural Caricol Marino, Calle 80 between 5th and 10th
Cost:       1 day $120 mn per child
               1 week $750 mn per child
               Entire Session $2800 mn per child

Make your child's summer fun and educational! The Centro Cultural Caricol Marino invites children ages 5 - 14 to Expres-arte their summer break! Kids will spend the day learning and developing new artistic talents, having fun and making new friends! Children will have the chance to participate in a variety of artistic, active and educational pursuits. Children will be sorted according to age. Each group will participate in activities geared to their age.  Discounts may apply for families with more than one child attending. For more information email [email protected] or call (984) 157 2457, (984) 116 8439. You can also connect with Caricol Marino on Facebook.

Explayarte Tu Verano (Day Camp)

Arts Camp - ages 8+
Dates:     July 14, 2014 - Aug. 9, 2014
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday - Friday
Location: Explayarte, Arco Vial across from Centro Maya
Cost:       1 week $950 mn per child
               Complete Course $3400 mn per child

Intensive Music Camp
Dates:     July 14, 2014 - Aug. 9, 2014
Time:      11:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday - Friday
Location: Explayarte, Arco Vial across from Centro Maya
Cost:       1 week $700 mn per child
                Complete Course $2400 mn per child

Intensive Drama Camp - ages 13+
Dates:     July 14, 2014 - Aug. 9, 2014
Time:       9:00 am - 11:00 pm Monday - Friday
Location: Explayarte, Arco Vial across from Centro Maya
Cost:       1 week $700 mn per child
               Complete Course $2400 mn per child

Explayarte, Playa del Carmen's premier music and performing arts school is offering a wonderful summer program for your budding performers! Children as young as 8 are welcome to join the Summer Arts program where they will work on projects learn music skills, acting, drawing and storytelling. An Intensive Drama Camp is open to children 13+ with an interest in improving their acting skills. The goal of this course to teach young performers specific techniques and methods of acting. At the end of the course, participants will have a fully realized audition piece completed. Drama Camp participants will be able to put their hard work to practical use, performing for Explayarte staff, students and parents at the end of the summer session. The intensive Music Camp is open to musicians of all ages and abilities. Students will learn the principals of various genres of music including Jazz, Funk and Rock. They will learn to play together as an ensemble and at the end of the course they will have the opportunity to play with professional musicians.

Centro Cultural de Playa del Carmen Curso de Verano
Dates:     July 13, 2014 - Aug.16, 2014
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday - Friday
Location: Centro Cultural PDC, Cruz de Servicios at Av. 115
Cost:       1 week $700 mn per child
               Complete Course $2400 mn per child

Children 7-12 years old are invited to spend the summer break at Playa del Carmen's Centro Cultural. More info coming soon.

Casa de Cultura Puerto Morelos Curso de Verano
Dates:     July 21, 2014 - Aug. 8, 2014
Time:       9:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday - Friday
Location: Casa de Cultura Puerto Morelos, Ninos Heroes num. 2
Cost:       Entire Session $1300 mn per child

Children ages 4 - 11. For more information contact Maestra Lorena Malo 998 150 2857.             

Ninos de Luz - Cursos de Verano (Day Camp)
Dates:     July 7, 2014 - Aug. 1, 2014 Monday - Friday
Time:       10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: A QI Plaza Ade Local 1, Av. Nichupte esq. Punta Piedra Mz 5 Lote 1 Smz 17
Cost:       1 week $1200 mn per child
               2 weeks $2000 mn per child
               3 weeks $2800 mn per child
               4 weeks $3500 mn per child

ArmoniaQI in Cancun invites children ages 4 - 11 to their special summer program, Ninos de Luz, Ninos Felices y Concientes . Throughout the summer, children will, through games and fun activities, learn to connect with their inner peace, manage their emotions and channel their energy.

Throughout the course children will learn to:
* Manage and focus your energy and emotions
* Hold positive thoughts and improve negative attitudes to live in harmony.
* Improve posture and learn to breathe properly
* Be more loving to themselves and others
* Meditate and calm their mind to stay in balance
* Raise awareness of their thoughts, words, actions and the consequences thereof
* Care for the environment

Activities will include:
• Yoga (warning up, postures, relaxation and meditation.)
• Meditation in motion
• Mandalas workshop
• Stories Telling (Fables)
• Reiki for Kids
• Self-esteem and values development
• Dealing with emotions
• Neuro Linguistic Programming
• Art and stimulating your imagination 

The fees include all material and lunch. For more information contact Fer Fernández or Monica Weber (998) 118 5428, (998) 842 0338 or via email [email protected].