County offers summer camps for adults

Adults, well, adults over 50, have the chance to experience the joys of summer camp again, thanks to a new program hosted by the county — but with distinctly grown-up twists.

“Camp All Grown Up!”, hosted by the Sarasota County Department of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, offers adults a chance to learn a new hobby or skill.

“We have a lot of retirees and they have a lot of time on their hands,” said Dorian Hardy, a program coordinator with the department. “Let’s give them something to do that normally they won’t try on their own.”

Pickleball Camp is the first one scheduled, for July 17-21, but Hardy said it’s full already. Another will be scheduled but a date hasn’t been set yet.

The next available camp will be Fishing 101 on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 8-11 a.m. This camp will teach campers how to fish from a pier, and bait will be provided.

After that will be Kayak Camp on Aug. 7, 9 and 11, and Wine Pairing Camp on Aug. 16, 23 and 30.

“We’re just trying to gear things to the folks that have a lot of time on their hands, that they might be interested in,” Hardy said.

If these camps go well, the department is planning to add more, including a camp where adults can learn personal protection, and a Geek Squad camp for adults to learn about using their email and cell phones.

To sign up for a camp, call the department at 941-861-PARK.