CORAL GABLES, Fla. (March 7, 2016) – Mini Canes Recreational Sports Camp at the University of Miami is not your traditional sports camp. As a multi-award-winning camp, Mini Canes offers children ages 6-12 educational and recreational activities to help develop lifelong skills while having fun in a safe environment. Starting at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, March 21, UM employees and alumni can register their children at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center.

“Mini Canes is a multidimensional camp,” said Tom Soria, director of Mini Canes Camp at the Herbert Wellness Center. “Our campers are on the Coral Gables campus and learn a range of skills from sports and swimming to art and cooking, all with health, fitness and safety in mind.”

Divided into groups by age, campers will participate in a variety of activities focused on sports, health and wellness. Depending on in which session a camper enrolls, basketball, kickball, flag football, soccer and softball are among the sports taught. In addition to sports and games, campers engage in educationally focused activities such as wellness education, arts and crafts, cooking lessons, and special events. Campers also take part in daily swim lessons.

“Camp offers a variety of educational learning opportunities, and daily swim lessons are just one of our main highlights,” added Soria. “Swimming is a vital skill that every child living in South Florida should master.”

Additionally, each day, campers create beautiful art projects using a collection of art materials and techniques that become more challenging with the age of the campers. Once a week, campers learn how to read recipes and apply various cooking techniques while whipping up delicious treats.

At the end of every two-week session, camp culminates with an extravaganza performed by the campers. Parents, family, and friends are invited to watch as their children sing, dance, and act in a special themed show.

Mini Canes Camp runs for four, two-week sessions beginning June 13. Parents have the option to sign up their children for any combination of sessions, depending on availability. Camp drop-off begins at 8:45 a.m., which coordinates with the UM workday. Before- and after-care are available for additional fees.

Camp Session Dates

• Session 1: June 13 – 24
• Session 2: June 27 – July 8 (Closed Monday, July 4)
• Session 3: July 11 – 22
• Session 4: July 25 – August 5

Registration is available for all UM affiliates, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. To expedite registration, visit www.miami.edu/wellness/camp to download and complete the necessary enrollment packet before registering. Camper enrollment packets must be delivered in person to the Mini Canes office on the second floor of the Herbert Wellness Center. Please be prepared to present your ’Cane Card and C number, (or alumni association card) upon registration.Incomplete registration materials will not be accepted. For complete registration procedures, click here.