Every Child Plays
School Break Camps
A camp where EVERY child is free to explore, create, and play!
*Open to Hillsborough County Residents only
The application window for Spring Break and Summer Camps:
Opens Monday, February 2nd and
Closes on Friday, February 6th
About the Camp
Rooted in Play’s Every Child Plays camp is an inclusive, child-led experience designed for children in K–5th grade of all abilities, with a special focus on supporting children with varying abilities. Our camp provides a welcoming and supportive environment where all children can engage in meaningful, child-led play.
The camps are supported by experienced playworkers and a speech and occupational therapist, who help create an environment that fosters communication, social connection, and sensory exploration.
Per grant requirements, participants must be able to attend all five days of camp and may only participate in one week. This ensures that as many children as possible can benefit from this unique, playful experience. Families will be able to select their preferred week(s) in the application. If you’re open to multiple options, that flexibility helps us place as many children as possible.
Important Info
After reviewing applications, we may reach out to some families with a brief Needs Assessment form. This helps us better understand your child and determine whether camp is a good fit and if we’re able to support their needs well.
If we send a Needs Assessment request, it must be completed within the time frame provided for your application to remain under consideration. If we don’t hear back by the deadline, we’ll assume you’re no longer interested in the spot and will move forward with other families.
Please be sure to include an active, regularly checked email address in your application. Email is the only way we’ll contact families about the Needs Assessment and overall application status.
Camp Details
Spring Break Camp
When: March 16th to March 20th
Where: Peninsular Prep (formerly the South Tampa Microschool) - 4002 S Coolidge Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
Time: 9am to 4pm
Summer Break Camp
When: 4 Sessions
June 1st to June 5th (First Presbyterian Church of Brandon - address below)
June 8th to June 12th (Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church - address below)
June 15th to June 19th (Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church - address below)
June 22nd to June 26th (Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church - address below)
Where:
First Presbyterian Church of Brandon for June 1st to June 5th - 121 Carver Ave, Brandon, FL 33510
Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church for all remaining weeks - 3501 W San Jose St, Tampa, FL 33629
Time: 9am to 4pm
*Please note: There is no after-care following camp. Children must be picked up promptly between 3:45 and 4:00 p.m
Cost: FREE for all participants, thanks to generous funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County!
What to Expect
Child-Led Play: Open-ended materials and loose parts for creativity and exploration
Inclusive & Supportive Environment: Designed for children of all abilities, including typically developing children
Small Group Setting: 15 children: 4 Playworkers
Lunch & Snacks Provided: Nutritious meals included daily
Limited Slots Available!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the camp?
Children in K–5th grade of all abilities are welcome. Our camp is designed with a focus on children with varying abilities, but we also welcome typically developing children in our inclusive environment.
Is there a cost to attend?
No! Every Child Plays camp is completely free, thanks to funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.
What is a playworker, and what do they do?
Playworkers are trained professionals who observe, support, and enrich children's play without directing or interrupting it. Their role is to create a safe and engaging environment where children feel free to explore and make choices independently. Playworkers at Every Child Plays are skilled in understanding children’s needs, providing support when necessary, and ensuring that all play remains inclusive and accessible to every child.
Can therapy take place during camp hours?
Camp is not a therapeutic environment, and therapy sessions may not be held during camp hours.
That said, we do welcome children with a wide range of support needs. If a child requires dedicated support personnel (such as an aide or support professional) in order to fully participate in camp, families are welcome to arrange that support. Any support person must follow camp expectations and facilitate the child’s participation without directing or altering the play experience. For safety and security reasons, all support personnel must submit required documentation in advance, including a valid photo ID and a current Level II background check.
What will my child do at camp?
Each day at Every Child Plays follows a predictable routine that provides comfort and consistency while allowing for flexibility and child-led exploration. Children will spend their time engaged in open-ended, creative play using loose parts, sensory materials, and collaborative activities.
Our trained playworkers will be present throughout the day to observe, support, and enrich play experiences, ensuring that every child feels empowered to explore, create, and connect. Speech and occupational therapists will also be available to make specific recommendations and accommodations as needed, helping to ensure all children can fully participate and thrive.
While there won’t be rigid schedules or teacher-led lessons, the day will include a balance of active play, social interaction, and opportunities for quiet exploration, all within a thoughtfully designed, inclusive environment.
What should my child bring?
We provide all materials, lunch, and snacks, so there’s no need to bring anything! However, we recommend dressing your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor play. And, comfort items are welcome.
What if my child has food allergies or dietary restrictions?
We provide nutritious meals and snacks each day. While we do our best to offer a variety of options, we are not able to accommodate specialized meals. If your child has specific dietary restrictions or preferences, you are welcome to pack their lunch and snacks to ensure they have food that meets their needs. Please note any allergies on the application form so we can be mindful of food safety during camp.
Every Child Plays
Every Child Plays
If you’d like to know more about the Every Child Plays Camps, please get in touch.