Every Child Plays Camps are open to Hillsborough County children in Kindergarten through 5th grade of all abilities. Our camps are intentionally inclusive, bringing together children with a wide range of abilities and support needs in a shared play environment.

No! Every Child Plays camp is completely free, thanks to funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A playworker is a trained professional who plays a crucial role in creating and facilitating the play experience at camp. Their primary focus is to support children's play by providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.