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summerteen

    Let’s face it- there are only so many things a teenager can do to fill up a summer. The requisite trips to the beach, the long days meandering through the shimmering halls of the Avenues mall, and the occasional day trip to Ichetucknee, Ginnie Springs, or any other of Northeast Florida’s select few natural splendors usually fill the bill. Although these classic, time-tested activities serve to occupy adolescents for, maybe, the first few starry-eyed weeks of summer, the options begin to dwindle as teens become more and more lackadaisical.

    What to do when you’ve done it all? Surprisingly, the answers are much more readily apparent than one would expect. A host of local organizations are offering a variety of summer programs and day camps that are sure to jump-start the summer of any disenchanted teen. A few suggestions…

Beading/Jewelry Camp
June 18 – 22, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

    For rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, the camp will feature beading projects and lots of fun. Located at Mandarin Middle School, the cost is $125. Call 904-292-0555.

Camp Risk Overnight Camp
June 24 – 29
July 1 – 6
July 8 – 13

    For rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Activities include swimming, tennis, volleyball, softball, basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, and arts & crafts in a Christian environment. Cost is $350 a week. Held at Camp St. John at Marywood. Call 904-287-2525.Modeling

Camp for Kids and Teens
May 29 – August 10

    For boys and girls ages 5-8, 9-11 and 12 & up. Activities include instruction in runway modeling, makeup, hairstyles, etiquette, social graces, TV commercials, photo sessions, dressing cool, and a fashion show. Cost is $225 for the six-day session. Extended day available 9am-10:30am and 3pm-5pm at no extra charge. On San Jose Blvd; call 904-292-4366.

Girls Inc. Summer Camp, Spring Park Teen Center
June 4 – Aug 10, 7 am – 6 pm

    For girls ages 12 – 17. Includes arts and crafts, computer skills, sports fun, and field trips. Lunch is provided. Cost is $50 a week with a $20 registration fee. Multiple child and multiple week discounts available. Contact 904-731-9933.

Jewish Culture Club
June – July 2007, 10 am - 12 pm

    Held at JCA headquarters on San Jose, The Jewish Culture Club is filled with Yiddish, jokes and just about everything else Jewish. Laugh and learn with friends on Thursday mornings while you enjoy coffee and refreshments. Yearly Fee: $20 for JCA members only. Call 904-730-2100.

Jacksonville Suns Baseball
Schedule Varies

    Our treasured little gem of a baseball stadium offers relatively cheap entertainment almost constantly. The Suns baseball team has its on and off games, but everyone knows that the hot dogs and peanuts are the best part of baseball games anyway. Tickets start at $9 and go to about $20 per game. Make sure you go on the right evening, because they offer $1 beer featured on Thirsty Thursdays. It makes the crowd a little rowdier and the lines longer. Friday nights feature a fireworks display, or go on another night with one of their frequent bobblehead giveaways. Carpool with friends to avoid the hassle of parking.

Club Paris
Sunday Night Teen Night

    This is a great opportunity for the under 17 set to get a taste of this infamous club. A little more high school dance than crazy club experience, the bar is stocked with virgin drinks and the music is edited. The “Club Paris” name will draw many teens, making the crowd just the right size. Don’t worry mom and dad, there’s a strict policy to make sure that everyone there is only 13-17, making safety less of an issue. The fact that more than half the crowd is dropped off and picked up by mom and dad is great- no parking hassles. The show ends early at ten-thirty and the admission is $10. That price includes a free soft drink and all the Top 40 music one could possibly want to hear. Bags of potato chips and candy are also for sale for $1.

Vans Warped Tour
July 19th

    It’s hot, it’s sweaty, it’s loud and it’s fun. The Warped Tour has captured the heart of many Jacksonville teens, and hopefully the move to Green Cove Springs won’t disenchant anyone. If mom and dad are willing to drive the few extra miles to Green Cove, then put on your Converse and catch up on your Yellowcard. Tickets will set you back around $30, while the cost of food, beverages, and those irresistible souvenirs will probably double the ticket cost. So, save up that allowance and try to find a ride, cause this year’s lineup is a blast from the Warped Tour past with Yellowcard, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and New Found Glory.

Murray Hill Theatre

    If you’ve never been to the Murray Hill Theatre, it’s kind of like stepping onto the set of Pleasantville or something. This quaint and cutesy theatre offers shows on Fridays and Saturdays in an alcohol and smoke-free environment. Most of the bands are Christian rock bands and all of the bands keep their shows clean.

The San Marco Theatre

    The San Marco Theatre is one of Jacksonville’s most treasured movie theatres and a true monument to the old cinemas of yesteryear. It offers movies throughout the day, but the real fun starts during the midnight movies. Because of its location in San Marco, it’s a perfect place to go to for a night out. For a break from the megaplex, the San Marco theatre is ideal.