Enjoy Camping? Camp Miami Beach!

Long considered a playground for the fashionable, glamorous, celebrity and celebrity-seeker, Miami Beach is now a favored vacation destination for families with the introduction of Camp Miami Beach, available from July 1 - Aug. 31, 2004.

Brainchild of Michael Aller ("Mr. Miami Beach"), tourism & convention director for the City of Miami Beach, Camp Miami Beach is an all-encompassing collection of enriching arts and cultural programs, sports and recreation pursuits, and health and wellness offerings that highlight the area's attractions, and, of course, its acclaimed beach -- the ultimate playground.

Camp Miami Beach is an ideal program for all types of families -- single parents, grandparents, those who want to experience the activities together and others who wish to leave their kids in the care of the City's expert counselors.

While the average trip to Miami Beach is three days, campers can participate in the program for a half-day, week or month. Residents are also welcome. Rates begin at $25 per camper, per day, depending on activities selected. All participants receive a complimentary Perry Ellis Camp Miami Beach t-shirt and cap.

During the month of August, campers can receive a behind-the-scenes foray into the world of entertainment with several events sponsored by HBO, a partner of Camp Miami Beach. HBO-sponsored events include a "Good Sports" Seminar with Dan Marino and Chris Carter, co-hosts of HBO Sports' award- winning series, INSIDE THE NFL; an HBO Boxing Clinic with former WBC Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and HBO Sports referee Harold Lederman; a "Meet the Filmmakers" Forum featuring HBO producers of award-winning films and documentaries, and an HBO Family Storybook Festival promoting the joy of reading, which will feature celebrity storybook readers, screenings of HBO Family's book-based programming, and storytellers.

As obesity is on the rise in America, especially among children, Camp Miami Beach is promoting fun-filled health & wellness activities and awareness for the entire family. Activities include exercising on the beach -- including the relaxing benefits of yoga -- and interactive classes promoting the famous South Beach Diet, developed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatson, who focuses on the intake of the right carbohydrates and fats to maintain a healthy weight.

Miami Beach offers some of the area's most exciting and enriching attractions including Parrot Jungle Island and the Miami Children's Museum -- conveniently located across the street from each other on Watson Island -- Miami Seaquarium (featuring dolphin encounters), Bass Museum of Art, Wolfsonian FIU (modern art and design museum), the Jewish Museum of Florida and the Art Center South Florida. Campers will delight in hands-on classes and exciting exhibits throughout the summer.

Various sports and recreation camps can be experienced through Camp Miami Beach, implemented by the Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department. Sports camps such as soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, golf and tennis are offered on a weeklong basis throughout July and August. High Adventure Fishing Camp and Rowing Camp is available all summer. Cheerleading Camp is available Aug. 9-13 and a Jr. Lifeguard Camp is offered from Aug. 2-13. Ice Hockey and Ice Skating Camps are offered at the Rakow Ice Rink.

Ongoing beach activities include a special beach BBQ hosted by a guest chef, bonfire sing-alongs with stories performed by local theater groups and sandcastle building.

Visit www.campmiamibeach.com for details and an information request form, which will be returned within 48 hours. You can also contact Michael Aller, "Mr. Miami Beach" directly at 305-673-7400. Air and hotel reservations can be made on Camp Miami Beach's web site through Expedia.com. Great values are offered at Miami Beach hotels this summer with rates beginning at $55 per night for a family of four. Miami Beach is easily accessible from Miami International and Ft. Lauderdale airports.

Source: Camp Miami Beach