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Summer fun has started at Camp Doral, located at the
Blue Lagoon swim park on the premises of the Doral Golf Resort &
Spa.
Two campers enjoying The Blue Monster Water Slide
The camp is open to children between five and twelve
years old. The camps activities are a special blend of sports, creative
expression and weekly field trips.
The Camp Doral facility is a 1,200 sq. ft space
dedicated to fun and it features a Sega "Gameworks" Arcade, a
big screen television, and several indoor basketball games. The Blue
Lagoon water park comprises three swimming pools, the 125 ft. Blue
Monster water slide and a kiddy pool.
Counselors undergo rigorous screening, are dedicated and
are trained to give special attention to all campers, and the
counselor/camper ratio is 1/6.
All of the camp's activities were carefully planned by
newly appointed Stephen Geisz, Director of Recreation at the Club.
He arrived just three weeks before Camp Doral's opening,
but he said, " It's a fun job and I enjoy it quite a bit."
His last posting was in North Carolina in a rural
setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains managing the Sapphire Valley Ski
Resort in winter and supervising children's special events during the
summer months.
More often than not, he wryly explained, "I had to
make snow because it really doesn't snow much in North Carolina."
With the help of the Resort Commercial Recreation
Association (RCRA), a volunteer organization, he found what he considers
the perfect job at The Doral Golf Resort & Spa.
The only drawback is, he noted, "I've been in Miami
for one month and I'm still trying to get used to the heat here. I am
not used to sweating at 6 AM."
Other than that he likes best about working at The Doral
is the high level of professionalism. He said, "To be associated
with such a prestigious resort is an honor for me."
Geisz continued, "I help plan and implement all the
programs here. I brainstorm a lot and three quarters of my time is spent
outside. I make sure the kids are safe. I am very active and participate
in a lot of the activities and do the unexpected."
He recounted a day when some children were in the kiddy
pool and they dared him to enter. He went in clothes and all and tickled
them till they screamed.
Athletic activities offered in the program are
extensive. Campers enjoy the Arthur Ashe Tennis facility, the basketball
and volleyball courts. They are able to play on the golf courses,
putting green and practice range. They can also choose to play softball,
tee-ball, soccer or kickball. Each camper signs up for tennis or golf
training every Tuesday and Thursday, taught by a Doral pro.
Headed by a Red Cross-certified water instructor, the
swim program is an integral part of Camp Doral. Campers will receive an
American Red Cross proficiency level and achievement card after
completing the full program. Geisz is WSI certified and helps with the
swimming classes.
Lots of options are available for kids who just want to have fun in the
water such as water volleyball, swimming relays and a unique water
rodeo.
Geisz explained, " We made a homemade bull, Barney
the Bucking Water Bronco, and we put it in the water. The kids have a
lot of fun riding it in the pool."
Other activities include frisbee golf, scavenger hunts,
fishing, nature walks, cooking, tug-of-war, sandcastle contests, and
karaoke--enough to keep every camper busily happy.
Sessions are two weeks and camp hours are from 9 AM to 4
PM. There is early and late care available. Lunch is provided and
campers may choose from a menu.
For more information contact the Recreation Department
at 305 592 2000.
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