• Summer basketball camps abound in Florida.basketball image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
  
  Summer sports camps expose children to structure during the carefree summer months and keep them physically active when they're away from school. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, sports participation during youth sets the tone for a healthy adulthood, and summer sports camps encourage teamwork. The state of Florida has a rich sports history, with professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey teams along with several successful college athletic programs. With so many sports teams, there's bound to be a sports camp perfect for your youngster in Florida this summer.
  
  

Billy Donovan Basketball Camps

• The University of Florida men's basketball program, led by national-championship-winning head coach Billy Donovan, offers summer camps suitable for a variety of age ranges and skill levels. Individual camps run for three days in June and July, and boys ages 10 to 18 can choose to stay overnight in a University of Florida dormitory for the duration of the camp. There is also a Little Gator camp available for boys ages 8 and 9. Campers will participate in individual, team and league competitions, listen to guest speakers like Billy Donovan and current and former Florida basketball players and have access to certified trainers. In 2010, the cost of the camp for an overnight camper was $425, which included the camp, accommodations and three all-you-can-eat meals a day. Day campers paid $360 for the camp and meals in 2010.
  
  Billy Donovan Basketball Camps
  P.O. Box 14485
  Gainesville, FL 32604
  352-375-4683
  gatorzone.com
  
  

Mike Alstott Football Camp

• Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer fullback Mike Alstott offers a football camp in Tampa in late June. In its 14th year in 2010, the Mike Alstott Football Camp runs for three days and welcomes campers ages 7 to 14. The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and exposes campers to football fundamentals, form and technique. Instructors group campers according to their age so that they work with athletes at a similar experience level. The final day of camp features a seven-on-seven competition, allowing campers to showcase the skills they have learned. In 2010, the camp cost $175 and included lunch, nutritious snacks and sports drinks.
  
  Mike Alstott Football Camp
  3901 George Road
  Tampa, FL 33634
  alstottcamp.com
  
  

University of Central Florida Youth Cheerleading Camp

• The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, offers an annual three-day cheer leading camp in July. Led by UCF cheerleaders and staff, the camp welcomes participants from first grade through ninth grade. It teaches the basics of cheer leading, including cheers, stunts and tumbling. In 2010, the camp cost $145 and included lunch, a team picture, a UCF cheer leading poster, daily awards and camp T-shirt.
  
  UCF Youth Cheer Camp
  P.O. Box 163555
  Orlando, FL 32816
  407-823-4123
  justsportscamps.com