Destin invites young beginners to step onto the pickleball court for a two-day summer camp on July 16 and 17
Destin, Florida – A paddle, a plastic ball and one focused hour could be the start of a new summer interest for some of Destin’s youngest residents.
The City of Destin Recreation and Parks Department is inviting children ages 6 to 9 to step onto the court for a two-day Junior Pickleball Camp led by Coach Pat Markey.
The camp will take place Thursday and Friday, July 16 and 17, 2026, at the Destin Community Center. Each session will run from noon to 1 p.m., creating a compact program designed specifically for younger participants.
Rather than placing children into a long camp schedule, the event offers two one-hour sessions where they can spend time learning and playing under the guidance of a coach. The age range is limited to children between 6 and 9 years old, keeping the group centered on beginning junior players.
The registration fee is $20 for Destin residents and $25 for non-residents. The $5 resident discount is available to families living within the city.
All activities will be held indoors at the Destin Community Center, located at 101 Stahlman Avenue in Destin. The central location provides families with a familiar city recreation setting while giving children an opportunity to try pickleball during the summer break.
The camp arrives as families continue looking for short, organized activities that can fit into busy summer schedules. With only two dates and one hour of instruction each day, the program offers a simple introduction without requiring a lengthy commitment.
Coach Pat Markey will lead both sessions. The city’s announcement does not list additional equipment requirements or experience expectations.
Registration information is available through the City of Destin’s online recreation portal at www.cityofdestin.com/reconline. Families may also call the Recreation and Parks Department at 850-654-5184 for information about enrollment, availability and program details.
For young players, the camp may begin with an unfamiliar paddle and a few missed shots. By the end of the second afternoon, however, they will have had two chances to get on the court, follow a coach and discover whether pickleball is a game they want to keep playing.
