About Us
David Aagaard is the founder and owner of Building Up Sports Academy. He has been working with sports camps for over 20 years. He graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University where he majored in Physical Education and minored in communication. David played on the 1995 Fall Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball team and is the former head baseball coach at Jupiter Christian High School.
In addition to running Building Up Sports Academy, David is currently in his 22nd year as a middle school teacher in Palm Beach County. Building Up Sports Academy was founded in 2002 and has grown from 2 camps the first year to over 50 camps, clinics and programs a year. We offer camps in Palm Beach County Florida and Nantucket, Mass.
Sportsmanship and teamwork are a huge part of what we teach in all of our camps. We feel most camps and coaches do not emphasize these two important areas of sports enough. Our instructors will teach these important concepts as much as individual sports skills.
Owner & Founder
Mare ZottoliMarch 18, 2022My son loves this fishing camp!
P MJune 28, 2021Excellent job!
Daniel LandauerJanuary 1, 2021I hired Dave for an afternoon charter and the trip did not disappoint. I went with the understanding that it is fishing and that nothing is guaranteed but I ended up catching a monster peacock and some very nice largemouths. Dave really knows what he’s doing and really friendly. I would definitely recommend to anyone.
Jonathan OliverDecember 30, 2020Captain Dave is amazing. Took my dad, father-in-law, and myself on an afternoon charter. We had a great time and enjoyed getting to know Captain Dave. Recommend for anyone looking to relax and enjoy themselves for three hours
Elkie WienczkowskiAugust 19, 2018Over the past year and a half we have done two camps (Camp Varsity, Fishing Camp) and two peacock fishing charters with Building Up Sports Academy. I have found the camp counselors be very patient and engaged creating a fun environment for my son. The fishing charters have been great family fun and I have found David to be a knowledgeable and safe boat captain.
Heather TudorAugust 4, 2017Staff was really good with a large group of kids. My son had a wonderful time learning to fish, and the coaches were so organized and thoughtful.
Jill MaccloudMay 20, 2016Building Up Sports Academy provides excellent camp experiences. My son loved the weekly sports camp! Counselors are energetic, knowledgeable, and safety-oriented.
Michelle LaNeveMarch 4, 2016My daughter attended this camp last summer and loved it! She was a little older than most of the campers at 12, but that being said, they made her feel like big stuff and let her be a "helper" of sorts. She learned a lot about the rules to various sports in the process and especially LOVED the fishing part. I highly recommend this camp as a happy, health and safe fun sport filled way for your child to spend the school breaks!!
Fishing Camps
Building Up Sports Academy offers one of the biggest youth fishing programs in the state of Florida. We offer many different fishing camps and clinics in Palm Beach County and Nantucket, MA. Our fishing camps and clinics are entertaining as well as educational. We want kids to experience the thrill of catching fish and to learn important conservation and ethical angling techniques. Studies have shown that kids that take up fishing at an early age are less likely to use drugs. Campers will learn all aspects of fishing from identifying different species of fish, feeding habits, casting techniques and conservation. We also teach different fishing knots and water safety. Some common fish caught in our Florida freshwater fishing camps are Largemouth Bass, Peacock Bass, Bluegill, non-native Mayan Cichlid, Catfish, and Tilapia.
Fishing Camps
The campers will learn to tie different knots, bait a hook, learn water safety and learn to identify different freshwater and saltwater fish in Florida. We provide fishing equipment, rods, bait, etc. We also have a fishing tournament on the last day of camp followed by an awards ceremony. This camp is for beginners and seasoned anglers. Because of fishing equipment, this camp is limited to the numbers of campers so please sign up ASAP!! Join us for a great week of fishing and a chance to catch a trophy fish!! (We release all caught fish)
- Fishing camp ages: 6-13
- All camps include:
- - 5 Days of structured activities
- - T-shirt
- – Daily prizes
- - Awards ceremony / every camper receives a fishing medal
- - All rod & reels are donated by Florida Foundation For Responsible Angling, INC.
(FISH FLORIDA) www.fishfloridatag.org – Please support them by buying FISH FLORIDA license plates!
Boca Raton
FISHING CAMP
- Date: Session#1 June 3 - 7, 2024 / Session #2 July 22-26, 2024
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Spanish River Library, Boca Raton
- Price: $150.00
- Ages: 6-13
Shark-fest Fishing Camp
- Date: July 29- August 1, 2024
- Time: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
- Price: $245.00
- Ages 6-13
- Location : Spanish River Library, Boca Raton
Come celebrate Shark-Fest Camp this Summer! Campers will learn about different
species of sharks as well as other freshwater and saltwater marine life. Fun and
stimulating activities all week include shark dissection, Megalodon lab, fossil dig, sharks
and crafts, fishing and more. Campers participating in camp program will gain an
understanding of various marine-related topics such as ecology and marine biology, with
an emphasis on conservation. Join us for a JAWsome week of shark activities !
Camp includes:
- Shark dissection
- Fishing rod/reel
- T-shirt
- Fishing Medal
- Sharks and crafts
- Megalodon lab
- Shark Fossil Dig
- Daily Fishing (30 min
Wellington
FISHING CAMP
- Date: Session#1 June 24 - 28, 2024 / Session #2 August 5-9, 2024
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Village Park, Wellington
- Price: $140.00
- Ages: 6-13
Spring Break Camps in Village Park, Wellington
- Fishing camp March 18-22, 2024
- Full day sports camp 9-5 March 18-22, 2024
Palm Beach Gardens
FISHING CAMP
- Date: Session#1 June 10-14, 2024 / Session #2 July 15-19, 2024
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Lake Catherine, Palm Beach Gardens
- Price: $150.00
- Ages: 6-13
Lake Clarke Shores
FISHING CAMP
- Date: June 17-21, 2024
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Memorial Park, Lake Clarke Shores
- Price: $145.00
- Ages: 6-13
Royal Palm Beach
FISHING CAMP
- Date: July 8 - 12, 2024
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Challenger Park, Royal Palm Beach
- Price: $140.00
- Ages: 6-13
From Our Fishing Camps
Peacock Bass Fishing Charters
Next time you’re in South Florida and need to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all, come down and book a trip with Building Up Sports Academy. Captain Dave has been running fishing camps for over 2 decades, teaching sportsmanship and teamwork to the next generation. Captain Dave lives on the chain of lakes and has over 25 years of experience fishing and chartering.
The day will be spent fishing Lake Clarke and the surrounding canals in his 22’ bay boat. This is a stable boat that will be able to maneuver into areas that are normally hard to reach. You can fish 360° around the boat. The boat even has a head for emergencies.
The fish you’ll be primarily targeting is Peacock Bass. Lake Clarke also offers the opportunity to fish for Sunshine Bass and Largemouth Bass. The bycatch includes Catfish, Gar, Chain Pickerel, Clown Knife Fish, Mayan Cichlid, and more. These are great fish to catch, and the Peacock Bass in particular will give you a fun fight as you try and bring it into the boat.
Included in the price of the trips are top-quality rods and reels. These won’t let you down when reeling in a trophy catch or your first-ever fish. Capt. David will prepare live bait for you before the trip, so no time is wasted on the day. There will also be chips and bottled water on board for you. Kids and families are welcome. A fishing grab bag is included for children 12 and under.
- $240.00 / 2 hour trip
- $310.00 / 3 hour trip
- $415.00 / 4 hour trip
- $515.00 / 5 hour trip
Seasonal sunset charter pics 5:30 – 8:00 / $285.00
* Great for birthday parties, families, and small groups.
* Call for hotel fishing packages
ALL TRIPS INCLUDE:
- Rods/Reels, bait and tackle including live shiners
Location: Pick up and return is at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel
150 Australian Avenue, WPB, FL 33406
- You can park in hotel parking lot. Please walk through lobby and you'll see lake and marina.
(Outdoor dock by pool)
*To book a charter you can call directly or book online through our website.
From Our Peacock Bass Fishing Charters
Fishing Birthday Parties
Looking for something different and fun? Let us do all the work!. Most fishing parties are usually set up in your backyard or a local park depending on water access. Birthdays and religious parties are most common but whatever the occasion is we can help celebrate it. The party includes fishing, fun games and prizes. We can only set up a few parties per weekend, so please call or e-mail early to make a deposit and reserve a spot.
1. Star Package (up to 20 children) This is our basic party package. It includes prizes and fun fishing games as well as total supervision and staffing of the party. (Does not include facility) $395.00
2. All-Star Package / Best Value! (up to 20 children) This party package includes fish prizes, fish facts and fun fishing games as well as total supervision and staffing of the party. Every child at the party will receive a fishing medal and a fish grab bag. A fish pinata full of candy is also included. $475.00 (Does not include facility)
3. All-Star Shark Package / Very popular! (up to 20 children) This party package includes shark prizes, shark facts and fun fishing games as well as total supervision and staffing of the party. Every child at the party will receive a fishing medal and a shark grab bag with real shark teeth included. Children will get a chance to hold a real Megalodon tooth. A shark pinata full of candy is also included. $495.00 (Does not include facility)
- Fishing equipment including rod/reels
- Bait and tackle
- Grab bags
For parties bigger than 20, there will be a charge of $10.00 per child. (Maximum 40 children)
- We are flexible and can add or make changes to accommodate you and your family on your desired party package.
- Party time is 2 hours / 1 hour set up time – 3 hours total- Age group for party participants are 4 – 11
Recommended Parks and locations :
1. Lake Wellington Pavilion
2. Challenger Park , Royal Palm Beach
3. Todd Robiner Park, Royal Palm Beach
4. Dreher Park , West Palm Beach
5. Hilton Airport Hotel (Lake access) * Popular location
The Airport Hilton has great facilities with a dock for fishing and restrooms. They also have food including pizza. Hilton is a popular spot for fishing parties.
Call or e-mail for more details or to make a reservation!
561-601-5248
david@buildingupsportsacademy.com
Nantucket Camps
Baseball Camp - This camp is for beginners as well as the seasoned ball player. We will challenge, teach and entertain your young athlete. This camp will teach proper base-running, throwing and receiving skills, infield and outfield skills, hitting techniques, and more. Campers will be broken up into 2 age groups. Junior all-stars ages 6-8 and senior all-stars age 9-13. We end the week by playing our annual “World Series” game followed by an awards ceremony where every camper receives a medal and t-shirt.
*Our baseball camps are in partnership with the Nantucket Recreation Department and Nantucket Little League
Camp Instructor: David Aagaard / Former college player at Palm Beach Atlantic University, High school coach and President of Building up Sports Academy
Fishing Camp The campers will learn to tie different knots, bait a hook, learn water safety and learn to identify different freshwater and saltwater fish in Nantucket. We provide fishing equipment, rods, bait, etc. We also have a fishing tournament on the last day of camp followed by an awards ceremony. All campers receive a fishing medal and a T-shirt on the last day of camp. Because of fishing equipment and space, this camp is limited to 18 campers per camp so please sign up ASAP!! The fish caught at camp are porgies, black sea bass, dogfish sharks and the occasional striped bass. We provide rod/reels, bait , tackle and all other fishing gear. Join us for a great week of fishing and a chance to catch a trophy fish!!
Refund Policy
All cancellations must be made 2 weeks prior to camp/activity. Because of processing fees, 90% of camp tuition or 100% camp credit will be awarded if applicable. No cancellations will be accepted once camp has begun. Serious injury or illness will be considered on a case by case basis.
BASEBALL CAMPS
- WEEK 1: JULY 8- 11, 2024
- WEEK 2: JULY 15 - 18, 2024
FISHING CAMPS
- Session 1: JULY 8 - 11, 2024 / 9 AM –12 PM
- Session 2: JULY 8 - 11, 2024 / 1 PM - 4 PM
- Session 3: JULY 15 - 18, 2024 / 9 AM - 12 PM
- Session 4: JULY 15 - 18, 2024 / 1 PM - 4 PM
CAMP AGES & TIMES
- Baseball camp: ages 6-13 9AM - 12 PM
- Fishing camp: ages 6-13 9 AM-12 PM / 1 PM - 4 PM
- Location: Baseball : Youth Fields (Delta), Nantucket
- Fishing : Brant Point (Coast Guard Station)
ALL CAMPS INCLUDE:
- 4 DAYS OF STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES
- BUILDING UP SPORTS ACADEMY T-SHIRT
- AWARD CEREMONY (EVERY CAMPER RECEIVES A MEDAL)
- SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS AND DAILY PRIZES
Baseball Camp
This camp will teach, educate and entertain campers whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ball player. Campers will learn proper base running, infield/outfield skills, throwing techniques, hitting techniques and more. Campers will show off their new skills in our
“World Series Game” at the end of the week. Fun games and prizes all week!
$285.00 PER WEEK / $235.00 For Nantucket residents !
* Partnership with Nantucket Little League / 25 campers per camp
Fishing Camp: Campers will learn to tie different knots, learn water safety, bait a hook and more. We will also have a fishing tournament at the end of the week. Fun games and prizes all week! (we provide all bait and tackle)
$385.00 PER WEEK
(Only 18 campers per session)
*ONLINE REGISTRATION / 561-601-5248 www.buildingupsportsacademy.com
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Registration
Most specialty sports camp registration will go through the municipality where the camp is located. We have provided the phone numbers to contact with registration questions.
* Because of field usage fees and municipality contracts, camp registration prices may vary depending on location.
Registration information:
- Palm Beach Gardens Recreation – Phone# 561-630-1100
- Village of Royal Palm Beach Recreation – Phone# 561-790-5124
- Village of Wellington – Phone# 561-791-4747 or 561-791-4786
- City of Boca Raton- Phone # 561-544-8540 ext 1
- Lake Clarke Shores- Phone # 561-964-1515
* For Nantucket baseball and fishing camp registration click on Nantucket camps on the home page of our website.