About Us
David Aagaard is the founder and owner of Building Up Sports Academy and has been working with youth sports camps for over 25 years. He graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Communication. While attending PBA, David played on the 1995 Fall Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball team and later went on to serve as the former Head Baseball Coach at Jupiter Christian High School.
In addition to running Building Up Sports Academy, David is currently in his 25th year as a middle school teacher in Palm Beach County, Florida. His combined experience in education and athletics has shaped the academy’s strong emphasis on character development alongside skill building.
Founded in 2002, Building Up Sports Academy has grown from just two camps in its first year to offering more than 50 camps, clinics, and programs annually. The academy now serves families in both Palm Beach County, Florida and Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Sportsmanship and teamwork are core values woven into every program. David believes many camps and coaches overlook these essential life skills, and Building Up Sports Academy is committed to teaching them with the same importance as individual athletic development. Instructors focus not only on improving sports performance but also on helping young athletes grow into respectful, confident, and team-oriented individuals.
Owner & Founder
Fishing Camps
Building Up Sports Academy offers one of the largest youth fishing programs in Florida. We host a variety of fishing camps and clinics in both Palm Beach County, FL, and Nantucket, MA. Our programs are designed to be both educational and fun, giving kids the excitement of catching fish while teaching important conservation and ethical angling practices.
Studies show that children who take up fishing at an early age are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, including drug use. Our campers learn all aspects of fishing, including identifying different species, understanding feeding habits, mastering casting techniques, tying essential fishing knots, and practicing water safety.
Some of the common species caught in our Florida freshwater camps include Largemouth Bass, Peacock Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Tilapia, and the non-native Mayan Cichlid. Through hands-on experience and expert guidance, kids develop confidence, patience, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
Fishing Camps
Campers will learn essential fishing skills, including tying different knots, baiting hooks, practicing water safety, and identifying a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish found in Florida. We provide all the fishing equipment, rods, and bait, so all campers can jump right in.
The week culminates with an exciting fishing tournament on the last day, followed by an awards ceremony to celebrate each angler’s achievements. This camp is perfect for beginners as well as seasoned anglers.
Space is limited due to the availability of equipment, so be sure to sign up early! Join us for a fun-filled week of fishing and the chance to catch a trophy fish—then release it safely back into the water.
All Camps Include:
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5 days of structured activities
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Camp T-shirt
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Daily prizes
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Awards ceremony – every camper receives a fishing medal
(FISH FLORIDA) www.fishfloridatag.org – Please support them by buying FISH FLORIDA license plates!
Jupiter
FISHING CAMP
- Date: June 1-5, 2026
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Jupiter Community Park
- Price: $165.00
- Ages: 6-13
Shark-fest Fishing Camp
- Date: June 15-18, 2026
- Time: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
- Price: $255.00
- Ages 6-13
- Location : Carlin Park, Jupiter
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
- T-shirt
- Fishing Medal
- Sharks and crafts
- Megalodon lab
- Shark Fossil Dig
- Daily Fishing (30 min)
Boca Raton
FISHING CAMP
- Date: Session#1 June 15 - 19, 2026 / Session #2 July 20-24, 2026
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Spanish River Library, Boca Raton
- Price: $160.00
- Ages: 6-13
Shark-fest Fishing Camp
- Date: June 22- 25, 2026
- Time: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
- Price: $255.00
- 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
- T-shirt
- Fishing Medal
- Sharks and crafts
- Megalodon lab
- Shark Fossil Dig
- Daily Fishing (30 min)
Wellington
FISHING CAMP
- Date: Session#1 June 8-12, 2026 / Session #2 August 3-7, 2026
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Village Park, Wellington
- Price: $150.00
- Ages: 6-13
Spring Break Camps in Village Park, Wellington
- Fishing camp March 16-20, 2026
- Full day sports camp 9-5 March 16-20, 2026
Palm Beach Gardens
FISHING CAMP
- Date: Session#1 June 15-19, 2026 / Session #2 July 13-17, 2026
- Time 9-12
- Location:
- Location : PGA / 1 Ryder Cup Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens FL. (meet at pavilion by tennis courts)
- Price: $155.00
- Ages: 6-13
Shark-fest Fishing Camp
- Date: June 29 - July 2, 2026
- Time: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
- Price: $255.00
- Ages 6-13
- Location : PGA / 1 Ryder Cup Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens FL. (meet at pavilion by tennis courts)
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
- T-shirt
- Fishing Medal
- Sharks and crafts
- Megalodon lab
- Shark Fossil Dig
- Daily Fishing (30 min)
Lake Clarke Shores
FISHING CAMP
- Date: July 27- 31 , 2026
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Memorial Park, Lake Clarke Shores
- Price: $155.00
- Ages: 6-13
Royal Palm Beach
FISHING CAMP
- Date: July 6 - 10, 2026
- Time: 9-12
- Location: Challenger Park, Royal Palm Beach
- Price: $155.00
- Ages: 6-13
From Our Fishing Camps
Peacock Bass Fishing Charters
Escape the Hustle – Fish with Building Up Sports Academy!
Looking for a relaxing getaway in South Florida? Book a fishing adventure with Building Up Sports Academy and experience the thrill of catching some of Florida’s most exciting freshwater fish. Captain Dave has over 25 years of experience fishing and chartering and has been running youth fishing camps for more than two decades, teaching sportsmanship and teamwork along the way.
Spend the day exploring Lake Clarke and the surrounding canals aboard Captain Dave’s 22’ bay boat – a stable vessel that can access areas most boats can’t, allowing you to fish a full 360° around the boat. For convenience, the boat even has a head for emergencies.
Your primary target will be the Peacock Bass, known for its explosive strikes and exciting fights. You’ll also have the chance to catch Sunshine Bass and Largemouth Bass, with plenty of other species like Catfish, Gar, Chain Pickerel, Clown Knife Fish, and Mayan Cichlid mixed in for fun and variety.
Trip Highlights:
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Top-quality rods and reels provided
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Live bait prepared by Captain Dave to maximize fishing time
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Snacks and bottled water on board
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Family-friendly trips – kids welcome
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Fishing grab bag included for children 12 and under
Whether it’s your first fish or your next trophy catch, a day with Captain Dave on Lake Clarke promises adventure, education, and memories that will last a lifetime.
- $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 a unique and fun way to celebrate? Let us do all the work!
Our fishing parties are perfect for birthdays, religious celebrations, or any special occasion. Most parties are set up in your backyard or a local park with water access. The day is packed with fishing, games, prizes, and total supervision — all you have to do is enjoy!
Spots are limited to just a few parties per weekend, so call or email early to make a deposit and reserve your date.
Party Packages
1. Star Package – $425 (up to 20 children)
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Basic party package
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Fishing games and prizes
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Full supervision and staffing
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Note: Facility not included
2. All-Star Package – Best Value! – $500 (up to 20 children)
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Fishing games, prizes, and fish facts
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Every child gets a fishing medal and a fish grab bag
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Includes a fish pinata full of candy
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Full supervision and staffing
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Note: Facility not included
3. All-Star Shark Package – Very Popular! – $530 (up to 20 children)
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Shark-themed games, prizes, and shark facts
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Every child gets a fishing medal and a shark grab bag (with real shark teeth!)
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Kids can hold a real Megalodon tooth
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Includes a shark pinata full of candy
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Full supervision and staffing
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Note: Facility not included
- 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 perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike! We’ll challenge, teach, and entertain your young athlete while helping them develop essential baseball skills, including:
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Base-running
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Throwing and receiving
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Infield and outfield techniques
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Hitting and more
Age Groups:
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Junior All-Stars: Ages 6–8
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Senior All-Stars: Ages 9–13
The week ends with our annual “World Series” game and an awards ceremony, where every camper receives a medal and a t-shirt.
Camp Instructor:
David Aagaard – former college player at Palm Beach Atlantic University, high school coach, and President of Building Up Sports Academy
Our baseball camps are held in partnership with the Nantucket Little League.
What to Bring:
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Daily snack and water bottle
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Glove and any personal baseball equipment (recommended)
Fishing Camp
Campers will learn essential fishing skills, including:
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Tying different knots
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Baiting hooks
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Water safety
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Identifying freshwater and saltwater fish in Nantucket
We provide all fishing equipment, rods, bait, and tackle. The week concludes with a fishing tournament and an awards ceremony where every camper receives a medal and t-shirt.
Camp Details:
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Limited to 18 campers per session
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Fish you may catch: porgies, black sea bass, dogfish sharks, and occasionally striped bass
What to Bring:
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Daily snack and water bottle
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Sunblock is recommended
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All fishing gear provided
Refund Policy
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Cancellations must be made at least 2 weeks prior to camp.
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90% of tuition or 100% camp credit will be issued, depending on the situation.
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No cancellations or substitutions are allowed once camp begins.
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Serious injury or illness will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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No refunds or substitutions for inclement weather.
BASEBALL CAMPS
- WEEK 1: JULY 6- 9, 2026
- WEEK 2: JULY 13 - 16, 2026
FISHING CAMPS
- Session 1: JULY 6 - 9, 2026 / 9 AM –12 PM
- Session 2: JULY 6 - 9, 2026 / 1 PM - 4 PM
- Session 3: JULY 13 - 16, 2026 / 9 AM - 12 PM
- Session 4: JULY 13 - 16, 2026 / 1 PM - 4 PM
- Session 5: JULY 20-23, 2026 / 9 AM - 12 PM
- Session 6: JULY 20-23, 2026 / 1 PM - 4 PM
CAMP PRICE, AGES & TIMES
- Baseball camp: ages 6-13 9AM - 12 PM / $295.00 PER WEEK / $245.00 For Nantucket residents !
- Fishing camp: ages 6-13 9 AM-12 PM / 1 PM - 4 PM / $395.00 PER WEEK
- Location: Baseball : Youth Fields (Delta), Nantucket
- Fishing : Brant Point (Coast Guard Station) Drop off and pick up is at the parking round about on way to the coast guard station.
All Camps Include:
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4 Days of Structured Activities – Fun, engaging, and skill-building each day.
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Building Up Sports Academy T-Shirt – A keepsake to remember the week.
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Award Ceremony – Every camper receives a medal to celebrate their participation.
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Sportsmanship Awards & Daily Prizes – Encouraging teamwork, effort, and positive attitudes.
*ONLINE REGISTRATION / 561-601-5248
Photo Gallery
Pick an event and come join us
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 please click on Nantucket camps and scroll down to "REGISTER ONLINE" link