Kids come in as many flavors as ice cream. Fortunately, there seems to be just as many flavors of summer camp. Review the collection below and see if one of these camps fits your kid's personality and will keep him or her busy and learning something new this summer.
If you don't see just what you are looking for, check out Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Guide at www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pr/parksrec/ or visit the Santa Cruz Kids Web site at www.santacruzkids.com.
Art camps
Kuumbwa Summer Jazz Camp
The two-week day camp is for aspiring musicians and covers basic improvisation and theory, jazz concepts, jazz appreciation, jazz history and performance. The program is for 8th-12th graders and takes place June 19-29.
Location: Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Cost: $200. Registration deadline: June 9 or when spots are filled. details: 427-2227.
Cabrillo Summer Academy
A program of enrichment classes for 6th-10th graders that takes place June 19-July 28. Classes offered include flash animation, clay sculpture, garage band and theater acting. Family classes also are offered for students and their parents in astronomy, beginner blues harmonica and much more.
| Location: Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Cost: $95-$150, depending on length of class. Registration deadline: May 1 through June 5 or as space available. Details: 479-6331 or www.cabrillo-extension.org. |
Classes in art offered for children ages 7-12. Projects include masks, wood figures, clay, drawing, painting, printmaking and collages. Four weeklong sessions will take place June-August. Week themes include 'Far and Away,' 'Face it,' 'Metropolis,' 'Food for Thought.'
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., Ben Lomond. Cost: Morning session 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m. Register for half-day $110 members, $120 nonmembers, plus $15 materials or full day program $220 members, $240 nonmembers, $30 materials. Call for more information. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill — students must register before the first day of class. Details: 336-4ART 4278 or www.mountainartcenter.org.
Performing art Children's Conservatory/ Theatre in the Mountains
Two weeks of classes and rehearsals culminating in a performance at the outdoor amphitheater of 'As You Like It' 8 to 12 year olds and 'Comedy of Errors' 13 to 18 year olds. All participants will receive speaking parts. A field trip to a professional Shakespeare production is included in the curriculum. Instructors are professional actors and educators with extensive backgrounds in theater arts and production. Classes run June 19-30, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Location: Loma Prieta Community Center, 23800 Summit Road, Los Gatos. Cost: $380, or $400 after April 15. Details: 408-353-9999 or www.theatreinthemountains.org.
Summer Theater Workshop/ MBR Theatre
Children rehearse and perform a production of 'The Wizard of Oz.' All students will enjoy a speaking and singing role, and will be instructed by a team of choreography and drama professionals. The camp runs June 19-July 23, culminating with two weekends of performances Thursday through Sunday. Ages 8-17 are eligible to participate.
Location: San Lorenzo Valley High Performing Arts Center. Cost: $445, siblings $375 per student. Registration deadline: June 15. Details: 476-5220 or www.mbrtheatre.com.
Santa Cruz Studio School
Ongoing classes in painting, landscape painting and drawing for children ages 3-18. Sessions run June through mid-August. Four-week sessions offered, with flexibility.
Location: 143 S. River St., Santa Cruz. Cost: Four-week sessions are $88 to $100 depending on class. Registration deadline: June 19. Details: 457-1374.
Day camps
Ymca Camp Campbell
The YMCA of the Redwoods offers several day and resident camps for kids of varying ages. Some of the programs offered this year are Teen Adventure Camp, Youth Camp, Trailblazers Camp and Leader-In-Training Program. Call or visit the Web site for specific dates, prices and other details.
Location: 16275 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. Cost: $200-$799. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 338-2128 or www.ymcacampcampbell.org.
Kennolyn's Day Camp
Kennolyn's Camp offers both day and resident camps. Kids can enjoy many activities, including horseback riding, ceramics, climbing, arts and crafts, archery and a ropes course. Camps run June 18-Aug. 26 for ages 5-15, and a family camp runs Aug. 31-Sept. 4. Location: 8205 Glenhaven Road, Soquel. Cost: Day camp $415 per week; resident camp $1195 per week. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 479-6714 or www.kennolyn.com.
Wildlands And Watering Cans
Weeklong sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 7-10, focusing on garden activities. Children will hike, build bird feeders and set up a farmers' market cart, among other activities. Sessions are June 19-23, June 26-30, July 10-14, and July 17-21. Location: UCSC Farm and Life Lab. Cost: $240 per session for members of Life Lab Science Program; $250 for nonmembers. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 459-4035 or www.lifelab.org. Registration: available online.
Farm And Wilderness Exploration
A science exploration camp for ages 11-14 in which children will develop their scientific skills, observe wildlife, hike and create garden art projects. Program takes place July 24-28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: UCSC Farm of Life Lab. Cost: $240 per session for members of Life Lab Science Program; $250 for nonmembers. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 459-24035 or www.lifelab.org.
Camp Seascape
This summer experience emphasizes cooperation, investigation, skill development, creativity and fun. Campers will be offered a variety of activities including swimming, tai kwon do, basketball, arts and crafts, tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, soccer and beach games. Six two-week sessions take place June 12-Sept. 1 for ages 3 to 13. An open house will be May 6 from noon-4 p.m.
Location: Seascape Sports Club. Cost: $545 for each two-week session, $325 for one week, or $85 for one day. Registration deadline: Call. Details: 688-1993 or www.seascapesportsclub.com.
Educational camps
ID Tech Camps
A weeklong day or resident camp where kids learn about the many different aspects of technology. Participants produce digital movies, create video games, design Web sites, program robots, compose and mix music, and much more. Students take home a project at the end of the weeklong course. The camp is for ages 7-17 and takes place at local universities, including UC Santa Cruz, Stanford University, Santa Clara University and UC Berkeley. One computer per student, six students per instructor. Camps' start times vary by location.
Location: Local colleges and universities. Cost: $699 for day students, $1099 for overnight students. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 1-888-709-8324 or www.internaldrive.com.
Aptos Academy Summer Adventure
A camp for children ages 5-12 with activities including archery, swimming, academics, crafts, dance, cooking, drama, hiking and more. Weekly theme units include Wacky and Wild Animals, The Wild West, Lights Camera Action and more. Camp takes place June 26-Aug. 18.
Location: Aptos Academy, 1940 Bonita Drive, Aptos. Cost: Full time $250 per week, part time $125 per week. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 688-1080.
Summer enrichment program
One-on-one academic tutorials for K-12 students in a wide range of subjects. K-5th graders take Math Skill Building or Reading Comprehension classes to build a strong foundation during the summer to give them success in the fall. 6th-12th grade students take Writer's Intensive Guidance, Research Writing Workshop, Literature Appreciation and Math Workshop classes to focus on specific areas of concern. High school students can also take classes for SAT I and II preparation, college advisory, college application essays and completing a college project. Classes run from June through September. Instructors teach classes in the student's home and work around busy schedules.
Location: Merit Educational Consultants' Office, 2392 N. Rodeo Gulch Road, Soquel. Cost: Call. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 462-5655 or www.meritworld.com.
Super summer saturdays
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will present interactive activities aimed at teaching families about the natural history and biology of local wildlife. Some of the activities will include live animal presentations. The events will be held every Saturday from June 24 through August 5, with the exception of July 1. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
LOCATION: 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. COST: Free with museum admission, which is free for children, $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for seniors. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until spaces fill. DETAILS: 420-6113.
Little People's School
Three-week sessions for ages 2-6 must be toilet-trained. Session I, 'To be or not to be: Exploring Drama,' takes place June 19-July 7 . Session II, 'Down by the Bay,' takes place July 10-July 28. Session III, 'Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me: Exploring Insects,' takes place July 31-Aug. 18. Location: 13171 Railroad Ave., Boulder Creek. Cost: Ranges $146-$319 per month. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 338-4112.
Developmental Learning Solutions
Program includes classes in study skills, reading and writing remediation, writer's workshop, keyboarding, math and independent studies program. Classes range in time from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Classes run June 19-July 21. LOCATION: 700 Frederick St., Suite 104, Santa Cruz. COST: $400 per two-week session. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until classes are full. DETAILS: 429-5987.
Religious camps
Mission Springs
Two camps taking place June 11-Aug. 19. 'Frontier Ranch' is for 4th-9th graders and includes mini bikes, a ropes course, archery and slip and slide. 'Wild Oak' is for 7th-12th graders and includes surfing, mountain boarding, mountain biking and rock climbing. Both camps include some Bible study.
Location: Mission Springs, 1050 Lockhart Gulch Road, Scotts Valley. Cost: Frontier Ranch grades 4-6: $384, junior high: $394; Wild Oak: $431-$457. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 335-9133 or www.frontier-ranch.com and www.wild-oak.com.
Koinonia Conference Grounds
Several different programs with activities such as swimming, games and Bible study. Kids camp for 4th-6th grades takes place July 9-15, camp for 3rd-5th grades takes place July 23-29, camp for 7th-8th grades takes place July 16-22. Water Sports camp for high school age plus one year is June 18-24.
Location: Eureka Canyon Road, Watsonville. Cost: Kids camps $297-$307; Water sports camp $335. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 722-1472 or www.gotocamp.org.
Mount Cross
The Mt. Cross Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Northern California offer many different summer programs for children of all ages from June 18-Aug. 18. Activities include games, singing, creek walking, archery and swimming, all accompanied by Bible study. Children in 2nd-12th grades are eligible for different programs.
Location: 7795 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. Cost: $160-$395. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 336-5179 or www.mtcross.org.
Special Friends
Sponsored by the Mt. Cross Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Northern California, 'Special Friends' is a weeklong program which pairs high school youth with developmentally disabled campers. Activities include hiking, swimming, sports, as well as a trip to the Seymour Marine Lab in Santa Cruz. The program is available June 18-23 and Aug. 13-18.
Location: 7795 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. Cost: $560. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 336-5179 or www.mtcross.org.
Mount Herman's Redwood Camp
Twelve different camps for 2nd-8th graders with activities such as tree climbing, boating, a climbing wall, creek walking, crafts, archery, rifle shooting, singing, skits and Bible studies. Junior high campers can also enjoy a high ropes course and a trip to the beach. Program takes place June 18-Aug. 28.
Location: Hermon Association, Inc., 37 Conference Drive, Mount Hermon. Cost: $256-$440, depending on age and camp. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 335-4466 or 1-888-MH-CAMPS 642-2677 or www.mounthermon.org.
Camp Hammer
Three separate camps: Junior Camp sessions for 4th-6th graders take place June 18-24, June 25-July 1, July 2-8 and July 9-15. Junior High Camp sessions for 7th-9th graders take place July 16-22, July 23-29, July 30-Aug. 5, and Aug. 6-12. Apostle is a one- or two-week outdoor adventure for 10th-12th graders which includes mountain climbing, surfing and much more.
Location: 21401 Big Basin Highway, Boulder Creek. Cost: $309-$399 per week. Registration deadline: 30 days before camp begins. Details: 338-3200 or www.camphammer.com.
Quaker Camp
The Quaker Center offers two camps: a weeklong Quaker Service Camp for 8th-10th graders takes place July 13-22 and offers games, hiking and campfires, as well as community service work, such as working with elders and the homeless, and improving the buildings and grounds at the Quaker Center. The weeklong Quaker Camp for 5th-7th graders takes place June 18-25 and includes swimming, crafts, games, storytelling, hiking, campfires, field trips, environmental awareness and Quaker practice.
Location: The Quaker Center, 1000 Hubbard Gulch Road, Ben Lomond. Cost: $325-$485, depending on camp; scholarships available. Registration deadline: Suggested May 1st. Details: 336-8333 or Web site: www.quakercenter.org.
Sports
Pacific Edge Rock Climbing Camp
The indoor climbing gym offers both beginners' and advanced sessions for ages 8-17. Sessions last June 13-Aug. 12.
Location: 104 Bronson St. No. 12, Santa Cruz. Cost: $99.75-195.00. Registration deadline: Until spaces fill. Details: 454-9254 or Web site: www.pacificedgeclimbinggym.com.
Chess
Novice/Beginner level: Students will learn the rules and basic objectives of chess. They will practice fundamental endgame checkmates and become acquainted with a guide to opening principles. Beginner level: Students will learn basic strategies from the three stages of a chess game; opening, middle and endgame. Students will also learn to notate their games for review. Intermediate level: Students will learn essential tactical themes of middle game play. They will learn how to attack the castled and uncastled king, fight for control of the center, effectively trade pieces and play fundamental endgames, while they play match games. United States Chess Federation chess master Gjon Feinstein has been teaching children in the schools of Santa Cruz County full time since 1995.
Location: Gateway School, 126 Eucalyptus Ave, Santa Cruz. Beginners: July 10-14, 1-3 p.m.; Intermediate-advanced: July 17- 24, 1-3 p.m. Details: 423-0341, Ext. 304.
Location: Vista learning Collaborative, 220 Belgatos Rd., Los Gatos. Beginners: July 10- 14, 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.; Intermediate: July 24- 29, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Details: 408 358""1684.
Club Ed Surf Camps
Students will spend seven days learning to surf at various Santa Cruz County surf spots. From beginners to advanced surfers, classes, which will be lead by experienced local surfers, will be geared to fit each individual's needs. When students aren't too busy surfing, they'll spend time learning about the Santa Cruz area during outings to the Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Mid-way through the week, campers will receive a half-hour massage. Camps run from June 18 to August 26.
LOCATION: To be announced. COST: $1,090 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until spaces fill. DETAILS: www.club-ed.com, or 464-0177.
Surf Camp 2006
Richard Schmidt School of Surfing will offer five days of intensive training for surfers of all levels. In addition to learning the basics of surfing, students will also learn about proper diet, fitness training, the ever-changing ocean conditions and first aid. Campers will also tour the marine lab and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Tents will be set up at a KOA campground in Watsonville, and food, transportation and equipment will be included. Campers are responsible for their own sleeping bag, pad and personal items. Mixed-age camps run from June 11 through Aug. 18. To reserve a camp spot, send a $200 deposit check to Richard Schmidt School of Surfing, 849 Almar Ave. Box 192, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
LOCATION: KOA Kampgrounds of America, 1186 San Andrea Road COST: $1,000 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until spaces fill. DETAILS: www.richardschmidt.com or 423-0928.
Specialty
Devil Pups
This 10-day camp at Camp Pendelton Marine Corps base teaches character-building skills needed to be a U.S. Marine and a stronger person. Boys and girls from 14-17 are taught self-discipline and responsibility by Marine Corps instructors in a fun and challenging setting meant to develop the physical and mental strength needed to be one of the few, the proud. Camp dates are Aug 3-12. Applicants will need to fill out an application, get a physical exam and take a physical fitness test. LOCATION: Camp Margarita, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendelton. Cost: free with an optional donation. Registration deadline: A month in advance. Details: 805 497-9810 or visit www.devilpups.com.
Rites Of Passage Journey And Vision Quest
One-on-one Rites of Passage journey and Vision Quest for male teens who need a place to sort things out and who are ready to transition from boy to man. This is a camp designed to help teen boys get clear on their personal mission and vision for their lives. Custom designed and priced for families, groups and individuals.
Details: 208-331-2852 or YES_YouthEmpowermentServices@yahoo.com.
Boys In The Fire
Challenging "at-risk boys to become successful men," this is a six-day wilderness therapy adventure designed for boys transitioning into manhood. For boys 14 and older. The program runs in early June. Cost: $1,500. Details: 208-331-2052 or YES_YouthEmpowermentServices@yahoo.com.
