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E-mail StorySummer programs beckon for bored kids
| Tuesday, Apr 29 2008 4:24 PM
Last Updated: Wednesday, Apr 30 2008 10:26 AM
“School’s out for summer!” kids will be shouting out soon.
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“Uh-oh ... What do we do now?!” parents will wonder in angst.
Not to worry: With the rich offering of local summer day and overnight camps and other activities available, Kern parents can relax knowing there’s plenty to keep their kids’ minds and bodies active throughout the summer.
Art, music, sports, academic, theater, social, outdoor and indoor activities abound for children ages preschool to 18.
Check out the list we’ve compiled and you’ll see that even though it’s not quite endless, it’s actually pretty long. And although it is not intended to be all-inclusive, it still highlights schedule and fee options that can accommodate the calendars and budgets of a wide range of parents: from a couple of hours to several weeks, from free to $2,000.
We are always looking to inform the community about the activity options available for local kids, so if you know of one that is not on our list, please let us know by writing to lmedina@bakersfield.com.
Enjoy the summer!
ACADEMIC/EDUCATIONAL
Kern County Museum (Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center)
3801 Chester Ave., www.kcmuseum.org, 852-5000
Half-day (8 a.m. to noon) and full-day camps (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) offered for ages 5-11.
June 2: Science of the Ancient World
June 9: Kitchen Science: Ages 5-7, Science of Summer: Ages 8-11
June 23 (Full-day camp only): Kitchen Science, ages 8-11; Science of Summer, ages 5-7
June 30: Holidays Around the World
July 14: Superhero Science — Kapow!
July 21 (Full-day camp only): Geology Rocks!
July 28: Science Magic
Aug. 4: Olympics Around the World
Costs: Half-day morning camps: $85 per week for members, $100 for nonmembers.
Full-day camps: $160 per week for members, $190 for nonmembers.
California Living Museum (CALM)
10500 Alfred Harrell Highway, 872-2256, ext. 12, www.calmzoo.org
Zoo Camp: For first- through sixth-graders
Children will experience the wonders of California’s animal and plant life. Snacks are provided. Camp is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but certain weeks offer half-day options.
Camps will be held as follows: June 2-6, June 16-20, July 7–11, July 28-Aug. 1, Aug. 11-15
During two weeks, CALM will hold joint camps with the Kern County Museum as follows:
June 23-27 at CALM
July 21-25 at the Kern County Museum
Cost: $160 per weekly session for CALM members; $190 for nonmembers.
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History 2018 Chester Ave., 324-6350
2008 Summer Science Camp: For kids in grades 1-8
Different sessions will help kids explore the world of science and history. Sessions will be offered between 8 a.m. and noon Monday through Thursday as follows:
July 7-10
Crime Scene Investigation: CSI at the Museum, for grades 4-8
The Dinosaur World: For grades 1-3
July 14-17
Alternating Classes:
1) The Digestive System from Beginning to End
2) The Eyes Have It: For grades 1-3 and 4-6 taught in separate groups.
July 21-24
Sharks: For grades 4-8
Teeth, Jaws and Sharks: For grades 1-3
Cost: $80 per student/per session ($70 for museum members), with multi-session discounts available. Fee includes midmorning snack and camp materials. Space is limited to 25 students per session.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School 124 Columbus St., 327-7741, www.olph1.com
Academic Summer Session — for students entering grades 1 to 5.
Skill-building and maintenance in language arts and math. Session runs from 8 a.m. to noon, June 9 to July 3. Extended day care and afternoon enrichment sessions available.
Cost: $325. Enrichment classes extra.
Country Christian School
2416 Dean Ave., 589-4703
Reading Only Program: For students in grades 1-6 who struggle with reading and spelling.
Concentrated six-week program in “simply phonics.” Four topics covered: phonics rules, spelling, creative writing and reading.
3 in 1 Program: For students in grades 1-6 who need to maintain academic progress and have a love of learning.
Six-week course that incorporates reading, math and computer work/science. Each of the three subjects is taught in 45-minute intervals.
Camp runs 9 a.m. to noon June 2 to July 11.
Cost: $650
Compassion Christian Center’s Academic Center of Excellence and Agapeland Christian Academy 1030 Fourth St., 325-4321, 325-4407 or amygreen56@gmail.com for Summer Algebra Institute)
Agapeland Christian Academy Summer School: For children 6 to 12
Reading, writing, arithmetic and fun will fill students’ summer hours with constructive, instructive activities that will keep them creatively occupied.
Summer school runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 2 through Aug. 8. Cost: $400 monthly tuition includes breakfast, lunch and a daily snack.
CCC Academic Center of Excellence Day Care Program: For potty-trained tots ages 2 to 5
Daily thematic activities will keep little bodies and minds active and challenged. Day care runs from from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 2 through Aug. 8.
Cost: $400 monthly tuition includes breakfast, lunch and a daily snack. CCC’s Academic Center of Excellence Summer Algebra Institute: For students in grades 7 to 9
By understanding and applying algebra and math concepts, students will realize that numbers, formulas and theorems can not only be fun but also make perfect sense.
The institute runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 23 through Aug. 1. Application deadline is May 14. Forms may be obtained from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the CCC/ACA office.
Cost: Free.
ARTS/MUSIC
E3 Performing Arts (a division of Garden Pathways Inc., a fully-licensed day care center) 900 22nd St., 323-8311, www.gardenpathways.org
Summer Day Camp: Dance, gymnastics, music, drama, art, sports, academic enrichment, field trips and more for grades K-7.
Camp runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from June 2 to Aug. 15.
Cost: Daily, weekly and summer rates available.
The Spotlight School of Arts 1622 19th St., 634-0692, www.theatreap.com
Summer Stock Program: For children ages 5-18
Intensive Technical Theater Class
Does your child love the theater but wilt under the limelight? Let your child shine ... backstage! They will learn the basics to bring a show to life with lighting, sound and set design. This hands-on class meets twice a week for two hours a day. Days TBA.
Session 1: June 16-July 18
Session 2: July 21-Aug. 15
Cost: $150
Americana!
For little Broadway stars in the making, this class hones the skills of acting, singing and dancing, featuring short scenes, skits, songs and dance numbers that focus on America. Two instructors and a teacher’s aide give each student loads of instruction.
8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, June 9-July 3. Performances showcasing students’ skills will be held at 2 p.m. on July 5, 6, 12 and 13.
Cost: $265
A Play About a Dragon
Synopsis: A troupe of traveling actors happily believe they’ve volunteered to perform their play about a dragon for a king, but they’ve actually volunteered to slay a real dragon!
This course will teach the basics of acting, including improvisation and character work, and culminate in a full-length production.
Class meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 9-July 18. Performances will be at 2 p.m. on July 19, 20, 26 and 27, and Aug. 2 and 3. Cost: $375
Disney’s Aladdin Jr.
A full-scale musical in which Disney’s resourceful young hero and wise-cracking genie come to life on stage in a special adaptation that features songs from the Academy Award-winning “Aladdin.” Teaching everything from acting to vocal work to dance choreography, this class is perfect for those starting out as well as for those wishing to improve their skills.
Class meets from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, July 7-Aug. 8. Performances for this production will be at 2 p.m. on Aug. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24.
Cost: $375
New offering: Walk Like an Egyptian
Fun class for beginners or veterans alike wanting to hone the skills of acting, singing and dancing to create a truly unique revue. Students’ personal talents will be showcased in short scenes and skits, songs and dance numbers with an Egyptian theme.
Class meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 21-Aug. 15. Performances will be held at noon on Aug. 16, 17, 23 and 24. Cost: $265
For all classes, be sure to ask about scholarships, gift certificates and 15 percent sibling discounts. At least three students must be enrolled for a class to begin.
Bakersfield Music Theatre 1927 Eye St., 325-6100, www.bmtstars.com School of Fine Arts Summer Workshop: For kids 5-18
Kids will participate in one of two productions of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” as follows:
Session 1: 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, June 2-26. Performances will be held June 27 and 28.
Session 2: 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 9-July 10. Performances will be held July 11 and 12.
Cost: $350 for new students. Ask about discounts for returning students and multiple family members.
Bakersfield Community Theatre 2400 S. Chester Ave. (at O Street), 831-8114, www.bakersfieldcommunitytheatre.com
Summer Youth Program: For children 5 and older
Kids will learn about drama by putting on a production of the much-loved classic, “Charlotte’s Web.”
Auditions are scheduled for June 7-9, but dates may change depending on director availability. Call the theater closer to those dates to find out about audition times and also about rehearsal dates and times.
Performance dates for this production will be July 18-20 and 25-27. Times to be determined.
Cost: Free. Parental volunteer time is strongly recommended.
Gaslight Melodrama Summer Children’s Theatre Workshop 12748 Jomani Drive, 587-3377, www.themelodrama.com.
“The Snake in the Grass” — How to put on a Melodrama. A six-week program that includes creative dramatics, improvisational techniques, singing and musical interpretation, dance and choregraphy, make-up and stagecraft. The young actors will conclude the workshop with two performances held at the Gaslight Melodrama Theatre.
Classes meet Monday through Thursday, June 30-Aug. 14 Morning session: 9 a.m. to noon Afternoon session: 1 to 4 p.m.
Performances will be held on:
• Aug. 11-12 for morning session participants.
• Aug. 13-14 for afternoon session participants. Cost: $365 for either a morning or afternoon session.
Color Me Mine
At The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave., Suite I-2, 664-7366, www.bakersfield.colormemine.com
Summer 2008 Art Adventures: For kids ages 7-13
Diverse multimedia camps combine art (clay building, ceramic painting, mosaic, papier-mache, watercolor and more) and learning about amazing subjects.
Classes are held 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday over eight weeks or sessions. Each session features a different theme as follows:
June 9-12: Extreme Room Makeover
June 16-19: Famous Artists
June 23-26: Under the Sea
July 7-10: Art Around the World
July 14-17: Myths and Legends
July 21-24: African Safari
July 28-31: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (for kids 10-13)
Aug. 4-7: It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
Cost: $145 per session. Prepaid reservations are required at least two weeks in advance.
Bakersfield Museum of Art 1930 R St., 323-7219, www.bmoa.org
Experience Art 2008: For children ages 6 to 12:
Learn drawing and painting, sculpture and art history through imaginative projects in a creative environment. Kids may attend one to four weeks of camp, which will be offered for a total of eight weeks, from June 9 through Aug. 1.
Costs
Members: $80 for one week; $130 for two weeks; $185 for three weeks; $245 for four weeks.
Nonmembers: $90 for one week; $150 for two weeks; $210 for three weeks; $275 for four weeks.
Side By Side: For children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers:
Enjoy art activities with your children and watch them build important school readiness abilities such as social/language skills, problem solving and kinesthetic awareness.
Two classes to choose from: 9 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., running the week of June 2 only.
Costs: $50 for museum members; $60 for nonmembers.
Note: Although there is no summer program for teens offered by the museum, teenagers are welcome to volunteer for helping with summer camp.
Moore’s Art School 5610 District Blvd., Suite 105, 837-1037, www.mooresartschool.com
Children’s Summer Art Classes
Painting, drawing and sculpture for ages 6-9 and 10-18.
Classes held 1 to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Cost: $75 for four two-hour sessions per month.
Harmony Road Music School
5381 Truxtun Ave., 665-8228, www.harmony roadbakersfield.com
Junior Music Camp: For ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 10.
Activities include singing, keyboard concepts, arts and crafts. Two sessions in June, two in July.
Cost: $125 for five days, two hours per day.
Toddler Tunes: For toddlers ages 16 months to 3 years and their parents. A first-music experience that includes singing, playing with rhythm instruments, activities with balls, scarves and hoops, and keyboard exploration. Two sessions in June, two in July.
Cost: Six-lesson course, $70.
Intro to Piano Camp: For kids ages 41⁄2 to 12 and their parents. No instrument needed. Designed to introduce your child to the piano keyboard. Activities include singing, movement, rhythm, ear training, note reading and more. Two sessions in June, two in July. Great preparation for the regular piano program, which begins in September.
Cost: Four-lesson course, including book, $75.
Classy Knits & Yarns 1839 F St., 325-7226, www.classyyarns.com
Embroidery Class: For children ages 8 and up.
Class meets 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays in June.
Cost: $5 per class, plus materials.
Beginning crochet and knitting class: For children 8 and up.
Class meets 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays in July and August.
Cost: $5 per class, plus materials.
BOY SCOUTS
Southern Sierra Council Boy Scouts of America 2417 M St. 325-9036, www.sscbsa.org
CSI: Cub Scout Investigators: Day camp for boys ages 7 to 11. An adventure into the world of investigating and crime-solving techniques. As Agent 008, filling in for Agent 007, James Bond, who is on assignment, you will become a detective and learn how to spy, dust for fingerprints, build your own tools, crack secret codes and more.
Times, dates and locations as follows:
In Ridgecrest: Twilight June 9-12 and all day June 13 (at the Fairgrounds)
In Bakersfield: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 7-11 (at the Cal State Bakersfield track area); 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 14-18 (at the Bakersfield College practice field) In Tehachapi: Aug. 4-8 (time and location to be announced)
Cost: $90 early registration fee through May 30; $100 thereafter.
Camp Kern 2008: Available to Boy Scouts ages 11 to 18
Camp for a week (Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning) on the shores of Huntington Lake, about 3-4 hours north/northeast of Bakersfield. The camp is open for weekly sessions from June 22 to Aug. 16 Some weeks are already booked. Campers can come with a troop or on their own.
Cost: $300 per week ($275 for those returning for a second week) with a $100 deposit required to guarantee a spot.
Note: Merit badges for campers to work on, including astronomy, leather-working, camping, cooking, environmental sciences, swimming, sailing, canoeing and more. Visit www.campkern.net for more information.
GIRL SCOUTS
Girl Scouts Joshua Tree Council 1831 Brundage Lane, 327-1409, www.girlsfirst.org
Camp High Adventure: For girls entering grades 5-12.
Sessions available: July 13-18 or 20-25. This six-day camp in Kernville will expose girls to kayaking, river rafting, horseback riding, rock wall climbing, rope courses, hiking and other outdoor activities, allowing them to challenge themselves safely and at their own pace. Lots of “girl time” will also be included so girls can journal, read, relax and make new friends.
Cost: $625 for six days. A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 30 girls per week will be accepted.
Valley Trails Camp: For girls entering grades 3-6.
Session: Aug. 3-8 In this new summer camp offering in Castaic, in the heart of the Santa Clarita Valley one hour south of Bakersfield, girls will enjoy high ropes, zip lines, rock climbing, archery and swimming. There will also be a “Rock Around the Clock” 1950s theme to this camp, that will include a “sock hop” event for girls to be able to dance the night away.
Cost: $425 for six days. A minimum of 20 and a maximum of 50 girls will be accepted.
Summer Options Program: For girls in grades K-12. From June 3 through Aug. 14, girls will have an opportunity to enrich themselves in a variety of ways, through a peppering of urban and rural outings lasting from one to three hours on different days.
Learn fashion secrets at the mall; tour Dewar’s famous ice cream and candy factory; visit the California Living Museum; find out about interviewing for a job; enjoy a fun morning at Murray Family Farms; ride on a raft in the Kern River; learn about etiquette and manners, and more.
Cost: There are more than 40 age-appropriate activities for girls to choose from throughout the summer, and these range in cost from $2 to $47.
ATHLETICS/ADVENTURE
Clear Creek “B” Ranch (Presented by the Lilac Ranch Riding Club) Hart Flat, 822-7062, www.lilacranchridingclub.com
Adventure Horse Camp: For beginning to intermediate riders ages 8-15. A weeklong camp (June 23-29) featuring daily horseback riding and certified instruction, as well as classes in art, American Indian history, stable management and horse health and care.
Cost: $950
In-Shape Laurel Glen 6901 Ming Ave., 833-3740, www.inshapeclubs.com Various camps will be offered. Please call for information.
Bakersfield Country Club 4200 Country Club Drive, 871-5410
Junior Summer Tennis Camps: For children 4 to 18. Children will learn tennis fundamentals and strategies, and play lots of games. Camp runs 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday. Midmorning snacks and lunch are served.
Dates: June 3-6; 10-13; and 17-20; July 15-18; 22-25; and 29-Aug. 1.
Cost: $100 per week
CSUB Soccer 9001 Stockdale Highway, 654-2407 or 654-2594, www.gorunners.com CSUB Boys and Girls Youth Soccer Camps: For kids ages 3-14. Pee Wee Camp: Ages 3 to 4; 8 to 10:30 a.m. Cost: $150.
Half-Day Camp: Ages 5 to 11; 8 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $175.
Full-Day Camp: Ages 7 to 14; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $195.
Costs/Dates: Above costs are for one week of instruction. Three weeks to choose from as follows:
1) June 23-27 2) July 21-25 3) July 28-Aug. 1.
Camps are taught by head men’s and women’s soccer coaches and many current and former CSUB soccer players. Participants are divided up by age and skill level.
CSUB Basketball 9001 Stockdale Highway, 654-2190
CSUB Basketball Youth Camp: For kids ages 6 to 15
Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 9-12.
Cost: $200
CSUB Volleyball Camps 9001 Stockdale Highway, 654-2007, www.csub.edu/volleyball All-Skills Camps: For all-level players, boys and girls.
July 7-10 and July 14-17
1 to 3:30 p.m. for grades 3-8
5:30 to 8 p.m. for grades 9-12
Cost: $100 for pre-registration online and $110 for walk-up registration.
Jameson Ranch P.O. Box 459, Glennville, CA 93226, 536-8888, www.jamesonranchcamp.com
A private, accredited camp one hour northeast of Bakersfield near the Sequoia National Forest. Activities include horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, archery, riflery, mountain biking, drama, crafts and much more.
One-week early session: For kids 6-15.
June 15-21
Cost: $1,015.
Two-week sessions: For kids 6-15
Choose from among four sessions: June 22 to July 5; July 6-19; July 20-Aug. 2; Aug. 3-16.
Cost: $2,000 per two-week session.
Family Camp: No age limit.
Aug. 18-24. Costs vary, please call for more information.
Counselor-In-Training program: For youths ages 16-17
Available June 22 to July 5; July 6-19; July 20-Aug. 2; Aug. 3-16.
Cost: $1,840 for two weeks.
Stars Gymnastics 4401 Ride St., 833-3986, www.starsgymca.com
Summer Camp: For children 5 to 18.
Two daily sessions offered.
Session One: 8 a.m. to noon
Session Two: 1 to 5 p.m
Weekly sessions offered from June 2 to Aug. 15.
Costs: Half-day and full day rates available. Enroll for 10 days and get one free.
American Kids Sports Center 3622 Allen Road, 589-2100, www.americankids sports.com
2008 Summer Sport Camp: For kids ages 4 to 12.
Activities include basketball, gymnastics, swimming, crafts, indoor baseball and soccer, trampoline, dance, martial arts and games. Camp dates and times:
June 2 through Aug. 1
Three time choices:
Sport Camp: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. a.m. classes: 7:30 to 9 a.m. p.m. classes: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Costs For Sport Camp: $35 per day; $140 per week; $560 for 20-day fun pass. For a.m. classes: $5 per day; $20 per week. For p.m. classes: $5 per day; $20 per week. For combined a.m. and p.m. classes: $9 per day or $40 per week
Adventure Tot Camp: For ages 4 and 5
Features same activities as Sport Camp but is more age-specific.
Camp dates and times: 9 a.m. to noon from June 2 through Aug. 1 Cost: $23 per day and $100 per week; $560 for 20-day fun pass.
Robison Ranch Horse Camps 823 N. China Lake Blvd., Ridgecrest; 760-382-5017; www.robisonranch.org Horse camp is conducted in a 35-acre facility about 11⁄2 hours from Bakersfield in the East Kern County/Inyokern area.
Camp includes two hours of daily lessons from certified trainers, plus trail riding, gaming on horseback, stable management, horse health including the anatomy of a horse’s lower leg and hooves, and many other subjects. The focus is on proper riding and safety.
Along with mounted and unmounted lessons, campers will enjoy crafts, horse movies, games, star gazing, pancake breakfasts and campfire cookouts. Campers may bring their own horse or use one belonging to the ranch.
Five-day camp: Session I: June 1-6 Session II: June 8-13. Weekend camp: June 13-15.
Check-in for all camps is at 6 p.m. on the first night and check-out is at 3 p.m. on the last day of camp. Bunkhouse limited to 12 campers. Cost: $600 for five-day camp; $225 for weekend camp.
“Tailored” horse camps are also available to suit the needs of nonprofit, civic and church organizations. Please call for a quote.
GENERAL DAY CAMPS
Bakersfield Carden School 714 Columbus St., Suite A, 325-2271, www.bakersfieldcardenschool.com
Camp Carden: For kids in grades Pre-K through 6. Seven weeks of cooking, sewing, science, outdoor and indoor games, water play, field trips and crafts. Camp is not just for Bakersfield Carden School students: All children are welcome. Space is limited.
Camp is from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Day care before and after camp is available.
Dates: June 9 through July 25. Cost: $20 per day or $90 per week.
Bakersfield Police Activities League 301 E. Fourth St., 283-8880, www.bakersfieldpal.org
Day Camp: For boys and girls ages 8 to 17. Maximum capacity is 200 kids per day.
Daily schedule is from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning sometime in June and lasting for eight or nine weeks — exact dates to be announced. Curriculum includes sports, recreation, games and arts and crafts. Campers will play Junior Giants baseball at the PAL center. The baseball program is sponsored by the San Francisco Giants.
Cost: Free and a hot lunch is provided.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
Two locations: 801 Niles St. , 7850 Brimhall Road, 325-3730, www.bgclubsofkerncounty.org
Summer Day Camp: For kids 5-17
Camp is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning the Monday after school ends and running through the Friday before school starts.