Kids of Summer II 2011

Summer is just around the bend, and camps, classes, teams, theater troupes and volunteer opportunities are filling up fast. Here, the Press-Banner has compiled a list of great things to do in Santa Cruz County this summer.
There are attractions and activities from Boulder Creek to the beaches of Santa Cruz and a calendar with summer activities taking place through out the county. Hang onto this special section to make sure your children (or you) have something to do all summer long.
Day Camps
Day camps galore await kids as a place to learn a new skill or simply have some fun.
Rec Stop summer camp, Scotts Valley Recreation, 361 Kings Village Road
Sports, arts, crafts, special events and field trips are on the schedule for kids entering kindergarten through 14 years old at Scotts Valley Recreation summer camp at Vine Hill School. Camp starts June 13. Enrollment is now open, and parents must register online or in person at Scotts Valley Recreation.
For information: 438-3251 or www.scottsvalley.org/parks/parks_recs.html
San Lorenzo Valley Summer Quest Program, Ben Lomond, 325 Marion Ave.
The flexible Quest program offers field trips and sport activities so kids don’t suffer summer boredom, as well as classes in science, drama and arts. Weekly day camps start June 13 through Aug. 29.
For information: 336-8220 or sl******@*****st.net
Gateway to Summer Fun, Santa Cruz, Gateway School, 126 Eucalyptus Ave.
A day camp running June 20 through Aug. 12 specializes in activities including Lego architecture, farms, cartooning, guitar and culinary skills. Online registration is open now.
For information: 423-0341, ext. 334; or www.gatewaysc.org
She’s All That girls summer camp, Boulder Creek Recreation, 13333 Middleton Ave.
This weeklong camp is for girls ages 8 through 14. Participants will practice writing, dancing, arts and crafts, cooking, hiking and more. The session runs July 18 through 22.
For information: 338-4144 or www.bcrpd.org
Rec Rocks Kid Camps, Boulder Creek Recreation, 13333 Middleton Ave.
This day camp, which runs from 11 to 2 p.m., will provide fun, games and activities for kids ages 5 through 10. One-week sessions run June 13 through Aug. 12.
For information: 338-4144 or www.bcrpd.org
Summer Art for Kids, Scotts Valley Artisans, 222-I Mount Hermon Road
This weeklong camp is for young artists, ages 8-13. Projects will include making personal photo scrapbooks, watercolor painting, jewelry making and treasure box building. The three sessions, all Monday thru Friday are: July 11-15; July 18-22 and July 25-29.
For information: 439-9094
Sports Camps
Whether preparing for high school athletics or looking to get in shape while learning new skills, there’s a place for kids who want to be active this summer.
Valley Tae Kwon Do, Ben Lomond, 9520 Mill St.
This all-day summer camp includes tae kwon do, field trips to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and local swimming pools, and more. The weekly camp runs June 13 through Aug. 12 for ages 7 and up.
For information: 336-2043
Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy, Scotts Valley, 5004 Scotts Valley Drive
Starting in June, Lightspeed will offer weeklong summer camps that include martial arts, trips to the beach, swimming, bowling, archery and other attractions.
For information: 438-6068 or www.lightspeedmartialarts.com
Elite Martial Arts, Scotts Valley, 266 Mount Hermon Road
Three summer camps — Ninja Warrior Camp, Jiu Jitsu Camp and Wipeout Camp — will each feature a different aspect of martial arts. Camps begin June 20, July 11 and Aug. 5, respectively.
For information: 438-5425 or www.438kick.com
Juventus Soccer Club Camps
Nationally licensed head coach Victor Martinez’s soccer camps for youngsters start this month at Garrahan Park in Boulder Creek.
For information: 246-3072 or www.juventussc.com
Vargas Academy of Gymnastic Arts, Scotts Valley, 1300 Green Hills Road, Ste. 6
Scotts Valley’s only gymnastics academy hosts Camp Trampoline all summer long. The weeklong sessions begin July 11 and run until Aug. 19. There are also tumbling, cheer and Parkour classes scheduled weekly.
For information: 438-8242 or www.vargasacademy.com
Choi’s Tae Kwon Do, Scotts Valley, 230-C Mount Hermon Road
Choi’s offers martial arts classes daily for kids on summer break.
For information: 438-1765 or www.choistkdscottsvalley.com
Scotts Valley recreation classes
The Scotts Valley Recreation Department has a wide variety of camps and classes for kids of all ages. The active offerings include tennis, yoga, Zumba, tai chi, golf, volleyball, gymnastics and more.
For information: 438-3251 or www.scottsvalley.org
Basketball shooting clinic, Boulder Creek
Renowned Boulder Creek shooting instructor Tom Nordlund teaches children of all ages to shoot a basketball successfully. Call for camps and clinics all summer long in Boulder Creek.
For information: 338-6013 or www.swish22.com
Valley Sports Camp, Felton
Run by Mark, Jeff and Kim Mercer, the day camp will offer sports from basketball to ultimate Frisbee, soccer and more in three one-week sessions beginning in June for kindergartners through ninth-graders at San Lorenzo Valley High School, 7105 Highway 9.
For information: www.valleysportscamp.com
Basketball Jones Hoops Camps
Basketball camps for kids ages 7 through 15 will run from June 20 to 24 in Aptos and from Aug. 1 to 5 in Santa Cruz. Young players will learn basketball skills and compete in shooting contests and 5-on-5 games.
For information: 800-348-3803 or www.basketballjonescamps.com
Catalyst Soccer Camps
Catalyst Soccer Camps will host a series of weeklong camps in the county, including camps in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley.
Boys and girls ages 4 through 6 will learn the basics of soccer, and campers ages 6 through 14 will focus on passing, shooting, dribbling and defense.
Catalyst camps will be at Skypark from June 20 to 24 and Aug. 1 to 5 and at Highlands Park in Ben Lomond from July 5 to 9.
For information: 423-3556 or www.catalystsoccer.com
Camp Seascape, Aptos, 1505 Seascape Blvd.
Kids 3 through 13 years old can enjoy sports like volleyball, basketball, tennis and climbing as well as field trips to the beach and other local spots as part of this exciting day camp.
For information: 688-1993 or www.seascapesportsclub.com
City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation
Junior guards, soccer camps, dance camps and many other activities are offered in Santa Cruz. Fees are lower for folks who live within Santa Cruz city limits than for those who live in other areas of the county.
For information: 420-5270 or www.santacruzparksandrec.com
Overnight Camps
The redwoods are home to a host of weeklong camp opportunities during the summer. Beautiful summer weather, rivers, beaches, climbing walls and more await campers eager to get away for a week.
YMCA Camp Campbell, Boulder Creek, 16275 Highway 9
In the heart of the redwoods, YMCA’s Camp Campbell has lush hiking trails, a swimming pool, archery ranges, sports courts, nature and crafts centers, ropes challenge courses and cozy cabins along the San Lorenzo Valley River. Programs — including beach, hiking and music camps — are designed for boys and girls entering second through 12th grades. Both overnight and day camps are offered.
For information: 338-2128 or www.ymcacampcampbell.org
Celtic music camps, Boulder Creek, 20161 Big Basin Way
Campers will perform in an orchestra and small bands as well as sing, dance, swim, make flutes and more as part of the Teen Celtic overnight camp for ages 13 to 18 and day camp for ages 12 to 17. A single session from June 20 to 25. A kids Celtic camp for ages 7 to 12 will take place Aug. 1 through Aug. 13 and conclude with a concert at the famed Boomeria in Bonny Doon.
Camp Hammer, Boulder Creek, 21401 Big Basin Way
Camp Hammer promotes learning about God through recreation, offering weeklong camps for kids in fourth through 12th grades. Programs encourage relationship building in the outdoors with activities that include ropes courses, swimming and hiking. Camp Hammer also has a two-week apostle camp for high school campers interested in counseling.
For information: 338-3200 or www.camphammer.com
Mount Hermon, 37 Conference Drive
This Christian and conference camp offers outdoor camps at Kidder Creek (near the Oregon border) and Redwood Camp and Ponderosa Lodge in Felton. Activities include hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, power scooters, disc golf, surfing, mountain biking, sports, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, cliff jumping and more. Mount Hermon also boasts its Redwood Canopy Tour, which employs a network of zip cables and sky bridges for a unique learning experience high above the forest floor.
For information: 335-4466 or www.mounthermon.org
Mount Cross Lutheran Camp, Ben Lomond, 7795 Highway 9
This Christian camp includes activities like creek walks, campouts and ropes courses designed for children ages 4 (with a guardian) through 17. The camp has three-week counselor-in-training experiences and a “young explorers” weekend camp designed to help younger kids ease into the overnight experience.
For information: 336-5179 or www.mtcross.org
Frontier Ranch at Mission Springs, Scotts Valley, 1050 Lockhart Gulch Road
Frontier Ranch offers weeklong, overnight camps on 300 acres of Scotts Valley terrain for participants to mountain bike, mini bike, ride the giant swing, learn to use a rifle, try zip lines and ropes courses, feed animals, climb, hike, swim and learn about God. Camps are available for elementary and middle school kids starting June 19.
For information: 800-683-9133 or www.frontier-ranch.com
Daybreak Camp, Felton, 6676 Rose Acres Lane
This Christian camp provides an outlet for young campers to discover and bask in nature while learning about God. Daybreak offers trails for hiking, a ropes course, crafts and projects, and sprawling fields for sports and recreation. The camp has 190 acres for exploration and retreats.
For information: 335-2756 or www.daybreakcamp.org
Summer Education
Traditional summer school is a thing of the past because of budget reductions at local schools. Students who need some extra help can look to local businesses for their summer learning.
Read America Clinic, Scotts Valley, 5521 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. 205
This clinic offers weekly sessions, as well as one- and two-week reading intensive courses geared to students who want to improve their reading, writing, test-taking or handwriting skills.
For information: 440-0807 or www.readamericaclinic.com
Tutoring Club, Scotts Valley, 221 Mount Hermon Road
The Tutoring Club offers tutoring for students from kindergarten through 12th grade in math, reading, writing, SAT and ACT preparation, study skills and more.
For information: 439-8886 or www.tutoringclub.com/scottsvalleyca
San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, Ben Lomond, 325 Marion Ave.
Due to budget constraints, summer courses will not be offered this year. Credit recovery classes will be offered by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
For information: 336-8852 or www.slv.k12.ca.us
Scotts Valley Unified School District, 4444 Scotts Valley Drive
Due to budget constraints, summer courses will not be offered this year.
For information: 438-1820 or www.svusd.santacruz.k12.ca.us
Swimming Pools
Be it for leisurely relaxation, water aerobics, swimming lessons or pool parties, there are pools aplenty in the valley, with many classes and programs.
SLV Community Pool at SLV High School, Felton, 7105 Highway 9
Open to the public: swimming lessons through Cougars Swim School (239-4228) for all ages, levels and abilities
For schedule and prices: 335-9877
SLV Swim Center, Ben Lomond, 9050 Highway 9
Open to the public: swimming lessons, aerobics, open swim
For schedule and prices: 336-3455 or www.slvswimcenter.com
Trout Farm Inn, Zayante, 7701 E. Zayante Road.
Open to the public: outdoor pool
For schedule and prices: 335-4317
Siltanen Family Swim Center, Scotts Valley, 127 Vine Hill School Road
Open to the public: swimming lessons, parent-baby lessons, pool rentals, open swim
For information: 438-3251
La Madrona Swim and Racquet Club, Scotts Valley, 1897 La Madrona Drive. Members only: swimming lessons, pool rentals, open swim
For information: 438-1072
Amusement Parks
Several local attractions provide fun for out-of-town guests or valley kids on summer vacation.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St.
Rides are now open every afternoon and evening at the 104-year-old mainstay. Beginning June 17, free Friday night concerts by rock bands from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s will run through Sept. 2. A free movie will be shown every Wednesday night from July 6 to Aug. 10.
A revamped haunted house, the 3-year-old sea swings, and the classic Giant Dipper roller coaster complement the 1911 Loof carousel, Double Shot, Loggers Revenge and kiddie rides, not to mention the Santa Cruz main beach and municipal wharf. Park nearby or take the leisurely Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific diesel-powered train from Felton.
For information: 423-5590 or www.beachboardwalk.com
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton, 5355 Graham Hill Road
From Civil War re-enactments to a Fourth of July celebration and Thomas the Tank Engine’s annual visit, there’s plenty to experience besides the steam train ride, which of course is a noisy and fun way to visit the redwood forest.
Also, try the Norman’s Trail adventure walk from the top of Bear Mountain to the Roaring Camp Meadow below.
For information: 335-4484 or www.roaringcamp.com
Volunteering
Instead of spending the summer in front of the television, step out of the house and earn some valuable experience while helping a local organization.
Mountain Community Theater, Ben Lomond, 9370 Mill St.
Depending on the time of year, the theater has opportunities for young people to usher, help with concessions, paint and build sets or be part of the crew.
For information: 336-4777
Santa Cruz County Animal Services
Animal lovers can volunteer to help care for animals or help out with office projects. This is a great way to get experience in the field of animal care.
For information: 454-7202 or www.scanimalservices.us
Mountain Parks Foundation, Felton, 525 N. Big Trees Park Road
The Mountain Parks Foundation needs volunteers to help in the retail store and with special events. Volunteers are also needed to clean, take stock, put together mailings and perform other office and store work. For teens age 15 and older.
For information: 335-3174
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Felton, 800 Quail Hollow Road
Volunteers at the park will help develop activities for elementary school-age children, build on existing offerings, help with programs and recruit more volunteers.
For information: 335-9348
Children’s Center of San Lorenzo Valley, Ben Lomond, 8500 Highway 9
Older kids can get hands-on experience as teacher’s assistants with small children ages 1 through 4.
For information: 336-2857
Boulder Creek Rec Junior Volunteer Program, 13333 Middleton Ave.
Young people ages 12 through 16 will be interviewed and trained to help with summer camps and summer projects throughout Boulder Creek.
For information: 338-4144
SLV Senior Center, Ben Lomond, 8500 Highway 9
Teens can gain experience and understanding by helping adults and seniors in a social working environment. Volunteers will help with various tasks around the center.
For information: 336-8900
Valley Churches United Missions, Ben Lomond, 9400 Highway 9
Valley Churches serves low-income people in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley. Volunteer duties include bagging food, stuffing envelopes and wrapping packages, and helping out with the annual holiday projects. The food pantry is always looking for friendly volunteers.
For information: 336-8258
Volunteer in Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley
YouthServe, run by the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, presents opportunities for youngsters to get out and improve the community where they live. The center can set kids up with almost any kind of volunteer opportunity.
For information: 336-9387 or www.scvolunteercenter.com/programs/youth/
Arts Camps
Children can be part of a production this summer, or learn new skills as part of the many art camps offered in the area.
Little People’s Repertory Theater, Ben Lomond, 9370 Mill St.
Little People’s Repertory Theatre offers children (ages 8 through 14) opportunities to boost confidence, sharpen performing skills and work with talented mentors. This summer’s production is “Pinocchio: A Bohemian Rhapsody,” an original rock musical by Janinne Chadwick. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.
For information: www.lprt.org
West Performing Arts Academy, Santa Cruz, 402 Ingalls St.
The academy helps kids and teens to hone their skills in acting, movement, circus and technical theater. Summer workshops, which start in June and run until August, include productions of “The Little Prince,” “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” In collaboration with Shakespeare Santa Cruz, the academy also offers one- and two-week summer teen acting conservatories that start July 25.
For information: www.westperformingarts.com
Musical Me classes
Family-based music classes for youngsters and their parents will develop music talent and a love for music at an early age. Six-week sessions are planned in San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley.
For information: 438-3514 or www.musicalme.com
Summer Art Camps, Ben Lomond, 9341 Mill St.
This summer, kids ages 7 through 12 can dive into weeklong camps in 2-D and 3-D art at the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center. Themes this summer include the likes of “The Magic Pyramid,” “Eco-Explorers” and more. The first of four summer sessions begins June 20, with a focus on creatures that dwell in caves, the forest canopy and the deep sea. Morning and afternoon sessions are available.
For information: 336-3513 or www.mountainartcenter.org
Kids on Broadway Summer Academy
“American Idol” contestant James Durbin is an alumnus of Kids on Broadway. This summer’s academy — “Got Rhythm?” — will specialize in voice, harmony, dance, rhythm and spoken word, from beat poets to rap. The program geared to give youth ages 4 to 18 the chance to sample America’s poetic arts through music, dance and story telling. The camp starts June 20 and runs until July 18, culminating in a shared performance celebration.
For information: 425-3455 or www.kidsonbroadway.org
Hooked on Theater, Aptos
Monterey Bay Repertory Theatre offers a five-week program with founder Dustin Leonard, artistic director Will Guiford and choreographer Curtis Caudill. Kids will learn acting and choreography that will result in a summer production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” on the San Lorenzo Valley High School campus. The program starts June 13 and ends July 17. Online registration is open.
For information: 706-4249 or www.hookedontheater.com
Fire and police tours, ride-alongs
Get a group of neighborhood kids together for an eye-opening look at the world of police officers and firefighters. Most local municipalities are happy to host a tour of the station. Just remember to call ahead.
Ben Lomond Fire Protection District
The district offers tours of its station at 9430 Highway 9 by appointment. Tour guides discuss fire-prevention information and the importance of having an operational smoke detector, home exit drills, defensible space for wildland fire protection and properly marked address numbers.
To schedule a tour: 336-5495.
Boulder Creek Fire Protection District
The district arranges tours of its station at 13230 Highway 9 for groups of children.
To schedule a tour: 338-7222.
Felton Fire Protection District
The district provides tours of its station at 131 Kirby St., including equipment demonstrations and a chance to operate a fire hose.
To schedule a tour: 335-4422.
Scotts Valley Fire Protection District
The district conducts group tours of its stations at 7 Erba Lane or 251 Glenwood Drive. Impromptu drop-in tours at either fire station also are possible, as long as firefighters aren’t on a call or having scheduled training. A ride-along for a teenager 15 or older can also be arranged with a permission slip and liability waiver signed by a parent.
To schedule a tour or ride-along: 438-0211.
Zayante Fire Protection District
Zayante Fire offers tours of its station at 7700 E. Zayante Road for groups of children.
To schedule a tour: 335-5100.
Scotts Valley Police Department
Police lead tours of their headquarters at 1 Civic Center Drive and offer ride-alongs for teens 14 and older with a waiver signed by a parent.
To schedule a tour or ride-along: 440-5670.
Santa Cruz Regional 911 Center
The center, which dispatches almost all of the county’s fire and law-enforcement agencies, stages tours of its extensive headquarters at 495 Upper Park Road, in Santa Cruz.
To schedule a tour: 471-1006.
Fishing
Even though there are fish in the San Lorenzo River and its tributaries, there are only a few places where folks are allowed to drop a line, sinker and hook into the water to wait for a nibble. There are two days this year when fishers age 16 and older won’t need a California Department of Fish and Game fishing license: July 2 and Sept. 3.
Loch Lomond Reservoir
The 200-acre lake at 100 Loch Lomond Way in Lompico has naturally occurring bluegill and black bass and many places to fish along 2 miles of shore.
The lake used to be stocked with trout, but the Department of Fish and Game curtailed the practice in 2008 after it lost a lawsuit.
There’s no swimming in the lake, and the only boats permitted are rentals available at the park store, where you can also pick up bait, tackle and fishing licenses. The lake is open every day of the week until Labor Day and weekends until mid-October.
For information: 335-7424 or www.cityofsantacruz.com.
Camp Evers Fishing Park
This Scotts Valley city park is a small patch of green along Carbonera Creek off Glen Canyon Road. The creek is stocked three times during the summer with sterile rainbow trout, and the park offers free fishing to children 15 and younger. Take bait and tackle and enjoy a picnic at the nearby tables and barbecue area.
For information: 438-3251