Whether you need a creative day care solution or are searching for an enriching way to get the kids out of the house this summer, Santa Clarita has just what you (and your child!) are looking for.
For the Child Searching for the Spotlight
Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts Summer Camp
Ages/times accommodated: 7 to 12 years old, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 7 to July 10 is "Theater Week." July 14 to July 17 covers acting, dancing and modeling.
What they'll do: Make summer fun by acting out their dreams! The Theater camp involves organizing into groups, learning a script, rehearsing and then performing in front of the class. A pizza party to celebrate will conclude this session. The Acting, Dancing and Modeling session will include instruction on hip-hop dance, modeling, TV, commercial audition techniques, on-camera direction, scene study and monologue practice, cold reads and improv. Pizza party celebration concludes this session.
Who they'll meet: A special guest appearance is scheduled.
What they'll eat: Camp provides healthy snacks, but children are home in time for lunch.
Where they'll go: 23502 Lyons Avenue, Suite 105, Santa Clarita 222-7910 www.scsopa.com
For the Child Struggling with Math
Math Support ServicesAges/times accommodated: Programs run from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What they can do: Take transferable math courses; participate in Junior High Readiness programs; experience fifth and sixth grade "Mathaletics;" 11th-graders can take a PSAT Preparation workshop to help them score big on the very important test that can qualify them for college scholarships! The school is WASC accredited. Academic enrichment is designed to prepare students for their upcoming math courses. Students can also get ahead by taking a math course that will transfer both credit and a grade to their junior or senior high school.
In three words: friendly, supportive, enriching
Who they'll meet: Staff consists of Credentialed math teachers, experienced instructors who will help your child gain the confidence they need in mathematics for the upcoming year.
Where they'll go: Near IHOP, at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road A-1 and G-0, Santa Clarita 255-1730
For the Child with Lots of Energy
GymJam Day CampAges/times accommodated: 4 to 7 years - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 6 to 12 years - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 6 and 7 year olds have the option of doing half or full day.
What they'll do: Campers can improve on their existing gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling skills, or develop them for the first time, in a fun-filled environment. Some of the favorite activities the campers enjoy are Hide-N-Seek in the gym, obstacle courses through out the gym, and Perler Beads art projects.
Who they'll meet: Camp counselors are current and former athletes themselves who currently reside in the area, home from college for the summer or recent college graduates.
What they'll eat: Snack - like cheese, crackers and juice - is provided after their morning gym session and before they go to arts and crafts. Those who stay a full day bring their lunch.
Where they'll go: 26515 Ruether Avenue, Santa Clarita
251-3390 www.wallersgymjamacademy.com
For the Child who wants to Dance like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee
Valencia Executive Boxing Camp
Ages/times accommodated: 7 to 12 years old, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
What they'll do: Boxing, calisthenics, and fitness. Students will learn boxing techniques, plus they will go through skills and fitness drills, as well as cardiovascular activities.
In three words: fun, fit, different
Who they'll meet: Rene Cabrera and Jeff Martin, both professional fighters/fight trainers with years of experience teaching boxing to children.
Where they'll go: 26370 Diamond Place, Suite 509, Santa Clarita 367-2444 www.valenciaexecutiveboxing.com
For the Child who Swoons Over Horses
Don-e-brook Farms Summer Day Camp
Ages/times accommodated: Ages 6 to 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - week-long sessions.
What they'll do: The campers learn how to safely tie, tack, groom, pick feet, ride and wash their horses. They'll experience formal lessons, trail rides and games on horseback, too. Don-e-brook Farms also provides top-notch English and western riding, lessons, jumping, gymkhana, trail riding, competition, shows, birthday and dinner rides for all ages and more.
Who they'll meet: Caring, experienced teachers who love carrying on the multi-decade Don-e-brook traditions. Oh, and don't forget to bring carrots for your horse! Campers will have "their own horse" all week, and helmets are required (bike helmets are acceptable).
Where they'll go: 28680 San Francisquito Canyon Road, Saugus
297-7669 www.donebrookfarms.com
For the Child who wants to Excel at School
Tutoring Club
Ages/times accommodated: 5 years through high school; Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. available. Scheduling begins last two weeks of May; call early for preferred hours.
What they can experience: Programs designed to get your child's academic skills at and above grade level. Course previews - be ready for next year's Algebra, Geometry or Calculus class! Improve reading and writing to grade level. Study Skills is a program every child from sixth grade on should take. It's the perfect time to prepare for SATs, too.
Who they'll meet: Mature, college-educated tutors/instructors, no high-school-age or under-educated tutors.
Where they'll go: 27530 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia 702-9956 or 23942 Lyons Avenue in Santa Clarita 260-2582 www.tutoringclub.com
For the Junior High Child who wants a Fun College Experience
Junior High Summer Institute Offered through Community Education at College of the Canyons
Ages/times accommodated: Entering seventh and eighth grade students (11 to 14 years old). Held between June 16 and July 3. Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though students may arrive as early as 8 a.m. and stay as late as 5:30 p.m. at no extra cost. The extended hour includes the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens," facilitated by Junior Achievement.
What they can do: There are four tracks to choose from: Art (paint, draw, 2D and 3D, photo); Theatre (all aspects - culminates with a final performance); Film (write, produce, shoot and edit a film); Science (gaming, experiments, DNA, CSI lab).
Who they'll meet: Students will meet experts in a given field of study; most instructors are COC faculty, though the curriculum is age appropriate. Students will experience a college environment and leave with an idea of how their experience may equate to a career option.
Where they'll go: 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Valencia 362-3300 www.canyons.edu/communityed
For the Child who wants to Grow their Faith
"Wacky Lab" Vacation Bible School
Ages/times accommodated: Ages 3 through fifth grade, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. June 23 through June 27
What they'll do: Kids will get to watch and create some wild and wacky experiments. Food, music and crafts galore are included for the $25 price ($20 for siblings).
Who they'll meet: VBS staff are friendly adults and teens (fingerprinted by Frontline).
Where they'll go: Frontline Community Church 513-0240
www.frontlinescv.com
For the Girl who wants to Feel Closer to God
"Gods Girls" with Frontline Community Church
Ages/times accommodated: Girls between first and fifth grade on Mondays between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Program is four weeks long. Cost is $49; save $10 if a friend enrolls, too.
What they'll do: Laugh, share, explore faith, enjoy snacks and crafts.
Who they'll meet: Moms who've been fingerprinted, as well as FBI and background checked.
Where they'll go: Held at Betty Ferguson Foundation in Valencia 513-0240 www.frontlinescv.com
For the Child who wants the All-inclusive Camp Experience
Sunshine Day Camp
Ages/times accommodated: Entering grades first through sixth. Camp is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
What they'll do: On campus theme days, kids will enjoy field trip excursions to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Aquarium of the Pacific, and much more. Sunshine's 23rd Summer Program offers a fun-filled, action-packed itinerary for families in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sunshine boasts an all-inclusive program of summer day camps for all ages and interests. This summer they are offering four different types of camp experiences that keep children entertained throughout the summer. Camps range from basic field trips to overnight excursions to San Diego and the mountains.
Who they'll meet: Sunshine counselors are sensitive, caring, and enthusiastic leaders. At Sunshine your child will receive individual attention and you will experience the personal touch that has made the camp special.
What they'll eat: Sunshine provides a two-food group snack in the morning and afternoon. Lunch is available for purchase, or families can send a sack lunch.
Where they'll go: Four locations, including 27630 Old Rock Road in Valencia www.sunshinedaycamp.com
For the Child who wants to Say, "You won't Believe what I did at Camp Today!"
Valley Trails Summer Camp
Ages/times accommodated: Kids in grades K through ninth from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended care hours available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What they can experience: Rock climbing; zip lines; swimming; go karts; ponies; ropes courses; arts and crafts; archery; nature and pioneer skills; sports and games; mountain boards; trampolines; street hockey and more - on a 200-acre campus! Valley Trails Summer Camp brings 38 years of day camp experience to the Santa Clarita Valley as our only American Camping Association (ACA) accredited camp. From go karts to basketball, taking a hike or creating a work of art, Valley Trails is dedicated to giving children a fun and safe summer camp experience while making long-lasting friendships.
Who they'll meet: Staff consists of group counselors and specialists, providing a staff-to-camper ratio of one-to-six.
What they'll eat: Lunch s prepared daily by the camp cook and consists of well-balanced meals featuring pizza, hot dogs, spaghetti and meatballs and sloppy joes, all served in an air-conditioned dining hall.
Where they'll go: 30910 S. Sloan Canyon Road, Castaic (Tarzana location also available) 257-0266 www.vtranch.com
Other Fun Summer Activities...
Zoom Zoom
MB2 RacewayAges accommodated: 8 and up, with a minimum 48-inch height requirement.
What they'll do: Drive emission-free electric go karts indoors in a climate-controlled environment; play video arcade gaming and celebrate birthday parties.
Bonus: MB2 Raceway has a Summer Camp Field Trip Program. It's a fun and educational driving clinic designed specifically for ages
8 years and up. The program covers many details of go kart driving, including racing vocabulary, track etiquette, safety flag descriptions and safety gear. Participants attend a fun class room session, walk the track with the session coach and view a custom MB2 DVD hosted by Indy Car Driver Bryan Herta of Valencia.
What they'll eat: Final Score Food & Beverage Company of Newhall is opening soon on site.
Where they'll go: 13943 Balboa Boulevard in Sylmar 866-986-RACE www.mb2raceway.com
Fun for All - Including Mom and Dad
Mountasia Fun Center and Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant
Times: Summer hours begin on Friday, June 13. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What they can experience: Unlimited-play Fun Cards are available all summer! You can play three hours of Miniature Golf, Go Karts and Bumper Boats for only $19.99 per person. Add-on a Lazer Tag game or rock wall climb for only $5 more. Mountasia is the ultimate summer fun destination because of all the different attractions available - go karts, bumper boats, Lazer Tag, rock wall, video games, miniature golf and batting cages are available. They also have free Wi-Fi.
Where they can eat: Farrell's is a sit down restaurant with a Snack 'N Go counter for quick snack items.
Where they'll go: 21516 Golden Triangle Road in Santa Clarita
253-4FUN www.mountasiafuncenter.com