Explore & More at Valley Trails
Valley Trails, an American Camping Association (ACA) accredited camp, has provided children in kindergarten through 10th grade with safe summer recreation for 42 years. Valley Trails relies on the close relationships that are forged between the counselor, the group and the individual camper to create a memorable camp experience. Valley Trails believes in providing children with age-appropriate programs to help maintain a safe and fun environment. Campers are placed in co-ed groups with their peers while participating in on-site activities that are geared for that specific age group. Valley Trails focuses on outdoor exploration, challenge course activities, athletic programs, arts and crafts and much more. From go-carts to basketball, hiking or traveling down one of their two 500-foot zip-lines, Valley Trails is dedicated to giving children a fun and safe summer camp experience while making long-lasting friendships.
Valley Trails 257-0266 www.vtranch.com

Sing, Dance & Act with VIBE
With over 25 instructors, seven private studios, a dance studio and a multi-purpose theatre, Vibe Performing Arts Studios provides more than just summer fun - they care about their students. Choose from Camp Broadway, where kids can sing, dance and act in a musical review; Acting, Voice Acting & Broadway Kidz, which entails group acting classes designed for all levels and ages (perfect for those looking to become involved in the TV/film industry!); Singing, Pop Starz & Instruments, which includes instruction in singing, piano, guitar, bass, drums, woodwinds, strings and brass; Princess Ballet, Ballet/Tap Combo, Singing and Acting for Preschoolers; Dance for kids, teens and adults in genres like hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet and ballroom; and Real Rock Band, which is free when you enroll in private lessons.
VIBE Performing Arts Studios 255-7464
www.vibeperformingartsstudios.com

Discover Careers at COC's Junior High Institute
The College of the Canyons Junior High Summer Institute (JSI) is open to students entering the seventh and eighth grades and provides hands-on learning opportunities in the areas of healthcare, welding, architecture, interior design, automation and fabrication, film production, video game design and special effects. There will also be a culinary track at the college's Institute for Culinary Education (iCuE) in Castaic. JSI instructors are experienced industry professionals who have tailored their curriculum for junior high students. JSI students discover new career possibilities through innovative lessons and fun activities. Parents have the option of enrolling their student in different tracks for up to three weeks, at a cost of $159 per track, per week. Morning extended care, beginning at 8 a.m., is available for an additional $25 per week.
Junior High Summer Institute at College of the Canyons 362-3300 www.canyons.edu/juniorhigh

Ride Horses at Don-e-brook Farms
Don-e-brook Farms - conveniently located in Saugus - boasts a fun, professional and friendly staff that offers eight summer camp sessions and a daily lesson program. With 50 years of equestrian expertise, Liz Farinella-Ekeberg offers the ultimate in equestrian recreation. Each camper will have his or her own horse for the week, along with a knowledgeable camp counselor. Formal lessons (English & Western style), trail rides and games on horseback are among the mounted activities included in the week-long, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., day camp activities. Campers learn how to safely lead, tie, tack, groom and wash their horses. Bottled water and popsicles are included daily with the camp, which runs from June 13 to August 5. In addition to camp, the farm offers daily lessons Monday through Saturday.
Don-e-brook Farms 297-7669 www.donebrookfarms.com

photography by Julie West 295-7723

Flip & Fly at Wallers' GymJam
Camp kids at Wallers' GymJam Academy will have fun-filled days learning how to flip and "fly!" The high-energy atmosphere is paired with caring, professional gymnastics instruction and includes themed weeks throughout camp (like Sports Week and Pirate Week!). Campers can look forward to special appearances by talented coaches and athletes, too. Summer Camp program runs from June 13 to August 5 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 4 to 6, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 6 to 12. (Week-long camps and partial weeks are available. Camp is closed from June 27 to July 4). Tuition includes professional gymnastics instruction, swimming, field trips, and arts and crafts. Early and late drop off - from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - are available.
Wallers' GymJam Academy 251-3390 www.wallersgymjamacademy.com

Nurture Hearts & Minds with Creative Years
Creative Years is the perfect place for your young child to play, learn and explore. Ages 2 through kindergarten will spend their summer engaged in exciting themes, beginning June 20 and running through August 12. Your child will "blast off" to Space Camp, where they'll read stories about space, fly rocket ships and "bounce" to the moon. Circus Circus Camp brings days filled with face paint, clown tricks, tight-rope walking and more! Each week, your child will develop vital social, motor and artistic skills while painting, singing, climbing, participating in science experiments, playing dress up and having a blast! Creative Years teachers are the best you'll find anywhere and are dedicated to helping your child develop a lifelong love of learning. Take a virtual tour of the facility online or schedule a personal tour today!
Creative Years Preschool 254-0718 www.creativeyears.com

Make Lifelong Friends in Sunshine's Program
Sunshine's 27th Summer Program once again offers a fun-filled, action-packed itinerary. Sunshine boasts an all-inclusive program of summer day camps for all ages and interests. This summer they are offering three different types of camp experiences, at four convenient locations. The On Campus Only Camp (entering grades kindergarten through sixth) is an affordable, on-location camp with exciting theme days, summer activities, cooking, science and much more. Adventure Camp (entering grades first through sixth) has two inclusive field trips a week (Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and more), themed days, beach trips and guest entertainers. Travel Camp (entering grades fourth through ninth) is for the older, more adventurous child. Travel Campers experience three trips a week - plus a week-long excursion to Lake Arrowhead and San Diego.
Sunshine Day Camp 288-7983 www.sunshinedaycamp.com

This Summer, Help Kids Bridge the Generation Gap
Kids today prefer communicating via computer or cell phone, but if you can get them to sit down with Grandma and Grandpa for a chat about the "good old days," you might be surprised at the benefits derived for young and old. Sharing life stories is a wonderful way to bridge the generation gap. It's a learning experience for the kids and a great self-esteem boost for seniors who may feel ignored and unproductive. Have the kids research Grandma's and Grandpa's history. What was the world like when their grandparents were born? Then have a family gathering where everyone sits down to talk about what they've learned. You'll hear stories you've never heard before. The kids may even want to share the experience with others by taking the project online, with sites like Greatlifestories.com. (We knew their computer skills would come in handy!)
Charlene Perrone is a CSA-certified senior advisor and owner of Home Instead Senior Care;
254-8701