Summer Activities for Kids

ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN on the North Coast are plentiful. This is a sampling of the array available There are programs at varying costs to meet the needs of a wide variety of ages and interests. Most programs offer scholarships or reduced fees to eligible families, making programs open to all Humboldt County children.

For example, 57 local, non-profit organizations recently received grants ranging from $280 to $5000 from Humboldt Sponsors, a charitable nonprofit corporation dedicated to raising funds to support Humboldt County's youth with special needs by making it possible for them to attend summer camps, recreational programs and cultural events. Total funds distributed this year will amount to $52,542. Check with the individual programs about scholarships or "camperships."

Most activities require pre-registration. Contact the number listed for registration information. Summer camps and classes can immeasurably enhance children's fun, enrichment and self-esteem. But don't forget to include some supervised free time in their summer, Eureka marriage and family therapist Christopher Beechel suggests, adding children need time to think and daydream and imagine.
"That's important time. It's where creativity comes from," Beechel said.


general & multiple activity programs

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Description: Club House a drop-in program with arts and crafts, recreation, computers, movies and field trips.
Ages: 6-12
When: Summer hours Mon.-Fri., 12-6 p.m.
Where: 3117 Prospect Ave., Eureka
Cost: $5 fee to join
Contact: 442-9142

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
TEEN CENTER
Description: Drop-in and organized activities. Facility has game room, computer room, weight room, stage, kitchen. Wide variety of clubs, classes, service projects and special events.
Ages: 7th-12th grade
When: Summer hours beginning June 14. Open at 1 p.m. Mon.-Fri., closing time varies.
Where: 3015 J St., Eureka
Cost: $10 membership fee
Contact: 444-0184

CAMP FIRE BOYS & GIRLS
Description: Camp Fire Pal Camp three one-week day camp sessions and one week-long resident camp offering a wide variety of camp activities.
Ages: K-6th grade for day camp; 4th-9th grade for resident camp; 7th-12th grade for teen assistant counselor program.
When: Day camps June 14-18, June 28-July 2, Aug. 9-13; Resident camp July 19-22
Where: Freshwater
Cost: $70 for day camp, $90 for resident camp
Contact: Camp Fire Office, 443-8019

CITY OF ARCATA
RECREATION DIVISION
Description: Wide variety of classes and camps including day camp and art camp; athletic camps and lessons covering basketball, British soccer, volleyball, multi-sports, tennis, gymnastics and kung fu; All Seasons Orchestra, art classes, video production and babysitting.
Ages: Toddlers to teens depending on program
When: Varies according to program
Where: Varies. Most at Community Center, Redwood Park or Judo Hut
Cost: Varies according to program
Contact: 822-7091

CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Description: Summer Recreation Program summer day camp with activities including arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, theater, cooking, roller skating and field trips.
Ages: 5-13
When: June 14-July 30, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Perigot Park, Blue Lake
Cost: $99 for full seven weeks, $20 weekly or $5 daily for residents; $129, $30 or $7 respectively for non-residents.
Contact: Jan Henry, 668-5932

CITY OF EUREKA
RECREATION DIVISION
Description: Week-long summer day camp sessions with wide variety of activities including games, arts and crafts, sports, drama, science and field trips; classes including ceramics, puzzle design, kung fu, dance, tumbling and dog obedience; volleyball camp; and roller skating.
Ages: 6-19, depending on program; day camp ages 6-12, volleyball camp 6th-8th grade
When: Varies according to program; day camp week-long sessions June 14-Aug. 6, volleyball camp Aug. 23-27
Where: Varies according to program; Carson, Sequoia and Highland Parks, Ryan Youth Center, Adorni Center, Municipal Auditorium.
Cost: Varies according to program; day camp $15-$42 weekly depending on location, free playground program; volleyball camp $30.
Contact: 441-4241

CITY OF FORTUNA
PARKS & RECREATION
Description: Summer Day Camp Two five-week sessions with variety of activities including skating, biking, crafts, water play and games; four two-week swim lesson sessions at College of the Redwoods pool.
Ages: Summer Day Camp 6-13; swim lessons 6-18.
When: Day Camp sessions June 21-Aug. 27; swim lessons
Where: Rohner Park and CR
Cost: Varies according to program
Contact: 725-7620


HEALTHSPORT
Description: Summer Fun Zone IV 10 week-long sessions including All Sport Camp, All Choices Camp with weekly themes, Little Ones Camp, Aqua Camp, Arts and Crafts Camp, Basketball Training Camp.
Ages: 3-14, depending on program
When: June 14-Aug. 20
Where: HealthSPORT and Jacoby Creek School, Arcata
Cost: $53-$84 per week, depending on program
Contact: 822-3488


HUMBOLDT COUNTY
LIBRARY SYSTEM
Description: Summer Reading Program "Fantastic Friends" begins mid-June. Check with branches for details on program kick-off events or storytimes.
Ages: Open
When: Ongoing through summer
Where: County library branches
Cost: Free
Contact: Eureka, Main Branch, 269-1910

MANILA COMMUNITY
SERVICES DISTRICT
Description: Peninsula Dunes Summer Recreation Programs Activities include swimming, beach days, sports, theater, gardening, ocean classes, girls' and boys' groups, camping trips, LEAP trips.
Ages: 5-18
When: June 14- Aug. 13
Where: Three sites: Manila Park/Manila Community Center, Samoa Park/Women's Club and Fairhaven.
Cost: $80-$100, depending on site.
Contact: 445-3309

MCKINLEYVILLE
PARKS & RECREATION
Description: Eight week-long Kidscamp sessions featuring themes and a wide variety of activities; also tennis lessons, hoop camp, art camp, drop-in roller hockey, youth basketball, roller skating, adventures for teens.
Ages: 6-19, depending on program
When: Varies according to program
Where: Most at McKinleyville Activity Center
Cost: Varies according to program
Contact: 839-9003

NORTH STAR QUEST
SUMMER CAMP FOR GIRLS
Description: A camp for adolescent girls to explore issues and pressures, and to learn skills to discover their own values and develop self-esteem. Features a wide variety of camp activities and workshop topics.
Ages: 6th-8th grade girls
When: August 8-12
Where: Mattole Lodge
Cost: $200
Contact: Anne Goldsmith, 822-8739

WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY
RESOURCE CENTER
Description: Willow Creek Youth Representatives youth group meets weekly. Summer activities will include ropes course (limited openings) and water safety day.
Ages: 6th-8th grades
When: Ropes courseJune 25-27; water safety day in July (call for date).
Where: Willow Creek (ropes course at Freshwater)
Cost: Free
Contact: (530) 629-3141

visual & performing arts

CHILDREN'S ART ACADEMY AT
HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
Description: Summer courses focusing on commercial and graphic arts, emphasizing basic skills and aesthetic development.
Ages: 5-17
When: Mon.-Thurs., July 19-29
Where: HSU art department
Cost: $120 for two-week session
Contact: 826-3819

DELL'ARTE
Description: Dell'Arte Summer Youth Workshops three separate workshops from one to three weeks including Circus Apprenticeship with performance, Comedy for Kids and Advanced Youth Theatre. Also a one-day workshop with Acrosports, a children's circus troupe featuring Russian performers and instructors.
Ages: 7 to 17 depending on program
When: Programs begin June 28, end Aug. 20
Where: Dell'Arte in Blue Lake and the DanCenter in Arcata
Cost: From $15 for one-day workshop to $300 for three-week program.
Contact: 668-5663

HUMBOLDT LIGHT OPERA
COMPANY KIDCO
Description: HLO KidCo Summer Program a four-week workshop exploring singing, acting and movement using music from musical theatre. Culminates in public performance.
Ages: 7-10 and 11-14
When: June 21-July 15, Mon.-Thurs.
Where: a.m. session at Arcata Community Center; p.m. session at Azalea Hall in McKinleyville
Cost: $99 for four-week session
Contact: 822-7091 for Arcata sign-up; 839-9003 for McKinleyville sign-up; or Lisa Mendosa at 822-8706 for information

REDWOOD COAST
CHILDREN'S CHORUS
Description: A non-competitive touring chorus stressing musical excellence and interaction with hosts as a means of contributing to world peace. Group has toured many countries. Summer session participants receive individual training and group choral experience using the Kodaly method.
Ages: 3-17
When: Daily, June 22-July 2
Where: Arrington Apples on Mitchell Road, Eureka
Cost: $80
Contact: 444-9773

VAGABOND PLAYERS
Description: Vagabond Players Summer Workshops to create The Wizard of Oz for children to learn how theater is created, workshops on puppetry, vocals, dance, costumes, props, stage construction and light design lead to The Wizard of Oz performances. Opening night July 16 and continuing through Aug. 1.
Ages: Open
When: Saturdays from June 5 through July 10; times vary with workshop topic.
Where: Manila Community Center Theatre
Cost: Free
Contact: 442-1533

nature & science

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
NORTH COAST DISTRICT
Description: Daily Junior Ranger Programs on natural and cultural history topics, Campfire Programs and Litter Getters Programs at individual parks through the summer. Call park for times and locations, and information on special events.
Ages: 7-12 for Junior Rangers
When: Varies according to park
Where: North Coast District includes Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, Prairie Creek Redwoods, Patrick's Point Redwoods, Grizzly Creek Redwoods, Humboldt Redwoods, and Richardson Grove State Parks.
Cost: Free
Contact: North Coast Redwoods District Office, Fort Humboldt, 445-6547, ext. 10, for general information or phone numbers for individual parks.

HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Description: Nature Adventures Programs week-long museum classes on predators, mammals, tidepools, frogs, dinosaurs, nature's power; week-long field classes on ecology from the bay to the dunes and exploring the Arcata Marsh. Saturday field trips to explore tidepools, wildflowers and butterflies.
Ages: 4-11, depending on program; Saturday programs include adults.
When: Week-long classes from June 21 to Aug. 6
Where: At the museum, 1315 G St., Arcata; field programs at the Arcata Marsh or Manila Dunes
Cost: $60-$70 per week; $9-$22 for Saturday programs
Contact: 826-4479

HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
TELONICHER MARINE LABORATORY
Description: Marine Science Summer Program a series of six two-hour workshops on Intertidal Animals, Ocean Conservation, Fish & Sharks, Oceanography, Algae & Plankton and Marine Mammals. Part of each session in the lab and part at local beaches and intertidal areas.
Ages: Separate workshops on each topic for children grades K-4th and 5th-8th
When: July 5, 6, 8, 12, 15, 19 and 20
Where: HSU Marine Lab in Trinidad
Cost: $2 donation per workshop
Contact: Sonya Schuh, marine naturalist, 826-6999 x36713 (voice mail)

REDWOOD DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Description: Summer programs Just for Girls week-long program includes challenge course, ladybug house building, bicycling, soccer and one overnight in planetarium; No Girls Allowed week-long program includes challenge course, bat-house building, rockets, baseball cards and one overnight in planetarium. Also Early Childhood Learning Program with music, storytime, art and science.
Ages: Just for Girls, 6-11; No Girls Allowed, 6-12; Early Childhood Program, 3-5.
When: Just for Girls, June 14-18; No Girls Allowed, June 21-25; Early Childhood Program, six Mondays from June 21-Aug. 2.
Where: Redwood Discovery Museum, Bayshore Mall, Eureka
Cost: Girls' and Boys' programs, $45; Early Childhood Program, $35.
Contact: 443-9694

SEQUOIA PARK ZOO
Description: Summer classes and camps will be offered; details unavailable at press time. Petting zoo opens June 16 with hours until 7 p.m. through summer. Closed Mondays.
Where: 3414 W St., Eureka
Contact: Sequoia Park Zoological Society, 442-6552

sports, athletics & adventure

ARCATA COMMUNITY POOL
Description: Swim lessons five two-week morning sessions and two month-long evening sessions for all ability levels from parent/child to advanced. Also recreation and lap swimming (call for times).
Ages: 6 months and up
When: Two-week morning sessions begin June 14 and end Aug. 20; month-long evening sessions begin June 28 and end Sept. 2.
Where: Arcata Community Pool
Cost: $29-$42 per session
Contact: 822-6801

CENTER ACTIVITIES AT
HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
Description: Summer Youth Aquatics Camp Four week-long camp options including Aquatics Camp for surfing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking; Whitewater Rafting and Aquatics; River Camp; and Counselor in Training Camp
Ages: 5th-12th grade
When: Six week-long sessions beginning June 28 and ending Aug. 13; CIT program is nine days.
Where: Varies according to camp Big Lagoon, Trinity and Eel Rivers.
Cost: From $219 for Aquatics Camp to $565 for CIT
Contact: 826-3357

COLLEGE OF THE
REDWOODS POOL
Description: Summer Swim Program four two-week sessions of swimming lessons for all levels of ability, including parent/toddler class. Also recreation and lap swimming (call for times).
Ages: Toddler adult
When: Sessions run June 14-Aug. 6, day and evening times.
Where: CR pool
Cost: $25-$30 per two-week class session
Contact: 476-4212

HUMBOLDT COAST AQUATICS
YOUTH SWIM TEAM
Description: A competitive and recreational swim team for all ability levels. Some swimming experience is necessary.
Ages: 6-18
When: Daily practice sessions are offered.
Where: Arcata Community Pool and HSU Pool
Cost: $40 per month or $360 annually
Contact: 822-7885

HUMBOLDT CRABS
BASEBALL CAMP
Description: Week-long sessions focusing on baseball skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and communication.
Ages: Boys and girls 8-14
When: Week-long sessions June 14-July 30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Sessions in Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna and McKinleyville
Cost: $70 first session, $60 additional weeks; includes youth season pass and 10 adult tickets to Humboldt Crabs baseball games beginning June 5.
Contact: 826-2333

HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
ATHLETICS BASKETBALL CAMPS
Description: Boys' resident or non-resident camp, girls' resident or non-resident camps.
Ages: 4th-5th and 6th-12th grade boys; 5th-9th grade girls; 10th-12th grade girls.
When: June 27-July 1 for boys; July 11-15 for junior high girls; June 20-24 for high school girls.
Where: HSU
Cost: $325-$350 for resident campers; $200-$270 for non-resident campers.
Contact: 826-3667

HUMBOLDT STATE
UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
GIRLS SOFTBALL CAMP
Description: A residence or commuter softball camp for girls.
Ages: 5th-12th grades
When: June 20-24
Where: HSU
Cost: $295 for residence campers; $200 for commuter campers
Contact: Coach Frank Cheek, 826-5952

HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
ATHLETICS SOCCER CAMPS
Description: Co-ed youth camps, junior high and high school girls' camps, and high school boys' camp
Ages: 6-10 and 11-14 for co-ed youth; 6th-8th and 9th-12th grade girls; high school boys
When: Aug. 9-13 for co-ed youth; Aug. 2-6 for girls; Aug. 16-20 for boys
Where: HSU
Cost: $70-$90, depending on camp
Contact: 826-3667

HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY
ATHLETICS VOLLEYBALL CAMPS
Description: Two separate camps for girls day camp for junior high girls and resident camp for high school girls with commuter camp option.
Ages: 6th-9th grade girls and 9th-12th grade girls
When: July 18-22 for junior high, July 25-29 for high school
Where: HSU
Cost: $150 for junior high; $295 for high school resident camper, $220 for high school commuter camper.
Contact: 826-3667

HUMBOLDT STATE
UNIVERSITY POOL
Description: Humboldt Coast Aquatics offers one- and two-week summer swim lessons for all ability levels.
Ages: 2 and up
When: Six sessions from June 14 through Aug. 13, Mon.-Fri. mornings.
Where: HSU Pool
Cost: $25-$50 per session
Contact: 822-3212

LEADERSHIP EDUCATION
ADVENTURE PROGRAM (LEAP)
Description: Summer LEAP provides safe, adventure-based recreation to local youth who are at-risk or low-income, and to challenged adults. Includes challenges such as rafting, backpacking, rock climbing and a challenge course.
Ages: Varies according to group
When: Varies according to activity
Where: Various outdoor locations
Cost: From $12 for one-day challenge course to $27 for two-day rafting trip
Contact: Campfire Boys and Girls, 443-8019

NATIONAL YOUTH
SPORTS PROGRAM
Description: NCAA-sponsored sports camp for limited income families; covers sports including basketball, flag football, soccer, swimming, softball and floor hockey; also includes nutrition and alcohol/drug prevention information.
Ages: 10-16
When: June 21-July 23, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: HSU
Cost: Free to income-eligible families; meals and transportation provided
Contact: Tammie Colwell, activity director, 826-6011

REDWOOD SOCCER CAMPS
Description: Week-long day camps, select camps for advanced players, team training camps, coaches' camps and overnight camp.
Ages: 6-14
When: June 14-Aug. 6, times vary according to session.
Where: Sessions in Arcata, Eureka, Trinidad, South Fork, Fortuna, McKinleyville, Willow Creek, Freshwater.
Cost: Day camps $80 with ball, $65 without ball; overnight camp $300; coaches' camp free
Contact: Northcoast Children's Services, 822-7206

Note: For summer school or church camp options, contact local school districts or religious organizations.

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