Erie Times-News April 2017 Family Guide

What’s happening this summer?

Settle in for summer Reading p. 2

Great programs for special needs p. 3

30 things to do this summer p. 16

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Take time to read with your kids this summer through eighth grade. But hurry, the program ends April 30 so the nonprofit has time to distribute the books eed some ideas on that kids can take home and read over how to help your kids the summer months. find the time (and Need some ideas on what to give? the books) to read for A wish list is posted at https://amzn. sheer enjoyment this com/w/2V6B6O0CMP1SF, and you summer? can purchase books from Amazon and Here are a few suggestions. send them directly to United Way at 420 W. Sixth St., Erie, PA 16507.For Avoid summer slide more information, contact Chantelle Carter at chantelle@unitedwayerie.

United Way of Erie County wants org or 456-2937, ext. 232. to prevent the summer slide of chilScholastic.com recommends that dren losing interest in reading and the resulting decline in skills when school students read every day with books, magazines, newspapers, weather starts again in September. The nonprofit started the Summer Slide Book reports, recipes —almost anything.

Reading at home together is a great way to help kids Drive, a twofold program that collects And, reading just six books during the incorporate reading into their lives. [THINKSTOCK] summer will help struggling readers donated books and distributes them maintain skills. Reading out loud is to 14 schools in the region. also critical to learn pronunciation In 2016, the community collected reading among kids. programs, and while you’re there, and accuracy. It also improves com6,000 books for the first Summer To register for Imagination Library, you can pick up a book. Stop in or call prehension skills.

Slide Book Drive. This year, United visit www.unitedwayerie.org/imagi- for more information: Way has a goal of 10,000 books that nation/register.Each month, a book • Millcreek Mall” 2088 Interchange Road, Join the Imagination Library will be distributed in May. About 30 is mailed to a registered child from Suite 280, 451-7084 manufacturers, businesses, retailers, The organization will mail its birth to age 5 in Erie County.

• Fairview Lincoln Community Center: financial groups and more are all-in 400,000th book in July. You can help To participate in the next Read1255 Manchester Road, 451-7085 on this one, and you can drop off this program succeed. ing Buddy offering, join the event on • Iroquois Avenue Branch Library: 4212 books at 35 locations scattered around Started by the Dollywood Founda- Saturday, May 6, from 10:30 a.m. to Iroquois Ave., 451-7082 the county. For more information tion, this program encourages noon at Girard Alliance Church. The • Edinboro Branch Library: 413 W Plum on participating companies adults to readto children. session offers training for parents and St. Edinboro, 451-7081 and drop off locations, visit And, United Way of other adults and activities and snacks • Raymond M. Blasco, M. D. Memorial www.unitedwayerie.org/ Erie County created for kids. It also includes tickets to the Library: 160 E. Front St., 451-6900 summerslidedrive.

Reading Buddies, performance of “James and the Giant You can donate a program that Peach” at the Erie Playhouse.

Six independent public libraries books suitable for helps parents include: children ages 5 improve and The Erie County Public Library • Albion Area Public Library: 111 E. Pearl to 14, who are help develop St., Albion, 814-756-5400 No matter what age your kids are, in kindergarten a love of • Corry Public Library: 117 W Washington you can find an activity at one of the St., Corry, 814-664-7611 library branches in Erie County that Pop-up books • McCord Memorial Library: 32 W. Main will give your kids the urge to read. are a great way St., North East, 725-4057 Toddler Time and Story Time take to encourage • Rice Avenue Public Library: 705 Rice place at the main library daily and at youngsters to Ave., Girard, 774-8286 some of the branches. read books as in • Union City Public Library: 2 Stranahan Want to read to a pet? Some of the this book “Oh, the St., Union City, 814-438-3209 libraries offer special programs in Places You’ll Go,” • Waterford Public Library: 24 South Park which young readers learn to read

by Dr. Seuss with aloud to dogs from Therapy United. It Row, Waterford, 796-4729 pop-ups by David Can’t get to a library? The gives students confidence to read out A. Carter. [CHRISTOBookmobile will be out and about loud and gives dogs some undivided PHER MILLETTE/ERIE throughout April, May and June. attention.

Edinboro and Fairview TIMES-NEWS] Find out more by emailing bkm@ branches have regular programs. eriecountypa.gov or calling You’ll also find science, technol451-6935. ogy, engineering, art, and math

By Pam Parker

pam.parker@timesnews.com

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Special-needs summer activities

By Jennifer Smith Contributing writer

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ith near perfect weather and a wealth of activities, summer is the highlight of the year for most families in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Thanks to a growing effort by community organizations, children with unique physical, medical or emotional needs are able to dive right into summer fun, too.

“Being able to participate in activities with your peers is an important part of childhood,” said Maureen Barber-Carey, executive vice president of the Barber National Institute.

“It is especially important to provide opportunities for children that will lead to greater inclusion in their schools and community.”

Play ball This summer marks the fourth season for a special team effort between the Erie SeaWolves, Barber National Institute and Siebenbuerger Club. Two daylong clinics staffed by Erie SeaWolves players and coaches will be offered to children ages 5 to 17 with high functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome who are attending Connections Camp. A third day will bring adults with intellectual difficulties up to the plate. Each clinic includes hands-on instruction on throwing, pitching and base running, along with a special T-shirt, lunch and some big league fun.

SeaWolves players and coaches

root on the campers and make them feel like stars for the day.

“It’s rewarding to give them that extra attention,” said Mark Pirrello, assistant general manager. “When we say we’re here to improve the quality of life in Erie — this is it.”

This year a number of local organizations are also stepping up to the plate with adaptive sports to help children who lack the physical or social skills have the opportunity to still feel included and successful.

Happy campers Camps are a wonderful way to explore an interest in a fun and engaging way. Parents shouldn’t be afraid to work with those organizing a camp to make modifications that will enable their child to be more comfortable and successful, said Heather Gula, director of education at the Erie Zoo. For children on the autism spectrum, for example, the Erie Zoo will allow for quiet time and provide sensory items to help with attention.

Should a child have an aide, they’re both welcome to attend.

The Experience Children’s Museum offers sensory friendly hours on the last Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon just for families with children on the autism spectrum. Admission is free thanks to UPMC Health Plan and most Sundays offer fewer crowds, special hands-on, tactile or sensory activities at exhibits to engage children, and a classroom designated as quiet space. An exhibit map created

by Niagara Therapy is on hand to alert

parents to particular exhibits that might be overstimulating.

“It’s a time where parents can come and not worry that they will be judged,” said Ainslie Brosig, executive director, who brought in experts from the Barber National Institute to educate her staff on the unique needs of families and how to be supportive.

Specialized camps & activities Camps offered at the Barber National Institute and the Achievement Center incorporate structured activities, outdoor games and offsite field trips in the community, all with the aim of improving social and coping skills for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder or intellectual or physical disabilities.

The Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania also sponsors a number of opportunities for children and families to get together, including monthly outings and the Friends & Pals Club, a group for middle and high school students that offers opportunities for making friends, sharing experiences and having fun.

Through Reading Now, the Achievement Center offers literacy and other educational services including math and reading assessments as well as tutoring and homework help.

“Summer learning programs are so important because even great students can experience a loss of learning during the summer months if they are not engaged in educational activities,” said Shanna Schumacher,

TOP: This will be the fourth season the Erie SeaWolves, Barber National Institute and Siebenbuerger Club have teamed up to offer several day-long camps for children and adults with high functioning autism or intellectual difficulties. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/BARBER NATIONAL INSTITUTE]

BOTTOM: Skaters perform a routine to the song “Uptown Funk” during the 17th annual Gliding Stars of Erie adaptive skating program annual show “Inspiration on Ice” on April 1 at Mercyhurst Ice Center. [DAVE MUNCH/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

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director of literacy at the Achievement Center.

Reading programs offered include Babygarten, a program for parents to attend with their babies and toddlers up to 24 months old that promotes bonding and provides education about language development and early literacy skills; Leap Ahead, a class for ages 3 to 5 and their parents, which focuses on read-aloud strategies and kindergarten readiness; and Camp Read-a-lot, for kindergartners through sixth-graders, a weeklong fun and educational camp experience that improves reading skills.

Summer options The Autism Society keeps in close contact with parents for feedback on which programs work for their children with autism or other special needs.

Executive Director Tish Bartlett shared the following parent-approved programs:

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Achievement Center, 4950 W. 23rd St., 459-2755, www. achievementctr.org Programs offered: ADHD Summer Therapeutic Activities Program, Autism STAMP, Emerging Language Camp, bike camp, Babygarten, Camp Read-A-Lot, Leap Ahead, tutoring and therapeutic recreation including baseball, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

Autism Society, 1062 Brown Ave., 455-3540, www.nwpaasa.org Programs offered: Monthly family sensory/social outings, Friends & Pals Teen Club, Next Step Guide, a reference guide of support and services for families.

Barber National Institute, 136 East Ave., 453-7661, www. barberinstitute.org Programs offered: — Camp Shamrock, recreational camp for those ages 5 to 21 with autism, intellectual or physical disabilities.

Attend one to six weeks. Contact CherylBilski@BarberInstitute.org — Expanding Social Opportunities summer camp for those ages 18 and older with an intellectual disability.

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Attend one to six weeks. Contact JZacherl@BarberInstitute.org — Connections Camp builds social skills for those ages 5 to 14 with high functioning autism. Dates TBA. Contact Connectionscamp@BarberInstitute.org — Learn to Ride Bike Camp helps children develop skills to ride their bikes independently. It is structured to meet the needs of children and young adults with autism, Down syndrome or other special needs. It is open to any youngster able to pedal but who still uses training wheels. Contact Cneil@BarberInstitute.org Blended Spirits Ranch, 7401 McCray Road, Fairview, 449-5657, www.blendedspirits ranch.org Program offered: Equine Assisted Learning for Individuals on the Autistic Spectrum.

Challenger Little League Teams enable boys and girls with special needs, age 4 to 18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball with adapted rules and equipment.

LeBoeuf Little League Challenger, Heather Johnston, 460-1345, flbchallengers@yahoo.com Millcreek (MYAA) Challenger, Kregg Heenan, 450-6364, myaasports@gmail.com North East Challenger, Jennifer Smith, 240-8507, wordsmithcreations@gmail.com Cheer Vibe, 337 W. 12th St., 923-3426, www.cheervibe. net Program offered: Special-needs team for ages 4 to 18 includes assistance from a buddy, a member of Cheer Vibe travel team with a minimum of three years experience, who serves as personal coach to assist at practice and performances. Special-needs tumble is an eight-week class.

EKidzCare, 16269 Conneaut Lake Road, Suite 104, Meadville 814-807-1162, www.ekidzcare.com Offers: Care options for families with medically fragile children.

E.A.S.E., Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience, Bayfront Maritime Center, 40 Holland St., 456-4077 Program offered: Youth with physical and mental disabilities to sail independently on Presque Isle Bay.

Executive Director Ainslie Brosig is shown near a tactile wall at the Experience Children’s Museum in Erie. The wall, sponsored by the Achievement Center, is open to all visitors to the museum, but is designed especially for children with sensory processing disorders, which can be seen in children on the autism spectrum. [CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

Erie Gymnastic Center, 4725 Park-Harbor Drive, 8982936, www.eriegymnastics.com Program offered: Autism and special-needs class.

Experience Children’s Museum, 420 French St., 4533743, www.eriechildrensmuseum.org Programs offered: Sensory friendly mornings, held last Sunday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon. Free for families with children on the autism spectrum. Therapist membership enables using the museum for sessions. Tactile wall and many sensory offerings. Classes, camps, exhibits, Picture Exchange Communication System cards.

Erie Zoo, 423 W. 38th St., 864-4901, www.eriezoo.org Programs offered: Classes, camps, PEC cards. Accommodations can be made for special needs. Aides may attend with child.

Gliding Stars of Erie, P.O. Box 11304, 825-5555, erepaa@ glidingstars.org Program offered: Adaptive ice skating Kindermusik with Sheryl May, kmwithsm@aol.com, www.sherylmay.yourvirtuoso.com Programs offered: Classes for baby, toddler and preschool children use music as the key to unlock social, emotional, cognitive, literacy, motor skills, language and musicality.

Meca, 1611 Peach St., 454-9113, www.mecaerie.org Program offered: Adaptive baseball.

Pediatria Healthcare for Kids, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 19, 833-0221, www.pediatriakids.com Offers: Care options for families with medically fragile children.

Penn State Behrend, 5451 Merwin Lane, 898-6871, cfkerie@psu.edu Program offered: College for Kids, parent or aide may attend with child.

TopSoccer, Dan Perritano, 898-6296, dpp2@psu.edu Program offered: Special-needs child is paired with a buddy.

Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center, 8342 Platz Road, Fairview, 323-2156 Program offered: New riding class for grades one to eight on the autism spectrum features activities based on the seven essential learning domains of the Framework for Independent Living curriculum.

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Day camps offer fun activities for every interest

By Marissa Orbanek

T

Contributing writer

here are a variety of day camps throughout the region that offer children a number of benefits during the summer months. The camps engage kids in physical, social and academic activities to foster creativity, independence and critical thinking. There seems to be a camp to meet everyone’s interest. Here are some of the summer options available in the Erie area.

YMCA of Greater Erie

YMCA of Greater Erie offers a variety of summer day camps at various branch locations and YMCA affiliate programs.

Kindergarten Readiness Camp introduces children entering kindergarten to the basic skills needed for the transition. This program will be offered in June only at Wattsburg Elementary Center and at the Downtown Y. Y Kindercamp offers kids at the pre-K and kindergarten levels the opportunity to join a fun, character building and adventure-filled summer camp.

Y Day Camp is available to children in first through sixth grades. It offers indoor and outdoor experiences in a wide variety of topics and activities that incorporate healthy living.

Y Teen Camp is available to teens between the ages of 13 and 17 and offers leadership opportunities, competitive games, social activities, team-building activities and volunteer work.

Y Themed Camp is open to children in K through sixth grade and provides children a chance to explore new and exciting adventures. Themes include: Cooking Camp, Let’s Explore Dinosaurs, Outdoor Survival, STEM, Animal Planet, Photography, Creativity, and Constructing Bridges/Legos. This camp is located at the Eastside Family Y or Harborcreek Township Building.

Y Dance and Cheer Camp offers children ages 5 and older the opportunity to explore jazz, contemporary, ballet and cheer, as well as partner choreography, tumbling, chanting, rhythm, musicality and attitude. This class is free and open to YMCA members only. This is offered only at the Glenwood Park Y. Information: Visit www.ymcaerie.org

Girl Scouts of Western PA

Greater Erie Area Day Camp at Hawthorne Ridge offers a summer day camp experience full of adventure and imagination.

When: June 19 to June 23 Information: Contact Camp Sherwin at (800) 248-3355, email hawthorneridge@gswpa.org or visit www.gswpa.org.

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Boys and girls of all ages participate in plays with Corella Productions. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

Boy Scouts of America: French Creek Council

Oliver Perry District offers a camp for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos. Scouts learn various outdoor skills that are built upon in Boy Scouts.

When: June 14 Information: Visit www.frenchcreek-bsa.org.

Camp Invention

The nationally acclaimed Camp Invention program challenges elementary and middle school students to reinvent themselves in Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This year’s program is called Launch, and students will have the opportunity to create their own personal, ultimate sky gadget alarm box, explore a distant exoplanet and create the next earth, launch water rockets, build bubble blasters and engineer giant castles, and design duct tape products to pitch to mock investors.

When: This year’s program is offered at two sites during two different weeks: Edinboro Elementary School, June 12-16, 2017 For children entering grades 1 through 6 8:30 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Cost: $225 Waterford Elementary School, July 17-21, 2017 For children entering grades K through 6 9 a.m. — 3:30 p.m., with extended camp hours offered for an additional cost.

Cost: $225 Information: www.campinvention.org

Edinboro University’s Digital Media Academy

When: June 11-13, 2017 (Overnight) Cost: $25 per student, Registration required by May 12 Students entering grades 10-12 will enjoy intensive work sessions in the department’s media studios and computer labs. Interactive activities will be focused on audio, video, print and web.

For more information, contact Ronald Raymond at rraymond@edinboro.edu.

Erie Zoo

Weeklong Zooventure programs are available to children ages 4 to 16.

Junior Zookeeper Program is a weeklong camp available to kids between 11 and 17.

Advanced Junior Zookeeper Program is a weeklong experience available to teens between 15 and 17 who have completed at least one year of Junior Zookeeper.

When: Programs are available in June, July and August.

Information: Contact the zoo office at 864-4091 or visit www.eriezoo.org.

Corella Productions: Children’s Theatre Academy

Students entering grades 6 through 12 will learn acting, singing and dancing to produce “Into the Woods Jr” to expose them to live theater. T Cost is $200 When: June 26-30, 2017 3830 Liberty Street at Corrella Productions Studio.

10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Information, email Patty Corella at corellaprods@aol.com

Erie Playhouse

Erie Playhouse Youtheatre Summer Camp is available to students ages 5 to 16.

Summer Youtheatre Camp is led by professional theater staff. Students will learn acting, dancing, singing and much more.

When: June 19-24 and June 26-July 1 Encore! Camp is open to students who have spent at least two summers at Youtheatre Camp.

When: July 10 to 15 Information: Visit www.erieplayhouse. org/education/youtheatre-camp, or call 454-2852.

Asbury Woods Nature Center

Nature Camp is available for students in first through sixth grades.

Preschool Nature Camp is available for children who are 4 or 5 years old.

Nature Art Camp is available to students in kindergarten through ninth grades to experience and interpret nature through a variety of art media.

Digital Photography Camp is open to students in grades fifth through eighth will work with multiple media and nature.

When: 10 weekly sessions are available, June 12 to August 18.

Information: Visit www.asburywoods.org to view the full schedule.

Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend College for Kids is a

six-week summer enrichment program offering a diverse selection of one-week classes, based on age, for students between 6 and 14 years old.

Expect to see courses on a variety of topics and themes, including video animation, health and wellness, acting and music, robotics, engineering, science super heroes, creative writing, and cartoon character graphing.

When: June 12 through July 28 (no classes July 4) Information: Call Sonya Smith, coordinator, at 898-6754 or email her at srs37@ psu.edu.

Penn State Behrend’s YPC Erie Choir Camp

Young People’s Chorus of Erie Choir Camp focuses on developing singers’ voices through interactive workshops and expert instruction. The day-camp program is for kids ages 7 through 13, and no previous singing experience is required.

Dates: July 31-August 4 Location: Episcopal Cathedral of Saint Paul, 134 West Seventh Street, Erie Time: 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. (drop off is at 8:30 a.m.)

Cost: $150 per camper. Sibling discount offered. The camp fee covers music

instruction, activities, snacks, supplies, and a camp T-shirt. Camp tuition assistance may be available by calling (814) 898-6789.

Gannon University The school offers a criminal investigators camp, a theater camp, an environmental heath camp, a high school journalism workshop and other camps.

Information: Visit www.gannon.edu/ campgannon.

High school journalism workshop When: July 24 to 28 Teens between 15 and 18 get a great start on journalism careers with published author Frank Garland sharing writing exercises and feedback.

Summer School of Excellence

When: July 5 to 14 This two-week program helps teens learn how to deal with science and environmental health issues in the lab and at Gannon’s research vessel, the Environaut.

WLD Ranch Camp

WLD Ranch offers a Wrangler Weeks camp and adventure camps for kids from kindergarten to 12th grade. Camps range from those for the horse lover to the

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adventurer.

Information: www.wldranch.com/ programs/summer_camp.

Barber Institute’s Camp Shamrock

When: June 26-Aug. 4 The Barber Institute’s Camp Shamrock is for children ages 5 to 21 years with intellectual disabilities, autism or multiple handicaps. For more information, please contact Cheryl Bilski in Family Support Services at 814-878-5931 or cherylbilski@ BarberInstitute.org

IU5/Erie School District

IU5/Erie School District Migrant Education Summer Program is a summer program that provides support to migrant, refugee and English as a second language students.

Information: Contact the IU5 at 734-5610.

IU5’s “Under Pressure” Summer Camp

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When: July 10-14, 2017 The Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit is offering a Summer Camp for students ages 10 to 15 this summer. The camp will be held at the Erie County Technical School on Oliver Road from 8:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. each day. During this camp, students will engage in projects

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related to electronics, motor, carpentry, wearables, robotics and crafts. For additional information, email: studentprograms@iu5.org.

Experience Children’s Museum Discovery Day Camps

Day camps are available to children between the ages of 4-6 and 5-9. Camps include hands-on investigation and discovery of science, art, health and the surrounding world.

When: 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., various days/ week during June, July and August.

Cost: $130 per member/$145 per nonmember.

Camping Out | June 26-30 Children will construct a tent, create and utilize a scrap campfire stove, discover peculiar creatures, dabble in geocaching discover what it means to be a true outdoors person.

Aspiring Artists (formerly Creativity Camp) | July 17-21 Children will engage in various art forms including story writing, dancing, music, and photography. Local artists will visit to help with student projects and the weekends with their own art show.

Fairy Tale experience | July 24-28 Campers will read a variety of classic fairy tales and then participate in design challenges and art investigations in relation to those stories.

Kids in the Kitchen | July 31-Aug. 4 Campers will turn into junior chefs as they learn the fundamentals of cooking though experimental and collaborative kitchen adventures.

Mad Scientist | August 7-11 Through STEM challenges campers will explore their scientific minds to create circuits, dig into the past, design Lego pulleys and launch rockets.

Little Einstein experience Day Camp | June 19, July 10 and August 14 Little campers can experience the camp atmosphere without the entire week commitment! Campers will participate in STEAM activities, literature and music.

Cost: 3 day session cost: Members — $80| Nonmembers — $100; Single camp day cost: Members $30 |Nonmembers — $35

Caden Brumagin attended Camp Invention in 2016, and learned about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

Girls of all ages can enjoy overnight camp at Camp Hawthorne Ridge. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

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Overnight camps

By Heather Cass Contributing writer

Ah ... sleepaway camp: hilarious pranks, ghost stories told by flashlight, campfire songs and young summer crushes. It’s an unforgettable experience that creates lifelong memories. (I’ll bet if you close your eyes you can still recall the smell of your cabin, the taste of s’mores cooked over a just-right fire, or the name of that cute counselor, right?)

Fun mixed with a little adventure and freedom is the perfect recipe for mental and emotional growth for kids taking their first steps toward independence.

Every child is different, so it’s hard to say at what age kids are ready for their first sleep-away experience.

Some children may be ready as young as 8 or 10; others may not be ready until their tweens or teens.

If you’re sending your child to overnight camp this year, here are a few tips to help them prepare and

to decide if they’re really ready for a resident camp experience.

• Do a trial run: If your child has never slept away from home, start by having them sleep at a friend’s or relative’s house for a weekend first.

• Go small: Sign up for a single overnight or a two- or three-day camp experience first.

• Get a preview: Most resident camps offer an open house in the spring. Go together and check it out.

• Camp together: Many camps offer a child-and-parent weekend or overnight experience.

• Get them involved: Let kids help pack and purchase items needed for camp.

• Prepare kids to unplug: Electronics, including cellphones, are not permitted at most camps. Some camps allow kids to bring cellphones but restrict usage or require they be left in the camp office.

Make sure kids know the rules so they aren’t surprised when they arrive.

• Send email from home: Many camps offer one-way email service. You can write to kids, and counselors will print

and deliver emails to campers daily.

Be aware that few camps allow kids to email you back.

• Recruit a friend: Kids feel better when they have a friend attend camp with them. Most camps offer requests for bunkmates.

• Homesickness help: Camp counselors are trained and experienced at dealing with homesickness and providing the support and comfort children need to work through the adjustment.

Square Contact: 871-5378, abatta001@gannon. edu, http://camps.gannon.edu When: July 23-28 Teens ages 15-18 can learn surveillance, CSI tactics, how to analyze evidence and more during this weeklong camp taught by several law-enforcement officials including former special agents from the FBI, DEA, NCIS, and ATF. Participation is limited to 30 students.

Cost: $699

Regional Resident Overnight Camps

GANNON THEATER EXPERIENCE Where: Gannon University, Schuster Theatre When: July 17-22 Is there an actor in the house? Teens ages 13-18 can get their theater groove on with performance classes, playwriting and theater criticism, scenic design, stage lighting and puppetry. Focus in one track, or mix and match for a wellrounded experience.

Contact: Shawn Clerkin 871-7493, clerkin001@gannon.edu.

Cost: $325

CREEK CAMP Where: Allegheny College, 520 N. Main St., Meadville Contact: 814 332-5351, creek@allegheny.edu, http://sites.allegheny.edu/ creekconnections/creek-camp When: Two sessions are offered, June 25-30 or July 9-14 Weeklong, hands-on, field-based study of freshwater ecology for high school sophomores and juniors who must apply for admission. Taught by college professors and environmental experts.

Cost: $1,500 CAMP CADET Where: Allegheny College, 520 N. Main St., Meadville Contact: 814 898-1641, cynowens@ pa.gov, www.pacampcadet.com When: June 18-23 Weeklong camp for teens ages 13-16 designed to give students a taste of the Pennsylvania State Police training program. Cadets are required to learn military courtesy. Students must apply by April 30 for an opportunity to be chosen.

Cost: Free, but students are required to participate in a fundraiser.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR’S CAMP Where: Gannon University, 109 University

CAMP EMS (EMERGYCARE, ERIE) Where: Allegheny College, 520 N. Main St., Meadville Contact: 814 870-1040, jkifer@emergycare.org, www.emergycare.org When: June 25-30 Weeklong camp for teens ages 14-17 who are interested in careers in emergency medical services or medicine. The camp is coordinated by EmergyCare. Students must apply online (or contact the office for a brochure/registration materials).

Applications are due by May 26. Participation is limited to 50 teens.

Cost: $100 CAMP FITCH YMCA 12600 Abels Road, North Springfield Contact: 877- 863-4824, info@campfitchymca.org, www.campfitchymca.org

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Offering weeklong camps for kids from ages 6 to 17 Special offerings: Tech camp, boys, girls, equestrian, competitive swimming.

Special camps for kids with diabetes and epilepsy, too.

Average cost: $645 for 7-day camps CAMP HAWTHORNE RIDGE (GIRL SCOUTS WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA) Where: 7755 Hawthorne Ridge Road, Girard Contact: 800-248-3355, hawthorneridge@ gswp.org, www.gswpa.org When: All summer long Variety of one- to five-day camps for girls in grades K-12. Girls do not have to be Girl Scouts to attend camp.

Special offerings: Themed camps include Superheroes, DIY-namite!, Amazing Race, and more. New this year, Girl Scouts has partnered with the WLD Ranch, which is less than three miles from Hawthorne Ridge, to offer four new horse camps!

Average cost: $25-$210, depending on type of camp and duration.

FAITH-AFFILIATED CAMPS Note: Campers need not be a member

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of these faiths to attend camp. All are welcome. Parents should be advised, however, that most camps include faithbased activities and worship. Many of these camps offer a day camp option as well.

CAMP JUDSON Where: 398 Holliday Road, North Springfield Contact: 814-922-3834, judson@campjudson.com, www.campjudson.com Offering three-day minicamps and weeklong camps for students entering grades 2-12.

Special offerings: Archaeology, arts, engineering, team sports, horsemanship.

Average cost: $360 for weeklong programs, $190 for minicamps (20 percent discount for first-time campers).

CAMP NOTRE DAME Where: 400 Eaton Road, Fairview Contact: 474-5001, office@campnotredame.com, www.campnotredame.com Offering seven weeks of overnight camp (Sundays to Fridays) for children ages 7-14.

Special offerings: Older teen week, challenge course, archery. They also offer

father-and-son and mother-and-daughter weekends.

Average cost: $295 EDINBORO CONFERENCE GROUNDS Where: 12940 Fry Road, Edinboro Contact: 814-882-9816, edinborocamp@ gmail.com, www.edinborocamp.com Offering weeklong residence camps and weekend camps for children ages 6 to 18, including adventure-based camps for teens.

Special offerings: Adventure camp (rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing), horseback riding.

Average cost: $220 to $320 for weeklong camps.

LUTHERLYN Where: 500 Lutherlyn Lane, Butler Contact: 724-865-2161, email@lutherlyn. com, www.lutherlyn.com Offering more than 20 half-week and fullweek program for students in grades 2-12.

Special offerings: Night Owl Club (nocturnal adventure camp), model rocketry, musical theater, horse camp, adventure camp, young scientist camp.

Average cost: $450-$500 for weeklong camps.

WESLEY WOODS Where: 1001 Fiddlersgreen Road, Grand Valley Contact: 814-436-7802, info@wesleywoods.com, www.wesleywoods.com Offering a wide variety of three- to six-night camps for children ages 6 to 17, including camps for mentally- and physically-challenged students.

Special offerings: Arts, horsemanship, swim, astronomy and rockets, singing, acting, and high-adrenaline adventure camps.

Average cost: $300 to $575, depending on length and specialty.

WLD RANCH Where: 7351 Woolsey Road, Girard Contact: 474-3414, malcolm@wldranch. com, www.wldranch.com Offering two- and five-night camps for students in grades K-12.

Special offerings: Horses (30 horses on site), challenge/ropes course, horse camps, adventure camps, target sports camps, autism camp. They offer family camp weekends, too.

Average cost: $330 for most five-night programs.

FA M I LY F U N 2 0 1 7

Sports camps teach

A workout at Erie Premier Sports in Millcreek Township shows participants preparing for drills in 2016.

team spirit

By Steve Orbanek

Contributing writer

Area Sports Camps EDINBORO UNIVERSITY’S GREAT SCOTS SUMMER ATHLETIC CAMPS (GOFIGHTINGSCOTS. COM) Men’s and Women’s High School Soccer Team Camp When: July 12-15 or July 19-22

"!&%(#'$ "!&% "!&%(#'$$#) (#'$$#) $#)

Whether your child is just starting out or already competing at an advanced level in a sport, chances are there’s a camp available this summer that will help him or her get more experience at the sport of choice.

Many of the region’s colleges and universities, including Penn State Behrend, Edinboro University and Gannon University, offer specialized instruction in the specific sports that each school offers. The camps are taught by collegiate coaches with assistance from student athletes, giving participants the expert instruction that can be so key for those who want to improve and progress in a sport.

However, there are also options available for those who may not be sure of what’s the right sport for them. So, why not try out all of them?

YMCA Camp Sherwin offers an eightweek Sporties for Shorties program where

[GREG WOHLFORD]

kids between the ages of 3-6 can try several sports throughout the summer.

There’s also a similar option available for older children.

New this year is Erie Premier Sports’ Summer Day Camp, a multisport, summer camp for children ages 5-12. The camp will be offered for ten weeks this summer, giving children the chance to try out several different sports in a fun but competitive environment.

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Who: Designed for high school teams Cost: $330

SWIMMING WORKOUT CAMP When: June 18-22 or June 25-29 Who: Ages 12 and up Cost: $315 for resident; $250 for commuter

FOOTBALL TRI-STATE SHOWCASE CAMP When: May 21 Who: Student-athletes entering grades 9-12; College coaches from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia will be represented.

Cost: $40 if registered in advance; $50 day of the camp

SWIMMING STROKE CAMP When: June 18-22 or June 25-29 Who: All ages Cost: $315 for resident; $250 for commuter

7-ON-7 PASSING CAMP & BIG MAN BASH When: July 8 Who: Designed for high school football teams Cost: Passing camp is $250 for a sevenman team; Big Man Bash is $100 per five-man team.

VOLLEYBALL INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM CAMP When: July 21-23 Who: High school volleyball players and teams Cost: $220 for resident; $195 for commuter

FOOTBALL TARTAN TEAM CAMP When: July 8-10 Who: Designed for high school football teams Cost: $200 for resident camper; $150 for commuter

Camp Gannon University (http:// camps.gannon.edu)

EDINBORO DISTANCE VILLAGE CROSS COUNTRY CAMP When: July 9-13 Who: Students entering grades 9-12 Cost: $350

BASEBALL TOOLS DEVELOPMENT When: June 12-14 Who: Ages 6-12 Cost: $80

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NOVICE YOUTH WRESTLING When: June 26-30 Who: Ages 6-12, boys and girls Cost: $150

Kids prepare to practice soccer drills at the Millcreek Soccer Academy summer program at Erie Premiere Sports in Millcreek Township in this file photo. [JACK HANRAHAN]

BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER When: June 26-30 Who: Ages 5-14 Cost: Full day $145; Half Day $95 BOYS BASKETBALL When: July 10-14 Who: Ages 7-15 Cost: $160

GIRLS BASKETBALL INDIVIDUAL SKILLS When: June 19-22 Who: Ages 8-17 Cost: $150 GIRLS BASKETBALL SHOOTING When: June 12-15 Who: Ages 11-18

Cost: $85 GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM SHOOTOUT When: June 16-17 Who: Teams of girls, ages 14-18 Cost: One session $250, two sessions $400, three sessions $625 GIRLS LACROSSE When: July 31-August 3 Who: Ages 8-14 Cost: $100 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ALL-SKILLS When: July 17-20 Who: Ages 12-18 Cost: Day camp $180, overnight camp $330 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL BEGINNERS When: July 20-21 Who: Ages 7-12 Cost: $50 MEN’S SOCCER COLLEGE PREP When: July 9-12 Who: Ages 14-18 Cost: Overnight camp $400 WOMEN’S SOCCER COLLEGE PREP When: July 9-12 Who: Ages 15-18 Cost: Overnight camp $400

MULTI-SKILL SWIM When: June 14-27 Who: Ages 8-18 Cost: $240 WATER POLO FUNDAMENTALS When: June 17 Who: Ages 11-15 Cost: FREE

Penn State Behrend (www. psblions.com/camps) BASEBALL When: July 31-August 4 Who: Boys, ages 7-15 Cost: $190 BOYS BASKETBALL When: June 19-23 or July 24-28 Who: Ages 7-15, Grades 1-10 Cost: $150 BOYS BASKETBALL GRANDVIEW RESIDENTS CAMP When: June 25-28 Who: Boys, grades 5-12 Cost: $295; $275 if registered before June 1 GIRLS BASKETBALL When: July 10-14 or July 31-August 4

Who: Ages 7-15 Cost: $150 LITTLE DRIBBLERS When: July 17-20 Who: Boys and girls, ages 4-8 Cost: $55

High School Who: Girls entering grades 4-8 Cost: $60 before June 1; $75 after

TRACK AND FIELD When: June 12-16 Who: Boys and girls, ages 9-15 Cost: $100

ERIE PREMIER SPORTS (ERIEPREMIERSPORTS.COM) Summer Day Multi-Sport Camp When: 10 weeks, beginning June 12; Final week begins August 14 Who: Boys and girls, ages 5-12 Cost: $150 per week (full day); $90 per week (half day)

SOCCER When: June 26-30 or July 10-14 Who: Boys and girls, ages 5-13 Cost: $160

PREMIER SOCCER RESIDENTIAL CAMP When: July 16-20 Who: Boyd and girls, ages 10-16 Cost: $395 residents; $295 commuters

SOFTBALL When: June 19-23 or July 17-21 Who: Girls, ages 7-15 Cost: $150

PREMIER COLLEGE PREP SOCCER CAMP When: July 22-24 Who: High school, freshmen to seniors Cost: $395

SWIMMING When: June 12-16 or June 26-30 Who: Boys and girls, ages 7-15 Cost: $150

YMCA Camp Sherwin (www. ymcaerie.org/camp/schedules/)

HEART OF LACROSSE CAMP (MCDOWELLLACROSSE.ORG) When: June 26-30; 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Gus Anderson Field, McDowell

SPORTIES FOR SHORTIES What: Eight-week class that offers an introduction to sports When: Mondays, June 12-July 31, 3:15 to 5 p.m.

Who: Boys and girls, ages 3-6 Cost: $20 members, $85 nonmembers

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THINGS TO DO

By Sarah Stemen / sarah. stemen@timesnews.com

There are plenty of things to do in Erie that cost nothing at all or have very little cost associated with them that will keep your kids entertained during the summertime. Here are a few we can suggest: 1) Go fishing.

There’s a fish-for-free day on May 28, which allows anyone to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways without a fishing license. No cost associated, just bring your gear and get out.

2) Take a walk.

There are plenty of places to walk (or jog) in Erie that will be thawing out shortly. Find a list ofwww.goerie.com/ news/20160423/9-beautiful-placesto-run-or-walk-in-erie-countyand get out to one of them this spring. A little fresh air does the soul some good.

Or if you want to learn a little along the way, pull out our self-guided walking history tour map and learn a little bit about Erie’s history while enjoying some of the sights and sounds downtown.

3) Relax on the beach.

Lifeguards start guarding the beaches at Presque Isle State Park Memorial

LEFT TO RIGHT: The crowd listens to Jess Royer perform during a past UPMC Sunset Music Series at Beach One, Presque Isle State Park. [JACK HANRAHAN/ ERIE TIMES-NEWS] Four Mile Creek winds through the Wintergreen Gorge, in Harbor Creek Township. [JACK HANRAHAN/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

Day weekend. Take the kids for a swim as the weather warms up.

4) Hike Wintergreen Gorge.

Wintergreen Gorge is a 3,980-footlong, 250-foot-wide chasm nestled on Erie’s east side. The main trail starts at a parking lot off Cooper Road, east of Four Mile Creek in Harborcreek

Township.

The trail runs parallel to the creek, going south toward the Penn State Behrend campus. There are some nice vistas from the trail and a couple of waterfalls.

5) Hit up the dog park.

Erie offers many parks and natural areas for dog walking — Presque Isle State Park, Scott Park, Lake Erie Community Park, Asbury Woods, among others. However, most of these require dogs to be on-leash.

If your dog likes to run free and play with other dogs, the place to go is the Larry R. Fabrizi Dog Park at McClelland Park on Erie’s east side.

Other opportunities for off-leash fun can be found at Horstman and Sons, which has a fenced area in front of the store, and the Humane Society of Northwest Pennsylvania, which has fenced play areas for small and large dogs.

6) Stroll the Bayfront Connector.

You might be in for a bit of a chilly stroll until summer rolls around, but the views are worth the trip. Start at Dobbins Landing and head west for a nice walk that wraps around the Bayfront Convention Center and the new Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront hotel.

7) Enjoy the rib fest.

Hear live music and pick up dinner at Erie's Rib Festival May 31-June 3 in Erie's downtown Perry Square. Admission is free, but you'll have around 13 vendors to choose from. Find more info athttp://erieribfest.com/ 16

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8) Learn the trees.

Lake Erie Arboretum is open daily for free. It has more than 300 young trees, representing some 225 tree varieties. Located in Erie’s Frontier Park, there’s also a playground nearby and walking paths, too.

9) Go birding.

Take the kids to see some of the birds at Presque Isle State Park and try to identify as many breeds as you can. It's truly a treasure trove for bird watching. It’s been rated by “Birder’s World” magazine as one of the top birding spots in the country. The peninsula’s location makes it a favorable spot for birds to stop to feed and rest on their migration across Lake Erie.

Interested in learning more about birds? Visit the Presque Isle Audubon site atwww.presqueisleaudubon.org/.

10) Visit the Bicentennial Tower.

Catch breathtaking panoramic views of the city by going up in Erie’s Bicentennial Tower on Dobbin’s Landing.

It’s open until April 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 1 through Memorial Day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The first Sunday of every month is free. It’s $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 7 through 12. Children 6 and under are free.

11) Go to the park.

Here are a few spots you can take your kids to for a picnic, play date or just for an afternoon out: Asbury Park, 4105 Asbury Road, Belle Valley Park, Henderson Road and Belle

29 starting from the pontoon boat station. Registration required; reserve seats Mondays, beginning at 10 a.m., by calling 833-7424

13) Grab a cone at Sara's on the peninsula.

An Erie must-do is grabbing lunch or soft-serve ice cone at Sara’s restaurant, the landmark 1950s-style eatery on Peninsula Drive near the entrance to Presque Isle State Park.

14) See the new baby orangutan at the Erie Zoo.

LEFT TO RIGHT: This file photo shows the Firefighters Historical Museum in Erie. [SARAH CROSBY/ERIE TIMES-NEWS] Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission fish culturalist Jim Agostine displays a few brown trout before stocking the Waterworks pond at Presque Isle State Park near Erie on April 6. Agostine, 49, would later stock a few thousand fish. [GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

Village Drive South, Zuck Park, West Grandview Boulevard and Zuck Road, Frontier Park, West Sixth Street and Frontier Drive, Glenwood Park, Glenwood Park Avenue next to the zoo.

Find a full list of parks in the Erie area with picnic shelters and find tips

on how to plan the perfect picnic in Erie.

12) Tour Presque Isle's lagoons via pontoon.

Sit back, relax and take a free pontoon tour of Presque Isle State Park’s lovely lagoons. Rides are available

daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. through Sept. 11 at the pontoon boat station.

Registration is required; sign-up begins at 10 a.m. the day of the ride at the station. First come, first served. Or take a free evening tour on Wednesdays and Fridays, 7 p.m., through Aug.

The Erie Zoo opened its doors March 1 and there’s a new and utterly adorable member of the orangutan family waiting to meet you.

Take advantage of the zoo’s offseason admission prices and stroll the zoo to see some ofthe changes coming up for 2017.The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets (offseason prices) are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children ages 2 to 12.

15) Hunt for beach glass.

Spring and early summer is the perfect time to try your hand at beach glass hunting, or to resume your search if you’re a seasoned veteran.

Sometimes odds and ends turn up after years of churning and smoothing.

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16) Fly a kite at Sunset Point

On the western end of Presque Isle State Park, you will find Sunset Point situated between Beaches 9 and 10.

Affectionately referred to as “Kite Beach” this is where you will find people from all over the region flying a variety of kites.

The beach is also unique in that it is the only one in the park where you can practically drive right up to the sand. Be sure to stop and watch the creative kite flying and be — as kite flyers like to say — a “lookieloo.”

17) Take a bike ride.

There are plenty of routes to trace around Erie that range from long to short. Try the Multi-Purpose Trail at the peninsula or the Bayfront Connector Trail. If you don't have a way to transport your bike, just ride around the neighborhood.

18) Browse used books.

The Great American Book Sale is one of the largest book sales in the region.

It's always held in the Villa Maria Center gymnasium. Free admission and hundreds of books to choose from.

19) Discover Presque Isle.

Discover Presque Isle is the region’s annual festival celebrating Presque Isle State Park and all it has to offer. This year’s festival is July 28 to 30 and is packed full of scheduled events.

See a full listing of activities at thePresque Isle Partnership’s website at www.discoverpi.com/ 20) Visit a local historical society.

The local area historical societies are fantastic. One of the best in the area is the Fort LeBoeuf History Campus, which includes the Eagle Hotel and Judson House, in Waterford.

Other historical societies you can visit or explore: Historical Society of Erie County, Harborcreek Historical Society, Edinboro Area Historical Society, Corry Area Historical Society, Fairview Area Historical Society, North East Historical Society, Elk Creek Township Historical Society, Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, Union City Museum & Historical Society, and Wattsburg Historical Society.

21) Visit the expERIEnce Children's Museum.

The expERIENCE Children’s Museum aims to inspire creativity and imagination in children that offers exhibits like a water table, multi touch art table, and an entire imagination floor with exhibits like a Wegmans Kids Market.

Admission is$7 per person for anyone 18

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ages 2 and older.

Learn more atwww.eriechildrensmuseum.org 22) Learn Erie's firefighter history.

Another extremely interesting piece of Erie history exists at 428 Chestnut Street, the Erie Firefighter’s Historical Museum.

The museum is only open from June through August, Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.

23) Celebrate Erie.

There’s a chalk walk, kids zone, Taste of Erie, live entertainment, fireworks and more at the CelebrateErie annual festival in downtown Erie. This year is Aug. 17 to 20.

24) Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about Presque Isle State Park.

There are all kinds of public programs available or you can experience the 4-story-high, 45-feet-wide Big Green Screen, which plays movies throughout the day. See the movie scheduleattrecpi.org/bgscalendar. html 25) Have a water balloon fight.

Fill up some old balloons lying around from a birthday party or celebration and let the kids run around and throw them at each other. Better yet, pull out the sprinkler to add to the fun.

26)Visit the Erie County Public Library.

The library also offers free summer reading programs that include workshops, movies, children's theater, puppet shows and more.

27) Or start a neighborhood book club.

Create a summer reading list or challenge for your kids, then discuss the books after they read them. Invite their friends to participate, too.

28) Listen to live music on the beach.

Presque Isle Partnership offers free Wednesday night concerts on Beach 1 called theUPMC Sunset Music Series weekly from June 14 to July 19.

29) Or listen to live music on the bayfront.

8 Great Tuesdays, a summer concert series weekly on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. begin July 11 and continue through Aug. 29 in Liberty Park.

30) Have an 'at-home' camping trip.

Pitch a tent in the backyard and roast hot dogs and marshmallows if you have a fire pit (or on the grill).

Sarah Stemen can be reached at 8701776 or by email. Follow her on twitter at twitter.com/ETNstemen.

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