Summer Camp & Activity Guide 2021

The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

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WELCOME TO THE 2021 SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITY GUIDE

Grow Where You’re Planted WHERE TO START WHEN BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE GARDEN WITH YOUR FAMILY

By Lillian Boyd

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hat better way to embody sustainability than to be able to grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs?

Even if you think you or your child has a black thumb—a notable inability to make plants grow, or a tendency to fail as a gardener—there are ways to simplify gardening so that your little beginner-level gardeners can integrate toward sustainable container gardens.

“Most vegetables are easy to grow if you have the right medium,” said Geno Hakala, a certified sustainable landscape designer based in San Juan Capistrano.

“You have to look at what you have to work with for a growing area, whether there is exposure to sun and for how long in the day. And you have to think about what you can do with those conditions.”

The trick is to check the soil’s aeration and drainage levels. Natural soils will more than likely have more minerals in their composition than store-bought soil—and will likely yield better results.

For do-it-yourself soil testing, Hakala recommends the mason jar soil test.

In simple terms, soil texture refers to the size of the soil particles. For example, large soil particles indicate sandy soil, while clay is made of very small particles. Silt is in the middle with particles that are smaller than sand but larger than clay.

According to “Gardening Know How,” an online resource to get information and tips on gardening, the ideal combination is soil consisting of 40% sand, 40% silt, and only 20% clay. This highly desired soil combination is known as loam. This soil test can be an ideal and child-friendly science project for your little gardeners.

A mason jar soil test can be performed

The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

While families have been tasked with isolating and asked to avoid congregating, the end of the COVID-19 pandemic looks and feels more visible on the horizon. The community remains hopeful that by the time summer arrives, the coronavirus will be a figment of the past, as vaccine distribution expands more and more.

Our annual Summer Camp & Activity Guide is here, and while the end of the school year may be nearing, now is the time to plan for your child to make the most of summer.

No matter the hobby or interest, there is a vast variety of

with a 1-quart jar and a tight-fitting lid. If you have a large garden, you may want to use a mason jar soil test on several different areas. Otherwise, combine soil from a few different areas to get a good overall picture of soil texture in your garden.

Use a trowel to dig down about 8 inches, then fill the mason jar half-full. Add clear water to fill the jar about three-quarters full, then add about a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Place the lid securely on the jar.

Shake the jar for at least three minutes, then set it aside and leave it alone for at least 24 hours. If your soil contains heavy clay, leave the jar for 48 hours.

Read more about how to analyze your soil composition results at gardeningknowhow.com.

“You need to ask yourself what you want to grow, what sort of conditions are best for growing that, and proceed with creating those ideal conditions,” Hakala said.

Before retiring in 2014, Hakala was a chef for 30 years. He says his career with food fueled a special relationship with the process of growing it.

“Even though I was retired, I wanted to follow my passion, which is to grow organic vegetables, fruits and herbs,” Hakala said. “In 2015, I started Sustainable Home Gardens, and I’ve been helping people establish their own gardens ever since.”

Hakala says planter boxes, raised beds and container gardens are particularly popular in South Orange County.

“I always emphasize how valuable native soil is. So, whenever we can use the native soil, we are at a big advantage,” Hakala said.

When a gardener is putting together the soil to go into a raised bed, Hakala says you need to be good at replicating the amount of minerals that would be in the native soil. Using a compost bin and worm bin is key.

“Between those two things, you can basically become self-sufficient in your garden if you operate these two things effectively,” Hakala said.

Sustainable Home Gardens helps clients assess their real estate for gardening and can tailor a design to suit the lay of the land. Services include irrigation installation, maintenance and repair, rain catchment, hauling, planter boxes, plant analysis, orchards, vineyards, water conservation and more.

For more information, visit sustainablehomegardens.com.

GROW YOUR OWN! WHAT YOU NEED • Container that offers aeration for roots • 2-4 inches of good soil (high-quality compost is best) • Seeds or sprouts • Sunlight • Water • Gardening Claw

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local camps for youngsters to enjoy, such as sailing, acting, exploration, science, sports, surfing and much more.

Our guide features a mix of half-day, full-day and some overnight activities in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding cities. In this year’s guide, we offer you options for music lessons and camps, opportunities and services for low-income families, and equestrian programs for kids in the area.

Utilize this information to plan for a fulfilling, challenging and fun summer your family won’t forget.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. After assessing your soil, determine what you’re going to grow.

Optimal options for container gardening include herbs such as basil, sage, and mint; red and green lettuce; and tomatoes.

2. Purchase or build your container depending on what your garden will consist of. For herbs and lettuce, it should be a shallow container with a large surface area and a screened bottom that allows the roots to aerate. For tomatoes, use a deeper container, such as a bucket.

3. Find a sunny spot for your herbs and vegetables and determine how much sun your garden will need.

4. Fill the container with 2-4 inches of compost soil. Water your garden accordingly.

5. Use a gardening claw to aerate the surface soil without disturbing the roots too much. thecapistranodispatch.com

On Stage CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE’S THEATER CLASSES PERSEVERE DURING THE PANDEMIC

By Collin Breaux

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his past year has been an odd one for the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano.

Before the COVID-19 outbreak changed the world, the community theater was filled with regular in-person performances open to the public. Those have since been put on hold—but the Playhouse is pressing forward with theater camps and classes for kids, albeit with modifications.

The summer camps will start in late June and consist of six weeks of hands-on theatrical instruction, with a different show each week. Kids will get to audition for parts at the start of the week and put on a performance each Friday. They’ll also get to take part in hairdressing, makeup, and other aspects of the stage industry.

“They love the camaraderie of it,” President and Artistic Director Leslie Eisner said.

Parents used to be able to attend the Friday performances, but Playhouse staff is unsure if they’ll be able to facilitate that this year. If parents aren’t able to see the shows at the theater, the Playhouse is considering either livestreaming it or giving them a DVD recording afterward.

Themes for the shows will include The Addams Family and Inspector Gadget.

Camino Real Playhouse also has ongoing classes for acting, improvisation, and stand-up comedy. Classes were being held outdoors as of press time,

The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

but there is the possibility they could go indoors as state guidelines shift.

“They’ll be safe,” Eisner said. “The kids are really funny.”

Theatrical performances give kids a chance to gain confidence, practice public speaking, and project their voices, Eisner said. Acting also teaches children life skills, since they learn how to think on their feet and help their peers if they forget a line, she said.

“It’s definitely a team sport,” Eisner said. “They learn about a team approach to things.”

Camino Real Playhouse has also had to think on its feet throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as officials work to create a safe environment.

Temperature checks and regular cleaning of the theater facilities have been ongoing, and they can be expected during the camps and classes.

“We’ve been shut for an entire year,” Eisner said. “It’s been trying for us, so the support from the community means a lot to us.”

Class sizes are also smaller—the Playhouse cannot accommodate more than six people now, in comparison to its previous classes of 10 to 12 people.

Age ranges for the camp can go as young as 5 or 6 and up to 18 years, and the private classes can be for any age. The only real requirement asked of participants is being able to read a script.

Check Camino Real Playhouse’s website at caminorealplayhouse.org for more information.

LENDING A HAND HOW LOW-INCOME FAMILIES CAN SEND KIDS TO CAMPS

By Shawn Raymundo

E

very child deserves the chance and opportunity to have a grand summer experience in which they can grow, laugh and play, as well as learn with their peers—regardless of their family’s annual income.

And after a year of the pandemic, when much of the typical day-to-day connectivity and learning in classrooms and on playgrounds has been lost, summer camps are a great way to get some of those experiences back.

For underserved children coming from low-income families, however, attending summer camps or day camps may not seem attainable based on the various camps’ price tags.

According to a 2018 report on camp tuition trends from the American Camp Association, the average fee can range from as low as $630 a week to more than $2,000 per week. And the cost of day camps can vary from about $200 up to $800.

A majority of camps, though, the association noted, do offer special discounts, scholarships and financial assistance, so “parents shouldn’t assume their income doesn’t qualify.”

“In fact, over 93% of camps report offering financial assistance, and 67% of camps award $10,000 or more in scholarships annually,” according to the group—a coalition of camp professionals who work toward the betterment and quality of camp programs.

Locally, the Boys and Girls Club of the South Coast Area is able to offer financial assistance to families in need, thanks in large part to yearly contributions from donors who underwrite scholarships.

“We do live in a really generous com-

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munity, and the people have the feeling that if there’s a camp they want to see this kid in and they have those challenges, it’s worth a conversation to see if they have something we offer,” said Elizabeth Beas, director of development for the local Boys and Girls Club.

The club’s summer program offers a myriad of activities for kids aged from 6 to 18 throughout the day, such as working with arts and crafts, holding tournaments in the game room, and going on field trips, among other things, Beas explained.

The 10-week summer program will run from June 7 through Aug. 13 for kids who have completed kindergarten, and those in elementary and middle school. Parents will have the option to enroll their children for the entirety of the program, on a weekly basis or under a 10-day pass.

Beas noted that the summer camp, which will run Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., will continue adhering to the health and safety protocols amid the ongoing pandemic.

“We’re going to be continuing to offer our summer camp as usual, just with social distancing, whatever current regulations are in place,” Beas said, adding that the club is expected to have a limited capacity again this year, compared to previous years.

Summer programs such as the one the Boys and Girls Club offers, Beas said, are more important than ever, particularly for kids who have struggled with the distance and online learning.

“We recognize that every child could really benefit from coming to our programs because of social engagements (and) the extracurriculars we provide,” she said. “We do a lot of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education programs … every kid can benefit from coming to our camp.”

Recent surveys and studies have shown how the pandemic and ensuing methods to combat the virus have disproportionately impacted underserved children, and those within Black and Hispanic communities.

One study that USC conducted of low-income families in Los Angeles found that that the children were disengaged in their learning because of a lack of reliable technology at home.

“Academic support is really important for a lot of these kids who have been struggling with online and hybrid learning,” Beas said. “There’s so much that they can get out of (the summer programs).

Their kids are at more risk of falling behind, so any chance to give these kids more interaction and support is really going to be beneficial to them.”

Parents with special circumstances or need financial assistance can send emails to terry@bgcsca.org and rick@bgcsca.org.

The San Clemente-based club is slated to host a Summer Camp Expo on April 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. so families can learn more about the program and discuss their needs in person, at its open, well-ventilated new gym. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

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Horsing AROUND ///

A LOOK AT LOCAL EQUESTRIAN CAMPS AND ACTIVITIES

By Collin Breaux

I

f you’re sick of staying indoors but want a safe and socially distanced outdoor activity for your children to take part in this spring and summer, why not have them mount a horse?

Various places and organizations have equestrian camps and activities lined up this spring and summer—particularly in San Juan Capistrano, a town synonymous with getting on the saddle.

Ortega Equestrian Center has a summer camp lined up, though dates weren’t set as of press time. The camp will likely be limited to five or fewer kids, said President and Owner Kathy Holman. There were just one-day camps planned when Holman spoke about them on March 15, though there may be additional half-day activities throughout the week if things open up more.

“We teach them basic horsemanship,” Holman said. “They always get in at least the minimum of one hour of riding.”

Kids can either ride in the ring or out on the trail—the latter depending on how deep the creek is at a given time.

The age range starts at 5 years old and will generally cut off at 16.

“They get exercise. They get unconditional love from the horses,” Holman said of the benefits kids get from the equestrian camp. “They learn safety. They learn work ethic.”

The camp also gives kids a chance to be around each other again after being encouraged to stay away from others throughout the COVID-19 pandemic— though, of course, masks and other safety The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

“They get exercise. They get unconditional love from the horses. They learn safety. They learn work ethic.”

—Kathy Holman. Ortega Equestrian Center

protocols will still be in place at Ortega Equestrian Center.

Riders will also be required to wear a helmet and riding boots while on a horse.

“We’re very, very safety-conscious,” Holman said. “And, of course, I have cans of Lysol for sanitizing.”

Horse riding also gives youngsters a chance to breathe fresh air and be physically active, Holman said. Most of their horses are used to working with children and gravitate toward kids who may be struggling, she said.

To inquire about Ortega Equestrian Center’s camp, call 949.661.3130 or send an email to info@ortegaequestriancenter. com. More information about the center is on its website, ortegaequestriancenter. com.

Surf & Turf Therapy—a nonprofit in South Orange County that uses equine and surf therapy to address strength deficits and other physical issues—will also hold a camp this summer for disabled people with a “therapy-intensive” focus, similar to its first summer camp

year in 2020.

Due to the demand, they are planning as many as two of each camp this summer, said Jillian Stewart, founder and executive director.

Campers will work with medical professionals for physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Sessions will be small, with a maximum of six campers in each camp.

“At the end of camp, campers and their families are provided with feedback on progress, as well as activity recommendations and tools that we made during camp (such as I-spy bottles, kite crafts, etc.) to allow for continued therapy at home!” Stewart said.

Their Turf camp is located at their barn at Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center in San Juan Capistrano. This year’s equine camp will be July 19-23 from 9:30 a.m.-noon, with the sibling support camp the same dates and times.

The Surf camp—the other portion of their therapy—is tentatively scheduled for July 12-16 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

There will also be a sibling support

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surf camp, for siblings of the disabled campers. Surf & Turf partners with fellow nonprofit Sandy Feet Initiative for the sibling camps, in which Sandy Feet blocks off spots for siblings for their separate camp. The two nonprofits coordinate and schedule their camps to be at the same times so kids can all simultaneously get support and activities at the same time—and parents get a break.

Surf & Turf also collaborates with Jennie Bershon of Wilmont Farms for a sibling support horse farm.

Additional afternoon camps will be added, if the morning camps fill up. Visit surfandturftherapy.org for more information.

The J.F. Shea Center Therapeutic Riding Center will also have a summer camp for kids with and without special needs.

The Shea Center bills the experience as a “five-day introduction to horsemanship” where kids will work with equestrian professionals. The camp will happen in June and July, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Visit sheacenter.org for more information. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

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The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

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LOCAL CAMPS & Resources

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AMERICAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Fun, high-level beach volleyball training for beginners through pros, youth through college, co-ed. Ages 12-24, and 8-12 in summer. Encouraging coaches teach hitting, passing, setting, defense, blocking and serving. Are you an indoor player or athlete needing cross-training? Beach volleyball helps all athletes with strength, speed and agility. ABVC plays at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point ALL YEAR LONG. Email info@americanbeachvolleyballclub.com. Questions: 949.485.0826. Register now for spring or summer: americanbeachvolleyballclub.com.

ART WITH JESSICA

Summer Art Camps! Enjoy a creative art exploration camp in the fresh air! Aspiring artists, ages 8-14, will use a variety of mediums including watercolor, acrylic, charcoal & pastel to create different projects each week! Each camp is Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., and $245 covers all materials • June 7-10 • June 14-17 • June 21-24 • Small class sizes of maximum 8 students so sign up soon to get your spot! • San Clemente, CA 92672 • artwithjessica.com • @art.withjessica •

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE SOUTH COAST AREA

The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is proud to be THE place where kids can be kids again. Join us after school, for spring break, or our 10-week summer camp. Affordable for all.

Call us at 949.492.0376, email info@bgcsca.org, or visit bgcsca. org for more information.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

DANA WEST YOUTH SAILING

Dana West Youth Sailing hosts summer sailing camps at Dana West Yacht Club in Dana Point Harbor for all skill levels, ages 7-18. US Sailing Certified instructors run weekly camps, Monday - Friday, in mid-June and July. Beginners will learn the basics of sailing; experienced sailors will continue to hone their skills. Our fleet consists of RS Teras, CFJs and 420s. There are discounts for early, multi-week, and multiple-kid registrations.

For more information/registration, visit dwycjrs.org.

EMERALD COVE DAY CAMP

Emerald Cove Day Camp--where kids grow in all the right ways!

Through the old-fashioned fun and Christian nurturing of the most creative and caring staff around, campers experience two weeks that last a lifetime. Located at Del Obispo Elementary School, 25591 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano 92675.

Two-week sessions, Monday-Friday. emeraldcovedaycamp. com, 949.361.3077

ENDLESS SUMMER SURF CAMP

Learn to surf at San Clemente’s premier surf camp, where dreams have come true since 1992. Whether you have never surfed or if you want to take your surfing to the next level, we have surf instruction and coaching for you. We have day and overnight surf camps, as well as private and group lessons for beginners. For intermediate and advanced surfers looking to improve, we offer Elite Surf Packages that include video coaching. 949.498.7862. endlesssummersurfcamp.com.

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KGB BEACH CAMPS

Come down to the Dana Point Harbor for a week of fun! There are activities from stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking and tide pool walks to games, crafts and much more. Join us for an adventure on a 60-foot catamaran while we look for whales and explore the open ocean. The little ones will join us for a different adventure every day; crab hunting, treasure hunts, water games and sand castles will fill their days at camp. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.842.5211. kgbeachcamps. com.

SAN JUAN EQUESTRIAN COALITION

The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition proudly presents this year’s horse camps. Horse camps are a great way to introduce your child to horses and spend time outside in a COVIDfree environment. Please contact The Shea Center, Andiamo’s Equestrian, Dana Smith Show Team, and Excell Equestrian for more information! All camps are located in San Juan Capistrano at various locations (sanjuanequestrian.org).

WESTWIND SAILING

Welcome aboard! Westwind has been providing educational boating programs in our community since 1987. Our programs include sailing camps, SUP camps, and boating classes for all ages and skill levels. We are the 2020 “Best Camp for Kids” People’s Choice Golden Lantern winner in Dana Point, and our school is a sanctioned US Sailing, Community Sailing Center.

Scholarships are available from Cal Boating and the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation (contact us for information). Find us at the OC Sailing & Events Center in DP Harbor. 949.492.3035.

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ORANGE COUNTY HAS LONG BEEN A HOTBED IN THE MUSIC SCENE, AND WHETHER YOUR CHILD IS A NEWCOMER TO TAKING ON AN INSTRUMENT OR A MUSICAL PRODIGY, THERE ARE NUMEROUS OPTIONS FOR HONING AND SHOWCASING THOSE TALENTS. MANY MUSIC SCHOOLS AND INSTRUCTORS HAVE TRANSITIONED TO ONLINE AND VIDEO CLASSES OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST YEAR, BUT SOME STILL OFFER IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION. EITHER WAY, IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO IGNITE THE MUSICAL PASSION IN YOUR CHILD, HERE ARE LOCAL OPTIONS TO GET THEM ROCKING ALL SUMMER LONG.

Kenny’s Music Store

LOCAL MUSIC LESSONS/ CAMPS FOR KIDS

By Zach Cavanagh

The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

24371 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629 Labeling itself as “The Biggest Little Store in Dana Point,” Kenny’s Music Store brings a pedigree, previously being named a Top 100 Music Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants.

The music lessons at Kenny’s Music Store are guaranteed to be given with an intelligent and thoughtful approach with a quality education. Kenny’s Music Store’s philosophy is “to give is divine and to receive is to see you succeed.” Kenny’s Music Store offers lessons in many disciplines. Lessons are given for bass, bass guitar, brass instruments, drums, guitar, keyboard, piano, strings, singing and recorder. Kenny’s Music Store’s guitar lessons provide the most variety with acoustic, classical, bass, electric and the unique Campfire Guitar lessons. Kenny’s describes the Campfire Guitar lessons as those for people without the desire to be the next rock star, but with the desire to sit around a beach campfire and sing along to “Brown Eyed Girl,”“Hotel California,”“Margaritaville” and more. For more information, check out kennysmusicstore.com or call 949.661.3984.

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629 With more than 30 years of experience and nearly 20 years as a designated music school bringing music lessons to Dana Point and the surrounding South County area, Danman’s Music School in Dana Point offers courses in all sorts of styles for all kinds of instruments and musicians. The curriculum at Danman’s is based on four pillars of musical knowledge: songs, theory, technique and reading. Danman’s offers lessons for kids and adults in guitar, bass guitar, drums, flute, clarinet, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, saxophone, violin, cello, harmonica, singing and more. Along with regular lessons and online options, Danman’s has a recital program with up to eight performances a year and an academy program for those looking for a consistent music education. There are also Summer Camp options that focus on making music as a group. For much more information, go to danmans.com or call 949.496.6556.

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Los Rios Rock School

32124 Paseo Adelanto #5, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 For years, Los Rios Rock School has earned a sterling reputation as a top music school in South Orange County.

The San Juan Capistrano school offers a variety of courses to hone all the skills needed to rock. The expert instructors at Los Rios Rock School provides lessons in singing, acoustic, electric and bass guitar, drums and percussion, pianos and keyboards and even in orchestra and band. Los Rios Rock School even goes beyond the instruments to get into theory, songwriting, engineering and recording for a fully rounded music experience.

With weekly private lessons and group rehearsals, Los Rios Rock School gets students ready for a live performance.

Los Rios Rock School can work with beginners, even students age 6 and up, or experienced students looking to perfect their craft. More information can be found at losriosrockschool.com or by calling 949.456.1081.

Roos Studios

1030 Calle Sombra #A2, San Clemente, CA 92673 Led by the husband-wife team of Josh and Liz Roos, Roos Studios offers in-person lessons at their San Clemente studio, as well as virtual lessons over Zoom.

Roos Studios has a team of 21 instructors who are talented, bring personality and have a child-safe background, confirmed

by FBI background checks. Roos Studios emphasizes its child safety with all lessons on video, so parents can view from afar while students get one-on-one instruction. The instructors at Roos Studios can give quality music lessons for a wide variety of instruments. Roos Studios has lessons for drums, cello, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, violin, clarinet and signing. Students can also expand their music know-how with production and songwriting lessons. Roos Studios also offers free 30-minute trial lessons, so you can make sure they’re the right studio for you or your child. For more information, go to roosstudios.com or call or text 949.370.0291.

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The Capistrano Dispatch March 26–April 8, 2021

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