Summer Camp & Activities Guide 2019

Welcome to the 2019 Summer Camp & Activities Guide With the school year coming to a close soon, it’s important to start planning your child’s or teen’s summer break early, as registration for camps can fill up quickly. No matter the hobby or interest, there is an abundance of local camps for youngsters to enjoy, such as acting, exploration, science, sports, surfing, and much more. Our annual Summer Camp & Activities Guide – featuring a mix of half-day, full-day and some overnight activities in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding cities – will provide information to help you and your children plan a summer they’ll always remember.

Summer Snacks & Nutrition What your child needs to stay healthy through summer

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BY GINA COUSINEAU kids is ideal. he moment that final bell rings, Where do we begin? Choose snacks as a signaling the end of the school year, family and plan ahead. Nothing is worse than parents feel jubilance exuding from being hungry and scrounging for any food in their kids while also feeling their sight. When planning snacks, try to pick from at own anxiety as they ponder what the next few least one of the following food groups: protein, months of chaos will look like. With school fat and fiber. out and more free time for fun, there’s also Why? Protein provides satiety, making us a chance for boredom and restlessness that feel full and keeping us satisfied for longer. Fat inevitably leads to frequent snacking. induces fullness, as it is more calorically dense, As adults, we know full well that when we which helps to satisfy us. How many times are bored, we are more likely to fill that space have you eaten a fat-free snack and felt hungry with food. Unfortunately, those food decisions again soon thereafter? Fiber not only promotes aren’t always the most healthful choices. So a healthy gut, but in combination with nourishperhaps this is the summer that we adults will ing proteins and fats, fiber helps to regulate look to practice what we preach. blood sugar, lessening cravings.

Today we sit in an obesity While implementing new epidemic worldwide, and for the habits can be overwhelming at first time in history, our children first, keep it simple. Pick out are the victims. According to a few favorite healthy snack the Center for Disease Control, foods with your kids to start.

Toddlers have small tumone in five school-aged children How? Build a wholesome mies and will need to eat (6-19) in the United States is snack from at least one of two to three snacks and obese. Because parents are these food groups, preferably three meals a day, eating responsible for purchasing food, all three: every two to three hours. feeding their children and role** Protein: meat, fish, poulSchool-aged children need modeling their own dietary betry, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, two snacks per day, preferhaviors in front of their children, edamame, nut butters, whole ably between their main the buck must stop with them. grains such as quinoa, and meals, eating every three If we can’t control our own some veggies, such as corn to four hours.Teens need food choices/behaviors, why and peas. one or two snacks, typically would we expect our children to ** Fat: olive, avocado and in the afternoon, or if an do so? That being said, Mama G, canola oils; avocados, butter, athlete, additional snacks your local nutrition expert here dressings, dips, hummus, nuts, after practice, eating every in South Orange County, sugnut butters, mayonnaise and four to five hours. gests we learn how to treat our sour cream. bodies respectfully with our food A few examples: ** Fiber: whole grains/ choices and include our children • Half sandwich: 1 slice whole wheat cereals, crackers, wholegrain bread, 1 oz. in the process. And there is no breads, pastas; frozen or fresh turkey, cheese slice or better time to do this than in the fruits and vegetables. avocado, plus grapes. summer, when the pace of life is Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, is a • 1 oz. cheese and eight to a bit slower. ear nutrition fitness pro essional 12 crackers.

Snacks for young and old Co pleting her aster’s progra in ntegrati e and unctional utrition this • Mini whole-grain bagel, 2 alike not only help provide the ear, and a trained che , a a has teaspoons nut butter, half more than 40 different nutrients a local and irtual nutrition practice banana. needed for proper nutrition, they ith the goal o helping her clients li e • Half cup yogurt, berries, long, health , independent li es using help with appetite regulation real holeso e ood and calculated granola. and satisfaction. And choosing exercise ou can find a a and her • Veggies and dip/hummus yummy, nutrient-dense snacks partner Sa antha at a a that parents can enjoy with their s i est le co

Easy Foods on the Go

ages 6-16. Each play is an original script providing tons of laughter – both for the kids and the audience. Along with enjoying theatre games, the kids learn their lines, blocking and timing.

They are costumed and made up to perform by Friday at 2 p.m. Discounts for sibling and return students are also offered.

Creative Thinkers Bricks 4 Kidz Bricks 4 Kidz camps keep the pace fast and the action going with LEGO® Bricks, games and more to ensure kids will have plenty of LEGO® fun! The camps offer a STEM-enriched experience in a safe and structured environment. Using specialized LEGO® Technic pieces such as gears, axles and electric motors, children work in pairs to construct a variety of Bricks 4 Kidz models, as well as build creations of their own during free-play periods. The camps are offered in several locations, including Orange, Santa Ana and Tustin, that start as early as June 17.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.8082. capistranoactingacademy.org.

WATER LOVERS KG Beach Camps KG Beach Camps have been offered at the Dana Point Harbor since 1987. Children ages 4-13 can enjoy a variety of activities the three different camps offer. Activities include trips to the local tide pools, bean bag toss, boogie boarding at Doheny State Beach, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, rowing, whale watching on Dolphin Dave’s Catamaran Safari, beach games, activities, crafts and so much more.

657.234.5439. bricks4kidz.com

iD Tech Camp At iD Tech, kids and teens of all skill levels discover coding, AI, machine learning, film, robotics, and game design, helping them develop the in-demand skills needed to compete at Orange County-area companies and startups such as Blizzard, Bonfire Studios, Cylance, Kareo, Cie Digital Labs, and more. Beginning June 17, more than a dozen one-week courses will be offered to participants, ages 7-17, at Saddleback College.

2800 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

408.871.3739. idtech.com.

Alexa Café iD Tech’s all-girls program, Alexa Café, blends tech, entrepreneurship, and social impact in a fresh, café-like setting. Big ideas come to life amidst moon chairs and stylish decor. Whether you want to code an app for charity, design a mobile game, or discover AI, you’ll collaborate with new friends and create a project you’re passionate about. In the past six years, iD Tech has grown its population of the girls it serves as it builds toward a 50/50 gender parity at the camps while creating the largest pipeline of girls for STEM careers. Several one-week courses are offered in either day camp or overnight camp options, which begin July 22.

UC Irvine. 408.871.3739. idtech.com.

ATHLETES Basics of Skateboarding Basics of Skateboarding is a hands-on camp designed to bring kids together with their community. At this camp, children develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other camp participants.

The camps guide participants with little to no skateboarding experience through the basics by providing structured lessons. It also offers intermediate and advanced camps. Camps are open to young skateboarders ages 3-12.

897 Balboa Ave. Laguna Beach. 949.922.9922. basicsofskateboarding.com

Bella Collina Junior Golf Camp Bella Collina San Clemente’s weeklong summer golf camp for kids ages 5 and up allows them to enjoy confidence-building activities, oncourse play, and fun-filled games. Achievement medals are awarded at the end of the week.

Clubs, lunch, and snacks are provided. The

LASTING IMPRESSIONS Creating unforgettable summer memories with a camp suited to your child’s interests

one-week camps run from June 17 to Aug. 5.

The cost is $299 for guests and $229 for club members. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente.

949.498.3771. bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Matt Leinart Flag Football Camp The weeklong camps are designed for youth ages 4-14 to learn the fundamentals of football.

Each day will include football drills covering different positions, followed by flag football games in which players can put those new skills to use. Players will receive instruction from experienced, professional coaches, with age-appropriate drills in an approximate 10-1, player-to-coach ratio. Campers will receive a T-shirt, and there will be daily prizes and awards. Camps will be held in various locations throughout Orange County, including San Juan Hills High School from June 24-27 and JSerra Catholic High School at a date to be announced.

949.422.5864. mlflag.com.

SCIENCE-ENTHUSIASTS Camp Discovery Discovery Cube Orange County provides several opportunities for kids entering grades K-8 to explore the wonders of science through weeklong, hands-on learning day camps. Options include the Discovery Cube Heroes, during which kids can learn how the power of their favorite superheroes work, or the Space Camp: Mission

to Mars, which allows youngsters to explore the engineering process of designing a rocket ship.

The camps begin as early as June 17.

Discovery Cube. 2500 N. Main Street, Sana Ana. 714.542.2823. oc.discoverycube.org.

Ocean Institute Ocean Institute ACA-Accredited Summer Camps are immersive educational journeys that take place in its unique coastal setting.

Engaging learning experiences and explorations in the Institute’s learning labs, along shore and aboard its vessels, enable campers to expand their horizons and see their world in a new way. The Ocean Institute’s 2019 camp offerings include new programs that will be the highlight of summer for campers of all ages.

Discounts are offered to Sea Star, Mariner, Sealife Sponsor and Ocean Advocate Members.

The summer camps run from June 17 to Aug. 16, with sessions beginning at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. For questions, email oi@oceaninstitute.org or call 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

PERFORMERS Capistrano Acting Academy Excitement and adventure await your kids with loads of Summer Fun! Camp begins June 10 and encompasses seven separate weeks, each with a different theme. The Academy accepts

34421 Ensenada Pace, Dana Point. 949.842.5211. kgbeachcamps.com.

Waterbabies Swim School The Waterbabies Swim School is a developmental program in which children receive instruction according to their individual needs and abilities. Children can learn how to swim in small group classes, which are taught in fiveweek sessions for one, two, or three days per week. The pool is always heated to about 90 degrees, allowing the children to learn how to be safe and happy around water. The first summer session begins June 10, and the second session will start July 15.

142 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.488.2512. waterbabiesswimschool.com.

Endless Summer Surf Camp The Endless Summer Surf Camp offers a surf program to meet everyone’s needs. Whether you have never surfed before and always dreamed of learning or if you just want to improve your existing skills, Endless Summer has the coaching that will enable you to reach your goals. Day and overnight surf camps are offered, as well as private and group lessons for beginning, intermediate and advanced surfers. The camps provide meals, surfing equipment, and accommodations. The Endless Summer Surf Camp has a beautiful campsite overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the San Onofre State Park campground, which is just south of San Clemente.

949.498.7862. endlesssummersurfcamp.com.

JP’s Surf Camp Join the fun at JP’s Surf Camp, San Clemente Pier. The summer camp sessions, for ages 6 through adult, begin June 10 and end Aug. 2.

JP’s offers full-week courses as well as singleday classes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Small group instruction is provided for beginner through intermediate surfers, and surfboards and wetsuits are provided.

Full-week sessions are $300, and single-day sessions are $70. Early Bird Special pricing runs through April 14.

647 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente.

949.547.2088. jpssurfcamp.com.

A Place for Every Child COA entertainment participants sing at the “Light Up The Pier” fundraiser in November 2018, hosted by Pier Pride.

Photo: Courtesy

Local Boys & Girls Club organizations offer array of benefits

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BY LILLIAN BOYD he mission statement for the Boys Girls Club is to inspire and enable all youth to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Leadership at the local branches in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano aims to help children reach their full potential through summer programs that keep them engaged, active and learning.

“We pride ourselves in providing a variety. We’ll have summer brain games, dancing, cooking, visits to the Ecology Center,” said Gabriella ittlejohn, Branch Director for the Boys Girls Club of Capistrano Valley.

Boys Girls Club of Capistrano Valley includes three branches: San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita. Membership fees apply to all three locations for the summer program. Fees for children ages 5-6 are $75 per week, if scheduled the previous week, or $85 the week of, or a $25 daily drop-in fee. While weekly drop-in fees are typically paid in addition to membership cost, there are no membership fees for 5-6 year olds, and the summer program is the only time of year where childcare is provided for that age range.

Membership fees cost $70 per calendar year for kids ages 7-12 and $40 per calendar year for kids ages 13-18. For the summer program, childcare costs $55 if scheduled the week prior or $65 the week of drop-off.

The Capistrano Valley branches offer free beach field trips for their members every Monday and Friday.

“We make sure our kids are having fun,” said Littlejohn. “Children in our program are able to have options and explore their individuality.

They can learn more about themselves while going out and being part of this community.”

The Capistrano Valley branches also offer field trips each day of the week, depending on age group. In addition to the beach trips, kids have the option of ice skating, bowling or laser-tag throughout the summer, typically scheduled on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, there will be trips planned to Knott’s Berry Farm and on Thursdays, teenagers and middle schoolers will have trips to the movies.

“We’ll also have plenty of activities for kids at our locations. We offer a science club, cooking club, DI activities, fine arts programs and a site-wide sports day, ittlejohn said. While the field trips are a blast, it’s just one of our options. There’s plenty to do here at the clubs that kids can get the most out of.”

The Boys Girls Club will also have several partnerships with community organizations, Littlejohn said. Workshops for wrestling, dancing and agriculture will be led by experienced professionals offering handson experience.

The Boys Girls Club of the South County area will accept participants from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with breakfast and lunch provided.

Campers going into the third grade and above have the option of going out to lunch with staff if they bring money on Thursdays, all within walking distance of the club.

For the South County branch, summer camp costs $65 per week if children are registered before April 19 and $75 after. The full 10-week program costs $600 before April 19 or $700 after.

Field trips and specialty camps are scheduled throughout the summer, to cater to a variety of interests. Swimming at the Ole Hanson Beach Club is available once per week for your child for an additional fee of $2. A designated day and time is slotted for each age group. The South County branch will offer San Onofre hikes, visits to the San Juan Mission and the Discovery Science Center.

For more information, visit bgccapo.com or bgcsca.org. •

It Takes a Community Local nonprofit enters fifth year, expands programs throughout South Orange County

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BY ERIC HEINZ ommunity Outreach Alliance (COA) started as a small organization fueled by Talega Life Church. Since then, the programs have branched out into an independent nonprofit that offers activities and leadership programs to children and young adults.

Ed Molina, the new CEO of COA, has been on the job for about five months.

“It was something that I’d been a part of for a long time,” Molina said, adding he’d led and participated previously in organizations such as San Clemente’s Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP). But he said leading COA has been a learning process.

Teri Steel, the COA’s executive director, said the organization is striving to provide something for every young person in South Orange County.

“We have four sections: entertainment, leadership, food connection and fitness; under each of those four categories, we have various programs,” Steel said.

Programs can be signed up for online, and almost all of the events are free, except for a Relay for Life fundraiser. Fitness programs include lessons and practice for tennis, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, bicycling and more.

E-Sports Gaming has also partnered with COA to expand those interests.

COA’s entertainment programs, which are gradually moving to The Arts Project of Orange County, include teen and young adult open mic nights, comedy and

improvisation classes, as well as guitar and piano instruction. Outreach performers have been going to various communities, all in an effort to give children something to do and keep them away from drugs and other unhealthy behavior.

Medina said it is important for people to check the venue listed online for the various programs COA offers, as cooperation with facilities and businesses within the area is growing. Programs could also be coming to nearby cities in the future, COA officials said.

They’ve also spoken with local organizations such as the Exchange Club of San Clemente, San Clemente otary Club and others. ecently, fishing excursions were added to the list of outdoor programs: monthly groups of about 25-30 that participate with Dana Wharf Sportfishing Whale Watching.

About 500 people have signed up for the COA email blast, which can be subscribed to by registering on the organization’s website.

COA is underwritten by several community organizations, small foundations and anonymous donors.

THRIVE ALIVE A relatively new program, Thrive Alive educates middle and high school students about the dangers of addictions and problematic behavior. The goal of Thrive Alive is to create a reach-out platform for students and provide alternative directions.

Thrive Alive 6 registration is open now. The program runs 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from April 24 to May 29 at the San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente. Space is limited to the first 15 who register. Visit coathrivealive.com for more information. •

Upcoming COA Events Earth Day Beach Cleanup at the San Clemente Pier 8-10 a.m., April 13.

Teri Steel, left, the executive director of COA, and Ed Molina, the CEO, are looking to expand the nonprofit’s outreach in South Orange County. Programs are free for children and young adults.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Pancake Breakfast & Food Connection Fundraiser 9 a.m.-noon, April 27, 1050 Calle Negocio.

Third Annual COA Charity Golf Classic Sept. 23, Bella Collina San Clemente.

No Excuses Getting your family fit by setting examples

Healthy Alternatives to screen time

• Try playing music instead

BY SAMANTHA BLAKENBURG of having your TV on hat do you do for exercise? It is a quesfor background noise. tion that I am often asked that I usually Kids are less likely to answer, “Whatever I can.” be distracted and glued To be honest, for myself, I have been to the screen if it isn’t active for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a already on. small town in Eastern Maine, my parents always seemed to • Try a pre-planned activity discover physical outings. In the summer time, if we weren’t such as “snack time,” biking, we were hiking. In the winters, we were either alpine when you can sit and or Nordic skiing. Even if we were on vacations, we were chat for 15 minutes and snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking or rafting. It was instilled in have a no-screen rule. me that physical activity was a part of life. I owe it to my parents for sculpting this behavior.

It’s a new age, that’s for sure. Kids either are passionate about an activity or sport or they’re not. Kids, like adults, need to be positively stimulated or naturally drawn to an activity in order for it to be fun and enjoyable.

The truth of the matter is that, as parents, your model behavan activity, so for them it’s time to experiment. If this is the case, iors include those associated with exercise. For example, if you check out what’s being offered in their age group in the local come home from a workout and choose to complain and talk community, and find out what interests your child may have. unfavorably about the activity, your child will learn these behavTrying out new activities can be pretty intimidating for iors and associate them with a negative feelings. It can be as anybody. Try to remind yourself of how you felt when doing simple as “that was so hard” or “I’m exhausted.” On the flip side, something that was out of your comfort zone, and prepare your if you were to come home and talk about how much fun you had children for some of the “normal” feelings they may encounter. and how much stronger you feel or how incredible the wave was Make sure to stress the benefits of participating in new activities, on your last set, this will have a more positive effect on your kids’ making new friends, going outside, getting stronger, building thinking. By reacting with a more desirable reaction, your kids endurance and discovering new talents. may be more eager to try that activity or even a new one.

Now, I know what you are thinking. “We’ve tried everything, and Some kids have no idea what they are interested in doing for

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all my kids want to do is watch TV.” Sometimes, we have to take a good, hard look in the mirror and make sure that we are not modeling the behavior that our kids are reflecting. This means limiting our own screen time. This also means participating in physical activity regularly ourselves.

If you already have a consistent exercise regimen, then try to use it to motivate or spike the interest in your kids. If you are a runner, ask them to come complete the last half-mile with you because you need their support. Involve your kids in your exercise passions and watch as their passions will grow as well. • Samantha Blakenburg has a B.S. Degree in Sports Medicine with a concentration in Athletic Training

Local CAMPS & Resources

Acting Academy

Summer Performing Arts Camps serving ages 4-14. Campers are guided through a full theater immersion experience via four daily classes— music, acting, dance and fusion. The culminating event will be a Friday performance on one of our three main stage theaters! Children can participate for one week, the entire summer or anywhere in between. It’s time to watch your star shine at Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente; CommunityRoots Academy PAC, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel; OC Music & Dance, 17620 Fitch Avenue #160, Irvine 92614. 949.427.0072. www.actingacademyforkids.com.

American Beach Volleyball

Beach Volleyball for youth through college: beginners to pros, male and female. We provide fun, encouraging, high-level training. Ages 12-24. ALL YEAR LONG. We also teach 8- to 12-year-olds in our summer sessions. Encouraging coaches teach hitting, passing, setting, defense, blocking and serving. We play on the beach ALL YEAR LONG at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Email: info@americanbeachvolleyball.com. Register now for spring or summer or fall: www.americanbeachvolleyball.com. SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!

Basics of Skateboarding

Basics of Skateboarding is a hands-on camp designed to bring kids together with their community. At this camp, children develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other camp participants.

Our camps are here to guide participants with little to no skateboarding experience through the basics by providing structured lessons. We also offer intermediate and advanced camps. Camps are open to young skateboarders ages 3-12.

949.922.9922. www.basicsofskateboarding.com.

Bella Collina Kids’ Summer Golf Camp

Evidence suggests regular physical activity may help improve a student’s academic performance. This summer, challenge your children by introducing them to the exciting world of golf. Each weeklong session includes instruction by experienced, nurturing golf professionals. Campers enjoy confidence-building activities, on-course play and fun games. Golf achievement medals are awarded at the end of each week. Clubs, lunch and snacks are provided. Runs from June 17 to August 9. Cost is $299 per week ($229 for members). 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.498.3771. www.bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Capistrano Acting Academy

Excitement and adventure await your kids with loads of Summer Fun! Camp begins June 10 and encompasses seven separate weeks, each with a different theme. We accept ages 6-16.

Each play is an original script with tons of laughter – for both the kids and the audience.

Along with enjoying theatre games, these amazing kids learn their lines, blocking, timing and are costumed and made up to perform by Friday at 2 p.m. They offer sibling and return student discounts, too. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.capistranoactingacademy.org.

City of San Clemente

City of San Clemente summer camps are now open with early-bird savings lasting until April 23.

The City of San Clemente is offering more than 300 courses and camps this summer. Explore a variety of programs from sports to performing arts, cooking and more. Visit Camp Palooza at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park on Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., to meet instructors, earn free giveaways, discover camp discounts and enjoy recreational swimming. For information and registration visit www.san-clemente.org/recreation or call 949.361.8264.

Local CAMPS & Resources

OptumCare® Medical Group 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 beginning, intermediate and advanced surfers. We also offer surf and turf camps at Talega Golf Club with PGA Teacher of the ear andy Chang. 949.49 . 62. www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com.

Johnson Academy

Come and see our new location! Did you know that one out of every five children struggles in reading? Children who receive intervention before third grade have a 90 percent chance of increasing their reading skills to meet their intellectual abilities. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever. At the ohnson Academy, located in San uan Capistrano, they offer evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities. If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact the academy to find out more information. 2 12 Calle Arroyo Ste. 1920, San uan Capistrano. 949.4 . 2 1, scheduling ocsllcinc.com.

At OptumCare Medical Group, we focus on keeping you and your family healthy, strong and feeling your best. Our doctors provide personalized and compassionate care centered around your health care needs. From primary care to coordinating specialty care, we offer a wide range of services. This means you get the care you need, when you need it. For more information or to find a doctor near you, please visit optumcaremedical.com.

San Clemente Volleyball Club

San Clemente Volleyball Club offers programs for beginners to elite players. Mini Volley is a fun, fast-paced camp, where kids will learn fundamental movements and skills while playing a variety of games. outh Camp is perfect for beginners or those who want more skill instruction. Players will learn all fundamental skills and will be prepared to move to Club ite or Club training. The SC way is positive, detailed and fun Advanced clinics are posted online. For more info and registration, visit sanclementevb.com

Summer at St. Margaret’s

Be inspired, explore interests and have fun this summer at St. Margaret’s piscopal School.

Camps are open to all students preschool through grade . Weekly camps include outdoor adventures, athletic skills and play, performing arts, academic exploration in science, engineering, computer science and humanities. ed by St. Margaret’s renowned teachers and coaches on our beautiful 22-acre campus in a nurturing and small-group environment. Some outdoor camps take place at local beaches and off-campus locations. egistration open now For more information, visit www.smes.org/ summer. 1641 a Novia, San uan Capistrano.

949.661.010 . www.smes.org/summer.

Westwind Sailing

Welcome aboard Westwind Sailing opened in 19 to provide public access boating education in our community. Summer fun at Westwind includes sailing and SUP camps and classes for all ages and skill levels. We are a sanctioned US Sailing Community Sailing Center, and our instructors hold US Sailing, USCG, ASI, ACA, CP and first aid certifications. Our programs meet at the OC Sailing vents Center, located in the Harbor at 44 1 nsenada Place, Dana Point. 949.492. 0 . www.westwindsailing.com.

YMCA of Orange County KG 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. oin 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. 44 1 nsenada Place, Dana Point.

949. 42. 211. www.kgbeachcamps.com.

St. Anne SCHOOL

The Summer nights Day Camp is the ideal combination of fun and education for kids 2 years old through middle school. Camp days are filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking and field trips, with a flexible schedule for working parents. The eight week-long camps begin une 10, with full-day, half-day, and extended hour options. Visit www.st-anne.org/summercamp for more information and to register. 24 1 Bear Brand oad, aguna Niguel, CA 926 . 949.2 6.6 11.

The MCA of Orange County is proud to offer several amazing camps, where any and every child can build confidence and make new friends in a safe and nurturing environment.

Summer Day Camps are available during the school break and are offered at more than 0 schools across Orange County. Specialty Camps at our Health Fitness Centers offer sports, arts, science, cooking and more on a weekly basis. For the ultimate summer outdoor experience, youth -1 are encouraged to join us for week-long summer sleepaway camps. earn more at www.ymcaoc.org/camps.

1 21 Newport Ave., Suite 200, Tustin.

14. 49.9622. www.ymcaoc.org.

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Things to Do this Summer (on the cheap)

BY JENNA ROSS

D. Yoder Family Sundays at CASA ROMANTICA

Nature Walks and Wildlife Lectures

Hiking and Crafts at the DANA POINT Headlands

Story Times, Play Sessions at OC Libraries

Casa Romantica hosts D. Yoder Family Sundays on the first Sunday of every month. ach event has a different theme, and this summer’s three themes are sure to entertain. une gives kids an opportunity to contribute to a mural that will be on display for the summer. uly includes a walk through the Casa’s gardens to discover fairy dwellings hidden along the pathway and a craft station for children to design their own teacup fairy garden. August will begin with a rhythm and improvisation class for children to learn about the art of jazz. Go to casaromantica.org for more information.

The Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center hosts an arts and crafts session the fourth Saturday of every month in which children can learn about the Pacific Pocket Mouse, a native species of the headlands, and create their own critter. All ages are welcome. Visit fodph.org for more information.

The eserve at ancho Mission Viejo has multiple activities to entertain the little ones this summer. They organize weekly guided hikes on various trails that span their 6, 00 acres of land. These hikes include educational commentary from The eserve volunteers about the flora and fauna of the area. They also hold various interactive events to educate the community on Southern California’s landscape and native species, such as their astronomy night and wildlife lecture series. Some hikes and events have age restrictions. Go to rmvreserve. org for more information.

ocal libraries host weekly events over the summer. These happenings include storytime sessions, playtime activities in which kids can play while developing their cognitive abilities, craft time, and even ead to a Dog sessions to help children enhance their reading confidence. Go to ocpl.org for more information.

Access this guide throughout the summer at thecapistranodispatch.com to find the best programs for your child.