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Family Ties: Happy Campers – Busting the Boredom Bug
By Lindsay Minor
Spring has sprung and summer’s just around the corner. While tons of video game time and lazy hours in front of the boob tube may sound awesome to kids at first, most parents will inevitably hear the sad cries of “I’m boooored!” sooner or later. Camps can be a great way to keep kids engaged and happy during summer months, and it’s great for their health, too. According to Dr. Monica Lounsbery, Professor and Director of the Physical Activity Policy Research Program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, “Organized programs like summer camp help to provide the 60 minutes of moderate to rigorous exercise kids needs each day.” They also offer children the chance to be around positive role models, make friends, learn new skills, gain independence, build an appreciation for the great outdoors and make memories that last a lifetime. Squash that boredom bug before it bites! Research the right camp for your child and register today!
Outside and Outta Sight
Outdoorsy types, thrill-seekers and even their shy counter-parts will have a blast at one of Camp Lee Canyon’s six-day youth resident camps. Located in the Spring Mountain Range just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, cool air, rustic cabins and natural beauty set the scene for good, clean fun. Challenging and exciting, On the Edge Camp for teens features daring activities such as the High Ropes Challenge Course, a one-night campout, hiking, crafts, sports, mountain biking and a Thursday night dance with a live DJ. Children ages 8 to 12 can experience Omni Camp, where they’ll learn about the unique beauty and eco-system of the surrounding woodlands through workshops, arts, sciences and experiential outdoor education. Campers stay in group cabins supervised by trained counselors in a ratio of 8:1. Camps cost $400, inclusive of catered meals, snacks, class supplies and a camp t-shirt. Call 455-1905 for more information.
Cool Schools
For a day camp closer to home, Summit Ridge Day Camp at Henderson International School features a world of possibilities in sports, arts and crafts, water activities, games, computer use and even movie-making fun. Kids ages 4 to 11 will enjoy more than 20 activities during their camp experience. One unique aspect of Summit Ridge Day Camp is that parents are invited to help design their child’s experience. If you want to keep academics alive during the summer break, Summit Ridge can help. Camp begins June 13 and ends August 5. For more info, visit www.hendersonschool.com or call 818-2149.
During the normal school year, Coral Academy of Science is a charter school on a mission to provide a challenging educational environment for students which will promote academic and social success during and beyond their high school years. With that same commitment to molding well-rounded individuals, their summer camp, held at the Sandy Ridge Campus, offers a number of educational activities in science, math, reading and English, along with fun arts and crafts and field trips to local attractions and museums. Competitive types and any kid just looking to have some fun can also match skills with new friends in chess, table tennis, basketball, soccer and volleyball. These full day camps are appropriate for ages 5-17 and will take place from June 13-July 29. Additional details are forthcoming, so keep an eye on www.coralacademylv.org for updates or call 776-8800 for details.
And not to be overlooked, Las Vegas Day School is offering the Ultimate Summer Camp 2011 for the ultimate summer adventure. A place where kids are encouraged to just be kids, “laugh”, “be silly” and “act your age” are some of the instructions at this summer long camp open to children in first to eighth grade. What’s more, each week-long camp will have a festive theme like Mardi Gras, Fiesta, Luau or Carnival. Campers will be treated to exciting rounds of air hockey, basketball, painting, swimming, watching movies and more for nine hours per day, including a break for a catered lunch and fun desserts! Eight sessions are offered beginning June 20th and running through August 12th. Call 362-1180 or visit www.lvds.com for info and let the wackiness ensue!
The Budding Performer
Dancers prepare to get in the zone at Dance Zone. Each week-long camp revolves around dance, but exciting themes offer a little something for everyone. There’s no limit to the fun kids can imagine during Imaginarium week June 13-17; they’ll be honing their dance skills and creative sides through crafts, writing, skits and more. During Out of This World week June 20-24, kids will have cosmic fun in outer space with activities focused on space, planets and the solar system. Super sleuths will have to follow the clues to discover the mystery during Mystery Quest July 11-15; dancers will learn just how awesomely Royalty Rocks July 18-22; sporty fun will abound during Sportacular August 1-5; and the whole journey ends on a high note in Adventureland August 8-12. For rates and more info, call 897-5690 or visit www.thedancezone.com.
Finally, be sure to check out your local Parks and Recreation departments of Henderson and Las Vegas for even more fun in locations across the valley. Most offer affordable weekly programs in a variety of activities. Ultimately it doesn’t matter if your child spends the summer making art, dancing, learning the laws of science or just smashing the ping pong record; a young body and mind in motion is a happy one.
More Fun for Everyone
When it comes to summer camps for kids of all ages, Las Vegas doesn’t disappoint. Here are just a few more camps for your consideration.
Drama Kids International of Las Vegas: The perfect stage for your little star, Drama Kids allows campers to shine through theater games, skits, creative movement, mini scripts and more. Ages 5-11. Visit www.dramakids.com/nv1 or call 870-4354 for info.
Camp Zone at Merryhill Elementary: Sports fans, nature explorers, artists, aspiring actors and more will love all this camp has to offer, including outdoor hikes, performances, field trips and surprise speakers. Ages 5-14. Visit http://summerlin.merryhillschool.com or call Nicole Hanson at 242-8838 for details.
Mad Science: Kids age 4-12 will learn about science, including biology, space, robotics, botany, flight and more through hands-on activities and experiments. For details, visit www.madscience.org/lasvegas or call 257-6231.
Anthem Country Club Camp: Open to Anthem Country Club members and their guests, this full and half day camp includes swimming, basketball, tennis, golf, arts and crafts, drama/acting, mad scientist and nutrition. Contact Ray Flis at rflis@anthemcc.com or 614-5035.
Las Vegas Riding Academy: For the child interested in all things horses, the academy offers lessons in roping, riding, animal care and crafts. Ages 6-17. Visit www.lv-ra.com for details.
Leadership Camp: The seven-day camp held at Camp Lee Canyon will consist of speakers, workshops and curriculum to educate and empower young adults. Ages 11-17. Visit www.icanlv.org for more info, financial aid applications and registration.
