Painting, pottery, swimming and science are just a few of the many activities available to youth this summer throughout Sonoma County. Wondering what to do with the kids while school is out? Local organizations have a plan to keep them busy and stay stimulated.
For school-aged children looking for activities that are hands-on, the Boys & Girls Club of Central Sonoma County offers weekly topics ranging from craft projects of environmentally friendly subjects to experiments and studying the world of science. Each week campers participate in themed activities that keep them active as well as challenged.
Fitch Mountain Day Camp in Healdsburg is another all-day camp program that provides children with multiple activities including art, drama, games, swimming, sports, and each Thursday hosts a different theme for students to come dressed up.
Creative children who would like to spend the summer working with professional artists can sign up at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts and learn more about painting, pottery and textile. Local artists dedicate their time to instructing children on technique and help them explore their creative abilities.
“It’s not important whether kids grow up to be artists, most of them won’t. But it is important that they experience the creative process, that they have the freedom to go through the process of making something using their intuition and body energy,” said Healdsburg Center for the Arts program coordinator Harvey Brody.
Each week a new art focus or medium is introduced. Children can sign up for one or all six weeks depending on interest. Courses vary from creating puppets out of papier-mâché, painting scenes and putting on shows to cooking for kids using fresh, healthy organic and seasonal ingredients to tech kids about health and learn to create treats including smoothies and chocolate mousse.
“They have an amazing amount of fun and a sense of accomplishment from their creative endeavors,” Brody said.
Parents looking to place their children in a camp with a specific focus can contact Icssoma Farm Horse Camp in Sebastopol for their little equestrian enthusiasts or The Great Burro Studios Rock Band Camp for young musicians. Both camps offer a unique experience that will bring children closer to their interest and guide them through a hands-on experience coached by professionals.
Sometimes children need a little more than activities to keep them engaged over the summer, and Werner Education Services in Windsor has just the program for those ambitious children. Through Werner, children can continue studying school subjects such as reading, math and language while high-school-aged children can receive help on test preparation and graduation studies. Parents looking for education on how to guide their children academically can also sign-up for summer classes.
“Students really lose quite a bit over the summer and if they are engaged academically over the summer, they are much more ready for school and are ready to move forward, and I believe there is nothing better than the best K-12 education for their future so they have the most options when graduating from high school,” said Gretchen Werner, M.Ed., owner director.
Other Windsor children looking for specific activities including dance classes, sports camps, swim and day trips can find a large selection of camp listings through the Windsor Parks and Recreation Department’s summer guide.
No matter what time of day you want to put your child in camp, his or her age or the activity, there is something for everyone throughout Sonoma County. Plan early and register ahead to ensure a space and even receive a discount.
