Sonoma Valley summer camps provide children with many opportunities to learn, be creative and have a whole bunch of fun.
The many wonderful summer camps, workshops, and programs offered in the Valley are certain to broaden the horizons of local children. Educational camps offer such diverse subjects as horticulture, oceanography and ornithology. Creative juices will flow when kids participate in camps that teach dance, theater, filmmaking and visual arts. Head off that dreaded summer cry of “I’m bored” with enrollment in one or more of these fantastic camps.
Sonoma Garden Park
Science Camp at Sonoma Garden Park
June 16-20 (ages 6-8) 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 21-25 (ages 8-10) 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
August 4-8 (ages 10-12) 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
At the Sonoma Garden Park. Campers will have fun conducting science experiments, planting, harvesting, creating crafts, observing garden creatures, playing games and preparing fresh garden snacks. Program offered by the Sonoma Ecology Center. $200. To register, call 707.996.0712, ext. 124.
Sonoma Garden Park | 19990 7th St. E., Sonoma
707.938.4626 | www.sonomaecologycenter.org
Sonoma Ballet Conservatory
Sonoma Ballet Conservatory Summer Intensive
July 7-Aug. 9, times vary, based on schedule
The conservatory’s annual summer intensive program, for beginning through advanced students, gives dancers the opportunity to immerse themselves in dance without traveling far from home. Ballet, flamenco, character, jazz and modern dance will be offered. Program culminates with an Aug. 9 performance at the Sebastiani Theatre. Cost varies, based on schedule. To register call 707.938.1424.
Sonoma Ballet Conservatory |
561 B Broadway, Sonoma
707.938.1424 | www.sonomaballet.com
Sonoma Academy of Dance and Arts
Giggles and Wiggles Camp
June 16-20, 9 a.m.-noon
Ages 3-5. The little ones will start their day with art projects, dance, puppetry, singing and story time. $200. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.sonomadance.com or call 707.933.9933.
Gardening and Discovery Camp
June 16-20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 5-10. Students will learn all about gardening, composting and nutrition. They will also delve into the mysteries of science and forensics by performing experiments and making projects $275. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.sonomadance.com or call 707.933.9933.
Broadcasting Camp
June 23-27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 7-11. Kids will learn from a professional broadcaster how to investigate stories, write news, anchor the news and much more. $300. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.sonomadance.com or call 707.933.9933.
Art and Cartooning Camp
June 30-July 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For ages 6-11. Young artists of all ability levels can learn to design, draw, and animate their own cartoons. $250. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.sonomadance.com or call 707.933.9933.
‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ Dance Camp
June 30-July 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ages 7-10)
July 28-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ages 11-18)
At the Sonoma Academy of Dance and Arts. This program exposes kids to many varieties of dance including break dancing, Broadway dancing, hip-hop, salsa and tap. $275. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.sonomadance.com or call 707.933.9933.
Film Camp
July 7 -11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ages 11-18)
July 14 -18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ages 7-10)
This workshop will teach tweens and teens to write, produce, direct, act in and edit their own short film. $300. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.sonomadance.com or call 707.933.9933.
Fashion Design Camp
July 7-11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ages 7-10)
Aug. 11-15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (ages 11-18)
Working fashion designers will teach kids to create sketches, select fabrics, and assemble garments. $350 fee includes materials. Scholarships are available. Register online at www.sonomadance.com or call 707.933.9933.
Sonoma Academy of Dance and Arts | 180 E. Napa St., Sonoma
707.933.9933 | www.sonomadance.com
Rhoten Productions
Camp Shakespeare
June 16-27, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Ages 10 and up, at the Sebastiani Theatre. Camp director Kate Kennedy will expose campers to a variety of works by Shakespeare and work with them to improve their acting skills. The acting troupe will present the final production during several performances. $450. Scholarships are available. To register, call 707.933.8140 or go to www.rhotenproductions.com.
Musical Theatre Workshop
July 7-18, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Ages 10 and up, at the Sebastiani Theatre. Director Kate Kennedy and choreographer Amee Alioto focus on developing the skills needed by young actors and dancers to deliver star performances. The group will perform during a July 18 show at the Sebastiani. $450. To register, call 707.933.8140 or go to rhotenproductions.com.
Adventures in Leadership
July 13-18
Residential camp for ages 10 and up, to take place at various locations in Sonoma. Young people will improve interpersonal skills and share exciting adventures, including archery, camping and rock climbing. $600. To register, call 707.933.8140 or go to rhotenproductions.com.
Performing Arts Camp
July 21-Aug. 1, 10 a.m-4:30 p.m.
Ages 5 and up, at the Sebastiani Theatre. Performers will learn acting, improvisation, magic, juggling, puppetry, storytelling, photography and more. $470; $450 for each sibling. To register, call 707.933.8140 or go to rhotenproductions.com.
Note: Both sessions of the popular Nature Camp are full.
Sebastiani Theatre | 476 First St. E., Sonoma
707.292.9884 | www.rhotenproductions.com
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley
Summer Fun and Sun Camp
June 16-20, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Campers will learn summertime safety while enjoying the great outdoors. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Exploring Nature Camp
June 23-27, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Campers will break out the bird nets and magnifying glasses to explore what lives in the soil. Includes a field trip to Sugar Loaf State Park. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Stars and Stripes Camp
June 30-July 3, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Kids will learn why we celebrate the Fourth of July and will be invited to march in Sonoma’s parade. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Super Sleuths Camp
July 7-11, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Youngsters will work together to collect clues and solve mysteries. Also includes a field trip to Jack London State Park. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
T.E.A.M. Survivor Camp
July 14-18, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Campers will work on team-building skills as they participate in cooperative games. They’ll also take a trip to Ft. Point and Chrissy Field in San Francisco. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Under the Sea Camp
July 20-24, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Young people will study ocean life, create a camp aquariam, and visit the San Francisco Aquarium by the Bay. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Super Heroes
July 28-August 1, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Youngsters will meet real life super heroes like firefighters, law enforcement, nurses and veterinarians. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Share the Spotlight Camp
Aug. 4-8, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Children can perform in the Clubhouse Talent Show or work behind the scenes. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Summer Rewind Camp
Aug. 11-15, 7 a.m.-noon
Ages 5-12. Kids can repeat their favorite activities. $60. To register, call 707.938.8556 or go to www.bgcvom.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of
Sonoma Valley
Maxwell Farms Park Clubhouse |
100 W. Verano, El Verano
707.938.8556 | www.bgcvom.org
Sonoma Community Center
Valley of the Moon Bird Camp
June 16-20, 9-11:30 a.m
Ages 8-12, at the Sonoma Community Center. This camp will help children discover the joys of local birding by helping them learn basic identification, respect, and helpful field skills. Co-sponsored by Sonoma Birding, Sonoma Community Center and Madrone Audubon Society. $125. Financial aid is available. To register, contact Margaret at 707.938.4626, ext. 7 or cc-margaret@ vom.com.
Summer Jammin’ Jazz Camp
June 16-27, 10 a.m.-noon
For grades 6-12, at the Sonoma Community Center. Campers will be provided with intensive instrumental and vocal instruction and they will perform several concerts. Directed by local jazz artist Dana Land. $315 for SCC members and $350 for non-members. $20 materials fee. Scholarships and financial aid available. To register, call 707.938.4626, ext. 1 or e-mail scc@vom.com.
Art Throughout the Ages: Art Camp 2008
June 16-Aug. 8, seven one-week
sessions, 9 a.m.-noon
For ages 6-12, at the Sonoma Community Center. Children will explore art and artists, from prehistoric to pop art, using a variety of techniques. $155 for SCC members and $175 for nonmembers. Scholarships and financial aid are available. To register, contact Margaret at 707.938.4626, ext. 7 or cc-margaret@ vom.com.
Sonoma Community Center |
276 E. Napa St., Sonoma
707.938.4626 | www.sonomacommunitycenter.org
Commonbond
Spanish Camp
July 14-25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
For children who will be in grades K-6 in the fall, at the Flowery School. Children will have the opportunity to acquire Spanish language skills from native speakers through fun-filled interactive immersion experiences. For both native speakers and Spanish learners. Includes traditional art, games, dancing and cooking. $350, financial assistance and transportation available. To register, call 707.933.0404, ext. 120.
English Camp
July 7-25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
For children who will be in grades K-5 in the fall, at the Flowery School. Children will have the opportunity to learn English language skills from native speakers through fun-filled interactive immersion experiences. Includes recreation, art and academic activities. $90, financial assistance and transportation available. To register, call 707.933.0404, ext. 120.
CommonBond | 164 West Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476 | 707.933.0404 ext. 120
