Summer Fun

Looking for fun activities for the kids? Check out our 2011 Summer Camp Guide or enroll them in swim schools near you for a fun and healthy activity.

McDONALD RANCH

Summer Day Camps
Play, Learn, Explore! Qualified horseback riding lessons, swimming and water games, exciting go-kart rides, hands-on arts and crafts (ceramics, lapidary, photography, scrapbooking), kitten and puppy love, archery, animal sciences, cooking, unique field trip adventures, trampoline, and wilderness exploration.

Ages 5 to 12
Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 6 through August 15
Day Camps $200; Add a day of Horseback Rides ($30 extra) Add TWO days of
Horseback Rides (add $50)

Horse Day Camp
Horse lovers, this is for YOU! Daily riding lessons taught by experienced trainers, plus an additional hour of free riding or a lovely, forested trail ride each day. Students will be assigned their own horse to love and care for during their week of participation to learn equestrian management, maintenance, grooming, and proper safety techniques. Students also have the option to enjoy day camp activities such as swimming, go-karting, ATV rides, cooking, domestic and farm animal husbandry, art and crafts, archery and more.

Ages 7 to 16
Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call for weeks of availability.
Cost is $350/week (includes helmet and riding boot rental)

Counselor in Training (CIT)
McDonald Ranch’s CIT Program is a comprehensive training course teaching life skills and responsibility with a goal of becoming a junior summer camp counselor throughout high school years. Participant requirements: minimum of a one-week commitment at $130/week including a 20-hour training learning camp standards, risk management and drills, emergency and safety procedures, decision making, team building, camper behavior, leadership styles, and more. Also required is an agreement with an adult willing to car-pool with other CIT families. Parents must attend an informational orientation.

Ages 11 through 16
Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 6 through August 1
For more information: mcdonaldranch.org

SONOMA VALLEY MUSEUM OF ART
Artist books are all the rage this summer at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art as is evidenced by the museum’s new series of  Studio Workshops for Youth. Students age six and over can take part in a number of workshops centered around book binding, printmaking, storytelling, illustration, drawing and sculpture, all inspired by the Museum’s summer exhibitions, Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Original Etchings by David Hockney and Rebound: A Survey of Contemporary California Book Art.  The exhibitions run June 4 through August 28.
The summer programs for youth are held in the museum’s new classrooms and each runs for three days, Tuesday through Thursday, with a session for younger children in the mornings and older children in the afternoons. These programs are part of the Calvin R. Vander Woude Lively Arts Series.

Books as Art
Learn basic structures and stitches using recycled and quality Japanese papers with instructor Kate Ortolano. June 28 through 30. Ages 6 through 8, morning. Ages 9 through 12, afternoon.

Graphic Illustration
Use ink and watercolor with instructor Jan Hansen to reinvent a classic fairy tale with your own imaginative twist on characters and plot. July 5 through 7. Ages 6 through 8, mornings. Ages 9 through 12, afternoons.

Expressive Drawing
Learn techniques that add character to your drawings. Explore contour and gesture line drawing with instructor Jane Antee. July 19 through 21. Ages 11 through 13, mornings. Ages 14 through 16, afternoons.

Inspired Printmaking
Explore the art of printmaking and create one-of-a-kind monotypes and an edition of drypoint prints with instructor Julie Cavaz. July 26 through 28. Ages 9 through 12, mornings. Ages 13 through 15, afternoons.

Papier-Mâché Sculpture
Fables, Fairytales and Fantasy – Design a three-dimensional figure in papier-mâché as inspired by David Hockney’s illustrations. Instructor Jill Valavanis. August 2 through 4. Ages 6 through 8, mornings. Ages 9 through 12, afternoons.

Each three-session workshop is priced at $60 for ages 6 to 8 and $75 for older students. Morning sessions start at 9 a.m. Afternoon workshops begin at 1 p.m. Registration information is available at svma.org/classes.

Sundown Stories
Bedtime at the museum – Treat your family to the ultimate bed-time story with six Grimm’s Fairy Tales dramatically told by our region’s favorite storytellers as the sun sets: Tim Ereneta will perform “Rapunzel” and “The Little Sea Hare” on June 22, Cathryn Fairlee performs “Fundevogel with Rumpelstilzchen” on July 20, and Elaine Stanley spins the tales of “The Boy who Left Home to Learn Fear” and “Old Rink Rank” on August 10. The stories begin at 8 p.m. This program is free to children and $5 for adults, and is supported by the Sonoma Valley Vinters and Growers Alliance. Advance registration encouraged as space is limited. Recommended for ages seven and up, PJs optional!

The Museum has additional adult workshops and programs scheduled in conjunction with the summer exhibitions which run June 4 through August 28 at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway in Sonoma. Find out more at www.svma.org.

SONOMA ECOLOGY CENTER

Garden Camp
Get Outside, Get Moving, and Get Learning!
Is your child interested in nature, gardening, or wildlife? Then send them to the Sonoma Ecology Center’s Garden Camp this summer! The SEC’s fun and educational day camp for children ages 6 through 12 is located at the Sonoma Garden Park in on Seventh Street East in Sonoma. Activities include gardening, or course; animal and insect investigations; garden explorations; natural crafts; garden-themed games, and much more.

Two camp sessions are being offered, each with a different theme: Pollinator Planet from June 13 through 17 and Farming Fun from June 20 through 24. Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. and includes a healthy snack harvested from the garden each morning. For SEC members, the cost of camp is $110, and for non-members, $125.

To learn more or register your child, visit sonomaecologycenter.org or contact Garden Camp manager Vidya Quigley at 996.0712 x107 or vidya@sonomaecologycenter.org.

Writing Camp With Kate Williams
Think like a writer: The natural world as muse. A summer workshop @ Studio 455.
Where do real writers get their ideas? How does “idea” become “essay”?

In this intensive week-long writing workshop, students will learn: how to use physical surroundings to fire the imagination; how to shape singular thoughts into disciplined theses; how to tease one well-drawn idea into a complete and focused reflection.

Using everyday objects and locations as stimulus, they’ll practice chasing a thought to its outermost iterations. The essays they write will be disciplined exposition, seasoned heavily with creative technique. Get on track and ready for school with a fun, dynamic summer writing experience.

Session One: ages 9 through 12
Dates: July 25 through 28 (whole group); July 29 (one-on-one) by appointment
Meeting Times: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Session Two: ages 12 through 15
Dates: August 1 through 4 (whole group); August 5 (one-on-one) by appointment
Meeting Times: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $250 (*sack lunch required)

 

Contact: Kate Williams at 815.9289 or williamsofsonoma@comcast.net

CAMP MILLIONAIRE

Teaching your child the money game
If two days of financial literacy and the most powerful game on the planet guaranteed your children the BEST chance at financial success, wouldn’t you sign them up? Your kids will have lots of fun and will learn: the secrets of savings; basics of budgeting; dangers of debt; the ins and outs of investing; the goodness of giving.

Two day camp sessions:
Session I: June 25 and 26 for ages 10 through 14
Session II: July 9 and 10 for ages 13 through 17
Cost: $125 one child, $200 for two children (either same family or best friend!) Scholarships available, email for a form to complete.
Camp is held at the Presentation School Library, 20872 Broadway, Sonoma and taught by Catherine Oak-Schoeffler, Children’s Creative Wealth coach.

 

Space is limited to 22; register now by emailing catoak@yahoo.com for form and mail check to Oak & Associates, Box 2047, Glen Ellen, CA 95442 with names and ages. For more information 935.6565 or visit oakandassociates.com.

RHOTEN PRODUCTIONS

Nature Camp at The Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve
Imagine two marvelous weeks at the beautiful Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve located across from the famous Westerbeke Ranch.

Exciting and fun activities include hiking, creek walks, nature studies, swimming, arts and crafts, a ropes course, rock climbing, night hike, storytelling, and a family gathering followed by a camper sleepover on the last Thursday of camp. Two sessions are offered each summer.
This camp fills up fast so enroll early, space is limited.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ages 5 through 12
Session I: June 13 through 24
Tuition: $525, Siblings $500, deposit $200 +$25 insurance fee per camper.

Session II: June 27 through July 8
Tuition: $470, Siblings $445, deposit $200 +$25 insurance fee per camper.

Adventures in Leadership Camp
A residential camp, Adventures in Leadership focuses on building teamwork, improving leadership skills, and having fun! This camp is recommended for children ages nine and up who are interested in new challenges, experiences, and learning about themselves and others in a supportive and non-competitive environment.

This camp is the “next step” for young people who have outgrown Nature Camp and are looking for new ways to improve interpersonal skills and to share some exciting adventures. Camp activities include ropes courses, rock climbing, swimming, archery, camping out, surprise trips and more!

Ages 10 and up
Residential Camp dates:
July 22 through 30, Sunday evening through Saturday morning
Tuition: $725, deposit $300.

Performing Arts Camp
Center stage and enthusiastic applause await you at Performing Arts Camp, now in its 16th year at the historic and beautiful Sebastiani Theatre. Learn the secrets of great acting, improv, Shakespeare, tap dancing and boys’ tap, jazz, movement, hip-hop, magic (advanced and beginner), juggling, bolas, karaoke, puppetry, arts & crafts, costume creation, story-telling, stilt-walking, journalism, video, photography, tumbling, and more! Campers are invited to share their talents in a fabulous stage show extravaganza presented to parents and other family and friends on the Saturday morning following the last day of camp.

Ages 5 & up
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
July 11 through 22
Tuition: $480, Sibling $460, deposit $150.

Camp Shakespeare with Director Kate Kennedy
All the World’s a Stage… and you should be on it! At Camp Shakespeare, campers find that it is much more fun “to be” in camp, than “not to be”, as they plunge into a variety of works by Shakespeare with the final production to presented at several performances. This is a perfect opportunity to improve acting skills, learn new ones, and have a genuine Shakespearean experience.

Ages 10 and up
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.
through 1:30 p.m.
June 27 through July 8
Tuition: $400, deposit $150.

Tentative performances at Sebastiani Theatre on Friday July 9 and Saturday, July 10

Cat Austin’s Theatre Arts Camp
The Music of Motown to the Magic of Disney! Bring your voice and spirit of adventure for this two-week camp! Have fun getting stage experience while learning: Microphone technique for solo singing; auditioning for musicals; group musical numbers; solo vocal development. Songs will be chosen from Princess and the Frog, Sound of Music, Disney Classic Songbook and Michael Jackson’s early songs like ABC, Stop The Love You Save, Shake Your Body Down To the Ground and I’ll Be There. Camp will end with a show for families and friends.

Ages 9 through 12
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. through noon
August 1 through 12
Tuition: $380, deposit $150.

PETS LIFELINE

Summer Camp at Pets Lifeline is a fun and active camp that teaches humane treatment of animals through art projects, guest speakers, videos and hands on care with kittens every day of camp.  Camp is led by Mary Green, a Certified Humane Education Specialist and former elementary school teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience.  One-week camps. Multiple weeks are ok.

Ages 6 through 12
Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. through noon
June 13 through August 15
Cost: $110 per week per child. Reduced rate for three or more children.

The PARKPOINT CLUB

Tigerkick for kids
Tigerkick is a contemporary martial arts program for kids ages 4 through 12 years. It’s high-energy, confidence building that also works on stranger danger through fun obstacle courses and games. Participants build strong muscles and make new friends. It’s like Nickelodeon meets Tae Kwon Do!

Wednesdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Fridays, 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.

$75 per month for members.
$85 per month for non-members.

Kid’s swim lessons
Group lessons are taught Monday through Thursday in two-week sessions.
45 minutes lessons are from: 1:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Emphasizes small groups where kids can move from one group to another as they improve.

Session I: Monday through Thursday, June 13 through June 23

Session II: Monday through Thursday, July 11 through July 21

Session III: Monday through Thursday, July 25 through August 4

Cost per session: $80 for members.
$100 for non-members.

Moldovan Academy Preschool

Summer Science Discover Camps
In addition to teaching our high/scope curriculum, each summer session will incorporate science and a little history into our fun-filled days.

Session I: June 6 through July 1
This four week summer session will highlight areas of astronomy, geology, paleontology and California history.

Session II, July 5 through July 29
This four week summer session will highlight areas of botany, natural energy, entomology and zoology.

Call 996.3755 for enrollment, or visit moldovanacademy.com for pricing and information.

SONOMAa AQUATIC CLUB

Sonoma Aquatic Club, formerly Agua Caliente Aquatic Center, is offering several fun summer programs for 2011.  Heading up our aquatics schedule are the club’s renowned swim lessons, helping to teach children important safety skills, as well as stroke technique.  Also offered for children this summer will be a Jr. Lifeguard camp, youth water polo camp and our Sonoma Sea Dragons swim team.

Swim Lessons
Swimming is the only sport that can save your life someday!  Starting at age three months, the group swim lessons will teach children important safety skills and basic stroke technique.  Stroke school takes this a step further, focusing on increasing strength and refining stroke technique for all 4 swimming strokes. Lessons are offered on a weekly basis in the summer Monday through Thursday with either morning or afternoon sessions available.

Jr. Lifeguard Camp – New for 2011
Ages 7 through 14
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $175, including a lifeguard rashguard
Session I: June 13 through 17
Session II: June 27 through July 1

Campers will receive introductory training in skills necessary for lifeguards, including First Aid/CPR, physical fitness, health & nutrition, swimming skills, and basic water assists.  Enjoy team building games and fun daily challenges.

Youth Water Polo Camp
Ages 7-14
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.
Cost $150. Can use a flotation device if needed.

Session I: June 20 through 24
Session II: July 18 through 23

Splash around with us this summer as you learn the basic skills and techniques of the fun and exciting sport of water polo!  Learn individual and team offensive and defensive skills through organized drills and games.

Sonoma Sea Dragons Swim Team
Ages 5+
Fun, fitness, friendships, achieving, believing.  That’s the mission statement on the Sonoma Sea Dragons swim team.  Whether your child is a novice swimmer having their first experience on a swim team or an advanced swimmer heading to Junior Olympics, we have what you need.  Focus is on technique of all four strokes, increasing endurance and speed, fostering friendships and having fun! Please call or email Coach Jane for more information about the summer schedule. sonomaaquaticclub@gmail.com

Summer Memberships
Join Sonoma Aquatic Club for the summer.  Please call or visit the website for more information, sonomaaquaticclub.com.

Adult Summer Programming
Adults can have fun at Sonoma Aquatic Club this summer, too!  The Club offer masters swimming, lap swimming, adult swimming classes, water yoga, aqua aerobics, and water polo.  Please call or visit the website for more information and times of these classes.
Sonoma Aquatic Club
17350 Vailetti Dr., Sonoma, 939.8833, sonomaaquaticclub.com or email sonomaaquaticclub@gmail.com.

SONOMA BALLET CONSERVATORY
Leap ahead this summer with Sonoma Ballet Conservatory’s 2011 Summer Dance Workshop, a five-week summer dance experience exploring the dance styles of Classical Ballet, Character, Flamenco, Jazz, Modern, and Pre-Ballet – plus new classes in Body-Awareness Yoga and Pool Ballet. Camp closes with a public performance on August 6 at the Sebastiani Theatre!

Ages 3 and up
July 5 through August 6
Class times and tuition varies.  Please visit the website for details, sonomaballet.com.

COMMONBOND SPANISH CAMP
Always one of Sonoma’s best summer camps, CommonBond brings back it’s popular Spanish camp for another summer.  Participants learn traditional cooking and culture, take part in arts and craft, dance, sing and play fun outdoor games.  This is total Spanish immersion!

Ages Kindergarten through 6th grade, 2011-2012 school year
Dates:  July 11 through 22
Meeting times: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location:  Woodland Star Charter School
Cost:  $350.
Transportation available for a fee.

For more details go to commonbond.us or email anna@commonbond.us or call 933-0404.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SONOMA VALLEY
Summer Camp
June 13-August 9th
www.bgcsonoma.org 707.938.85440×106
Summer Membership fee
(June 13-August 31st): $60
The Maxwell Clubhouse is open Monday-Friday from 7 am -7 pm. Free lunch and snack are served daily provided by Migrant Education.

Day Camp
$60 per week for Grades 1-5. 9:00am-1:00pm
Session 1 Camp Survival June 13 – June 17
Session 2 Wild West! June 20-June 24
Session 3 “CSI” June 27 – July 1
Session 4 Stars & Stripes Sonoma July 5 – July 8
Session 5 Ocean Oasis! July 11 – July 15
Session 6 BGC’s Got Talent July 18 – July 22
Session 7 Back to the Future! July 25 – July 29
Session 8 Where in the World? August 1 – August 5

Open Club Programs
No fee for Members. 1:00pm-7:00pm
Gardening and Environmental Education; Art; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; Cooking & Nutrition; Junior Climbing Team; Summer Learning

SPECIALTY CAMPS
9:00am-1:00pm. Dates and ages vary with each session. $100 per session
Sports Camp
Volleyball; Basketball; Flag Football; Soccer; Rock Climbing
Cooking Camp
Top Chef; Cupcake Wars; World Cuisine
Science Camp
Weird Science; Outdoor Adventures; Eco Science
Middle School Programs
(Grades 6-8 in Fall)
Morning Camp Workshops
Leadership; Video Production; Lego Robotics

Afternoon Programs
Rock Climbing; Sports Club; Torch Club; Cooking Club; Field Trips; Sports

High School Programs

College Bound workshops for seniors transitioning to college and freshman year (High school and college) survival tips
College Transition Program including Money Matters, financial education, cooling, study habits, stress management, smart decision making.
High School Transition Program for incoming 9th grade students. Includes time management, healthy relationships, study skills, making high school count toward college.
Cooking; Climbing Club; Volunteer Opportunities; Fitness & Nutrition; Games; Summer Dance Summer Dance