Photograph by Carly Roben
Nikki Cronn shows who's boss at a summer camp sponsored by the city's recreation department.
By Loretta McCarty
It's summer, school is out, and before you know it, every mother in America will be hearing that age-old refrain: "Mom, we're bored, there's nothing to do."
Today's kids are no longer satisfied with making mud pies or catching fireflies to keep themselves busy, and thanks to the Saratoga Recreation Department, they don't have to.
"These are not babysitting clinics," said Joan Pisani, the city's director of recreation.
"We have a trained staff of top-notch college students, where every day is planned out, and there is no down time."
From Nature Camps to Backyard Scientists to Virtual Summer '96, with no two events the same, the Rec offers frazzled parents some boredom-busting solutions.
On June 24, Nature Camp, a two-week program designed for children 3 1/2 to 5 years of age, gets under way at Wildwood Park, the Community Center and El Quito Park. The camp incorporates games, songs, daily crafts, creative dramatics, storytelling and more into its nature-themed days.
But if nature isn't your child's thing, he or she can get some hands-on experience being a Backyard Scientist. This camp explores basic kitchen chemistry, crystal growing, star charting, weather experiments, volcanic eruptions and other fun, and sometimes messy experiments designed for inquiring young minds. The camp begins on June 24 and runs for two weeks. Children must be entering first through fourth grades to enroll.
For the sports enthusiast, there is a one-week Team Adventure offering everything from A to Z. This camp emphasizes good sportsmanship and cooperation. Team sports such as soccer, baseball and capture the flag are a few of the games included, along with a chance to do some craft work.
From sportsmanship skills to leadership skills, the C-Squad (camp Counselors-in-Training) teaches children how to be leaders, an important skill in today's job market. The C-Squad kids learn how to plan and lead trips, teach crafts, sports and games and how to put on special events by actually doing them. This camp is for kids 10-13 years of age.
The Outdoor Adventure for kids ages 8-11 was such a hit last year that it's back by popular demand. Camping under the stars, campfires, night hiking, craft-making, creek- exploring, hiking, game-playing and nature study are all included in this adventure.
Speaking of adventures, a new one awaits this years kids ages 9-13 on San Francisco's Angel Island. Adventure Island,.a three-day camping expedition, will be spent exploring the wild beauty, nature trails and historic past of Angel Island, including a Civil War garrison and the old immigration center. Campers will learn about the bay's ecosystem and early inhabitants, including Native Americans and Spanish explorers.
If that doesn't get the kids' attention, try the Return of Excellent Adventures, one of the Rec's most popular activities. This week has something new every day, from bowling and movies to trips to Raging Waters and Great America. Kids 10-13 years of age are invited to join in the fun.
Also, check out Virtual Summer '96. This program lets the kids plan their own activities each Monday. They can choose from sports, arts and crafts, roller hockey, cooking, creative dramatics, movies, swimming, miniature golf, mountain biking, and paddleboating.
According to Pisani, 900 kids have already registered for the 56 camps available, but the Rec has room for 1,200.
For a complete listing of all summer events, contact the Rec Center at 867-3438 ext. 249 and ask for a free catalog with a schedule of days, times and fees.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, June 19, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved