Photograph by George Sakkestad
Laura Meyer holds up daughter Megan, 2, during swimming lessons at the Southwest YMCA.
By Loretta McCarty
Got kids who are already driving you crazy, though summer has just begun? The Southwest YMCA suggests a solution--take a break, get away, and get reacquainted at family camp.
Once again, the YMCA is offering family camps in all shapes and sizes, including ones for father and child, mother and child and families. There are also day, science, creative arts, specialty and travel camps.
Fathers can take their children out for a long weekend and do some bonding while camping at Pinecrest Lake July 12-15. They can fish, swim and hike in the Sierras during the day and sit in front of a cozy campfire by night to recap the day's events.
On August 23-25, Mom gets her turn with the kids. They can spend the weekend in comfortable cabins at Sequoia Lake. There is boating, crafting and fishing to enjoy, and the best part is there is no cooking and cleaning to do. The YMCA staff will take care of that part.
The whole family can enjoy camping in the redwoods of Henry Cowell State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains August 16-18. Families can hike by day and relax around the campfire at night. They can also take a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, try the thrill rides, or bask in the sun on the beach.
Specialty day camps for children in grades 1-9 began on June 17 and end August 23. Themes include sports, science, and creative arts.
There are also ongoing weeklong travel camps that offer outdoor adventure. Kids can go rock-climbing in Tahoe, pan for gold in the Mother Lode, backpack in the wilderness, ride horses in Yosemite or sail on the San Francisco Bay.
In addition to group activities, the YMCA offers enough individual activities to occupy the whole family simultaneously. For example, the baby can be in the free babysitting program, big brother in Strength Training for Youth, little sister in swim class, mom in aerobics class, and dad in the weight room.
For more information on these and other activities, please contact Michael Pushnik at 370-1877.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, June 26, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved