Keeping kids busy this summer

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The long lazy days of summer are here and so is summer vacation. For parents searching for ways to keep their kids entertained, help has arrived. The South Valley offers exciting summertime events for kids of all ages.

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Morgan Hill and Gilroy libraries offer weekly story time hours and special performers to entertain young and old alike.

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Both libraries also have special events for teens, including, a Painting Party, Clay for Teens, a Manga & Anime Club and a Giant Games Competition. For more information, visit sccl.org/Locations/Gilroy or sccl.org/Locations/Morgan-Hill.

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Another great resource is activityhero.com, which features half-day, full-day and weekly camps. There you’ll find something for every child’s interest.

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Wacky Science, July 5-8, 1 to 4:30 p.m., for grades 3-8. This half-day camp inspires science lovers with hands on experiments, group activities and games.

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Wacky Science Camp is located at 145 Wright Avenue in Morgan Hill. Into The Wild, July 5-8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, is geared at kids grades 3-8 who love the outdoors. Campers participate in-group projects, building a shelter, survival scenario games, and constructing their very own base camp.

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Into The Wild camp is located at 145 Wright Avenue in Morgan Hill. Jet Cadets, July 5-8, half-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., full day sessions, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers an exploration of the basic principles of flight. Build and test airplanes in wind tunnels, ride a hovercraft and construct balloon copters. The Jet Cadet camp is held at the Community and Cultural Center on 17000 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill.

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Fizz-ical Phenomena & Che-Mystery, July 11-15, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., is perfect for the quizzical child who loves to solve scientific mysteries. Fizz-ical Phenomena & Che-Mystery camp is held at Paradise Valley Elementary School at 1400 La Crosse Drive in Morgan Hill.

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Camp Catamount, grades K-8, Aug.1-12, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., focuses on theatre games, acting basics, character development, performance skills, and, most importantly, fun! Camp Catamount is held at Christopher High School at 850 Day Road in Gilroy.  
 

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The City of Gilroy Day Camps offers a wide range of camps for children ages 3-12, including early childhood recreation camp, special interest camps offering arts and crafts, theatrical, and lifeguard training, as well as traditional summer and sports camps. For more information visit cityofgilroy.org/540/Day-Camps.

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Super Power Summer Camp, June 20 through July 29, 8:30am-2:30pm, offered by the Gilroy Unified School District, (GUSD), is a free six-week camp that concentrates on Geography, Biology, Business, Zoology, Music and Art. The daily components include: STEM, (Science Technology Engineering and Math), VAPA, (Visual Performing Arts), meditation, literacy and health, including healthy living and healthy eating.

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Programs are offered at Antonio Del Buono Elementary School, Roble Elementary School and South Valley Middle School. Parents can pick up applications at the GUSD office, or call program secretary, Angelina Rojas, at 408-847-2700, ext. 7250, for more information.

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Mount Madonna YMCA’s offers a variety of programs for all ages.

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Discover Camp is geared for children K-3 and focuses on social and developmental needs through relationship building. Explorer Camp for grades 4-5, promotes awareness of the impact each of us has on others, and the community, while also building self-esteem. Baking Camp for grades K-6 provides hands on experience to fully enjoy the art of cooking and baking while promoting good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Sports Camps featuring archery, flag football, and swimming, are available to kids grades K-10. Teen Trek, a program designed for teens, offers daily and weekly outings that promote independence while having fun.

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For further details on summer camps and programs available at the YMCA visit: ymcasv.org/mtmadonna.

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Some local shops provide fun activities too, like Green Glaze Pottery in Gilroy for ceramics, Gilroy’s The Nimble Thimble or Quilts and Things in Morgan Hill for sewing, or perhaps get the kiddos in touch with their artistic side at the Dabble Art Center in Gilroy or the Young Rembrandt’s art and reading workshops available in Morgan Hill.
 

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Whatever events you plan for the kids this summer—there’s a little something in it for everyone.