FALL PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

Today’s Clipboard presents a sample listing of after-school, evening and weekend activities that are available in Orange County. This list is meant to give parents, as well as their offspring, an idea of how to fill up those free hours now that school is back in session. After-school programs are marked with a *.

YMCA 200 Youth Way, Fullerton (714) 879-9622

Gymnastics: call for program details Fee: members $25; non-members $35 Ages: 6 years and up When: 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 28

Junior Taekwondo: call for program details Fee: members and non-members-$15 Ages: 4 to 12 years When: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays through Sept. 30

Soccer League: call for program details Fee: members $25; non-members $35 Ages: 4 to 7 years When: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 16 through Nov. 18

DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF ORANGE COUNTY 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana (714) 540-0404

Basic Petticoats, Butter Churns and Jacks: introduces students to 19th Century daily living skills such as clothing, inventions, entertainment, agriculture and architecture. Butter making and/or orange tasting also are included in this tour package. (minimum 15 people) Fee: $2.50 per person; two-hour program Ages: 7 to 12 years When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, all year

Deluxe Petticoats, Butter Churns and Jacks: examines in greater depth the components of Victorian life style as described above. In addition, this program includes refreshments, work sheets and a craft for each participant. Everyone is encouraged to bring a sack lunch. A map of local historic buildings is provided for post-program touring. (minimum 15 people) Fee: $4.50 per person; four-hour program Ages: 7 to 12 years When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, all year

CAMP FIRE GIRLS AND BOYS 513 E. First St., No. A, Tustin (714) 838-9991 Camp Fire encourages individual growth and individual choices. The children’s participation in decision-making increases every year as they progress toward greater independence and judgment

Level I-Star Flight, kindergarten, grades 1 and 2

Level II-Adventure, grades 3, 4 and 5

Level III-Discovery, grades 6, 7 and 8

Level IV-Horizon, grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 Fees: $10 per year plus cost of uniforms When: call for dates and times

OAK CANYON NATURE CENTER 6700 Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim (714) 998-8380 The programs below are all about nature. They begin with introductions and most include slides, film strips or live animal demonstrations. Most programs conclude with a short walk through the canyon

Here’s Oak Canyon: call for program details Fee: free Ages: all ages When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Birding the Anaheim Wetlands Fee: free Ages: all ages When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 Where: at the Anaheim Wetlands (call for reservations and directions)

Feathered Friends Fee: free Ages: all ages When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Digging Into Dinosaurs: this special program is designed for parents together with their children. You will dig into the lives and times of different creatures. Where did they live, what did they eat and what other animals existed at the same time as the dinosaurs and still survive today? (parent/child workshop) Fee: $3 each Ages: 5 to 8; space limited When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23

Children’s Discovery Faire: Activities include arts and crafts, petting snakes, and many other hands-on things to do. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase Fee: free (donations accepted) Ages: designed for ages 5-8, but all ages welcome When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Mammals of Oak Canyon Fee: free Ages: designed for ages 5-8, but all ages welcome When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

Snakes Alive, Leapin’ Lizards Fee: free Ages: designed for ages 5-8, but all ages welcome When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Early Birder Walks and Feathered Friends Fee: free Ages: all ages When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Halloween at Oak Canyon: Enjoy creepy critters, ghoulish games, horrible handicrafts, spooky snacks, a pinata and prizes. Wear a costume for the costume contest. Reservations required Fee: $4.50 per child Ages: school age When: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 28

Nature Dig-In Community Work Day Fee: free Ages: all ages When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4

Birds in Your Backyard: parent/child workshop; reservation required Fee: $3 Ages: ages 5-8, but all ages welcome When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11

The Journey Begins: watching for the whales Fee: free Ages: school age When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18

Nature Film Festival Fee: free Ages: school age When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25

YMCA 1515 W. North St., Anaheim (714) 635-YMCA

Y-Indian Guides: dads and sons grow closer through attending tribe meetings and nation events together. Events include an iron horse derby, turkey shoot, induction camp-out, snow camp, grand prix, junior Olympics and kite flying. Call for more specific information. Fee: $10 per year Ages: kindergarten through third grade When: starts Sept. 23

Y-Indian Princess: enables fathers and their daughters to participate together in a variety of activities that encourage mutual understanding, love and respect. The study of Indian lore provides a colorful framework to enjoy a series of activities, including turkey shoot, cake decorating contest, family skate party, YMCA overnight, kite flying and snow camp. Call for more information Fee: $10 per year Ages: kindergarten through third grade When: starts Sept. 23

Y-Indian Maidens: Mothers help daughters find a sense of value and self-worth through a variety of events, including a Catalina Island trip, family skate party, YMCA sleep-overs, bowling, snow camp, fashion show and tea and father/daughter banquet. Call for more information Fee: $10 per year Ages: kindergarten through third grade When: starts Sept. 23

Single Parent Family Night: events include racquetball, volleyball, basketball, swimming, movies, crafts and more Fee: $10 a year per person Ages: grade school When: 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays

Junior High Program: junior high clubs are organized according to school. Separate boys and girls clubs act as service groups to school and community. Various activities include recreation days, overnights, sports programs, dances, camping and more. Students elect officers and run clubs with the help of an adult adviser. Call for more information Fee: call for fee information Ages: grades 7 to 9 When: this month

YMCA First Southern Baptist Church 1275 E. Broadway, Anaheim (714) 533-7297

*Before-school and after-school program: children are taken to school and picked up from school daily. Activities are mainly recreational. There is homework time, arts and crafts, cooking activities, sports, games and youth fitness program Fee: $7 per day Ages: kindergarten through sixth grade When: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, this month

CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks Beaches and Recreation Department 3300 Newport Blvd. P.O. Box 1768, Newport Beach (714) 644-3151

Junior and Pee Wee Tennis: students develop hand-eye coordination through tennis. Students must wear tennis shoes, provide their own junior racket and one can of new balls on the first day of class Fee: $39 Ages: 6 to 15 (beginners, pre-intermediate and intermediate/advanced) When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Sept. 25 to Dec. 2

Mr. Pee Wee Tennis Clinic: introduces children to tennis. They will learn with a child-size racket and special foam teaching balls. Enrollment is limited to 24 children per site, so early registration is encouraged Fee: $45 Ages: 5 to 8 When: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 26-29 at Mariner’s Park; 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 26-29 at Community Youth Center

SAILING CLASSES: Sailing, sail-boarding and surfing classes. Be prepared to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets while in the boats and while sail-boarding (life jackets provided). Three sailing bases available: Orange Coast College Sailing Base (OCC), 1801 W. Coast Highway; 16th Street Beach (bay side of Balboa Boulevard) and Lido Village, 3400 Via Oporto, Ste. 5 (200 feet south of City National Bank). Two sessions: Session A: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 30 to Oct. 22; Session B: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 28 to Nov. 19

Sabots: this sailing course is for those who know nothing about sailing. Class will be taught in a 7-foot, 10-inch boat and will cover rigging, knot tying, sailing theory and sailing single-handedly Fee: $31.50 Ages: 9 and up When: 9 a.m. to noon, sessions A and B at OCC

Lido 14: designed for those who have successfully passed the basic Sabot class or have some sailing experience. Classes will be taught on a 14-foot slooped rigged mono hull (Lido 14) and will include rigging instruction, sailing with a jib, informal racing, rules of the road and knot tying. Classes held at the 16th Street sailing base Fee: $35 Ages: 9 and up When: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., sessions A and B

Catamarans: this class will be taught on 16- and 18-foot catamarans. This session includes terms, balance, trapezing, beaching and right-of-way rules. Class will be held at the 16th Street sailing base Fee: $35 Ages: 9 and up When: 3:30 to 5 p.m., sessions A and B

Sail-boarding: surfboard-type hull with a sail will be provided. Wear a swim suit. Sail handling and techniques are emphasized. No experience is required, but knowing how to swim is a must. Classes held at 16th Street sailing base. Participants must weigh at least 90 pounds Fee: $35 Ages: 9 and up When: 9 to 10:30 a.m., sessions A and B

Combination Sailing Class: this eight-week program is offered for sailors from beginners to advanced Fee: $68 Ages: 9 and up When: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 to Nov. 19 at 16th Street Beach

Santana 20: designed for those who have successfully passed the Lido 14 class or have some sailing experience. Class will be taught on a fixed keel Santana 20. Instruction will emphasize rigging the boat, trimming sails, informal racing, rules of the road and a few basic knots. Three or four students per boat Fee: $70 Ages: 9 and up When: 1 to 5 p.m., sessions A and B at Lido Village

Ericson 26 and 27: classes taught on an Ericson 26 with a tiller or Ericson 27 with a wheel. Both are full-sized sailboats with inboard diesel engines. Students should have Lido 14 or Santana 20 experience. Instruction will emphasize rigging of a boat, sailing terminology, trimming the sails and sailing right of way. Also included is docking under power, power right of way, buoys, VHF operation and other information needed to charter a boat. Fee: $70 Ages: 12 and up When: 1 to 5 p.m, sessions A and B at Lido Village

Surfing: instruction in the basic skills of surfing and water safety. Wet suits are recommended. Surfboards are provided. First class will meet at 18th Street on the bay side of Balboa Boulevard. A 100-yard swim test will be given the first day Fee: $35 Ages: 10 and up When: 8 to 10 a.m., sessions A and B at Newport Pier

GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS: Programs are held at the Lincoln School gymnasium and include instruction in basic tumbling as well as instruction in using the uneven parallels, balance beams and vaulting horse. A yearly insurance registration fee of $20 is required of all students. Family registration is $36 (two children). Participants will be evaluated at the end of each session and progress to higher levels of gymnastics accordingly. There will be three sessions available--session A: Sept. 25 to Oct. 20; session B: Oct. 23 to Nov. 17; session C: Nov. 20 to Dec. 16

*No Parent--Just Me: courses are designed to develop strength, coordination, flexibility and progressive gymnastic skills. No parent participation Fee: $ 29 Ages: beginners 3-8; intermediate 6 and up and advanced 6 and up (all classes co-ed) When: times range from 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., sessions A, B and C

*Boys Only: boys will be taught how to use the rings, high bar, parallel bar, vaulting horse and tumbling Fee: $29 Ages: 4 to 12 When: 1:45 to 4:45 p.m., sessions A, B and C

Adaptive Gymnastics: these programs are geared for disabled children. Students will be instructed in basic tumbling as well as instruction in using the uneven parallels, balance beams and vaulting horse Fee: $40 Ages: 5 to 12

Holiday Gymnastics Camp: a week of tumbling and instruction by using the uneven parallels, balance beams, vaulting horse and more. This camp is open to all participants with or without experience. Certificates and ribbons will be given to each participant at the end of the week. Parents are welcomed on Friday, Dec. 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. for a demonstration by all participants Fee: $75 Ages: 4 to 6 When: 9 a.m. to noon, sessions A, B and C

Cheerleading and Tumbling: boys and girls will learn fundamental moves and skills as well as the means to coordinate the actions to chants and music. Everything from basic tumbling to stunts and cheers will be taught Fee: $29 Ages: 6 to 18 When: 4 to 4:45 p.m. Mondays, all sessions

Private Gymnastics or cheerleading instruction: receive personal attention through private instruction to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility or develop progressive gymnastics skills. Students will receive personal attention to an area that needs to be strengthened or learn basic tumbling techniques to assist them in competition. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis and are based on an instructor’s availability Fee: $10 per half an hour Ages: 6 to 18

Japanese Karate: participants learn to defend themselves and loved ones through karate. Build self confidence and self-control. Class is held in the Corona del Mar High School mat room Fee: $29 Ages: 15 and up When: 8 to 10 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 27 to Nov. 29

Youth Japanese Karate: children have fun while learning to protect themselves and develop life-long skills Fee: $29 Ages: 6 to 14 When: 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 27 to Nov. 29

Scuba Diving: the course includes 20 hours of instruction in classroom, pool, and ocean combined. Scuba equipment rental and all course material are also provided at no additional cost. Students must provide snorkeling equipment. Upon completion, a PADI certification card will be awarded. Classes held at Ski and Sport, 1802 E. Katella Ave., Orange. For more information, call Deanne Desanko or Matthew Liburdi at (714) 757-0714 Fee: $275 Ages: 12 and up When: ladies only, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; youth/adult times range from 5 to 9 p.m.

Riding Lessons: available through Mapleleaf Farms, at the Orange County Fairgrounds, riding lessons for all levels of riding skills, beginner through advanced. Qualified instructors with trained lesson horses will assist participants with their riding programs. First-timers will be schooled in very small group lessons until they reach a basic level of skill. After this level a student may join an advanced group lesson. If students do not have riding boots, they should wear hard-soled shoes with a heel Fee: beginner lesson package: eight lessons, $200; four lessons, $110; group lesson package (available for riders beyond early beginner), 10 lessons for $200 and five lessons for $120 Ages: 12 and up When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today to Dec. 22

*Art After School: Newport Harbor Art Museum is offering this course, which includes gallery discussions of the current exhibition “American Landscape Video: The Electronic Grove” and art history slides followed by art activities including drawing, printmaking and sculpting with clay and paper Fee: $40 Ages: 6 to 12 When: 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 13 to Oct. 4 and Nov. 1-29 (no class Nov. 22)

*Children’s Dramatic Work: children who are interested in acting, singing or public speaking will benefit from this eight-week course. Classes will concentrate on audition techniques for plays, TV commercials and musicals. Improvisation and speech will also be emphasized Fee: $90 Ages: 6 and up When: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 25 to Nov. 13

*Memory Power and Study Skills: this fast-moving and upbeat course will show kids how to improve spelling, math and note-taking skills and how to remember what they read, see and hear. Students receive a certificate of success, and parents receive a list of foods that influence memory and mental peak performances Fee: $40 Ages: 9 to 14 When: 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 25 to Oct. 13

College Prep Speed Reading: this course can increase reading speed, improve comprehension, develop better study habits and note-taking skills and improve ability to prepare for tests, including PSAT and SAT. Class does not require homework and is not remedial in content. Students and parents are invited to a free introductory class from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 Fee: $160 Ages: grades 8 to 12 When: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 27 to Nov. 29 (no class on Oct. 4 and Nov. 1)

Reading: program designed to improve comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and fluency. Extensive testing allows instructors to design a specific and individualized learning program for each child. Parents will receive midterm and final progress reports along with test results Fee: $160 Ages: second to sixth grades When: 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 26 to Nov. 23

Children’s Dance Classes: children will learn basic tap, ballet and jazz. An annual performance will be included for all levels of instruction. Wear tap, ballet or jazz shoes Fee: $34 Ages: classes range from 4 to 12, teen tap and teen jazz When: 3:30 to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Sept. 11 to Oct. 23 and Oct. 30 to Dec. 11

Jazz Rock’n/Video Performance: this 45-minute class consists of fun dynamic jazz/rock moves. Many are from current dance movies and videos. At the end of the eight weeks, students will know a dance combination and individual steps. No dance experience needed. Recital will be taped at the eighth class with a viewing party after the performance. The last class will be held at the Oasis Center Fee: $36 Ages: 7 to 10 When: 4 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 3 to Nov. 28

One Stop Juggling Workshop: Learn to juggle in these 2 1/2 hours and have a working understanding of the four basic juggling patterns. Participants will also play juggling games with peacock feathers, quix stix, toss-ups, spinning plates and lariat. A material fee of $7.50 is payable to the instructor Fee: $15 Ages: 9 and up When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

Hands-on Introduction to Computers: course for parents, small business owners, senior citizens and anyone else feeling left behind by the computer revolution. Included is an explanation of computers and how they work, plus hands-on computer instructions with the Apple IIc computer. Class is limited to 12 students Fee: $67 Ages: 15 and up When: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 26 to Oct. 17; Oct. 24 to Nov. 14 and Oct. 21 to Nov. 11 (Saturday only)

YMCA North Orange County and Southwest Fullerton Site 2000 Youth Way and 1414 S. Brookhurst St. Fullerton (714) 879-9622 and (714) 526-7755

Youth Fitness Program: 10-week fitness program for children. Call for more information Fee: $25 Ages: 9 to 11 When: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays Source: Individual organizations