Camps, Classes Abound for Youngsters Out for Summer

Summer need not be boring for the thousands of youngsters who will get out of school this week and are searching for some excitement, Southeast and Long Beach area recreation officials say.

There is still time to register for a day camp, take a jazz and tap dancing class, a trip to Disneyland or Magic Mountain, learn to swim or hit a tennis ball and enter a sand sculpture contest at the beach.

“We have day camps and sailing classes for kids. There are scuba and kayaking classes. There are a variety of sports programs,” Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Gabriel Daigle said.

One of the most exciting events staged by the department each year is the Sea Festival, Daigle said. The entire family, including adults, can participate in this series of events, which has been held since the 1920s. The festival will include swimming and catamaran races, volleyball and fishing tournaments and the ever-popular sand sculpture contest.

“We have over 60 contestants and more than 3,000 to 4,000 spectators for the sand sculpturing, which is held at Junipero Beach,” Daigle said.

Contestants are given four hours to construct their masterpieces from the sand. Awards are handed out for first-, second- and third-place winners.

For those who prefer more sedate activities, there are free movies, reading programs, language courses and cartoonist classes.

Physical activity classes are also offered for handicapped children.

While some of the larger cities have an ample number of youngsters enrolled in their programs, some of the smaller communities complain about a lack of interest.

Recreational supervisors in the cities of Bell, Cudahy and Maywood said year-round school schedules have reduced the demand for summer activities because so many students are in school during the summer.

“Year-round hurts a lot. We have a lot fewer youths because of it,” Maywood recreation supervisor Pete Parra said.

Nevertheless, area activity supervisors have geared their programs for restless youths seeking summer entertainment.

Artesia

Sports Day Camp--Artesia has a new coordinator of recreation and has developed a summer recreational program for the first time. Kids Stuff Summer Sports Day Camp offers such sports as soccer, basketball and football for children ages 6 to 10 Monday through Friday at the Artesia Community Center in Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave. The weekly sessions run from July 9 to Aug. 10. Each session costs $20.

Tennis Camp--A junior tennis camp is being offered on Tuesdays and Fridays, July 17 to Aug. 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Artesia Park for youths ages 9 to 17. The fee is $70 for the five-week program.

Entertainment Trips--The Summer in the City Express program provides trips for 7- to 12-year-old boys and girls to Knott’s Berry Farm, Wild Rivers in Irvine, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Universal Studios and Magic Mountain. The fee is $60 per child and includes admission, transportation and a Summer in the City T-shirt. Space is limited to 40 children. Call the Community Center at 860-3361 for details.

Soccer Clinic--A Summer PeeWee Soccer Clinic for boys and girls in kindergarten through second grade will be offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Saturday beginning July 21 through Sept. 1 at Artesia Park. The fee is $12.

Tennis Classes--Tennis training for youths of all ages is offered. Lessons for tiny tots are from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for $12.50. Instruction for beginning juniors ages 8 to 17 is from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes for junior intermediates are from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. All junior classes are $25. Classes run from July 9 to Aug. 17.

Baseball Card Collectors--A Baseball Fun Club is being offered for youths age 8 and older from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays beginning July 16 through Aug. 6. For a fee of $10, children will learn selling and trading techniques for baseball cards.

Arts and Crafts--An arts and crafts program for youngsters ages 6 through 12 will be offered from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursdays from June 28 through Aug. 16 at the Artesia Community Center. The fee is $10. Registration for all programs is from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the center, 860-3361. Youths can also participate in activities such as basketball and tennis from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday free of charge.

Bell

Lunch in the Park--The summer recreation classes are already booked, but the city is giving free lunches to children ages 1 to 18 from July 9 to Sept. 1 at Little Bear and Veteran’s Park. Meals are limited to the first 150 children each day. After lunch, children can dabble in arts and crafts at the parks. The wading pool at Little Bear Park opens July 9. For more information call 773-1596.

Bell Gardens

Boys and Girls Club--One of the biggest games in town for kids with time on their hands is the Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club. Registration is still open for the club’s recreation program, which includes trips to baseball games, deep sea fishing expeditions and trips to the beach. Each week of the 10-week program has a specific theme, such as Hollywood Week, which culminates with a talent show, or Olympic Week, in which the week’s top athletes face off in a mini-Olympic event. There are also cooking classes for boys and girls, arts and crafts and sports activities. A $3 fee covers everything for an entire year. The recreation program is open to children ages 7 to 17 from Bell Gardens and neighboring communities. The Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club is at 7104 Perry Road, Bell Gardens. Call 927-2677 for more information.

Recreation Program--The city of Bell Gardens also has myriad activities including a children’s Polynesian dance class that meets from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays at Loveland Park, and a traditional recreation program every day of the week. The recreation program is open to all ages at a charge of 50 cents. For a complete list of city-sponsored recreation programs call 806-4532.

Bellflower

Sunshine Day Camp--The Bellflower Parks and Recreation Department is offering its annual Sunshine Day Camp for children ages 4 to 6. Four two-week sessions, Mondays through Thursdays starting June 25 and running through Aug. 16, will include group games, organized crafts, recreation, snack time and mini-excursions. The fee is $60 per child. Each class is limited to 25 children.

Teen Program--Older children can participate in the city’s teen program, which includes trips to the beach and Wild Rivers in Irvine, game room night and movies. All programs are held at Simms Park. The city also offers a teen softball league.

Day Excursions--Several day trips for adults and children will be sponsored throughout the summer. For more information call Bellflower City Hall at 804-1424.

Cerritos

Monday Night Movies--On July 9, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” will open Cerritos’ popular Monday Night at the Movies at the amphitheater in Liberty Park. Admission and popcorn are free to all ages. Among the films to be shown are “Bambi,” “Mary Poppins” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” During July, movies begin at 8:15 p.m. In August, they start at 7:45 p.m.

Three Reading Programs--The city’s public library is again offering a trio of summer reading programs geared to youngsters of all ages. This year’s theme is “Reading Round-Up in the Wild, Wild West.” The deadline for signing up is Monday. Children who participate in one of the three reading programs get to attend four special entertainment events including a puppet show called “Buckaroo Fun Times,” and video showings of films on Annie Oakley and Pecos Bill. Among the three programs is one for young children who will have 20 books read to them by parents, a beginning reader program and another program for accomplished readers who will read 10 books at their grade level. The programs are free.

Commerce

Children’s Day Camp--Registration is under way for one-week day camp sessions for children ages 5 to 11. The program will be held from July 2 to Aug. 9 at Rosewood Park. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming and field trips. The free day camp, which starts daily at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m., is for Commerce residents only. Children must bring a lunch.

Swimming Lessons--Pool classes are available June 25 through Aug. 17 for all ages. Residents are charged $3 per person for the two-week session. The lessons are at the municipal aquatorium next to City Hall.

Park Activities--Commerce also offers various daily activities, ranging from arts and crafts to pinewood derbies, at its four parks. There also are free swim periods for residents and non-residents seven days a week at the municipal aquatorium. Residents swim for free, and non-residents are charged $1. More information can be obtained by calling the following numbers: aquatorium, 887-4423; Bandini Park, 264-5045; Bristow Park, 269,5603; Rosewood Park, 721-5281; Veterans Memorial Park, 727-1515; and City Hall, 722-4805.

Compton

Day Camps--Both the city and the Compton Unified School District will offer summer day camps that feature sports activities, arts and crafts, and in the case of the city, field trips. School district camps open July 9 and are scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. each day at 14 elementary, eight middle, and the three high schools to coincide with summer school classes. The camps are free and serve youngsters entering or graduating from the fourth, fifth or sixth grades. Advance registration is not required. City-run day camps will be at four parks--Kelly, West, Lueders and Wilson--starting June 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some sessions are four weeks, others are five weeks. The cost is $25 a week and payment must be in full for the entire session. Registration is required at the parks by June 25.

Cudahy

Trips and Classes--The city is offering weekly bus rides to Seal Beach for $1, from June 29 through Aug. 31. Beach-goers must make reservations two days in advance. The city also is planning a trip to Magic Mountain and Wild Rivers, but dates have not been set. Beginning July 9, classes will be offered in karate, arts and crafts, gymnastics, sewing and guitar. Fees range from $10 to $15 per class. The classes are open to anyone 5 or older. For more information call 773-5143.

Downey

Swimming Classes--Youths will be able to cool off in the new community pool at Downey High School. Swimming classes, offered in two-week sessions, begin July 9 and run through Aug. 17. Registration is under way at the Community Services Department at City Hall. The cost is $15 for youths and $20 for adults. The pool also will be open for recreational swimming from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday starting June 25. Admission is $1. City-sponsored bus transportation will be provided from various municipal parks.

Sports Camps--One-week youth sports camps at Rio San Gabriel Park will include training in flag football, basketball and soccer. The cost is $35 for the first family member and $30 for the each additional person.

Day Camps--Wilderness Park in Downey will be the site of four-day and one-week day camp sessions that will include games, nature lessons and arts and crafts activities. Fees range from $15 to $40 per child.

DARE Camp--A Drug Abuse Resistance Education camp to teach youths ages 9 to 13 to “say no” to drugs is being offered. The two one-week sessions will be held at Golden Park. The cost is $35 for the first family member and $30 for the second.

Excursions--The city also is offering various summer excursions for $5 to $16 and activities at municipal parks. For more information call or 869-7331, ext. 211, or the community pool at 869-2300.

Hawaiian Gardens

Free Lunches--Residents between the ages of 6 months and 18 years are eligible for a free summer lunch under the auspices of the federal National School Lunch Program. There will be three lunch locations: the C. Robert Lee Community Center, Furgeson Elementary School and Lee Ware Park. Lunches will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Field Trips--Hawaiian Gardens also will sponsor several field trips for youngsters to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, a Dodgers baseball game and other destinations. Some field trips, such as those to a park or the beach, are free. Others cost up to $10. The first trip is June 29 to Raging Waters in San Dimas. Dates and other information can be obtained by calling the city at 420-2641, ext. 229.

Huntington Park

Park Activities--Table games, arts and crafts, cookouts and other activities are offered Monday through Friday at Municipal Park at Florence Avenue and Bissell Street. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge.

Wading Pool to Open--A wading pool for toddlers will open July 2 at Municipal Park. Pool hours will be 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. More information can be obtained by calling 582-6161, ext. 212.

Boxing Program--The city is accepting participants from throughout the Southeast area for its free youth boxing program. For more information call the Huntington Park Athletic Club at 582-7455.

Lakewood

Day Camps--An array of one-week day camp experiences is available, with themes such as Matinee Movie Madness, Natural Wonders, Baseball Fever and Wet ‘n’ Wild Water. There are three weeklong sessions for children ages 5 and 6 at a cost of $35 a session. The first session starts July 2. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. depending on which week a child is enrolled. There are five weeklong sessions for youngsters ages 7 to 9, with the first session starting Monday. The cost is $40, and all the sessions are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Athletic Camps--For the athletic-minded who are ages 6 to 12, there are two weeklong sessions in a special track and field camp starting July 9. The cost is $35 a week. For athletes 9 to 12 there are weeklong sessions that also start July 9 and cover several sports such as soccer, baseball, swimming and hockey. The cost is $33 a week. Parents interested in enrolling their youngsters in the camps can call 866-9771.

La Mirada

Day Camps--Parents can send their children ages 5 to 12 to the city’s summer day camp from Monday to Sept. 7. There will be creative crafts, sports, games, tournaments, storytelling, drama, music, table games and special events. The cost is $47 a week or $12 a day. Hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. are structured for working parents. The summer fun program has shorter hours, 1 to 5 p.m., and costs $15 a week or $4 a day. To sign up, phone 943-7277.

Preteen Scene--If the children are older but are still too young to send off to amuse themselves, parents can have them try the Preteen Scene for ages 11 and 12. Activities include arts and crafts, local field trips, sports, drama, music, cooking, self-help skills and community involvement. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 25 through Aug. 31. The fee is $25 a week. For information, call 943-7277.

Day Trips--In July and August, the city will be sponsoring a number of day trips. The cost, which includes transportation and admission, varies according to the event. Destinations are the Imax Theatre and Museum of Science and Industry in downtown Los Angeles, Universal Studios, Wild Rivers and Disneyland. For reservations, phone the Leisure Services Department at 943-7277.

Long Beach

Sports Camp--The Parks and Recreation Department is offering a variety of day camp programs including the Hi Five Sports Camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Whaley Park, 5620 Atherton St. Ten weekly sessions, Monday through Aug. 30, cost $50 per session for kids ages 5 to 12. The camp is staffed by college athletes and physical education specialists. The program develops athletic skills and expands knowledge in a variety of sports. Information is at 596-6112.

El Dorado Camp--Youths ages 5 to 12 can attend the El Dorado Park West Summer Day Camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the park, 2800 Studebaker Road, Long Beach. Twelve weekly sessions from Monday through Sept. 11 cost $50 per session or $15 per day. Games, sports, crafts, music, drama and excursions are offered. Call 429-6310 for information.

Music and Arts--There is a Music and Arts Day Camp from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Recreation Park, 4900 E. 7th St. Four biweekly sessions, Monday through Aug. 17, are offered for children ages 5 to 12. The program offers storytelling, mime, improvisation, creative movement, drawing, painting, sculpture and musical exploration. The cost is $100 per two-week session. Information can be obtained at 433-2868.

Mini-Camp--The Stearns Park Mini-Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning June 25 and running through Aug. 24, at Stearns Park, 4520 E. 23rd St. The nine weekly sessions cost $45 each and are for children ages 5 to 8. Excursions, arts, crafts, games, music and special events are offered. Information is at 597-4713.

Marine Camp--The Colorado Lagoon Marine Camp for children ages 9 to 13 will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Recreation Park, 4900 E. 7th St. Two biweekly sessions will be conducted from Aug. 6-31. The program will offer marine biology, beachfront wildlife observations, fishing, games, crafts and beachfront hobbies. The cost is $120 per two-week session. Information is at 484-2868.

Senior Aquatics Camp--The Bayshore Senior Aquatics Camp for children ages 9 to 12 will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Bayshore Playground. Five biweekly sessions will be conducted from Monday through Aug. 31. Youths can get Red Cross swim certification, enjoy sailing, canoeing, boogie boarding, fishing, trips, games and sand modeling. The cost is $100 per two-week session. Information is at 433-6112.

Aquatics Camp--The Belmont Junior Aquatics Camp for 5- to 8-year-olds will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Belmont Plaza Pool, 4000 Olympic Plaza. There will be 10 weekly sessions from Monday through Aug. 31. Swimming lessons, fishing, beach trips, sand modeling, excursions, games and crafts are offered for $60 per session. Information is at 439-0213.

Water Sports--The Bay Club at Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center, 5437 E. Ocean Blvd., will offer four biweekly sessions from June 25 through Aug. 17 for youths ages 13 to 17. The camp will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Youths will participate in windsurfing, swimming, sailing, boogie boarding, canoeing, volleyball and excursions. The cost is $90 per two-week session. Information is at 433-5427.

Sea Festival--The Sea Festival will be Aug. 3-12, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. Eighteen events, including the sand sculpture contest at Junipero Beach on Aug. 5, will be held. Some events are free, while others have a fee. Information is at 421-9431, ext. 3232.

49er Camp--Cal State Long Beach will operate the 49er Camp for 5- to 13-year-olds from 1 to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday at the university, 1250 Bellflower Blvd. There is only one session, July 30 to Aug. 24. Emphasis is on sports including swimming, basketball, archery, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, softball, track and field, kickball, weight training and soccer. The cost is $225 for the entire session, with a $25 discount for each additional family member. Information is at 985-4049.

Camp Nugget--The university also will offer Camp Nugget for handicapped children ages 5 to 12 Monday through Friday from June 25 to July 27. Instruction will be provided by physical education students. Camp activities include swimming, games and arts and crafts. The cost is $200 for the five-week session.

Camp for Asthmatics--The university, in conjunction with the American Lung Assn. of Long Beach, will offer a summer camp for asthmatic children ages 5 to 13 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 25 to July 25. The camp at CSULB will provide swimming, sports, games and fitness. The cost is $50. For information call 985-7969.

Camp Kadimah--The Long Beach Jewish Community Center at 3801 E. Willow St. will offer three-week stays at Camp Kadimah for children ages 3 to 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be two sessions, the first from July 2 to July 20. The deadline for registration is Friday. The second session is from July 24 to Aug. 17. Swimming, trips, sports, overnight camp-outs, crafts and beach days will be included. The first session costs $340 and the second session costs $460.

Cool Connections Camp--The junior high camp for sixth- through eighth-grade students will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 30 to Aug. 17, at the Jewish Community Center. There will be trips to amusement parks, biking, swimming and sports. The cost is $395.

Camp Gesher--Kindergarten through fifth-grade children may enroll for Camp Gesher, which meets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Jewish center. Two sessions from Aug. 20 to 24 and Aug. 27 to 31 will be held. The first session will include ceramics, watercolor, printmaking and videos. The second session will include environmental awareness studies, nature craft and survival skills. The cost is $95 per session. Information is at 426-7601.

Lynwood

Day Camps--The Recreation and Parks Department is offering three day camps at Mervyn Dymally Congressional Park, 3798 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The first camp for children ages 5 through 13 started Monday and will end July 13. Campers can still register. The second camp will run from July 16 through Aug. 10, and a third session will be from Aug. 13 to Sept. 17. Regular camp hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday with free extended-care hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $65 per session. Children are provided a breakfast and lunch. Trips to amusement parks cost extra: $13 for Magic Mountain and $16 for Disneyland. The camps will offer arts and crafts, bowling, swimming, gymnastics, picnics, movies, games and swim lessons. Information is at 603-0220, ext. 410.

Youth Center--The Lynwood Youth Teen Center, 11409 Birch St., is open to anyone over age 13 Monday through Friday, June 25 to Sept. 8. The center is open from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays. Membership is $2. The center provides tutoring, counseling, arts and crafts, movies, table tennis, chess and pool. Swimming classes are offered at the city natatorium. Information is at 603-0220, ext. 241.

Maywood

Children’s Activities--The city will sponsor a five-week summer camp beginning July 2 for children ages 5 to 7 at Maywood Park. The cost is $30 a week, and includes arts, crafts and a few road trips. The city also sponsors a baseball league for children ages 5 and older. On July 20, the city plans a trip for youths to Magic Mountain. For more information call 562-5000.

Montebello

Day Camp--The Get High on Life Day Camp is offered for $45 a week with a 50% discount for additional children from the same family. The camp began Monday but registration is still open at Montebello City Park and Katherine Hensel Youth Center. Activities include swimming lessons, arts, crafts and sports at the city park and center. The city also offers swimming lessons for adults and children. Costs range from $16 to $23 for two weeks of lessons. Registration for the classes is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. For more information on other city-sponsored events call 887-4540.

Norwalk

Day Camp--The city is offering a summer day camp for children ages 6 to 12. Each one-week session includes a trip to the beach, an overnight camp-out, games and crafts. The cost for camp at the city’s Shoshonean Camp site is $45 per child. Special rates are offered to families that enroll three or more children. Registration will be held at the Recreation Services Office at City Hall through June 30, and at the Shoshonean Camp, 12120 Hoxie Ave., thereafter.

Two Swim Pools--Swimming classes will be offered at Norwalk Swim Stadium and at the Norwalk High School pool from Monday to Aug. 17. Fees range from $6 to $10. The Norwalk Swim Stadium and Norwalk High pool also will be open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. daily. Children will be charged 35 cents, and adults 75 cents.

Kickball and Hockey--Organized kickball and floor hockey are being offered free to city youths. More information can be obtained by calling the city Recreation Services Department at 929-2677, ext. 223, or the Norwalk Swim Stadium, 868-7292, and Norwalk High Pool, 863-9488. Non-residents are invited to participate.

Paramount

Travel Camps--Five different summer camps for youths ages 8 to 14 are available. Next week the campers will travel to Big Bear; on July 9-12 to Carlsbad and Sea World; from July 23-26 to Castaic Lake and Magic Mountain; on Aug. 6-10 to Pismo Beach and Hearst Castle; and Aug. 20-24 to Sequoia and Yosemite national parks. The fee for each trip is $20.

Swimming Lessons--Swimming classes are offered for infants through adults. Lessons are at Orange Pool and Paramount Pool. Fees are $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Recreational swimming is 25 cents for youths. Information on class schedules is at 220-2121.

Classes at Parks--The city also is offering arts, crafts, games, sports, acting, dance and first aid courses at city parks. Trips are scheduled to a variety of locations, including Raging Waters in San Dimas and the Los Angeles garment district. Information is at 220-2121.

Pico Rivera

Pool Opens--There is no water shortage at the Smith Park pool. Starting last weekend, it is open seven days a week. Swimming lessons are available. For information call 942-7004 or 942-7386.

Sports Leagues--Other city-sponsored sports include basketball, volleyball, handball, horseshoes and racquetball.

Amusement Trips--The city is scheduling a trip Aug. 17 to Knott’s Berry Farm. A bus will depart from Smith Park at 9 a.m. and return by 7 p.m. The cost is $14. There also will be trips to Magic Mountain, Dodger Stadium, Sea World, Laguna Beach and Solvang. Phone 942-7004 to register.

Dance Class--Smith Park will be the site of a dance class for children ages 3 to 15. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, street dancing and folklorico. The eight-week session begins July 2 and costs $16. Call 942-7004 to obtain the exact schedule and to register.

Cooking Class--Youths can enroll in a cooking class for 50 cents a session. Call 942-2000, ext. 260 to register.

Cartoon Class--Children age 12 or older can enroll in a cartoon class taught by graphic artist Charles Canales. The 10-week class begins July 11 and takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Pico Rivera Centre for the Arts. The city also will sponsor piano and guitar lessons and arts and crafts classes.

Drama Training--If your child wants to be a star or even a supporting player, he or she might enjoy the free Children’s Theater program for youngsters ages 6 to 14. The children will produce, rehearse and, late in August, perform their own play.

Rio Hondo Area

Courses at College--At Rio Hondo College, children ages 7 to 9 can take beginning Spanish or a course titled Communication Under Construction. Children as young as 8 can take a class in Social Savvy (it’s also available for teen-agers) or one named Anyone Can Spell Any Word. High school students are invited to Think Your Way to a Higher GPA. That course is free. Others cost between $18 and $30. There is a Creative Music and Theater Workshop divided into a group for ages 5 to 8 and another for ages 9 to 12. It costs $21. Telephone 908-3426 for information about any of these courses.

Camp Fire--The Rio Hondo Council of Camp Fire, a nonprofit organization for boys and girls at 8066 Telegraph Road in Downey, is sponsoring an Indian Summer Day Camp from July 16 to 20. The one-week camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers will spent one night July 19 at the camp. Campers must bring a sack lunch the first day on the remaining days they cook outside. The cost is $50. Information is at 928-1371.

Santa Fe Springs

Sports Camp--Athletes may attend a Summer Sports Camp from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for five weeks starting July 9 at Santa Fe High School. Children ages 9 to 14 will compete in basketball, football, track and field, soccer and aquatics. The price is $10 and registration begins Monday. Phone 863-4896 for registration information.

Aquatic Center--If the beach is too far, the Santa Fe Springs Community Aquatic Center is open Monday through Friday for recreational swimming. There are swimming lessons and meets. Phone 868-7665 for information.

Activity Courses--The Recreation Services Department is sponsoring classes in gymnastics, baton, karate and boxing. Most sessions begin July 9. Registration has already started. Some courses are free. The most expensive cost about $25 for residents and $50 for children who live outside the city.

Day Camp--The Recreation Department is sponsoring a summer day camp for children ages 5 to 11. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The camp has three sessions, the first starting July 9 and running through July 20. The charge is $15 for residents or $25 for non-residents.

Beach Camp--To check out the beach near the border, sign up for the city’s San Diego Beach Camp. It takes place the week beginning Aug. 20 for children ages 8 through 13. The cost is $60.

South Gate

Day Camps--Five different day camps are being offered for boys and girls ages 7 to 12. The camps start Monday and are two weeks long. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents should register at the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation, girls’ clubhouse, 4900 Southern Ave. Fees are $50 per session and $63 for non-residents. An additional fee of $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents is charged for extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sports, games, arts, crafts, swimming, trips and cookouts are part of the camps. Information is at 563-5447.

Recreational Classes--The city will sponsor numerous classes including ballet, jazz tap and Mexican folk dance beginning Monday for children ages 4 through 16. Fees for most classes are $10 for residents and $12.50 for non-residents. However, the jazz tap class will cost residents $15 and non-residents $18.75. Modeling and charm classes are also offered for teen-agers from 13 to 17. Residents must pay $15 and non-residents $18.75. Classes are 45 minutes long and are held on different days and times. Information is at 563-5447.

Preschool Care--Tots ages 3 to 5 can learn songs, primary numbers, basic colors, games and do a craft each Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The fee for tots living in the city is $20 and $25 for non-residents.

Sports Lessons--A variety of sports lessons, including basketball, karate, kung fu and tennis, are sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department. Swimming lessons are offered at the city’s swimming pool in South Gate Park, 9520 Hildreth Ave. Phone 563-5446 for information. The pool is open at various times for recreational swimming and the cost is 50 cents for youths to are 17, senior citizens and the disabled.

Whittier

Reading Club--If you cannot go to faraway places this summer, why not at least read about them? The Whittier Public Library, 7344 S. Washington Ave., is sponsoring a Summer Reading Club starting Monday through Aug. 18 for toddlers. Phone 698-8949 or 947-5417 for information.

Youth Network Club--For a physically active summer, join the Whittier Youth Network Club for children ages 7 to 14. Participants will have a variety of recreational activities, classes and field trips. Destinations for summer excursions include a Dodgers game, circus, Magic Mountain and the beach. Sign-up begins July 2. Call 945-8205, ext. 523 for information.

Sports Camps--Whittier College will run two-week sessions of its sports camps from 9 a.m. to noon daily beginning Monday and ending Aug. 17. It is for children ages 6 to 12. The cost is $75 and activities include swimming, tennis, kickball, soccer and basketball. Telephone 693-0771.

Magic Mountain Discount--Magic Mountain and the Youth Services Division will be offering City of Whittier Family Fun Days at the amusement park Aug. 11 through 19. Admission prices will be reduced 40%. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the Whittier Community Center. Information is at 945-8205.

Youth Classes--The Human Services Department will sponsor numerous classes for children starting Monday through Aug. 23. Classes include swimming, water polo, art, ceramics, papier-mache sculpture, dance, cooking, drama, computers, typing, broadcast journalism, roller skating, unicycling and cheerleading. Telephone 945-8200 and ask for the Human Services Department to find out specific prices and age requirements.