Keeping Busy Is Child’s Play : SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SUMMER

San Gabriel Valley cities and institutions are offering a full menu of vacation activities and diversions for children this summer, whether they are in pursuit of academic excellence or just after a totally excellent amusement park excursion.

For the intellectually inclined, Claremont is offering a computer science class for children ages 4 to 12.

Thrill-seekers might want to sign up for Alhambra’s city-sponsored trips to Magic Mountain or Raging Waters.

And traditionalists can take their pick of day camps, city-sponsored arts and crafts classes and swimming and tennis lessons.

Here are some of the offerings available in the San Gabriel Valley this summer.

Alhambra

The Golden Bear Day Camp will be held weekdays from June 24 to Aug. 30 for children ages 6 to 11 at Almansor and Granada parks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunches and afternoon snacks will be provided. Cost is $80 per two-week session, and $25 extra for extended hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each session includes a field trip, arts and crafts, movies, sports and games. Call (818) 570-5081.

Some city-sponsored amusement trips include Magic Mountain on July 3, $18 per person; Raging Waters in San Dimas on July 17, $12; Santa’s Village in the San Bernardino Mountains on July 31, $10; Knott’s Berry Farm on Aug. 14, $18. Cost includes transportation, supervision and rides. Lunches will be provided for children under 18, and children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (818) 570-5081.

Altadena

The Altadena Public Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., is sponsoring a reading program entitled “Bookbeat: Music to Your Eyes,” from June 24 to Aug. 5. Children will sign a contract agreeing to read a minimum of six books over the six-week period. Parents may read to their preschoolers.

In other library activities, ballet and folk dance workshops will be offered at the library on Tuesdays and story time for preschoolers will take place on Wednesdays. There will be a talent show and weekly raffles for prizes. Also, magician Bob Stone will make an appearance. Call (818) 798-0834 for specific times.

Arcadia

Day camp for first- through seventh-graders will be held weekdays from June 17 to Aug. 16 at Wilderness Park on Highland Vista Drive. Camp hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $55 per week. The fee includes daily milk, transportation, insurance, a camp T-shirt, swimming, crafts, archery, hiking, group games, nature study, a cookout, and a special event or overnight camp out. Registration begins Tuesday at the Arcadia Recreation Department, City Hall, 240 W. Huntington Drive. Call (818) 574-5432.

From July 22 to 26, a sports camp will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Arcadia High School, 180 Campus Drive for fourth- through seventh-graders. The $50 per week cost includes beginning swimming, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, bowling, and exercise. Call (818) 574-5432.

A resident camp for fourth- through eighth-grade children will be held at Camp Buckhorn in Idyllwild from Aug. 4 to 10. The $225 cost includes meals, lodging, craft supplies, swimming, hiking, camp fires, skits and movies. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Monday at the Arcadia Recreation Department, City Hall, 240 W. Huntington Drive. Call (818) 574-5432.

Azusa

Playgrounds at various school sites and city parks will be staffed with recreation leaders from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Activities include sports, table games, arts, crafts and field trips. Call (818) 334-2611.

The city will offer a day camp for children ages 5 to 12 from June 17 to Aug. 23. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It costs $10 per day. Activities include swimming, singing, movies, puppet shows, hiking, bowling and beach trips. Children should bring their own lunches. Call (818) 334-2611, ext. 220.

The North American Soccer Camp Inc. will offer a soccer camp from July 1 to 6 for children up to age 11. For information on fee, time and location, call (818) 334-2611, ext. 334.

Baldwin Park

The city will sponsor supervised activities weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11 elementary schools for children ages 3 to 18 from July 1 to Sept. 30. Free lunch will be provided. Aquatics programs will be held at the city’s recreation center, 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., and Sierra Vista High School, 3600 Frazier St. T-ball for children ages 5, 6, and 7 will be held at the community center. Registration will end June 30. For fee and schedule information, call (818) 338-6323.

The Los Angeles County Public Library, 4181 Baldwin Park Blvd., will offer a summer reading program beginning at 11 a.m. June 28. Free movies, crafts, stories, refreshments, and games will be at the same time on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Music and crafts will start July 5 for preschoolers and parents. Call (818) 962-6947.

Claremont

The city has scheduled a summer camp for children ages 5 to 12 from June 17 to Aug. 30. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include movies, games, roller-skating, swimming and bowling. The fees are $63 for the first child, $58 for the second and $53 for the third. Registration begins May 6. Call (714) 399-5494.

A computer class for children ages 4 to 12 will be held July 10 to 31 and Aug. 7 to 28 at Memorial Park. Hours vary. Children will learn computer science skills. Costs $78. Call (714) 399-5494.

Beginning golf classes for children 7 and older will be held at Claremont Golf Course, 1550 N. Indian Blvd. Two six-week courses will be held June 19 to July 24 and Aug. 14 to Sept. 18, each Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $40, plus $1.50 weekly for balls and $5 for a greens fee. Call (714) 624-4531.

Covina

Summer day camp for children 5 to 11 will be held June 26 to Sept. 6 at several elementary schools from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $50 per week, and $75 for extended hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee includes excursions, snacks, games and crafts. Registration has begun at the city’s recreation office, 1250 N. Hollenbeck Ave. Call (818) 858-7271.

There will also be free programs at the public library, 234 N. 2nd Ave. A reading club for children from preschool to eighth grade will convene July 1 to Aug. 17. Children will receive a prize for every five books they read up to 50 books. Registration begins July 1. There will be weekly story times at 11 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Dan Crow will sing and perform comedy for kids and their families from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 19. A magic and music show will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 17. Call (818) 858-7296.

Diamond Bar

A youth baseball program for children 6 to 14 will be held at Heritage Park in cooperation with the Heritage Park Recreation Council. The program is from July 6 to Aug. 31. The registration fee is $40 and includes a shirt, hat and participation award. Call Bob Rose at (714) 860-2489 or (714) 396-5695.

The city will also sponsor, for youngsters 6 to 12, weekly excursions to amusement parks, such as Magic Mountain and Raging Waters. The $19 price includes transportation, supervision and admission. Call Bob Rose at (714) 860-2489 or (714) 396-5695.

The American Explorers, a nonprofit group that organizes youth activities, has planned several overnight excursions for teen-agers only. Prices vary. For more information, call Bob Rose at (714) 860-2489 or (714) 396-5695.

Duarte

The city will offer supervised park activities daily from noon to 5 p.m. at various school and park sites. Classes in ballet, bowling, golf, jazz, karate, tap, gymnastics and tennis will be offered. Hours and fees vary. The eight-week classes begin June 24, with registration starting June 10 at the Duarte Parks and Recreation Department, City Hall, 1600 Huntington Drive. Call (818) 357-7931.

El Monte

Recreational swimming will be offered weekdays and Saturdays from June 21 to Aug. 30 at El Monte City Swimming Pool, 3130 Tyler Ave. Hours are 1:30 to 4 p.m. weekdays and 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It costs 50 cents for people under 17 and $1 for adults. Call (818) 580-2213.

Summer recreation programs will be offered at five school playgrounds for children in third to eighth grades. The activities include games, sports, trips, movies, swimming and special events. The program will be held weekdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1 to Aug. 8. Call (818) 580-2200.

The city and El Monte High School will offer a program for teen-agers from noon to 5 p.m. at El Monte High, 3048 Tyler Ave., from July 1 to Aug. 9. No registration is required. The program will feature beach trips, table tennis, billiards, music, table games, arts and crafts.

Glendora

Several classes will be held at the Rotary Scout Hut, 435 E. Dalton Ave. A Wednesday computer class for ages 4 to 11 costs $75. The first session will be June 26 to July 17. The second session will be July 24 to Aug. 14. Hours for different age groups vary. A week-long physics fundamentals class will begin July 15. It costs $30 for first- through third-graders, and $45 for fourth- through sixth-graders. A back yard biology class will begin July 22. Registration began May 30. Call (818) 914-8228.

Piano classes for children 7 to 12 will be held at the Youth Center, 437 E. Dalton Ave. The cost is $80. Call (818) 914-8228.

Beginning guitar classes will be held in the Legion Building, 159 N. Cullen Ave., for children 8 and older. The cost is $45. Classes begin June 29. Call (818) 914-8228.

The Glendora Unified School District is offering a 10-week summer day camp for the district’s elementary students at La Fetra School, 547 Bennett Ave., from June 17 to Aug. 23. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include arts, crafts, games, and field trips to Jurupa Mountain Cultural Center, Cabrillo Marine Museum, and the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum. Call (818) 963-1611.

Irwindale

The city’s Recreation Department, 5050 N. Irwindale Ave., will offer special events and free field trips for residents 7 to 12. Call (818) 962-5070.

The city pool will be open June 21 to Sept. 6 with recreational swimming weekdays from noon to 4 p.m., night swimming Monday to Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and weekends from noon to 5 p.m.. Swimming lessons for all ages will run from July 1 to Aug. 19. Call (818) 962-5070 or (818) 338-5704.

La Puente

Free recreation programs will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at several schools for children 6 and older.

From June 24 to Aug. 30, the city will provide a day camp from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children 6 to 12. There will be field trips, arts and crafts, bowling, sports, and video movies. Registration began May 20. Call (818) 968-4224.

La Verne

A summer T-ball league will be offered from July 10 to Aug. 24 for children 4 and 5. Birth certificates are required. Games will be held on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and noon. The first game will be July 20 at Roynon Elementary School, 2715 E St. Each participant will receive a hat. Registration is from June 3 to 28 at the human services office, 3660 D St. The cost is $20. Call (714) 596-8700.

Two youth basketball camps will be held from 9 a.m. to noon from June 17 to 21 for fourth- to sixth-graders, and June 24 to 28 for seventh- and eighth-graders at the Bonita High School gym, 3102 D St. Registration is open until June 14 at the human services office. Cost is $30 per child. Call (714) 596-8700.

Monrovia

A summer day camp will be held at Monrovia Canyon Park for third- to fifth-graders from June 17 to Aug. 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $65 per week and $2 per day extra for extended hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Register at the city’s community center, 119 W. Palm Ave. Call (818) 357-5046.

A neighborhood outreach program will be held on Montana and Monrovista avenues from 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays. Activities will include excursions, a reading club and a community garden. Call (818) 357-5046.

The Monrovia Public Library, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., will feature its annual free summer reading clubs. Registration begins June 17. For information on times, call (818) 358-0174.

Monterey Park

Week-long youth camps for basketball, baseball, cheerleading and baton twirling will be held from July 8 to Aug. 30 at Barnes Park, 320 W. Newmark Ave. for people 5 to 17. Registration began June 1. Costs vary. Sign up at the city’s Recreation Department, 320 W. Newmark Ave., or call (818) 307-1389.

Pasadena

The Pasadena Unified School District is offering free summer school for third- through 11th-grade students who are enrolled in the district. Classes, such as algebra, art and design, marine biology, and English will be held from 8 a.m to 12:30 p.m. from June 24 to Aug. 2. Enrollment material is available at various schools. Call (818) 795-6981 or (818) 568-4517.

The Foothill Family YMCA, 2750 New York Drive, will offer classes in aquatics, fitness, karate and racquetball. Call (818) 798-0862.

Pomona

Free weekday games, tournaments, arts, crafts, sports, music, and drama will be offered from noon to 5 p.m at 10 schools and four parks from June 24 to Aug. 16. There is no registration, but parents must sign permission slips. Recreation hours will vary during the summer. Call (714) 620-2321.

A youth tennis class will be held from June 25 to July 25, 9 to 10 a.m., at the Westmont Park Community Center, 1808 W. 9th St., for children 7 to 12. The cost is $10. Call (714) 620-2321.

A youth basketball camp will be held at Emerson Junior High School, 635 Lincoln Ave., from July 1 to 26 for children 8 to 13. The cost is $10. Call (714) 620-2321.

Rosemead

Weekday summer recreation programs for youngsters 6 to 12 will be held from June 25 to Aug. 21, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Arts, crafts, dance, drama, and sports classes will be held at various schools and parks. Registration begins June 25.

The city and the San Gabriel School District will provide a free hot lunch for youngsters under 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays from June 25 to Aug. 23 at Rosemead and Garvey parks, and at Williard, Fern, Williams, Rice and Emerson schools.

Free city-sponsored weekly classes in arts and crafts, dance and drama will begin July 1 for youngsters 6 to 12. Call (818) 288-6671.

San Dimas

Free recreation programs will be provided at Gladstone School, Ladera Serra Park, Loma Vista Park, Marchant Park and Pioneer Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays from June 24 to Aug. 22. Registration is not required. Each playground will be staffed with two trained recreation leaders. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (714) 592-4343.

During the playground program, free bus transportation will be provided 12:30 to 4 p.m. each Friday to San Dimas Swim & Racquet Club. Permission slips will be required to ride the bus. Call (714) 592-4343.

A basketball camp for children 8 to 11 will be held 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 17 to June 21, in the gym of San Dimas High School, 800 W. Covina Blvd. The $30 cost includes a camp shirt, refreshments and prizes.

A second camp for youngsters 12 to 14 will be held from June 24 to June 28. Call (714) 592-4343.

Youth Employment Services will help residents 13 to 19 obtain jobs at local businesses. Applications can be picked up Monday to Friday between 2:30 and 5 p.m. at City Hall in the Human Services and Facilities Department, 245 E. Bonita Ave. Youngsters under 18 must have a parent or guardian also sign the application. Call (714) 592-4343.

San Gabriel

The city will sponsor a swim program from June 24 to Aug. 31. Registration begins June 10. Classes in tap, ballet, jazz, and dance movement for children 3 to 5 begin June 24. For times and fees, call (818) 308-2875.

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior, 535 W. Roses Road, will sponsor a weekday vacation Bible school 9 a.m. to noon from Aug. 12 to 23 for children ranging from preschoolers to sixth-graders. Minimum age is 3. Program includes Christian education, singing, crafts, swimming, and refreshments. Cost is $25 for first child, $15 for the second child, and $10 for each additional child. Scholarships are available, and teen-agers may apply for counselor positions. Call Geyer Andrews at (818) 282-3066.

San Marino

From June 17 to Aug. 23, morning and afternoon day camps will he held for children of all ages at Lacy Park, 3300 Monterey Road. Hours and costs vary. Call (818) 282-6175.

Classes in swimming, tennis, and gymnastics will be offered at various school sites. Call (818) 282-6175.

Sierra Madre

A day camp will be held for children 5 to 12 at Sierra Vista Park Recreation Center and Pool, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. From June 17 to Aug. 23, children will participate in sports, arts, crafts, games, music, swimming and Wednesday field trips. The cost is $50 for residents and $55 for non-residents, with a $20 additional fee for extended hours. Registration began May 11, at the recreation center. Call (818) 355-2355.

The Earth School will offer weeklong nature programs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays for children 5 to 12 at Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park, from June 24 to Aug. 2. The cost is $65 per week. Call Heather Marr at (818) 794-9008.

South El Monte

Dance classes in folk, ballet, and tap will be offered on various days for children 3 to 12 at South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave. Registration will begin June 25 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cost for three months is $23 for residents and $27 for non-residents. Call (818) 579-2043.

One-hour gymnastics classes for youngsters 6 to 16 will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays in the community center’s gym from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The monthly cost is $18 for residents and $22 for non-residents. Call (818) 579-2043.

Swimming classes for people 3 to 17 will be held from July 1 to Aug. 23 at the community center. Walk-in registration for swim lessons will begin June 28, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the community center. The cost for people 3 to 17 is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents; for adults, $15 for residents and $17 for non-residents. Call (818) 579-2043.

South Pasadena

A summer camp for first- to fifth-graders will be held from June 17 to Aug. 30 at Orange Grove Park, 815 Mission St. The cost is $11 a day. The fee includes weekly field trips, swimming twice a week, talent shows, arts, crafts, sports and a lip sync show. Call (818) 799-9101.

Regular recreation classes, including tennis, ballet, reading, aerobics, acting, stretching and relaxing, will be held from June 17 to Aug. 16. Registration begins today. For fees and locations, call (818) 799-9101.

The South Pasadena-San Marino YMCA, 1605 Garfield Ave., South Pasadena, will offer day camp and overnight camping for children of all ages. Registration will continue until all camps are full. Call (818) 799-9119.

Temple City

The city has scheduled a summer day camp for children 6 to 10, from July 1 to Aug. 23 at Live Oak Park, 10144 Bogue St. The cost is $55 per two-week session. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The activities include weekly field trips, a cookout and arts and crafts. Registration will begin June 10. Call (818) 285-7185.

A sports camp for children 6 to 12 will be held at Live Oak Park from July 2 to 18 and from July 23 to Aug. 8. Activities include football, volleyball, archery, soccer, and bowling. The cost is $20 per three-week session. Hours are 9 to 11 a.m. Registration begins June 12. Call (818) 285-7185.

Recreation programs at five elementary schools and Live Oak Park will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. from July 1 to Aug. 16. Classes in crafts, drama and music will be offered. Call (818) 285-7185.

Walnut

The city is sponsoring swimming lessons for all ages at Walnut High School, 400 N. Pierre Road. Costs range from $20 to $26. Classes start June 24. Registration will begin June 10. Call (714) 598-5605 or (714) 594-1151.

The city is also offering computer, dance, arts, crafts, and theater classes in July and August. Call (714) 598-5605 or (714) 594-1151.

West Covina

The city swimming pool at 1720 W. Merced Ave. will be open from June 24 to Sept. 15. Lessons will cost $13 for residents and $16 for non-residents. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, with recreational swimming at 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Registration will be held at the pool from 9 a.m. to noon on June 8, 15, and 22. Admission cost is 50 cents. Call (818) 814-8420.

The city is offering sports camps for children 5 to 12 at various schools from June 24 to Aug. 30. The camps will include weekly Friday excursions. The trips are open to the public and family members are encouraged to come along. The city provides a chartered bus for all trips. The program hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee is $45 a week per child and $42 for each additional child. Call (818) 960-8819.

The West Covina Unified School District will provide weekday child care for kindergartners to fifth-graders, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 24 to Aug. 30, at Monte Vista and Orangewood schools. Fee is $50 weekly per child and $45 for each additional child. Call Barbara La Moure at (818) 338-8411, ext. 2651.