‘How I’ll Spend My Summer Vacation’ Could Mention Many Programs

The Long Beach Community Players plans a summer of high drama teaching kids to act.

More than 100 children ages 6 to 13 come to the two theater stages at the playhouse for four weeks of training each summer. They study acting, music, dance, improvisation, vocal techniques, song preparation, ballet and jazz.

“I know they like it because they come back year after year,” said Elaine Herman, managing director of the playhouse. “Nobody gives up a space in class unless they have a broken leg.”

The program, which began six years ago with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the city of Long Beach, teaches more than just acting. Students learn self-confidence and how to work well with others, Herman said.

At summer’s end, the young stars give stage performances for their classmates, friends and families.

“I don’t know if any have made it to Hollywood, but some have been cast in our productions here,” Herman said. The Long Beach Community Players performs 12 plays and four musicals a year.

The theater program is among hundreds of low-cost summer programs for children. Many local parks departments offer camps that include games, sports, arts and crafts and visits to amusement parks. Other programs specialize in teaching Michael Jordan wanna-bes how to put the basketball in the hoop or helping Stephen King fans write dialogue and use laser printers and computers.

Many of the day camps and residential ones offer discounts and scholarships for children of low-income families.

Artesia

New Life Community Church--Nine one-week sessions for students in first through sixth grade at 18800 Norwalk Blvd., June 29 through Aug. 28. Campers visit local amusement parks, roller skate and learn music, arts and crafts. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended care available for $2.50 per hour. One-time registration fee of $15 per child or $25 per family. Cost is $65 per child, with discounts for siblings, not including amusement park admission. For more information call (310) 924-4466.

Bellflower

Baseball Camp--Two four-week sessions for youngsters 5 to 13 at Caruthers Park, 10500 Flora Vista St. Players will receive instruction on hitting, fielding and base running from 1 to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cost is $40 per session, which includes T-shirt. Registration begins Monday at the park.

Day Camp--Four two-week sessions for children 4 to 6. Activities include arts and crafts and excursions. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at T. Mayne Thompson Park, 14001 S. Bellflower Blvd. First session begins June 22. Cost is $70 a child per session. Registration for the camp, which fills up fast, is 10 a.m. until noon June 15 and 16 at the park.

Cerritos

Parks and Recreation--Two-week sessions from June through August for children 6 to 12 at Liberty Park, 19211 Studebaker Road. Activities include arts, sports, visits to local amusement parks and, on the last night of each session, overnight camping at Camp Liberty that parents may attend. Hours are noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cost is $50 for residents and $75 for non-residents, excursions excluded. For more information call (310) 860-0311, Ext. 271.

Compton

Parks and Recreation--Two five-week sessions starting June 29 at four area parks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Lueders Park, 1500 E. Rosecrans Ave.; Kelly Park, 2319 E. Caldwell St.; West Park, 2516 W. Alondra Blvd., and Wilson Park, 123 N. Rose Ave., for children 5 to 13. Activities include swimming, field trips, arts and crafts, hiking, picnics. Cost is $125 per session or $25 per week. For information call 605-5697.

Downey

Parks Department--Ten one-week sessions for children 6 to 12, beginning June 22 at Wilderness Park, 1099 Little Lake Road. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended care offered for an additional fee. Activities include games, trips and arts and crafts. An overnight cookout and campfire program for families is scheduled for July 31 and Aug. 21 at the park. Cost is $40 for the first family member and $35 for each additional one.

Sports Camps--Athletic activities will be featured in camps offered for children ages 9 to 13, and two DARE camps are sponsored by the Downey Police and Community Services departments. For information call (310) 904-7238.

Downey YMCA--Eleven one-week sessions beginning June 22 for children 5 to 14 at 11531 Downey Ave. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Activities include sports, daily field trips, swimming, games, arts and crafts. $80 for on-site camps, $95 for field-trip camps. For more information call (310) 862-4201.

Hawaiian Gardens

Parks and Recreation--Free lunch program offered for Hawaiian Garden residents 1 to 18 and for disabled adults. Lunches will be distributed 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, at C. Robert Lee Community Center, 21815 S. Pioneer Ave., Furguson Elementary School, 22150 Elaine Ave., and Lee Ware Park, 22150 Wardham Ave. from June 17 to Aug. 14.

Swimming--Free pool time is available for Hawaiian Gardens residents, ages 7 to 18, and children 5 and younger when accompanied by a parent. Hours are noon to 5 p.m., 7 days a week from June 17 to Sept. 6 at Lee Ware Park. Playgrounds and supervised activities are scheduled for four locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call (310) 420-2641.

Lakewood

Day Camps--The Parks and Recreation Department will offer nine one-week sessions for children 6 to 11 at Monte Verde Park, 6929 Nixon St. Weekly excursions. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Campers must purchase a $5 T-shirt to be worn on trips to amusement parks. Cost is $50 a week, with extended care available for an additional fee. Fee includes a weekly excursion, a pool session, camp activities and a daily beverage. Campers bring their own lunch Monday through Thursday and cook out on Fridays.

Kinder Camp--Three one-week sessions for youngsters 3 to 5 are scheduled in August at Boyar Park, 6701 Del Amo Blvd. Activities include making butter, planting flowers, creating hats and going on excursions. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Cost is $30 per week.

Sports Camp--Five one-week sessions are offered for children 9 to 12 at Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Ave. The program features soccer, hockey, basketball, softball, football, baseball, ice skating, bowling and miniature golf. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cost is $35 per week.

Specialized Sports--Youth camps specializing in a single sport are also offered for various age groups at several Lakewood parks throughout the summer. The choice includes baseball rookie clinics, track and field, and cheerleading. For more information call (310) 866-9771, Ext. 408.

Long Beach

Parks Department--The city of Long Beach offers 22 day camps for children 2 to 17 throughout the summer. Two- to 5-year-olds spend mornings playing at the Pee Wee day camp at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave. Youngsters 13 to 17 may join the Bay Club teen camp and learn to sail. Fees are set on a sliding scale, and dates, times and age restrictions vary. For more information call (310) 421-9431, Ext. 3232.

Boys and Girls Clubs--Weekly sessions will be offered from June 22 to Sept. 4 for children 6 to 12. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities, at two locations, include supervised games, classes, sports, arts and crafts. Cost of $50 per week includes breakfast, lunch, activity supplies, weekly swimming and craft materials. Some weeks will feature field trips. Children must be members of the club, which costs $10 a year, and pay a one-time $10 registration fee that includes two T-shirts. For more information call (310) 428-8525.

Los Altos YMCA--Two-week sessions for children entering kindergarten through ninth grade start June 22 and last through Aug. 14 at 1720 Bellflower Blvd. Camps for children 4, 5 and 6 run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The children learn songs, sports readiness and arts and crafts, and participate in weekly theme events. Fee is $60 per week.

YMCA Field Trips--For children 7 and older, day camp is from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 19 through Sept. 14. Many fields trips to local amusement parks, theaters and beaches are scheduled, along with traditional arts and crafts. Two-week fees are from $145 to $170, depending on YMCA membership status. For an additional fee, extended day care is provided. For more information call (310) 596-3394.

Fairfield YMCA--Twelve one-week sessions starting June 22 at 4949 Atlantic Ave. Every session has a theme day, and trips to parks, museums and beaches are scheduled every week. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. The facility also features an art camp, drama and theater workshop, and horse camp. Cost is $80 a week, with a 20% discount for each additional child in family. Reduced and scholarship rates are available. For more information call (310) 423-0491.

YMCA--Two-week sessions are scheduled June 22 through Sept. 11 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 600 Long Beach Blvd. Children 6 to 12 participate in Project Pride, a program promoting citizenship and self-esteem. Activities include field trips, reading, games and fitness classes. Fees of $45 to $85 are based on a sliding scale. For more information call (310) 436-9622.

Los Cerritos YMCA--Two-week sessions for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade run Monday through Friday from June 22 through Sept. 12 at 15530 Bellflower Blvd. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended care available. Costs vary by age group and camp activities. For more information call (310) 925-1292.

Weingart-Lakewood Y--One-week YMCA sessions for children entering kindergarten through ninth grade run June 22 through Sept. 11 at 5835 E. Carson St. Activities are planned around various weekly themes and include swimming, games and crafts. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and extended day care is included in the price. Cost is $93 per week for participants, $87 for members. For more information call (310) 425-7431.

Girl Scouts--The Greater Long Beach Girl Scout Council has scheduled four one-week sessions for girls in kindergarten through sixth grade at El Ranchito, 4040 Bellflower Blvd. High-energy projects, and songs and games for girls in kindergarten through third grade July 6 to Aug. 7. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. An overnight camp for girls in third through sixth grade is planned for July 14. A confidence-building camp is planned July 27 for third- through sixth-grade girls. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost of each session is $45 for members and $49 for non-members. For more information call (310) 421-8456.

Water Activities--The Greater Long Beach Girl Scout Council also will offer swimming, sailing and canoeing activities at Marine Landing in Belmont Shore. For more information call (310) 421-8456.

Scout Day Camp--Four one-week sessions for boys 7 to 10 at Will J. Reid Scout Park, 4747 Daisy Ave. Activities include handicrafts, games and group projects. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cost is $55 per session, with extended care available for an additional fee. Boys can join the Cub Scouts--dues are $7 a year--to be eligible to attend the camp. For more information call (310) 427-0911.

Children With Asthma--Swim instruction and educational breathing and relaxation techniques will be some of the activities taught to asthmatic children 5 to 13 during a five-week day camp at Cal State Long Beach, Department of Physical Education, 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Cost is $120. Limited scholarships are available. For more information call (310) 985-7969.

Drama--At the Long Beach Playhouse Workshop, a four-week session will teach acting, dance and music skills to children 6 to 13. It starts June 22, Monday through Friday, at 5021 E. Anaheim St. Cost is $60 to $75, depending on class time and age group. For more information call (310) 494-1014.

Young Writers’ Camp--Two three-week sessions are planned for second-graders to high school seniors at Cal State Long Beach, English Department, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., starting July 6. Young people learn to write more effectively and have their work evaluated by professionals. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Students in seventh through 12th grade will learn to use computers and laser printers in the Apple Macintosh lab. Cost is $160 for one student, $300 for two and $425 for three. For more information call (310) 985-7929.

Montebello

Parks and Recreation--One-week sessions at two locations start June 15 through Sept. 11 for children 5 to 12. Activities include swimming lessons, games and field trips. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended care available for an additional fee at the Cathy Hensel Youth Center at City Park, 236 S. Taylor Ave. and the Holifield Park Community Center, 1060 S. Greenwood Ave. Cost is $50 a week per child, with a $15 discount for each additional family member. For more information call (213) 887-4540.

Paramount

Parks and Recreation--Nine one-week sessions for boys and girls 5 to 12 at Paramount Park Gymnasium, 14400 Paramount Blvd. Activities include weekly trips to local amusement parks, arts and crafts, sports and games. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and free extended care is available. Cost is $85 a week per child, with discounts for additional family members. Open only to Paramount residents and Paramount Unified School District students. For more information call (310) 220-2121.

Pico Rivera

Parks and Recreation--Ten one-week day camps for children 7 to 12 at three area parks. Camp Alottafun starts June 29 at Pico Park, 9520 Beverly Blvd., Smith Park, 6016 Rosemead Blvd., and Rivera Park, 9530 Shade Lane. Activities include drama, excursions and swimming. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for $35 a week for children whose parents live or work in Pico Rivera, $40 for non-residents. Extended care is available for an additional $5 per week. A $5 T-shirt purchase is required.

Kinder Camp--Day sessions for children 5 and 6 who have completed kindergarten are offered at Rio Vista Park, 8751 Cossman and Pico Road, and Rivera Park. Activities include arts and crafts, songs and games. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended care available. Prices are the same as day camp. For more information call (310) 801-4430.

Santa Fe Springs

Parks and Recreation--Three two-week sessions beginning July 6 for children 5 to 11 at Santa Fe Springs Park, 10068 Cedardale Drive. Activities include games, arts and crafts and weekly field trips. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on field-trip days. Cost is $15 for residents and $25 for non-residents. Free transportation will be provided for children living far from the park. Proof of residency and age are required at time of registration. For more information call (310) 868-0511.

South Gate

Parks and Recreation--Five two-week day camp sessions beginning June 22 for children 7 to 12 at South Gate Park, 4940 Southern Ave. Activities include arts and crafts, skits, weekly bus trips and a cookout. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is $50 per session for residents, $63 for non-residents. Extended care is available for an additional fee. For more information call (213) 563-5447.

Whittier

Whittier Center YMCA--Weekly sessions for students entering first to eighth grade start June 22 at Mar Vista YMCA, , 8036 Ocean View St., and Uptown YMCA, 12817 E. Hadley St. Activities include swimming, field trips, learning new skills and arts and crafts. Students bring a lunch. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. A $18 enrollment fee, which includes a T-shirt and a $10 non-refundable deposit, is required. Cost is $78 per week. For more information call (310) 698-0184 or (310) 943-7241.

Boys and Girls Club--Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, for children 7 to 18. Membership is $1.50 per year. Activities, at 7905 S. Greenleaf Ave., Whittier, include sports leagues, computer classes, games and field trips. For more information call (310) 945-3787.

Whittier College--Four two-week morning sports camps for children 6 to 12 at the Activities Center, 13847 Earlham Ave., beginning June 22. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Sports include swimming, tennis, whiffle ball and softball. Cost is $79 per session. For more information call (310) 907-4277.

Camps and Camping

Camp Arbolado--Two one-week sessions of camping in the San Bernardino Mountains is offered to boys and girls in third through seventh grade. Swimming, canoeing and archery are some of the activities planned. Sessions begin July 25 and Aug. 8. Cost is $195 for YMCA members, $215 for non-members. Scholarships are available. Students in eighth through 11th grades hike through the San Gorgonio Wilderness area, explore beaver dams and water ski at Big Bear Lake at Camp Arbolado from Aug. 8 to 15. Cost is $205 for YMCA members, $225 for non-members. Two sessions of counselor training programs for students in 10th through 12th grades will teach teen-agers to work with children. Cost is $100 for YMCA members and $110 for non-members. For more information call (310) 943-7241.

Camp Oakes--Three one-week sessions for children 8 to 12. Horseback riding, boating, nature and ecology lessons are offered to campers near Big Bear Lake. Cost is $220 for YMCA members, $240 for non-members. For students entering seventh through 12th grades, water skiing, wind surfing, dances and special leadership training are added to regular camp activities. Sessions begin July 27 and Aug. 15 at Camp Oakes. Cost is $240 for YMCA members, $260 for non-members. For more information, contact any Long Beach YMCA.

Camp Fox--Three one-week sessions beginning June 29 for children 12 to 15. Skin diving, sailing, water skiing, fishing and a junior skin-diver course are offered on Catalina Island. Cost is $250 for YMCA members, $270 for non-members. For more information, contact any Long Beach YMCA.

Camp Wintaka--Two one-week sessions beginning July 27 and Aug. 24 for boys and girls entering second through 12th grades. Campers study astronomy, folklore, archery, swimming and international dances in the San Bernardino Mountains. Campers board buses in Long Beach at 7070 E. Carson St. for both sessions. Cost is $200 for members of Camp Fire and $203 for non-members. For more information call (310) 421-2725.

Camp Whittle--A one-week session beginning June 20. This Big Bear camp provides archery, swimming, horseback riding and group living for youngsters 9 to 17. A leadership program is offered for teen-agers 15 to 17 and a junior counselor program for those 17 and older. Cost for children 9 to 14 is $175 for YMCA members, $190 for non-members. Cost for those 15 to 17 enrolled in the leadership program is $165, and the cost for junior counselors is $90. For more information call (310) 862-4201.

Camp Bellflower--A one-week session starts Aug. 17. This camp for children 8 to 12, sponsored by the Bellflower Parks and Recreation Department, is at Silverwood Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. Activities include hiking, swimming, sports and nature study. Registration starts June 8 at John S. Simms Park, 16614 S. Clark Avenue. Cost is $135 a child, with a $35 non-refundable deposit required at registration.

Camp Round Meadow--A one-week session starts Aug. 22 for students in fourth through seventh grades. The camp is near Big Bear Lake and features canoeing, horseback riding and campfires. Cost is $65 a child, and financial aid is available. For more information (213) 588-2256.

Camping--Beach or mountain camping for children 8 to 13 is from Aug. 3 to 7. The camp, sponsored by the city of Santa Fe Springs, will feature campfires, hiking and swimming. Cost is $60 for Santa Fe Springs residents and $80 for non-residents. Fees include transportation, food and recreation activity fees. For more information call (310) 868-0511.

Caravans

Mountain Hiking--For students entering fourth to sixth grades, the Y offers sleeping under the stars and hiking to Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls near Mammoth, and atBodie ghost town, from July 13 to 18. Cost is $199 for YMCA members, $219 for non-members. For more information, contact any Long Beach YMCA.

White Water Trips--Trips to Mammoth and Sacramento-area camping and white water rafting are offered June 20 to 27 for students entering seventh to ninth grades. Cost is $100, and financial assistance is available. For more information (213) 588-2256.

Yosemite National Park--Students entering 10th to 12th grades will hike July 23 to 28 to Lembert Dome and Glacier Point and tour Yosemite Valley. Cost is $199 for members, $219 for non-members. For $260, campers also may spend a day rock-climbing with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. For more information, contact any Long Beach YMCA.

Lake Mohave--For youngsters 12 to 17, activities will include boating, hiking and jet skiing July 9 to 12. Cost is $115 for members, $130 for non-members. For more information call (310) 862-4201.

Santa Catalina--For children 11 to 14, activities include sightseeing, swimming and snorkeling, July 16 to 19. Cost is $155 for members, $170 for non-members. For more information call (310) 862-4201.

Coastline Trip--For children 12 to 15, activities include camping and sightseeing, July 24 to 27. Cost is $115 for members, $130 for non-members. For more information call (310) 862-4201.

High Sierra--Children 12 to 14 will hike, explore and camp in the Mammoth Lakes area Aug. 1 to 8. Cost is $175 for members, $190 for non-members. For more information call (310) 862-4201.

Mountain Trips--The city of Paramount is offering four caravans to Big Bear, Yosemite, Sequoia and Mammoth for Paramount residents and Paramount Unified School District students. Cost for each trip is $45. For more information call (310) 220-2121.