Special Camps Focus on Circus and Travel

The Encino Community Center, run by the city of Los Angeles, will offer five day camps, including special programs for children interested in drama, circus activities and travel.

“Our primary goals are the safety and the happiness of the kids,” said Lee Marks, assistant program director at the center. “We’ve been doing this for a long time, and our counselors are extremely well-trained.”

Marks said all the camps still have space available. Following is a list of the camps offered:

* Day Camp, for children ages 5-11, June 21 to Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. It includes weekly field trips, sports, music and workshops on drama, gymnastics, art and science. The cost is $115 per week, and four-, three- and two-day rates are available.

* Drama Camp, at $690 per child, includes daily rehearsals and a weekly field trip, and culminates in a performance at the end of the summer. It is open to children ages 7-12, and runs weekdays July 6 to Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Circus Camp, in three two-week sessions, teaches children the basics of circus performing, including acrobatics, juggling, mime, clowning and improvisation. Each child will receive a makeup kit. The camp runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and sessions begin July 6. The cost is $230 for two weeks.

* Teen Travel Camp, for youths ages 11-14, features a trip to a different spot each day. Activities include sailing, horseback riding and trips to the beach, amusement parks and Catalina Island. The camp runs from July 6 to Aug. 13, and daily rates are $25 or $40, depending on the destination.

* Little Folks Fun Camp, for 3- to 4 1/2-year-olds, is weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., June 21 to Aug. 13. The camp, including games, arts and crafts, and music, costs $70 per week, with two- and three-day rates available. Extended hours for all camps are available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at $2 per hour.

Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd., Encino, 91316. For more information, call (818) 995-1690. For information about other city camps, call (818) 989-8188.