The Joys of Summer : Programs to Keep Youngsters Occupied--and Parents Sane--Are Ready to Open

As the school year draws to a close for most students, South Bay parents face the recurring question of summer: What do we do with the kids now?

And while many summer programs have fallen victim to city and county budget cuts, there are still hundreds of activities, classes, events and day camps available to keep the children busy through the summer.

Consider, for example, enrolling your toddler in the 30th Annual Baby Show in Gardena, or the equestrian class in Rolling Hills Estates for the older child. There will be fishing clinics in Manhattan Beach and a miniature-golf tournament in Lawndale.

Of course, local youth will have no trouble tracking down organized activities in such summer staples as baseball, swimming, volleyball, soccer, and tennis. Many cities are also coordinating regional field trips, sometimes overnight, to places such as Disneyland, Wild Rivers, Magic Mountain and Sea World.

And for those interested in more cerebral pursuits, there’s no shortage of dance, music and drama activities, either.

In Wilmington, Los Angeles Harbor College is offering, for the first time, a basic tumbling class for toddlers and their parents, called “Mommy and Me Gymnastics.” “A lot of mothers wanted to bring in their babies and get back into shape,” said Adell Shay, head of Harbor College’s extension program. “It’s going to be a dynamite program.”

For budding athletes age 7 to 14, Los Angeles County is holding its first Kid’s Ocean Triathlon at Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey on Aug. 22. And in Manhattan Beach, the city recreation department is organizing its first teen golf tournament, to be held July 27.

In addition to the new, there are also the more unusual and educational. The Cabrillo Marine Museum attracts thousands of spectators to their programs on the grunion run. The San Pedro museum opens at night this summer to lead guests to the beach to watch the slippery fish come ashore to spawn.

“If it’s summertime, warm and a weekend, look out,” said Larry Fukuhara, the museum’s program director. “A lot of things have gotten so commercial, (but) we’re not out to make money, just to have fun.”

Because of financial woes, the county recreation department, which normally puts on dozens of programs at Del Aire, Ladera, Lennox and Victoria parks, can’t supply its summer schedule yet for fear of making promises it won’t be able to keep. But officials hope to release information in mid-June.

“I don’t know if it’s political or not,” said Ben Cariaga, a county recreation services manager. “They are even talking about closing parks.”

Still, there is plenty already planned. Here’s an abbreviated rundown of some of the summer activities.

CARSON

The city runs an extensive recreation program at its 12 parks; (310) 830-7600. At Carson Park, for example, activities include theme park excursions, art classes and a day camp for children 6 to 12; (310) 830-4998.

EL SEGUNDO

Tap, karate, street funk dance, musical fun for tots, parent/tot activities; classes primarily for El Segundo residents; information, (310) 322-3842.

GARDENA

Gardena YMCA--Summer Day Camp for children kindergarten through sixth grade, July 1 to Aug. 20, $85 per week for members, $95 for non-members; counselor training program for high school students entering sophomore through senior years, July 1 to Aug.19, $50 for members, $65 for non-members; separate one-week camp for students in grades three through five and grades six through nine July 17-24 at Camp Whittle in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear Lake, $185 for members, $195 for non-members; junior counseling program for students in grades 10-12 at Camp Whittle, $110 for members, $120 for non-members; Family Camp at Lake Sequoia, Sept. 4-7, $50 for adults, $30 for children under 16; (310) 327-0750.

Independence Day Celebration, Rowley Memorial Park, 13200 South Van Ness Ave.; day-long program including exhibition softball game, food and game booths, field day races, kiddie rides and fireworks display after dark. 30th Annual Baby Show, Nakaoka Memorial Community Center, 12 to 5 p.m.; contestants up to 24 months with competition in four age brackets; special awards for decorated strollers; for more information about these and other city events call (310) 217-9537.

HARBOR AREA

Los Angeles Harbor College--Instruction in academic, problem- solving, creative and recreational skills, for ages 3-16; classes generally meet Monday through Thursday in two three-week sessions, July 6-22 and July 26-Aug.12; most classes, which include dance, reading and math, computer use, writing, dancing, tennis and robotics cost between $45 and $75; college address is 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, (310) 518-3510.

Marine Classes--Los Angeles Maritime Museum and Cabrillo Marine Museum will offer a variety of classes and workshops. Time and prices of events vary according to the length and nature of the program; Cabrillo Museum offers workshops on endangered species, recycling and other environmental issues; Maritime Museum, (310) 548-7618, is at Berth 84, at the foot of 6th Street; Cabrillo Museum, (310) 548-7562, is at Cabrillo Beach.

HAWTHORNE

City parks will offer a variety of sporting events, dance classes and other recreational programs, including amateur radio, ice skating, table tennis and tennis. Information, (310) 970-7230.

Swimming lessons--Starting June 21, Hawthorne Municipal Pool will offer four, two-week sessions; classes meet Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; fees for children 6 months through 6 years is $15 per session; $20 for children ages 7 and older; register at the pool, 12501 Inglewood Ave.; (310) 970-7228.

HERMOSA BEACH

Day Camp--Beach Summer Blast offers a six-week day camp for youngsters ages 6 to 12, sponsored by the Hermosa Beach Department of Community Services; Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June 28-Aug. 6; games, sports, crafts, special events and day trips to Monsoon Lagoon Water Park and Ice Capades Chalet in Palos Verdes; $30 per week or $120 for six weeks for residents, $35 per week or $140 for six weeks for non-residents; (310) 318-0280.

Overnight Camp--Camp Hawthorne, a resident camp for youngsters ages 7-12 in six, one-week sessions July 5 to Aug. 13; activities include swimming, boating, nature hikes, arts and crafts and overnighters under the stars; $80 per child per week for Hermosa residents, $115 per child for non-residents; 318-0280.

Specialized Camps--Five specialized mini-camps in drama, volleyball, basketball, bodyboarding and tennis running one week, June 28-Aug.6; camps meet Monday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; session costs $35 for residents, and $40 for non-residents; 318-0280.

Summer Programs--Hermosa Beach is sponsoring a number of eight-week classes for children ranging from age 6 to 18, in drama, cartooning, pre-ballet, tap, tumbling, roller hockey, tennis and beach volleyball; fees range from $16 to $40 per session; information, (310) 318-0280.

INGLEWOOD

City Day Camps--Centinela, Queen Street, Darby and Rogers parks have day camps; swimming, music, field trips and arts and crafts for ages 3 to 12; camps run for five weeks at Centinela and Queen Street and four weeks at Darby and Rogers; camps begin June 24 or June 28; hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; child care available 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.; five-week sessions including field trips to such attractions as Santa Fe Dam, Heritage Park, Knott’s Berry Farm, Wild Rivers and Universal Studios cost $143 for residents, $159 for non-residents; four-week sessions also including field trips cost $120 for residents, $138 for non-residents; (310) 412-5508 for sessions at Centinela and Queen Street parks; (310) 412-5391 for Darby Park; (310) 412-5504 for Rogers Park.

YMCA Sports--Swimming instruction, tennis, volleyball, basketball and T-ball leagues for ages 5-18; most begin June 19; cost per swimming session is $20 for residents, $30 for non- residents; for all other league sports $32 for members, $48 for non-members; Inglewood YMCA, 319 E. Kelso; (310) 671-7615.

YMCA Day Camps--Field trips, sports, swimming and movies for ages 5 and up; in one- or two-week sessions from June 21 to Sept. 3; $75 per week for members; Inglewood YMCA, 319 E. Kelso; (310) 671-7615.

LAWNDALE

Peanut T-Ball--For boys and girls ages 4-7; meets Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for six weeks beginning June 29; $25 fee includes team outfits, a team picture and a participation award; (310) 970-2174.

Frisbee Contest--Lawndale Recreation Department will sponsor a number of Frisbee competitions including distance and accuracy; all participants will receive a free Frisbee (while supply lasts). Awards for top finishers; 3 p.m Friday, June 25; William Green Park; no fee; (310) 970-2174.

Miniature Golf Tournament--Competition in miniature golf for ages 8-14 at Castle Golf, 2410 Marine Ave.; awards to winners in two age divisions; $6 per entrant; 1 p.m. Friday, July 16; (310) 970-2174.

Summer Day Camp--Beginning June 28, the Lawndale Department of Recreation will sponsor five two-week sessions for children ages 5 to 10; activities include arts and crafts, games, movies and excursions; Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; information on costs, (310) 970-2173.

LOMITA

Bumper Bowling--Season runs June 22 through Aug. 31; sponsored by the Lomita Parks and Recreation Department; for ages 8 and under; pads are placed in bowling lane gutters to assure ball hits the pins; Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; $6 per week includes two games, shoes and ball; (310) 326-0140.

Summer Programs--Lomita Parks and Recreation Department sponsoring baseball, archery, bowling, ice skating, art, ballet, cooking and a creative memories class where students bring in family photos to create family album; for specific fees, times call (310) 326-0140.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Junior Lifeguards--Instruction in beach safety, first-aid and various water sports for children aged 9-17; those passing the five-week course intended to train future lifeguards receive a certificate of completion; classes are three hours long in both morning and afternoon sessions; June 28-July 31; fee is $160 and includes uniform of navy blue trunks/suit and a white T-shirt with program emblem; new applicants must pass a swim test; (310) 577-5712.

Kid’s Ocean Triathlon--For ages 7 to 14; 7-to 10-year-olds have a 100-yard swim, three-mile bike ride, half-mile run; 11-to 14-year-olds must complete a 200-yard swim, a six-mile bike ride and a mile run; entry fee $20 for individuals, $40 for relays; Aug. 22; Dockweiler State Beach, Playa del Rey; (310) 305-9587.

Surf Camp--Surfing instruction for ages 7-11; classes held in Marina del Rey, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach; six, one-week sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. start June 21; must pass swim test; fee $115 per week; (310) 305-9587.

Sailboarding--Instruction for ages 11-17; in Marina del Rey from noon to 4 p.m.; June 28-July 2 and July 19-23; swimming test required; $125 per five-day session; (310) 305-9587.

MANHATTAN BEACH

Teen Golf Tournament--10 a.m. July 27 at Radisson Golf Course; participants must bring own clubs; awards for top finishers; $20 fee; information, (310) 545-5621 ext. 321.

Summer Playground Program--A non-custodial program, not a day camp, for children 6 through 12; recreation leaders direct children in activities including fishing clinic, sand-castle building, cookouts, and movies, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at four locations: Live Oak Park, 1901 Valley Drive; Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd.; Marine Avenue Park, 1625 Marine Avenue; Sand Dune Park, 33rd St. and Bell Avenue; excursions to theme parks; information, (310) 545-5621, ext. 321.

Teen Center--Includes trips to theme parks, Dodger games, Medieval Times dinner, bike rides, grass volleyball, golf, tennis and ice skating; meets at Teen Center at Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd.; registration required, fees for special trips; information, (310) 545-5621, ext. 321.

REDONDO BEACH

Breakwater Day Camp--For children 6 through 12; snorkeling, fishing, crafts, games and field trips; five two-week sessions from either 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.; first session begins June 21; camp ends Aug. 27; Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way; call for fee schedule, (310) 318-0610.

Drama Camp--Children 6 through 16 learn acting, dancing, singing, puppetry and other stage skills in a seven-week session July 12 to Aug. 27; camp will culminate with a musical version of “King of Hearts”; all campers are guaranteed a role; sessions are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; at Perry Park Community Hall; sponsored by Recreation and Parks Department; $475 for Redondo Beach residents, $500 for non-residents; information, (310) 318-0610.

Camp Wilderness--sponsored by Recreation and Parks Department for children ages 6 through 12; five one-week sessions July 12 to Aug. 13; Wilderness Park, 1102 Camino Real; activities include arts and crafts, ecology, nature study, science, Indian lore, history, cooking and camping; camp hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $88 per session for residents, $98 per session for non-residents; (310) 318-0610.

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA

Peninsula-Wide Summer Program--Camping, karate, horseback riding, ballet, bicycling, sailing, tennis and computer classes; information on specific offerings: city of Rancho Palos Verdes, Recreation and Park Office, (310) 541-4566, or city of Rolling Hills Estates, Anne Giltner, recreation supervisor, (310) 377-1557.

TORRANCE

Reading Programs--Sponsored by the Torrance Public Library; open to children and young adults; June 21 to July 31; participants earn a star on the Library Walk of Fame for reading six books; free; information, (310) 618-5964.

YMCA Day Camps--Weekly theme programs for kindergarten through ninth grade; themes include: staging a comedy show; making own musical instrument; and publishing a newspaper; programs operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21 to Sept. 3; child care available from 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.; $24 for both sessions, or $12 for one; prices begin at $83 per week; Torrance-South Bay YMCA, 2900 Sepulveda Blvd., (310) 325-5885

YMCA Summer Camps--Six one-week camps in various locations, including San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake, Stanislaus River and the High Sierras; a variety of activities for grades 6 through 12; starting June 19; camps offer horseback riding, canoeing, white-water rafting, rock climbing and ocean sports; costs range from $224 per session to $374.50; Torrance-South Bay YMCA, 2900 Sepulveda Blvd.; (310) 325-5885.