Water Fights, Games Are Camp Highlight at West Valley Club

Hot weather’s on the way and Bidoui Minaise is saving balloons.

It’s a good thing, because summer camp at the West Valley Boys & Girls Club means water games, and nothing is more fun for Bidoui than blasting his buddies with water torpedoes.

“I love all the programs at the Boys & Girls Club,” the Calvert Street Elementary School fifth-grader said. “Especially football and basketball. In the summer, I love water fights. I can’t wait.”

Bidoui won’t have to wait much longer. The Woodland Hills club is already gearing up for its summer program, which will feature enough sports to keep even the most ardent athletes satisfied. Bidoui, 10, looks forward to shooting hoops.

The game room will be busy with tournaments in pool and table tennis, and cooking club participants will try out some new recipes. There’s a special track and field program for girls, who will get the chance to chase new records.

The West Valley summer program, which costs $240 per five-week session, offers daily movies and special events, including spirit day, game-show week and drama club activities. Bidoui says he plans to hang out in the arts and crafts room between sports events.

“We offer a variety of things to do,” said program director Kelsy Maruyama. “The kids feel a sense of freedom because they get to choose what they want to do.”

Bidoui’s parents say the club philosophy fosters independence and provides a safe environment where their son can enjoy his favorite activities.

Bidoui, who says he’ll take advantage of the weekly swimming excursions to a local recreation center, likes going to the club for the simplest of reasons.

“I like the nice people here and I like to play with them. I love the whole program.”

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Wish List

West Valley Boys & Girls Club, Calvert Unit

(818) 340-0312

* Children’s videos: $15 each

* Board games: $15 each

* Sturdy chairs: $25 each

* Arts and crafts supplies: $50

* Sports equipment (footballs, Hula-Hoops, jump ropes): $100

* Camperships: $200 to $400