Youngsters Enjoy Carefree Day in the Park and Day-Care Fun

For many 8-year-olds, the world’s harsh realities have yet to jade their youthful sensibilities.

Cameron McGee is no different.

When he visits the city-run child-care program at Hubert Humphrey Park in Pacoima, his main concern is having fun.

“I love to play outside,” Cameron said. “I like to play on the swings, play hide-and-go-seek and freeze tag.”

Playing in the sandbox is also one of his favorite pastimes.

Cameron is one of 50 children who attend one of 47 San Fernando Valley summer park programs operated by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

Virginia Moody, who coordinates the child-care component, said the young people between 5 and 13 who come to the center participate in a variety of activities, including bowling and roller-skating. There are also field trips to Knott’s Berry Farm, Catalina Island, Venice Beach and Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro to pier fish.

“We provide child care for working parents looking for a safe and fun place [for their kids] to be,” said Moody, who has worked at the park for 20 years.

With the assistance of two other full-time and five part-time employees, Moody said she tries to maintain a comfortable, warm environment.

“I like to work and help others,” she said. “I like to see the smiles on their faces when we go to a place they have never been before.”

And Cameron can’t wait for the summer.

“I want to go to Universal Studios,” he said. “I’ve never been there.”

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WISH LIST

L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks

Hubert Humphrey Park

(818) 899-3445

* Horseback riding: $15 per child

* Play tickets to “Little Shop of Horrors”: $5 per child

* Junior golf set and bag: $129.95

* Circular pingpong table: $285

* Camp T-shirts: $5 each

Summer for Kids is a 20-part series focusing on programs serving children in the Valley. To make a donation to one or the featured groups, see B3.