CSUN Camp Draws Mix of Kids for Arts Projects and Field Trips

Although swimming in Cal State Northridge’s pool is cool and hip-hop dancing in performing arts classes is fun, 9-year-old Ashley Mindel loves going to CSUN’s Fun Under the Sun Summer Day Camp for a more important reason: the friends she makes.

“I like that we get to meet kids from all different backgrounds,” the fourth-grader said. “My best friend is a girl I met at camp, who doesn’t go to my school. We get to hang out together all summer.”

The Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School student, who has signed up for her fourth year at the camp, says she can’t wait to take a field trip to a local botanical garden, where she and her friends will gather materials for nature-themed art projects.

The camp’s arts and crafts specialist is planning a number of additional projects, including tie-dyeing and ceramics.

The eight-week program at CSUN’s Student Union costs $240 per two-week session and includes weekly field trips to such attractions as Universal City’s Wizardz Magic Show, Corbin Bowl and Imax Theater at Exposition Park. The program is also held at Pierce College in Woodland Hills and College of the Canyons in Valencia.

Ashley, who loves dancing and acting, will spend time with the camp’s performing arts and music specialists who direct the kids in skits and musical shows performed before fellow campers.

“Kids here learn about different cultures through their friendships in a very fun setting,” said camp director Jamie Yarow. “The relationships they build last a long time.”

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Wish List

Fun Under the Sun Day Camp at Cal State Northridge

(818) 753-9222

* Soccer ball: $23

* Children’s videos: $16

* Board games: $15

* Art supplies: $9 per camper

* Handball: $6

* Microwave oven: $100