Families Frolic in the Snow at Summer Camp

Snow made a welcome appearance Friday at Temple Aliyah as children and their parents frolicked in the cold, icy stuff during an annual summer camp event.

“How unusual to see snow in July, and snow in the Valley--what a treat,” said parent Sherri Holzer, 32, of West Hills.

This was the first time her 3-year-old son, Brandon, had played in the snow, she said.

Because he was apprehensive at first, she had to walk him to the ice.

“He’s a shy guy,” Holzer said. “He doesn’t know what to make of the whole thing. But now he’s got a snowball in his hand and he’s getting ready to hit someone.”

About 130 preschoolers attending the temple’s Camp Yofi took turns playing in the six tons of snow delivered to the parking lot by the North Hollywood Ice Co.

“Many of our children have never had experience with snow before,” said Marlene Edenzon, director of early childhood education. “It’s an opportunity for them to get to touch and feel it.”

Despite the summer weather, children donned winter gear--ear muffs, hats, rubber boots and gloves--and threw snowballs at each other.

“It’s fun,” said volunteer Lauren Sciurba, 12, pointing to Edenzon’s son, Kyle. “I put it down his shirt.”

“It’s pretty cold,” said 12-year-old Kyle.

Grown-ups chased each other with buckets full of snow.

“What a great way to cool off from this crazy heat wave we’ve been having,” Holzer said.