Children’s Spirits Soar at Kite Event

With his light blue shirt and shorts matching his blue hair, Shane Raiford,) 9, smiled as his makeshift kite flew above the others.

Olivia Jamgotchian, 11, ran across the open field with her purple and orange kite, careful not to run into her friends, while second-grader Omead Lajevardi carefully held his white plastic kite. It was hang time Friday at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Recreation Center as about 100 children took part in the 10th annual kite-flying event.

The park, which offers three camps according to age group, provided the children with kite-building projects and decorating materials earlier in the week.

“Arts and crafts is one of their favorite activities,” park recreation coordinator Jason Shepherd said.

Most of the children, as well as camp counselors, have been involved with the camp since their early years, which contributes to its family atmosphere, Shepherd said. “I’ve seen a lot of kids grow up here. But [the park] is not just for the kids, but for the community.”

The young campers were proud of their airborne achievements Friday as another sunny day at the park began to wind down.

“They come out with big smiles on their faces,” camp director Arman Shaverdian said. “It’s their accomplishment for sticking to a goal and making it all the way. They love it.”