SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Following are some of the many camps and activities for kids and teens this summer in Laguna Beach.

PINNIPED PARADISE

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s Camp Pinniped is a hands-on weeklong educational experience for kids ages 8-12.

At the working hospital on Laguna Canyon Road, “junior volunteers” will learn about the rehabilitation process, including rescue procedures and feeding techniques, while helping with chores and other activities.

They will learn about marine biology, create ocean art and even make “fish smoothies” for their charges.

Each session is limited to 18 students, and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Remaining sessions are July 9 to 13, July 16 to 20, Aug. 6 to 10, Aug. 13 to 17 and Aug. 20 to 24.

The cost is $250 per camper, or $225 for mammal center members.

For more information, call (949) 494-3050.

KEEPERS OF THE EARTH

A Native American Summer Camp will be held from July 9 to 13 at Crystal Cove State Park, where kids aged 5 to 11 will learn about the area’s Native American roots. Kids will weave baskets, carve soapstone and arrowheads, make shell necklaces and more.

For more information, call (949) 248-2558 or visit www.journeystothepast.com.

ADVENTURES IN FAITH

St. Mary’s Church will hold its Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to noon July 9 to 13. For more information, e-mail torduna@stmaryslaguna beach.org.

BUSY BODIES

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach offer activities all summer, with more than 30 programs for kids and teens aged 6 to 18, including academics, art, athletics, dance, music, recreation and technology. There are also programs available for 5-year-olds.

The majority of the programs are available with the $140 annual membership, but a summer day-use fee is $15.

For more information, call (949) 494-2535, ext. 105.

SWIM AND A MOVIE

The community pool on Park Ave. will host Friday night swim and aquatic-themed movie sessions for families.

The pool will open at 6 p.m., and movies start at sundown — approximately 8 p.m. The fee is $10 for a family of four, with additional members at $2. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

July 13 will feature “Free Willy;” “The Little Mermaid” will be shown on July 27; “Atlantis” will be played on Aug. 10; and “Finding Nemo” will be on Aug. 24.

For more information, call (949) 497-0716, ext. 6.

SUMMER BOOK WORMS

The Laguna Beach Library has planned several events for its summer reading program for children ages 3 to 13.

“Top Secret” Tuesdays will include Pacific Animals on July 10; Magic Night on July 17; Family Karaoke on July 24; Radical Science on July 31; and Daughter of Liberty on Aug. 7.

“Fantastic Fridays” include a Mystery Party on July 13 and a “43 Days Left of Summer” Party on Aug. 10. Both are for kids ages 6 to 12.

Summer book groups meet on Thursdays. Students ages 8 to 10 will discuss “Crossing Bok Chito” on July 12; 6- to 8-year-olds will cover “Man Who Crossed Between Towers” on July 19; “Dark Thirty” will be discussed by 11- to 13-year-olds on July 26; kids ages 8 to 10 will discuss “Bull Run” on Aug. 9; and “Dragons of Blueland” will be covered by kids ages 6 to 8.

The Sunshine Readers read to children on Wednesdays at 11 a.m., beginning June 27.

For more information, call (949) 497-1733.

PLAYING AROUND

The city holds a free supervised (not childcare) playground program from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alta Laguna Park through Aug. 31. Craft sessions will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22.

For more information, call (949) 497-0716, ext. 6.

SEA LIFE 101

The city’s Community Services department will offer several programs for children and teens to learn more about the marine environment.

Each program cost is $180; additional siblings are $150.

Little Mermaids & Sea Cubs is geared toward children ages 5 to 8. They will learn about beach and ocean safety, explore tide pools and play games. Day camps run from 9:15-11:45 a.m. or 1:15-3:45 p.m.

Each three-week session takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays. Upcoming sessions include July 16 to Aug. 1 or Aug. 6 to 22.

Little Guards is an ocean safety program for ages 7 to 9 that is a less strenuous version of the city’s junior lifeguard program.

Activities will include short swims past the ocean breakers, running and lifeguard games, in addition to tide pool exploration.

Each three-week session takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Upcoming sessions include July 17 to Aug. 2 or Aug. 7 to 23.

The city’s popular Junior Guard program requires a swim test before registration, and is open to kids ages 8 to 15.

The program teaches ocean safety, injury prevention and emergency response. It includes optional field trips and competitions.

This summer’s remaining session is from July 23 to Aug. 17, with morning and afternoon options; the two sessions are combined on Fridays. The session is $200 for Laguna Beach residents and $225 for non-residents.

For more information, call (949) 497-0716, ext. 6.

BOARDING SCHOOL

Soul Adventure Club holds weekly sessions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 31. Each week of activities includes surfing, skimboarding, body boarding, skateboarding, visits to local surf shops and board makers, and wilderness hikes.

The sessions are open to kids ages 6 to 14, and are $325 per child. All-girl weeks will be from July 16 to 20 and Aug. 20 to 24.

For more information, call (949) 497-5918 or visit www.soulsurfingschool.com.

TOTALLY TUBULAR

Laguna Beach Surf School will offer weekly basic through advanced surf instruction to kids ages 8 and up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thalia Street Beach beginning July 9.

Topics include safety, surfing etiquette and ocean awareness, and body surfing and skimboarding will also be covered.

The classes are $485 per person and $385 for additional family members; those who enroll in multiple sessions get 10% off registration fees.

For more information, call (949) 497-0716, ext. 6.

CASTLE CAPERS

Miss Linda’s Castle and New York Castle bring ballet, jazz, puppetry and musical theatre to kids from 18 months and older.

Tiny Tiaras (ages 18 months to 3 years) will begin their class sessions on the morning of July 10, 11 or 12; $91 for 8 classes.

Little Gems, for ages 3 and 4, begin their sessions tomorrow, July 10, 11 and 12. The fee is $107 for 8 classes.

Hula for Kids will be offered beginning tomorrow or July 10 for 8 classes; the fee is $107, and the class is geared to kids ages 4 to 6.

Mermaids meet Mulan and Jasmine meets Mary Poppins at two musical storytelling classes for kids ages 4 to 7, which begin July 10 and Aug. 7; $55 for 4 classes.

Broadway Kids for ages 5 to 8 will learn and perform “Cats” from July 10 to 31 and “Peter Pan” from Aug. 7 to 28. It’s $55 for 4 classes.

“Pirates! The Musical,” also for kids ages 5 to 8, will run from July 12 to August 30. The course is $107 for 8 classes.

New York Castle will hold a “generations” course where kids ages 4 to 8 join with any family member for a special program beginning July 7 or Aug. 4. The $67 fee includes a video diary.

Karaoke Idol begins July 7 or Aug. 4, and is for 5- to 8-year olds; $55 for four classes.

Older kids ages 6 to 11 will create their own ancient civilizations in “Night at the Museum,” from July 10 to Aug. 14; $81 for 6 classes.

For more information, call (949) 497-0716, ext. 6.

- Compiled by Candice Baker