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Learning Doesn’t Stop for Summer Vacation

by Neighborhood-Kids.com6/11/2008 12:48:07 PM

What are your plans for this summer? Maybe you’re hoping to take a camping trip or two. There might be a family reunion organized with all your relatives across state lines. You might even take a trip to the top destination for family vacations: Orlando, Florida. Chances are, though, even with a few special events, your kids are going to spend a lot of time doing “nothing” during their three-month break from school.

Kids deserve a break, but many summer programs are fun, as well as educational.

While kids definitely deserve a break—the chance to sleep in, maybe some extra TV time at night—there are a lot of great day camps and classes going on around town that can help keep your kids focused on learning, at least for a few days out of the summer. Take a look at some of the unique opportunities in Bellingham for your kids this summer.

Roeder Home Cooking Classes
It’s the day that every parent longs for: when kids are able to start cooking for themselves. The Roeder Home is offering several opportunities throughout the summer to help kids learn a variety of cooking techniques. Each class (separate classes for kids ages 4-7 and 8-13) includes two sessions and the menu items change, so they can learn to make plenty of tasty treats if you enroll in several classes. For more information, contact Whatcom County Parks at Recreation at (360) 733-2900.

Upfront Improv Classes
One of the great opportunities for summer learning in the performing arts is available at The Upfront Theatre. They are holding two Improv Camps this summer, one for middle school students and one for high school students. Kids can spend five days participating in improv games and exercises while learning useful skills for stage and life. Friday’s session ends with a Performance Showcase for friends and family. For more information, call Kimberly at (360)733-8855.

Grandparents and kids learn together at WWU.
Photo courtesy WWU Youth Programs

WWU Youth Programs
Among the diverse academic and athletic camps available at Western Washington University for kids this summer, a new program called Grandparents U has been added to their roster. A grandparent and grandchild (ages 7-14) can choose one of nine classes to take, taught by WWU faculty. Topics cover everything from earth science to creative writing. This program is intended to foster intergenerational bonding, as well as lifelong learning. For more information about this and other WWU Youth Programs, call (360) 650-3308.

Center for Expressive Arts & Experiential Education
These day camps incorporate just about every subject into their weekly summer programs. For example, one week spent learning about music will involve physical construction of instruments, writing creative lyrics and music, and learning how to work with others when collaborating in a band. The Center for Expressive Arts & Experiential Education focuses on using play experiences to help students express themselves in socially responsible ways that will also help them build confidence. To find out more about this program for kids ages 6-10, view the CEAEE Summer Brochure and call (360) 671-5355.

Whatcom Community Education
Along with many great extended learning classes for adults, the Whatcom Community College Community Education program has great summer learning camps for kids. If your child has an interest in film and video, they might like to come to Video Editing Camp, where they can learn some basic editing skills and how to add special effects to their own music video. Most Kids’ College programs are still open for enrollment, as of this writing, but register soon to save your child’s spot! Call (360) 647-3277 to get more details.

Kids can learn about farming at this day camp on Lummi Island.
Photo courtesy Common Threads Farm

Common Threads Farm
This Lummi Island farm offers educational programs for all ages, and they have some great opportunities for kids this summer. Kids can spend lots of time outside at their Farm Day Camp, offered in July (for ages 4-7) and August (ages 8-12), as they learn about planting vegetables and caring for animals, and how to prepare meals straight from the garden. Common Threads Farm programs help children learn real-world skills and responsibilities in an environment that embraces spontaneous learning opportunities. Call (360) 927-1590 to find out about registering for their great programs.

Fairhaven Girls School
Along with a summer school “Bridge Program” for girls entering middle school, Fairhaven Girls School also offers a five-day entrepreneurial program called PetalPoint Camp. Open to girls ages 12 to 14, this program helps girls learn what it takes to design a small business. Using their creative and scholastic strengths, this real-world scenario emphasizes skills in math, organization, and financial literacy. Call (360) 572-3695 to find out more about this and other Fairhaven Girls School summer programs.

Don’t forget to visit Neighborhood-Kids.com Activities to find out about all the great day, academic, and sport camps available for your kids in Bellingham and Whatcom County this summer.