Hey Kids, Let's Go to Summer Camp!

I can feel it in the air. Spring has finally arrived and summer will be here before we know it. That means in about seven weeks the kiddoes will be looking at you, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, wondering what the plan is. Do you have your summer camp’s figured out?

Sonoma is extremely lucky to have a wealth of opportunities waiting for our kids, from gourmet cooking classes to yoga camp to clay class. So I encourage you to sit down this week, pull out your calendar and pick a few. You and your kids will be thanking you seven weeks from now!

Pets Lifeline- Kids ages 7 to 11 years old can learn to care for dogs, cats and a few animals in between. Camps are mornings 9-12 and are offered weekly from June 11th to August 17th. Fees are $110 per child/per week. I know that my twins that just turned 7 are excited to finally attend this one. Classes fill up very quickly for this popular camp.

Sonoma Academy of Dance-In a new location this year, at Trinity Episcopal Church at 275 East Spain Street, SADA will be offering 11 camps for the summer. And at a lower cost of only $250 per week (plus if you book this weekend, April 19-22, during their Broadway Bound Kids production, "Once On This Island," you will receive another $50 off). Classes being offered this year include Film Camp, Dance Camp and the ever popular Princess Camp. Camps start June 18th and run through the entire summer until August 10th. For camp information, check their website at www.sonomasummercamps.com or call 707-933-9933.

Sonoma Girl Scout Day Camp- The Girl Scouts will be hosting a one week camp from June 18-22 in Glen Ellen. This year’s theme will be “Blast from the Past” and will start in the year 1912 and move through the decades each day. The camp will hosted by the Girl Scouts of Northern California and will be from 9:00-4:00 each day. If you are not a Girl Scout, but would still like to attend camp, you may pay $12 for the summer fee, in addition to the regular camp fee of $220. Financial assistance is also available. They are also in need of several more parent volunteers if you are able to help.

Broadway Quilts Kids Sewing Camp- If your child is interested in learning to sew or already knows how and is ready to learn how to make a pattern, Broadway Quilts will be hosting two summer camps this summer-June 18-20 or July 16-18. Each class is $100 and will be from 10:00-1:00 pm. For ages 8 and up.

St. Andrew’s Vacation Bible Camp is a very popular Sonoma Valley Camp with over 100 children attending last yaer. Camp will be held this year from June 25-29 from 9-12 in the morning.They will also be hosting a second camp from July 9-13, Worship Arts Camp, ending with a musical production which will be held on Sunday, July 15, during normal church services. Check the website for registration information next month.

British Soccer Camp-Sonoma Field of Dreams- Two weeks are available this year: July 9 - 13, and July 30 - August 3 for ages 6-14. Price is $131 and the morning camp runs from 9 to noon. British Soccer Camps provide players of all ages and abilities with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts. Each day includes foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages and a daily tournament. Camp programs include a free ball and shirt, plus a free British Soccer jersey for on-line registrations 45 days prior to camp.

Sonoma Community Center will host six summer camps this year running for a week at a time, starting June 11 and running through July from 9 to noon. This year award-winning artists will be hosting Puppetry Camp, Cartooning Camp and Camp Millionaire, a financial camp for teens. Camps are $175 with a discount for Community Center Members of $18 for each camp (make sense to become a member if you are going to several camps!).

Yoga Community- Camp for two weeks this summer at Yoga Camp! June 4-8 is for ages 3-6 and June 18-22 is for ages 7-12. All camps are Monday-Friday afternoons from 1:30-4:30 and are $170 per student. They will learn tools for calming the mind as well as creative dance movement. (I know a little yogini in my house that would love this camp.)

Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma will once again be offering their highly rated camps all summer at only $60 per week. Camp runs from Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and are for kids in grades 1-5. They have weekly themes and field trips. Once again they will also be hosting specialty camps including Soccer Camp, Rock Climbing and Science Camp for $100 each week.

Sonoma Ballet Summer Dance Workshop will once again be available for all budding dancers, experienced or not. The summer program runs for five weeks starting on July 2nd and ending with a performance at the Sebastiani Theatre on August 4th. Tuition varies on amount of hours each week starting at $45 per month. Check website for all the details.

Lastly, if you can drive your child to camp and are willing to leave Sonoma, the Sonoma State Excel for Youth summer program is highly recommended. Sonoma State offers classes for kids in grades 4-9 with topics ranging from chess to pre-med. They are in their 30th year offering this program. One week sessions will be starting June 25th and running through late July. Fees are $150 per week and are offered either in the morning or afternoon.

I hope you have found a few camps that work for you and your kids this year. If we didn’t mention a camp you will be attending, please let us know in the comments. Happy camping!