CAMPS

By Casey Russell

When people think of working out, the first thing that tends to come to mind is a traditional gym. But, not far from Larchmont Boulveard, there’s an alternative to the norm. Hollywood Boulders (1107 N. Bronson Ave.) has been offering a different fitness experience to people in our area since 2016.

Essentially, bouldering is rock climbing without ropes or harnesses. With just special shoes and safety mats, climbers are challenged to scale short routes, figuring out a “problem” (as the sequence of moves used to complete a climb is called). Climbers move vertically to get to the top of a less-than20-foot wall or horizontally from one end of a “problem” to another. The sport takes balance, strength and mental fortitude.

Having started out as a training method for mountain climbers, bouldering morphed into a sport of its own, and it’s grown in popularity. Now there are artificial walls and boulders in climbing gyms all over the world, and Hollywood Boulders is proud to be one of them.

Mario Guillen, manager at the climbing gym, said, “Climbing is a great way to work out, meet people and become part of a community. I haven’t met another group of people that is so encouraging and inspiring.” What sets climbing apart from other sports, in his mind, is the fact that there is no competitiveness — except with yourself. “It’s just you and the wall,” he said. Though Hollywood Boulders is primarily a bouldering gym, it does offer cardio, free weights, yoga and fitness classes. It also has monthly group meetings such as She-rocks (a women’s meet-up), Queer

Crush (a night for the LGBTQ crowd to come together) and Largartijas Climbing Cru’ (a meetup for people of color). The gym is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome for a $30-$35 daily guest fee. Memberships are available at a rate of $95 per month (plus a one-time $100 initiation fee) and give members access to all of the Touchstone (Boulder’s umbrella company) locations across CLIMBERS find a different experience at Hollywood Boulders. California. Kids under 13 are free to climb with a member parent. For more information, visit touchstoneclimbing.com.

Kids can explore new interests at nearby winter camps

By Nona Sue Friedman

There is plenty of fun to be had for vacationing kids the first week of January. Following is a selection of camp options for your school-aged child. Spaces fill up quickly; don’t delay in registering. Science

Learn about and celebrate the miraculous ocean at Heal the Bay’s winter camp. This organization has been an advocate for the Santa Monica Bay for 30 years. It has lots to teach and share with the next generation at its winter camp.

At the program, campers will learn where whales go in the winter and why tide pools are important. They will perform science experiments, play games, do crafts and, of course, go to the beach.

Kids in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade can participate Mon., Jan. 2 to Fri., Jan. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Daily cost is $80; weekly cost is $400. Register at healthebay.org. Rock Band

Does your child want that air guitar imitation to come to life? At School of Rock winter camp, that can become his or her reality for a week — no experience necessary.

Campers will explore different instruments through games, activities and lessons. They will work on multiple songs with their bandmates throughout the week. The session culminates with a live show at a venue in the neighborhood.

The camp accommodates 7- to 10-year-olds, Mon., Jan. 2 to Fri., Jan. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 7801 Beverly Blvd. The camp costs $525. Register at schoolofrock.com. Sports Pan Pacific Park Recreation Center hosts “The best camp!” according to Floyd Thweatt, program coordinator. With more than 100 games in its arsenal, there’s never a dull moment. Days are filled from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with games, arts and crafts, food projects and sports. This winter camp includes a field trip.

Pan Pacific has been rebuilding its community since the summer, and lots of kids from the neighborhood participate in its programs. Don’t be surprised seeing some forgotten but familiar faces.

Kids five to 13 will have a blast here from Tues., Jan. 3 through Fri., Jan. 6. The cost is $135 for the week. Register online at laparks.org or stop by in person at 7600 Beverly Blvd.

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