Campguide

Kids at

Camp SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 • A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE GA-

VillaSport

Athletic Club and Spa

2016 Mischievous Me! Summer Camp

• Snub summertime boredom • Go West Camps: Foster 21st century learning

PLUS:

2016 Summer Camp Directory

Join the fun!

S I G N U P T O D AY !

Sold out in 2014 and 2015

2016

V I L L A S P O R T C A M P S | E X P L O R E • L E A R N • P L AY

SUMMER CAMP 2016 Summer Camps Mischievous Me! Camp • Equestrian Camp Performance Swim Camp • Junior Lifeguard Camp Each week will be full of fun, exploration, and mischief. Get ready for all the adventures and missions that will take you and your fellow campers across different lands and even into space! Your antics will include field trips, crazy crafts, wacky sports and games, and splashing away in VillaSport’s amazing pools. Get ready for an action-packed summer!

Enroll today at www.villasport.com/cs/camp

5904 Prairie Schooner Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80923 • 719-522-1221 PA 2 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016

VillaKids Mischievous Me! Summer Camp

Exploration, mischief, and fun

By Leslie Massey • leslie.massey@gazette.com

2016 Mischievous Me! Summer Camp All-Access Pass offers considerable savings and flexibility

www.villasport.com/cs/camp

An energizing summer of adventure and tomfoolery is set for VillaKids 2016 Mischievous Me! Summer Camp. Jampacked with innovation, exploration and discovery, as well as mischief, kids will adore each quest and parents will feel good about the fun, safe setting with qualified and certified staff members.

“Mischief is a great way to channel kids’ energy and creativity into meaningful experiences,” said Chris Smith, Camp Director with VillaKids.

Thanks to the 12,000 square foot club within VillaSport Athletic Club, VillaKids includes five separate areas for exercise, art, soccer, basketball, computer classes, dance, parties and more.

“It’s really both our facility and staff

that sets us apart,” said Smith. “We have such a compassionate staff and they all focus on giving kids the best experience possible.”

The VillaKids staff is passionate about providing exhilarating and unique experiences where campers have the opportunity to learn, take on new challenges and encounter more possibilities. “We want to give them the best day of their life, every day,” said Smith.

The 2016 Michievous Me! Summer Camp inspires kids to explore different lands and even space! Mischief-making adventures include field trips, crafts, sports and games, along with plenty of time to romp around in one of VillaSport’s spectacular pools.

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THE ACADEMY OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE

SUMMER CAMPS Ages 44-18 Ages – 19

Various Camps through June & July

TICKETS

Four Days Four Sports

April 21 - 23 Tickets available online

For more information, call 719.282.9101 or visit our website at www.ACTcolorado.net SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I PA 3 16ACT154_3-5x4-5_ColorAd.indd 2

2/2/16 5:11 PM

VillaKids Mischievous Me! Summer Camp

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

The largest aquatics center in Colorado Springs, VillaSport provides more than 360,000 gallons of water.

Nine different bodies of water include three indoor pools, two outdoor pools

and four whirlpools, one of which is an indoor/outdoor whirlpool. There is space for laps, family swim, waterslides and lessons.

The indoor splash park, VillaSplash,

KIDS FOR CITY KIDS DAY CAMP Choose horse, pygmy goatgoat or llama for a week.

You can Choose your yourown owndairy dairygoat, goat,miniature miniature horse, pygmy or Llama for a week.

You name your your animal, learn learn what what to feed, vet care, show your animal and and can name animal, to basic feed, basic vet how care,tohow to show your animal demonstrate demonstrate to to your yourparents parentsatatthe theend endofofthe theweek weekwhat whatyou youhave havelearned. learned.This Thisisisaafun fun hands hands on on camp, camp,with with an anexperience experienceyou youcan’t can’tfind findanywhere anywhereelse! else!

Ages Cost:$95 $95per persession. session Ages9yrs.

9 yrs&&up. up. Cost $195 $195per per session sessionfor forall allday day camp camp

Week 9 am toto1212pm pm Week 11–- Monday, Monday, June June 13th 15thtotoFriday Friday,June June17th…

19th......9am Week 1 pm to to4 pm Week 11--Monday, Monday,June June13th 15thtotoFriday Friday,June June17th…

19th......1pm 4pm Week … 9 am toto1212pm pm Week 22–- Monday, Monday, June June 20th 22ndtotoFriday Friday,June June24th 26th.....9am Week 22–- Monday, June 20th … 1 pm toto44pm pm 22ndtotoFriday Friday,June June24th 26th.....1pm Prairie SpringsFarm Farm7445 7445 Templeton Rd.,Rd., Colorado Springs Prairie Springs TempletonGap Gap Colorado Springs

For more info andregistration registration form form go For more info and goto: to:www.kidsforcitykids.com www.kidsforcitykids.com PA 4 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016

has a zero-entry pool, gigantic water play structure with dump buckets, small waterslides and water jets. Two fantastic waterslides at the end of the pool are ready for year-round fun.

“One of my favorite things about our camp is the community aspect it gives the kids,” said Smith. “Kids of all ages from different schools come together and make new friends and build new relationships.”

On top of that, amazing field trips get better every year.

This summer campers will be making stops at captivating venues like The Summit, the Space Foundation and Discovery Center, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the Olympic Training Center, The Air Force Academy, Sky Zone, and Cave of the Winds — just to name a few of the many excursions campers can get excited about.

Each week campers will report to headquarters and prepare for escapades and missions that will create an action-packed and enlightening summer of shenanigans.

The 2016 Mischievous Me! All-Access Pass allows campers to indulge in the entire 12-week camp at a considerable savings. Plus, the All-Access Pass gives families the flexibility to choose any or all weeks of camp.

Camp counselors and staff are well trained and attentive with lots of interaction on hand. Sometimes kids are grouped by age, while other times

younger kids have a chance to learn from the older kids.

In addition to the Mischievous Me! Summer Camp, VillaKids offers a wide array of camp selections throughout the summer, including Equestrian Camp.

Campers saddle up and spend their days at the ranch riding and learning new skills like grooming and saddling a horse. Riding arenas are located inside and outside, along with numerous stables and shaded picnic areas.

Campers are taught by accredited, safety-trained instructors.

Swim Camp is geared to boost the performance of swimmers with conditioning, technical improvements, and mental discipline. Experienced instructors help focus on four strokes and on the last day concentrate on flip turns and individual medley. Surface videotaping will be used for review and to help foster self-esteem, focus, and sportsmanship.

The popular VillaKids Junior Lifeguard Camp is great for young teens. Your child can enjoy a fun way to earn pre-certification towards handling themselves safely in a variety of water conditions. This is an exciting opportunity to inspire an interest in lifeguarding.

Registration gets started early and fills up quickly — it’s likely to be sold out again this year. Visit villasport.com/cs/camp and get your kids signed up soon, or call 522-1221 for more information. 

Western Spirit Committee promoting western heritage and culture

Art & Acting in the Forest

named the best “Arts Summer Camp” by The Gazette in 2015

Summer DAy CAmpS At LA Foret Ages 6-11

Five one-week sessions June–July experience a variety of artistic styles and techniques, including painting and printmaking. explore your acting skills with theatre games, improvisation and more. See full class offerings online.

theatre Camps

NEWSWIRE

The Western Spirit Committee formed in 2009 with a mission to promote western heritage and culture in the Pikes Peak Region through an effort of collaboration and support.

The committee sponsors a calendar of western heritage events, an art silhouette contest and a coloring contest.

The calendar covers events such as the Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and Parade, El Paso County Fair and multiple events at ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Centers.

The goal of the art silhouette and coloring contests is to involve our youth in embracing the western heritage of the Colorado Springs area in a creative way.

This year local high schools will receive a 6-foot plywood silhouette depicting a cowboy with his horse and be challenged to design it by answering the question “what does Western

Heritage, in the front range area, mean to me?” The silhouettes will be judged in May and then be displayed at Colorado Springs area locations.

Criteria for the judging are based on expression of western heritage, imagination and creativity, quality of workmanship and craftsmanship and use of mixed media.

Schools participating are Air Academy, Colorado Springs Conservatory, Fountain-Fort Carson, Griffith Centers for Children, Harrison, James Irwin, Lewis-Palmer High School, Miami-Yoder and St Mary’s.

The coloring contest is open to all children ages 11 and under.

Sponsors include Chick-fil-A, Home Depot (Monument), RapidX Engineering and the Western Spirit Committee.

Go online at gazette.com/parents for the Western Spirit Coloring Contest form to download the rules, entry form and print the page to color and submit for the contest. 

youth repertory enSembLe

Ages 14–18 | June 27-July 31 (Auditions April 3)

emerging ArtiStS Ages 9–13 | June 6-17

buDDing theSpiAnS Ages 5–8 | June 20-24

innovative and comprehensive professional theatre training programs offered by our award-winning theatre instructors with emphasis in musical theatre, Shakespeare, design, acting, choreography, play analysis, stage combat and more.

csfineartscenter.org | 719.634.5581

Supported by El Pomar Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, Deluxe Corporation Foundation, Mabel Horrigan Foundation, Moniker Foundation

SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I PA 5

Is it too early to start planning for summer?

By Leslie Massey • leslie.massey@gazette.com

After a noteworthy number of snow days this winter, many families have been spending time figuring out how to chase away cabin fever and endure the remainder of frosty days until spring and summer graciously reappear.

It’s easy to start thinking ahead to swimming pools and days lounging in the sun. That’s why it’s the perfect time to put your daydreams to use and begin planning for your kid’s summer vacations.

Recreational programs, summer camps, and sports camps can help parents bridge the gap between the end of the school year and the unwelcome day when classes start again. Placing

kids in summer programs turns out to be trickier each year as options seem to fill up sooner and sooner each summer.

Vetting the various programs and camps available in advance of summer will help ensure the right camp for your child. The handful of tips below can help moms and dads be effective in giving their kids a fun and rewarding summer, while feeling confident in the opportunies they’ll encounter.

they are attracted to as well as what everyone is comfortable with.

DAY CAMP OR SLEEPAWAY?

EXPLORE OPTIONS

Before anything else, parents and kids need to decide if they’re looking for a sleepaway camp or day camps, depending on what camp experience

There are more varieties and ranges of camp offerings than ever before.

Some camps may be faith-based, while others might focus on sports, or maybe one particular sport. Creative kids may be interested in a band camp or art camp, and there are plenty of generalinterest camps too, offering a diverse mixture of interests without focusing on anything specific.

t u O t Ge

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UMM THIS S

EAGLELAKECAMPS.COM/CAMPGUIDE PA 6 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016

RECOMMENDATIONS Talking with other parents and trusted friends about programs and camps their children have attended offers great insight not mentioned in the camp brochure. Then, schedule a visit to the camps that make your short list for even greater evaluation.

SCHEDULES Lots of today’s camps are flexible, but not all offer the level of accommodation your family is looking for. Make sure you’re familiar with the operating schedules and be sure it will fit your needs.

BUDGET Just like the wide variety of camp

options, the cost of different camps fluctuates a great deal as well.

Some government-run camps are less expensive than those offered by private companies. Typically day camps are less expensive than those that come with room and board.

Parents can check into camps to find out if a particular organization subsidizes a portion of camp costs.

For instance, scouting programs often have a dedicated camp and may offer affordable options for scouts. If camp seems out of reach, look into local summer recreation programs at parks or schools. Such programs may not be as extensive as those offered by camps, but they can still alleviate boredom and keep children fulfilled over the summer.

Along with choosing the right camp, making time for free days, or family days, help kids and parents enjoy some downtime during summer break. These days help break up the monotony of routine and timelines and give kids and families a chance to relax together.

You might think summer break is still far away, but it will be here before you know it and it is never too early to start making summer plans, like finding camps and other activities for your kids. 

Go West Camps

Summer camps preparing kids for a 21st century world

By Arianne VanDerWege • Owner/Director, Go West Camps

For generations summer camp has been a cherished part of childhood.

Today many of the joys of camp are the same as they have been since the first camps began running more than a century ago. Taking a splash to cool off from the summer heat, enjoying laughs with friends and taking hikes through the woods are all led by camp counselors across the country. And, just as they have for generations, kids who go to camp gain independence, create meaningful relationships and get a chance to relax and unwind.

But camps are now harnessing the potential to do, and offer, so much more.

The American Camp Association, the professional development, education and accrediting organization for camps, has joined the Partnership for 21st Century Learning. The partnership was developed out of the need to better prepare kids for success in their work and personal lives, and as citizens of their community in a world where

technology and globalization are quickly advancing. Founding organizations include Dell, Apple, Microsoft and the Department of Education. The partnership has developed the P21 Framework for 21st Century Learning, a set of skills that the founders agreed are essential to success in our rapidly evolving world. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills continues to

draw partners and advocates among leaders in the education, business and policymaking including organizations like The Lego Foundation, The Walt Disney Company and PBS. Recognizing that they have a unique opportunity, many camps now focus on teaching the 21st century skills kids they need to “thrive as tomorrow’s leaders, workers and citizens” (p21.org).

Camps are using the time kids spend outside of school to develop skills like critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration, and leadership and responsibility. The sights and sounds, and activities at camp may be the same, but experiences are being designed in strategic ways that foster 21st century learning. Taking a hike through the woods is now much more than getting from point A to point B. Kids are involved in trip planning and preparation, amd opportunities for exploration are camper driven.

Leadership skills are tested in a real world environment and kids work together to overcome obstacles.

Counselors act as mentors and guides, encouraging positive communication and contribution to the community.

With the diverse experiences that are available to kids, camps with a focus on 21st century skills today may play a key role in preparing kids to thrive in tomorrow’s world. For more information go to www.gowestcamps.com. 

SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I PA 7

2016 Summer Camp Directory VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa: Summer Camps

May 31 – Aug. 19 Ages 5 – 12 VillaSport offers a wide variety of exciting, educational and fun camps for members and non-members. Creative projects, sports, competitions, swimming and crazy shenanigans are on hand this year at Mischievous Me! Summer Camp.

Also offering Equestrian Camp, Swim Camp and Junior Lifeguard Camp. Your VillaSport summer camp adventure awaits you! Enroll at www.villasport.com/cs/ camp, 719-522-1221.

See our ad on page 2.

Peter and the Starcatcher Day Camps

April 2, 9, 16, 23 | 11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Kids 6 – 13 Delight your young emerging artist in a magical experience they won’t soon forget. Our Peter and the Starcatcher Day Camps offer kids a fun, educational experience complete with a tour of the theatre and hands on experiences with the Peter and the Starcatcher set, a movement class with a member of the cast, a personal meet-and-greet with the leading characters of Peter and the Starcatcher, and more! Please bring a sack lunch to enjoy before the matinee performance. Performance tickets to Peter and the Starcatcher are additional.

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5. $30 per child

Youth Repertory Ensemble Theatre Camp

1st-8th graders Outdoor Adventures Hikes Songs Crafts Nature Games T-shirts Old Fashioned Fun!

Advanced level classes June 27 – July 31 Students ages 14 – 18 , $900 ($800 Member) Auditions are Sunday, April 3 from 5:30p-9:30p for this five-week summer intensive. The Youth Repertory Theatre program is the only professional training program for student actors and technicians in the Pikes Peak Region. The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company offers students interested in pursuing careers in performance and/or design & technical theatre through an intensive training program. Serious theater students get comprehensive, hands-on training through a rigorous class schedule combining master classes with a structured rehearsal period and performance experiences. Performance & technical tracks of the program are designed for new and returning students in order to develop basic skills and foster continual learning and growth. Students will work with a qualified and professional teaching staff, choreographers, directors, and designers- currently working extensively throughout the United States. This includes returning director Nathan Halvorson and the staff of the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company. $900 ($800 Member)

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

Emerging Artists Theatre Camp Bear Creek Nature Center Fountain Creek Nature Center Fox Run Regional Park

719.520.6972 719.520.6745 719.520.6745

www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com

June 6 – 17 Ages 9 – 13 Shaping Shakespeare (2 week-long session), 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Get to know the greatest playwright of all time. Relish the journey of learning how to collaborate, develop characters and tell a story through the use of Shakespeare’s delightfully complex language. $225 ($200 Member)

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

PA 8 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016

Musical Theatre Madness

(2 week-long session) | 12:45 – 4 p.m.

Join us for our musical theatre intensive for emerging artists that is designed to take triple threats to the next level. A can’t miss for students interested in all aspects of America’s greatest art form, the musical. $225 ($200 Member)

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

The Best of Both Worlds – Shakespeare and Musical Theatre

(2 week-long session) | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For the student who doesn’t want to choose! Emerging Artists will spend half of the day studying, rehearsing and a performing from one of Shakespeare’s classic plays and the other half of the day honing their singing and dancing skills in a one-act musical. $350 ($325 Member)

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

Budding Thespians Theatre Camp

June 20 – 24 Ages 5 – 8 Places everyone! It’s time once again to raise the curtain on our youngest performers. This class is perfect for the scene-stealing stars and the budding thespians waiting quietly in the wings. Students will sing, dance, and act their way into the magical world of musical theatre, where every day will be filled with music, movement and adventure. This session will culminate with a performance during the final class session. $150 ($135 Member)

Art & Drama Camp

March 21 – 25 Ages 6 – 9 Art and acting come together in this Spring Break workshop. Experience a variety of artistic styles and techniques, including painting, printmaking and collage, while exploring elements of composition and design. Explore your acting skills, voice, movement, and characterization with theater games, mime and improvisation. Bring a lunch, drink and snack. $265 ($255 Member)

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

String Camp

July 18 – 22, 2016; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ages Middle School – College Combining the musical talents of over 100 string players, culminating in a free concert for the public on July 22nd and July 24th. Camp staff offer expert instrumental instruction, orchestra experience & performance opportunities.

The group breaks into smaller groups to perform solos, duets or quartets. Led

by Don Robinson, retired concertmaster of the Colorado Springs Symphony a large staff is comprised of accomplished local musicians and music educators, including guest David Davidson, a recording artist from Nashville, Tennessee.

First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. For more information call Marty Kelley at 719-884-6113 or email mkelley@first-pres.org $90 Additional camps conducted at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs include an Orff Camp (July 11 – 15, 2016, 9 a.m. – Noon each day); Handbell Camp (July 11-15, 2016, 9 a.m. – Noon) and a Fine Arts Workshop (July 18-22, 2016, 9 a.m. – Noon).

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Kid Chefs Cooking Camp

March 21 – 25 Ages 6 – 12 Have fun learning the basics of cooking, reading recipes, exploring new foods, and eating what you make! This week long camp takes hands-on learning of cooking basics and transforms your child into a Kid Chef! There is a $10 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class for recipe supplies. $113 ($103 Member)

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

Art & Acting in the Forest

June 13 – 17; June 20 – 24; June 27 – July 1; July 11 – 15; July 18 – 22 Ages 6 – 11 Outstanding arts education from instructors with the FAC’s Bemis School of Art, set in the lush forest at the 400-acre La Foret Conference and Retreat Center. Experience a variety of artistic styles and techniques, including painting, printmaking, and collage; while exploring elements of composition and design.

Explore your acting skills, voice, movement, and characterization with theater games, mime and improvisation. Art and acting will come together on Fridays with a special showcase performance and art exhibit for friends and family.

La Foret staff will provide swimming in the afternoon — bring your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. Each child should bring a lunch and snack, and should be prepared for a variety of activities and weather. No open-toe shoes or sandals.

Students may arrive after 8:50 a.m. Medical forms must be completed prior to first day of camp. $265 ($255 Member)

See the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center ad on page 5.

Sessions Offered in June and July

GIVE YOUR KIDS LOTS OF SPACE THIS SUMMER! Children Ages 9 – 12 Designed and Led by Certified Master Teachers Four Hands-on, Full and Half-day Sessions Astronomy

Rocketry

Train Like an Astronaut Space Technology

EXPAND THEIR UNIVERSE! Sign Up Today and Save!

Limited Space Available! www.SpaceFoundation.org/explorespace sfdcreservations@spacefoundation.org 719.576.8000 Located at the Space Foundation Discovery Center 4425 Arrowswest Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907

SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I PA 9

2016 Summer Camp Directory CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Academy of Children’s Theatre (ACT)

Ages 4 – 6 Musical Theatre; Broadway Dance Ages 6 – 9: Acting, Musical Theatre; Broadway Dance Ages 9 – 12: Acting; Musical Theatre; Broadway Dance Ages 13 – 19: Acting; Musical Theatre; Broadway Dance Throughout June and July Are you looking for a wholesome theatre experience where your child can have fun and learn? Explore the elements of theatre through fun teaching, creative improvisations, as well as preparing a production and performing on stage at the end of the week! To learn more about each camp, or to register, visit www.ACTcolorado.net or call 282-910.1

Venetucci Farm’s Summer Programs for Kids

Kids entering grades 5 – 8 Farm to Fork Cooking with Kids Kids entering grades 2 – 5 Junior Farmhands Kids entering grades 4 – 7 Farm Animals/Wild Animals Venetucci Farm now offers three different week-long day programs. Farm to Fork: Cooking with Kids combines farm exploration & meeting animals with cooking and eating delicious foods. Junior Farmhands is filled with farm experiences like collecting eggs, feeding chickens, slopping pigs, exploring wetlands, planting seeds, caring for gardens, and maybe even harvesting tasty garden snacks. Farm Animals/Wild Animals focuses on the horses, chickens, cows and pigs we raise as well as the bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys and other wild animals that make Venetucci Farm their home. www.venetuccifarm.org, (scroll down and click on Summer Programs for Kids).

Email: drudin@ppcf.org, Phone: 389-1251 ext. 112

Go West Camps

June 6 – Aug. 5 Ages 1st – 9th grades Summer day camp and teen adventure programs of three 3-week camp sessions starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Pre-camp and post-camp activities are offered from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Our home base at Eagleview Middle School allows us to grow and harvest fruits and veggies for our lunch in the school’s garden, hike and bike the trails of Ute Valley Park, and rock climb in nearby Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon.

The activities and community culture at camp allow kids to build life skills. Kids will learn initiative, accountability, responsibility, communication, collaboration and leadership. A summer at Go West can be a truly transformational experience. For more information visit our website www.gowestcamps.com. We love talking to parents about camp. Give us a call 719-357-8872. You can also email us andrew@gowestcamps.com.

See our ad on page 7.

Camp Rocky

July 10 – 16 Ages 14 – 19 years Are you interested in hands on learning about the environment? Do you like to spend time outdoors? Want to meet new people from all over the state? If so, Camp Rocky may be the perfect summer camp for you. Camp Rocky is a weeklong residential camp designed for students 14 – 19 years old who enjoy the outdoors and are interested in natural resources. Each year, new and returning students choose a resource field for their area of focus. The fields include forest management, rangeland science, soil and water conservation and fish and wildlife management. Join us at Camp Rocky this summer, July 10 – 16. We are located near Divide, Colorado. Contact info: amy.camprocky@gmail.com; coloradoacd.org/camp-rocky.html Colorado Association of Conservation Districts Phone number: 719-686-0020 Cost: Scholarships are available.

Cost from $100 – 250

YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region: Day Camp

Ages 5 – 12 YMCA Day Camp is one of the oldest and most trusted camping programs in the country. Offered at six local YMCAs, Day Camp provides children with fun, kid.centered weekly themes, activities and opportunities for learning through discovery. Sports add-ons are also available. Children grow in imagination, creativity, self-directed initiative, and leadership. For more information, check out www.ppymca.org. Visit any of our YMCA Family Centers to register.

SUMMER SESSION

Where Kids and Critters Become Friends!

Begins June 9 Ages 5 - 13

hsppr.org/camp | 719.302.8739

PA 10 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016

YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region: Camp Shady Brook

Ages 6 – 16 Welcome to 2015 Summer Camp at PPYMCA’s Camp Shady Brook. Just 75 minutes from Colorado Springs and 90 minutes from Denver in Deckers, the Y welcomes all kids ages 6 – 17 years old to adventure, learn, make new friends, build self-esteem, gain independence, make responsible decisions, and create memories to last a lifetime! Learn more at www.campshadybrook.com.

Junior Academy Summer Day Camp

Ages 5 – 15 For over 60 years, Junior Academy has operated one of Colorado’s finest summer day camps for children. Enjoy Red Cross approved swimming lessons and exciting fieldtrips for age-divided groups. As a locally owned and operated business, Junior Academy is proud of the quality, affordability and flexibility we offer families. For more information, and enrollment assistance, please contact Junior Academy at 719-598-2095, 719-272-9070 or 719-632-7681 or www.jracademykids.com.

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region

Ages 5 – 13 Our goal for all of our camps is to foster respect for animals through engaging activities intended to develop an understanding of the feelings of others, cultivate knowledge, and encourage compassionate and responsible actions. Campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch and snacks for the day. This camp is not recommended for children with severe allergies to animals or hay. The shelter facility uses peanut butter in enrichment activities for dogs. For more information call 719-302-8739 or go to hsppr.org.

See our ad on page 10.

Kids for City Kids Day Camp

Ages 9 and older Would you like to spend time at camp taking care of farm animals?

You get to choose your own animal — miniature horse, llama, dairy goat or pygmy goat and own it for one week at camp. Each day, you will learn with your animal, learn from animal experts, and much, much more. At the end of the week at camp you will get to share and demonstrate what you have learned to your parents! All Day Camp also available. Visit the website for more information and to register.

Prairie Springs Farm, 7415 Templeton Gap Rd. www.kidsforcitykids.com

See our ad on page 4.

El Paso County Parks Nature Camps:

BEAR CREEK & FOUNTAIN CREEK NATURE CAMPS Kids entering grades 1 – 5 Half-day camps are $80/member and $90/nonmember. Full-day camps are $120/member, $130/nonmember. Call 719-520-6388 for camp dates, times & more information or go to www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.

Catamount Institute

Ages 6 – 8: Creepy Crawly Safari Ages 9 – 11: Outdoor Explorers Ages 10 – 12: Field Science Camp, Dirt Camp Ages 12 – 14: Adventure Camp Ages 13 – 15: Wilderness Adventure Camp Ages 13 – 16: Rocky Mountain Adventure Backpacking Trek Investigate the wild world of all things that hop, wiggle, swim, run, and fly at the Creepy Crawly Safari as well as local habitats close to your own backyard!

Outdoor Explorers explore all things outdoors at this day camp with a Thursday overnight. Field Scientist Camp is for exploring and learning outside, and teaching others about the plants and animals they know. At Dirt Camp get your hands dirty in Garden of the Gods! Adventure Camp is a week in the highcountry with professional outdoor guides for 3 nights in cabins and 1 night in tents! Wilderness Adventure Camp and Rocky Mountain Adventure Backpack Trek are about meeting new friends who share a love of wilderness and adventure, both are 4 nights in tents!

See our ad on page 11.

FOUNTAIN CREEK NATURE CAMPS Kids entering grades 6 – 8 $120/member, $130/nonmember. Call 719-520-6745 for camp dates, times & more information or go to www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.

FOX RUN PARK NATURE CAMP June 23 – 27, 9 a.m. – Noon. $80/member, $90/nonmember.

Call 719-520-6745. www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.

See our ad on page 8.

Space Foundation Discovery Center

Take a Space-cation! Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs Summer of Discovery Presents: Heroes of Space, Tues. – Fri. June 11 – Aug. 6: Explore Space Experience: Rocketry, June 13 – 17; Explore Space Experience: Astronomy June 27 – July 1; Explore Space Experience: Space Technology, July 11 – 15; Extra fun activities on Summer of Discovery Super Saturday June 11 – Aug. 6. Visit www.spacefoundation.org, or call 719-576-8000.

See our ad on page 9

Summer Bike Camps

June – August Ages 2 – 13 Our fun and safety-focused Bike Camps offer kids the opportunity to practice their biking skills on a variety of terrain, explore the local trail system by bike and develop a love for bicycling at a young age.

Kids will be broken into groups based on their ability so that they can get the most from their camp experience. All camp profits go directly toward providing opportunities in low-income neighborhoods for kids who do not own a bike or who need a bike repaired. By sending your child to the Kids on Bikes summer camps, you are making bicycling possible for children in need. www.kidsonbikes.net, 719-355-3573.

SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016 I THE GAZETTE I PA 11

School District 11 Do you have children who currently attend a School District 11 school?

Are they in kindergarten through eighth grade?

If so, your students are eligible to participate in School District 11’s Summer Enrichment Series.

This enrichment series is FREE of charge and will take place June 6-June 24, 2016 at various locations throughout the District.

Students may take part in one, two, or all three weeks of this exciting enrichment series that is sure to ignite their curiosity!

For more information, visit our website at d11.org and click on the Summer Enrichment Series link.

Keep up on the latest information about the Summer Enrichment Series; follow us on Twitter at @CSSD11 #D11SES.

Your Choice - Best Choice District 11 PA 12 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, MAR 13, 2016