Wintertime camps have playtime and fun for kids
A DINOSAUR VISITS with campers at the Natural History Museum camp. Courtesy of NHM
A break from school gives kids the chance to explore new interests or just run around with friends after sitting so long in school. Following is a list of some camps in the area. Spots fill up quickly, so don’t hesitate to register if there’s interest.
Photography
Do you have an aspiring shutterbug? Atwater Photo Camp (APC) at 3015 Glendale Blvd. is the place for your child. APC empowers kids by teaching them how to “see” a picture and not just take a picture. During each four-day session, your child will learn location photography by wandering the neighborhood and going on a field trip, and studio photography using on-site facilities. Each session culminates with an art exhibition for parents to view.
All skill levels are welcome. Session One is from Mon., Dec. 19, to Thurs., Dec. 22, and Session Two is Tues., Jan. 3, to Fri., Jan. 6. Days run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kids 8 to 16. A session costs $600. Register online at atwaterphotoworkshops.com.
Natural History Museum
Let your kindergarten-through-fifth-grader explore behind the scenes at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County at 900 Exposition Blvd. The “Adventures in Nature: Secrets of the Museum” camp takes place Thurs., Dec. 22, and Fri., Dec. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campers will see what it’s like to be a real museum scientist by visiting the dino lab to meet a fossil preparator, seeing the mineral scientist use a special microscope to inspect gems, and exploring the 35-million specimens housed in the museum.
The cost is $135 for members and $150 for non-members. Register at nhm.org.
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 each week. 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 to see some forgotten but familiar faces.
Kids 5 to 13 will have a blast here from Mon., Dec. 19, through Fri., Dec. 23, Tues., Dec. 27, through Fri., Dec. 30, and Tues., Jan. 3, through Fri., Jan. 6. The first week is $155, and the latter two weeks are $135 per week. Register online at laparks.org or do it the old-fashioned way by walking in at 7600 Beverly Blvd. They love seeing people in person.
Got Game Camp (GGC) is turning Third Street Elementary, 201 S. June St., and Hancock Park Elementary, 408 S. Fairfax Ave., into camp havens for winter break. Each campus provides the same program of active and creative scheduling. Everyone is welcome — it’s not necessary to be a student of the school. Campers ages 4 to 12 create their own days by choosing activities of interest including basketball, flag football, karate, dance, theater, arts and crafts and games unique to GGC. There is something for everyone.
The day runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with after care available for an additional fee. Sessions are weekdays, Mon., Dec. 19, through Fri., Jan. 6. The cost is $425 weekly or $95 daily. Register at gotgamecamp.com.
GETTING PHYSICAL during flag football at Got Game Camp.
Courtesy of Got Game Camp
Art
Art camp at a real art museum?! Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. welcomes children to immerse themselves in art for a week. Kids 6 to 8 will draw inspiration for mixed-media projects by wandering to different exhibits in the museum and walking around the grounds. Kids 9 to 12 will explore storytelling through artwork at the “Afro Atlantic Histories” exhibit. After viewing the exhibit, they will create their own multimedia pieces. The camp runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Mon., Jan. 2, to Fri., Jan. 6. Each session is $375 for members and $425 for non-members, and all supplies are provided.
There is a virtual camp option as well, Mon., Dec. 26, through Fri., Dec. 30. Check LACMA’s website to register for all camps at lacma.org.
Robertson Art Zone at 1046 S. Robertson Blvd. is all about creating thoughtfully inspired art — and lots of it. Each week’s theme is curated by owner Yael Lichaa, who finds a meaningful book, holiday or saying to relate to the week’s work. Days are jam-packed with a plethora of imaginative fun in many media. Kids ages 5 to 12 work with magic clay, tie-dye, paint, beads and so much more.
Come to this camp weekdays Mon., Dec. 19, through Fri., Jan 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Four-day sessions cost $460 with the option to add a fifth day for $120. Register at robertsonartzone.com.
Horses
Perhaps horses are piquing your child’s interest. Winter break at Traditional Equitation School at 480 W. Riverside Dr. in Burbank is the place to go. There are three one-week sessions, Mon., Dec. 19, to Fri., Jan. 6, where your child, aged 5 to 12, will groom, feed, learn to care for and ride a horse. The camp day also includes arts and crafts, water activities and a group game.
Each week is $625 and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended care for an additional fee. Register at ridetes.com.
Gymnastics
JAG Gym, at 8640 Hayden Pl., is one of the premier gymnastic studios in Los Angeles. Activity options include traditional gymnastics on the floor, bars, beam and rings, and Ninja-style gymnastics (an obstacle course-inspired sport). There’s also a bounce house and arts and crafts. Your child will be busy! The daily fee for ages 5 and up is $198. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visit jaggym.com to register.
Category: Entertainment
