Are you looking for an educational and affordable summer camp for the warmer months of June and July? If work or other obligations keep you from spending most of the day with your kids, the City of Fontana has several centers that offer fun day camps for youth.
Camp Journey Explore Discover 2009
Last year, the Heritage Neighborhood Center, located at 7350 W. Liberty Parkway, introduced a new era in the Fontana summer camp experiences. The camp which was almost an immediate sell-out after the center grand opening in May, offered weeks of daily swimming, activities, and other recreational activities.
This year, Camp Journey Explore Discover events include swimming, arts and crafts, geography, games, history, sports activities, science experiments, guest speakers, team competitions, and a camp T-shirt.
The Heritage Neighborhood Center has also introduced summer camp to the Tiny Tots curriculum. The regularly scheduled Tiny Tots will enjoy a few months of specialty programming with the Tiny Tots Program Summer Camp for ages 3 through 5. Tiny Tots classes have been designed to provide younger children with a positive experience that will help them transition into kindergarten. Please call (909) 428-8820 for details.
Experience Camp Fit
The Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center continues to deliver on quality services for all ages. This spring, the first Camp Fit was a resounding success.
As summer approaches, programming staff are preparing for even more fun and excitement as children ages 6 to 11 will enjoy a variety of exercise components that include swimming and sports activities. The camp will also offer arts and crafts, computer labs, and guest speakers.
To find out more, please call the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center at (909) 854-5100.
Artists in Nature
Youth will explore the world and their talents in Artists in Nature.
The Mary Vagle Nature Center and Art Depot Gallery have partnered again this summer to offer the Artists in Nature summer camp. The innovative and comprehensive program combines urban ecology and art with weeks filled with outdoor fun, field trips, and learning.
To find out more, please call the Mary Vagle Nature Center at (909) 428-8386.
Seussical Junior: Youth Theater Summer Camp
The new Dr. Seuss Summer Theater Camp for youth ages 7 to 11 combines Dr. Seuss stories with live stage performances. Camp attendees will learn to sing, dance, act, and perform their new skills on the stage at Center Stage Theater. Other summer theater workshops include How to Audition for Musical Theater Productions and Cruise Ships and Introduction to Stage Sound and Lighting Workshop.
To find out more, please contact the Center Stage Theater at (909) 429-7469.
Teen Summer Camp
The Summer Excursions are very popular with teens and the public.
The Jack Bulik Teen Center is offering even more fun and excitement for teens this summer with the Teen Summer Camp.
Daily activities include a variety of tournaments for Nintendo Wii™, sports, ping pong, pool, and an Olympic themed cumulative athletic competition at the end of the camp. Camp will also include computer classes in the Cyber Center.
The Summer Excursions will also be available to campers and the public. These extremely popular events are usually sold out so participants are encouraged to register early. There is an additional fee for campers who join the excursions. Fees vary. Buses leave from and return to the Teen Center only.
For more information, please contact the Jack Bulik Teen Center at (909) 428-8393.
Other Summer Activities
The City of Fontana offers several classes and special programs throughout the year. Some of these programs are perfect for fun in the summer.
Swim classes: While the Fontana Park Aquatics Center is open year-round, all other neighborhood pools open Memorial Day Weekend. Those interested in learning to swim may stop by any neighborhood pool to register or pick up information about Operation Splash, a special program grant from Kaiser Permanente, which helps make swim lessons available to all ages.
Last year’s Variety Night hosted by the sports program was a huge success.
Theater classes: New this summer are Musical Theater Workshops for ages 7 to 11 ($30 per person) and Improv Sketch Comedy for ages 12 to 16 ($35 per person) at the Steelworkers' Auditorium. Classes introduce budding actors and singers to the world of theater on one of Fontana’s most beautiful stages. Classes are in the evening. Theater classes are also available for all ages at all neighborhood centers. Call the centers directly for details.
Gymboree Play and Learn: Gymboree has long been a favorite for parents of children newborn through 5 years. The classes at Don Day Neighborhood Center are $45 for 4 weeks and include Gymboree Play and Learn and Gymboree Music.
For more information about where to go for summer fun, please visit www.fontanarecreation.org or call the Community Services Department at (909) 428-8360.
