Summer in Clatsop County is a beautiful time of sunny days. As school winds down and the days get warmer it is time to start planning and scheduling. Beach days and hikes are superb ways to spend a day, but with more than fifty days to fill, day camps and activities are great too! From dancing to outdoor fun, there is something for everyone in Clatsop County.
Encore offers year round classes in hip hop, tumbling, jazz and other dance options. In the summer, kids ages 3-18 can register for full day dance or tumbling classes. The summer classes include not only dance, but also crafts and day trips. Each week has a special theme and crafts and activities are catered to it. Participants will also get to join in the Warrenton Fourth of July Parade with Encore. Visit their website to register.
If dancing is a part of your summer dreams, Maddox is great place to start. With options for beginners to advanced, each class is tailored to its participants. With over fifty years of experience, the studio has experienced faculty who use the summer courses as a time to give more personalized instruction, Jeannette Peterson explains, “We try to work according to the needs of each student, on their own technique or presence.” From a “Woodland Fairies” class for beginning 5-8 year olds to an advanced class offered for dancers 13 and up, they have something to fit every dancer or would-be dancer. Jeannette says the summer is a great time to get involved at Maddox and figure out if it is something you want to pursue in the fall.
Infinity Gymnastics day camp can only be described as fun! Fun equipment to play on, fun activities and fun themes each day! On ninja day, activities include obstacle courses, ninja tie dye and races. No need to have tumbled before, camp is open to all participants ages 5-12. Visit Infinity Gymnastics website for more information about their third year of fun!
This summer, sign up to be inspired at Bumble Art Studio, in play-centric sessions students are encouraged to get messy and get to know themselves as artists. “We are a Reggio inspired studio,” Angie Jannusch explains. “Lots of provocations will be set up, so all the students are in charge of their learning and crafts.” Artists ages 3-12 should sign up for this three hour course running Monday through Thursday each week. Four sessions run from the end of June through early August, each featuring a different theme from Wild Ocean to Modern Masters. Visit Bumble Art Studio’s Facebook page to find out more or email bumbleartstudio@gmail.com.
If your children are budding artists then Punchy Palette art classes are a great way to get them out and about this summer. The classes are held Monday through Thursday from July 15th through August 1st at Netel Grange in Astoria. Artists will have lots of time to create and play with high quality art materials as well as create masterpieces to bring home. Students don’t need to have any prior experience with art, there will be lot of opportunity to learn about the materials and become comfortable with artistic processes. Fanciful Fiber Arts and Cardboard Creations are just some of the themes, each class is unique. Ages 3-12 are welcome, visit Punchy Palette’s facebook page or email punchypalette@gmail.com for more information.
Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association (LCYSA)
Camp Kick-A-Lot runs for two weeks in July for beginning and intermediate soccer players. Students grades 1-8 are welcome for a great camp experience focused around skills development while playing games and having fun. Campers receive a soccer ball to continue practicing at home. In addition, registration for fall soccer is open now. Visit LCYSA or email desia@oregonyouthsoccer.org to find out more.
Summer camps at the Astoria Recreation Center run all summer. Each camp features a different theme for participants to enjoy. Summer swim lessons are also available at the Astoria Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center is also hosting a swim league to introduce kids to competitive swimming. Visit the Parks and Recreation website for information on registration.
Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP)
HRAP summer activities have something for everyone, stewardship in action through summer camps, citizen science excursions and clean ups. Camps are open to kids this summer, but adults can visit HRAP on the beach too. Surveying marine debris, coastal birds and sea stars is important to our coast’s health, come help out and be a citizen scientist! Special events and beach crafts are also being sponsored by HRAP- visit their website to find out more!
Junior Naturalists Wildlife Center of the North Coast Summer Camp
In the fourth week of July, third and fourth graders can join Wildlife Center of the North Coast to learn about local flora and fauna. Each morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Junior Naturalists will investigate a local habitat on site using scientific methods, play games to get to know the needs of local animals and enjoy the outdoors! Campers will also be treated to a special tour of the rehabilitation site and learn from scientists at the center. The Wildlife Center’s mission is to help animals and connect people with nature, this camp is a gateway for elementary students to become stewards of our natural world! Visit the center’s website for registration information.
Whatever fun you find this summer, be sure to respect our environment, stay safe and enjoy the sun!
