Kids Activities

2011 Summer Activities for Kids Directory

LIBRARIES

Big Lake Library

Contact: 892-6475

Website: matsulibraries.org/biglake

Summer Reading Program

Dates: June 9-July 28

Supplement to the reading program

Dates: Thursdays

Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Alaska Mystery Writer Sue Henry

Date: Thursday, May 5

Time: 6 p.m.

Ages: All

Palmer Library

Location: 655 S. Valley Way

Contact: 745-4690

Website: cityofpalmer.org

Summer Reading Program

Dates: May 31-July 15

7-week progra.m.

Baby Lap Sit Program

Dates: Every Tuesday

Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Toddler 2’s Program

Dates: Every Tuesday

Time: 11 a.m. to noon

Story Time

Ages: 3 years old-2nd grade

Dates: Every Thursday

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Craft and Activities

Ages: 3rd grade and up

Dates: Every Tuesday

Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Teen Cooking Program

Dates: Every Wednesday

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Special Event: Bruce Hale (author of “Chet Gecko Mystery Series”)

Date: Tuesday, June 7

Time: 1 p.m.

Wasilla Meta-Rose Public Library

Location: 391 N. Main St. Wasilla

Contact Name: Wasilla Public Library

Contact: 376-5913

Email: library@ci.wasilla.ak.us

Website: cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=72

Teen Book Discussion Group

Date: July 12

Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Description: Pick up a free copy of “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope” by Jenna Bush, while supplies last. Discussion and snacks on July 12.

Children’s Author Bruce Hale

Date: June 7, 2011

Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Description: Come hear the stories behind Bruce Hale’s popular children’s books. Free and fun for all ages. Book signing to follow.

Summer Reading Program

Date: June 6-July 30

Description: Read for prizes! Registration is free and begins June 6. Family programs every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library for complete program listing.

2011 Teen Summer Reading Program

Date: June 7-July 30

Ages: 12-18

Description: read, write, repeat! Turn in brief book reviews every week for food, fun and prizes.

Cost: Free

CAMPS

Acoustic Alaska Guitar Camp

Dates: August 28-September 3

Ages: 16 and older, unless accompanied by an adult

Cost: $659

Location: Wasilla

Description: Small classes and campfire jam sessions in a beautiful setting, along with national champion performers as instructors, ensure an amazing experience for the camper.

Contact: Joe Becker, 866-293-6827

Email: camp@acousticalaska.com

Alaska Business Week

Sponsor: Alaska State Chamber of Commerce

Dates: July 31-August 6

Location: UAF

Ages: Grades 9-12

Cost: $425 plus transportation; scholarships and travel subsidies available. Railroad donating free round-trip tickets from Anchorage to Fairbanks.

Description: Participants will learn about leadership, teamwork, communication, ethics and business. Students live on campus, run a simulated business and compete with other student-lead businesses.

Contact: Ann Ringstad, 907-474-5922

Email: ann@alaska.edu

Website: alaskachamber.com

Alaska Coastal Studies Camps

Dates: June-August (camps start and end on various dates based on camp selected)

Ages: Varies according to camp selected

Cost: Varies by camp. $100 scholarships available

Location: Varies according to camp selected

Description: FamilyNature camps, Whale Camp, Junior Naturalist Camp

Contact: Beth Trowbridge, 907-235-6667

Email: info@akcoastalstudies.org

Website: akcoastalstudies.org

Alaska Fine Arts Academy Day Camps

Dates: May 31-August 11 (various start and end dates per camp)

Location: 12340 Old Glenn Hwy.

Ages: Varies according to camp offered

Description: Various offerings to select from (Ballroom Dancing, Magic Camp, Painting, Television Production, Fairytale Camp, Chainmail Jewelry, beading, Storytelling, Theater, Drawing, Fiddling, Lego Robotics).

Contact Name: Annia Wyndam

Contact: 694-8909

Email: akfinearts@alaska.com

Website: akfinearts.org

All The Rage Cheerleading Camp

Dates: June 28-30

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ages: Grades K-8

Cost: $75

Location: 12330 Old Glenn Hwy. No. 8, Eagle River

Description: Each camper learns a cheer/dance routine and is invited to participate in the Bear Paw parade the following weekend.

Contact: Tiffany Lund, 306-8410

Email: tiffytissue@hotmail.com

Alaska Native Heritage Center Media Camp

Description: Students can earn .5 ASD elective credits after attending 120 hours, completing projects with ANHC instructor approval and completing ASD forms. Each 6-week session is 120 hours.

Location: Alaska Native Heritage Center, 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage

Times: Tuesday through Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: Kelly Gwynn, 330-8026

Email: kgwynn@alaskanative.net

Website link: alaskanative.net/en/main_education/youth/summer-high-school-progra.m./

Cost: Free

Ages: Grades 9-12, and May 2011 graduates

Session 1: May 24-July 1

Project will be about issues native teens face. Participants will write the script, develop the story, do camera work, editing and acting.

Session 2: July 5-August 12

The second session will provide students with an opportunity to participate in a chapter-based story as a collaborative movie-making effort with other youth media organizations in Anchorage.

Alpine Alternatives Camps for Special Needs

Contact: Louise, 561-6655

Email: alpine4kids@arctic.net

Camp Abilities

An overnight sports camp for blind and visually impaired individuals. One-to-one instruction for each camper.

Ages: 8-19, or still in the school system

Dates: July 11-16

Location: UAA Campus

Cost: $400, includes membership

Day Outings

26-day outings offered. Trips planned around the Valley and in Anchorage. Individuals must in be independent (if behavior issues, must bring own care provider).

Ages: 7 and older

Dates: Various throughout the summer

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Alpine Alternatives, Tudor Road in Anchorage

Cost: $50 per session

Camp Alpine I

This camp is for all individuals who experience a disability, have physical challenges, are non-ambulatory or have sensory impairments.

Ages: 20 and older

Dates: June 20-24

Location: Meier Lake Conference Center, Wasilla

Cost: $425 plus membership fee

Camp Alpine II (ADD/ADHD)

This is for campers who are independent, ambulatory, learning disabled, ADD/ADHD or any other comparatively mild disability. There will be several hikes done at a steady pace for 2 miles and other sports-related activities.

Ages: 7 and older

Dates: June 25-30

Location: Meier Lake Conference Center, Wasilla

Cost: $425 plus membership fee

Camp Alpine III

This is for any individual who experiences a developmental disability, behavior challenge, mental challenge or who needs partial or minimal assistance with daily needs.

Ages: 7 and older

Dates: July 27-31

Location: Meier Lake Conference Center, Wasilla

Cost: $425 plus membership fee

American Diabetes Summer Camp

Dates: June 26-July 1

Ages: 6-17

Location: Camp Kushtaka in Cooper Landing

Cost: $400

Description: Rustic camp on Kenai Lake. Campers enjoy outdoor programs with oversight by professional medical staff and trained counselors.

Contact: Pam Bell, 272-1424

Email: pbell@diabetes.org

Website: diabetes.org/camp

AT&T Sports Center

Location: 1507 N. Double B. St. (located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, .75 miles west of Trunk Road).

Ages and Cost: See website or call to find out age categories for your selected camp or activity.

Description: Summer offerings include basketball camps, Lil’ Kickers soccer, Lil’ Hoopers basketball, Babysitter Bootcamp and more.

Contact: 746-7529

Website: attsportscenter.com

Birchwood Camps

Dates: Dates vary between June 6 and August 5, depending on camp selected. Please see website for details.

Time: Mostly weeklong camps, but shorter camps available for younger children.

Age: Entering grade 1 through just graduated from high school

Description: God Seekers Camp for elementary, Music and Drama Camp, Adventure Canoe Camp, Faith Adventure Camp for older elementary, Middle School Camp and High School Camp.

Cost: Varies according to camp selected

Location: 17161 David Blackburn Road, Chugiak

Contact: Marie Sweezey, 688-2734

Email: director@birchwoodcamp.org

Website: birchwoodcamp.org

Blast Off Piano Camp

Sponsor: Valley Music

Location: Babcock Fine Arts Building, Palmer-Wasilla Highway

Cost: $180, includes books and materials

Description: Groups of six students (grouped by age) use electric keyboards to be introduced to keyboarding, rhythm and ensemble playing. Recital on final day. Music instructor is credentialed.

Dates: June 6-9, June 13-16, July 11-14 or July 18-21.

Times: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: 5-10

Contact: Elizabeth Melson, 631-6045

Email: lzmelson09@gmail.com

BOUNCIN’ BEARS Summer Camp 2011

Camp weeks: June 6-10, June 20-24, July 11-15, July 18-22, August 1-5, August 8-12

Times: Mondays-Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon

Ages: 4-12

Location: Bogard Road, Wasilla

Description: Arts and crafts, jumping and bouncing, snacks. Can come for the whole week or just one day. No diapers — children must be toilet-trained.

Contact: 376-5800

Cost: $35 one day, $65 two days, $75 three days, $85 four days, $100 five days; 10 percent discount for additional siblings.

Camp Fire USA Camps

Contact Name: Debby Bloom

Contact: 279-3551

Email: dbloom@campfireak.org

Website: campfireak.org

Summer Adventure Programs (Alpenglow, Inlet View and Spring Hill Elementary)

Description: Licensed, full-day programs focus on promoting physical fitness, healthy choices, outdoor experiences and community involvement. Before and after care is also available.

Dates: May 31-July 29

Time: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in Eagle River)

Ages: Entering grades 1-7.

Cost: $38 per day

Camp Si-La-Meo

Description: Day hikes, swimming, kayaking, field trips, climbing wall, archery and other activities. Campers experience nature and enjoy outdoor activities.

Dates: May 23-August 12 (Monday-Friday)

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Alaska Pacific University

Ages: 4-13

Cost: $170-$175 per week

Camp K on Kenai Lake

Description: Backpacking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, day hikes, archery, riflery, trail riding and canoeing are some of the activities offered. Classic story and song time around the campfire in the evenings.

Dates: Varies by camp selection between June and August

Ages: 7-16

Location: Snug Harbor Road, Cooper Landing

Cost: $205 for Explorer, $335 for Pathfinder and $460 for Challenger

Camp Peggy Lake

Description: Campers have the opportunity to enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking trails, archery, marksmanship, skits and nightly campfires, along with a variety of other fun camp activities.

Dates: June 13-August 12

Times: Start at 8 a.m., pick up 4 p.m.

Location: Mile 100 Parks Highway, Willow

Contact: Elizabeth Hayward, 907-227-4203

Email: Bayshoreymca@gmail.com

‘Finding True North’ camp is July 18 to 23

Camp Challenge Ministries, 7180 E Twin Lakes Dr., Wasilla, offers a weeklong Bible camp for high school-aged youth from July 18 to 23. The theme is “Finding True North!” Cost is $195 for six days, five nights. Register online at campchallengeministries.com. For more information, contact Tedman Allen at 745-3731 oradmin@campchallengeministries.com.

Chugiak Football Camps

Location: Chugiak High School

Contact: Coach Shackelford, 230-9356

Email: shackelford_duncan@asdk12.org

Speed Camp with Scott Phelps

Ages: Grades 8-12

Date: April 30

Registration: 8:30 a.m.

Camp Time: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Champion Football/Speed Camp

Who: Open to all Chugiak, Colony and North Pole 2011 season football players

Dates: July 25-28

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ages: Entering grades 9-12

Spring Youth Camp

Dates: May 24-26

Ages: Entering Grades 3-8

Spring Fundamentals

Dates: May 23-26

Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Ages: Grades 9-12

Cosmic Adventure Camps

Sponsor: Challenger Learning Center of Alaska

Dates: June 20-August 7

Ages: 5 and older

Location: Kenai

Description: weeklong camps. Teams explore rocketry, flight, robotics, microgravity, light, energy and the solar system. Project built under water in local pool. Campers sleep in space dorms.

Cost: $20-$995

Contact: Summer Lazenby, 907-283-2000

Email: summer.lazenby@akchallenger.org

Website: akchallenger.org

Denali Gymnastics Summer Camp

Sponsor: Denali Gymnastics & Fitness

Age: 5-13

Dates: May 31-August 12

Times: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday

Location: 300 E. Kalli Cr., Wasilla

Contact: 373-3547

Website: denaligymnastics.com

Description: Summer camp will include field trips, canoeing, swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, and gymnastics.

Cost: $672 per month

Farm Life Camp

Dates: June 1-August 12

Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 1545 Outer Springer Loop, Palmer

Description: Experience the fun of farm life. Taught by certified teachers and lifelong Alaskans. Hands-on animal adventures with farmyard critters. Homeschool allotments accepted.

Contact: Mardena Williams, 907-230-6775

Email: partyponiesandfriends@live.com

Website: ponyparties-alaska.com/summer_camp/default.html

Girl Scouts of Alaska

Contact: Amanda Block, 248-2250 or 1 -800-478-7448

Email: ablock@girlscoutsalaska.org

Website: girlscoutsalaska.org/progra.m.s/camps

Day Camp at Togowoods

Description: Campers enjoy a number of activities, including canoeing, arts/crafts, hikes, cookouts, a 35-foot climbing tower and more. Bus transportation available.

Location: Wasilla

Dates: May 30-June 2

Time: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ages: Entering grades K-12

Cost: $90, financial aid available

Camp Togowoods Girl Scout Camp (overnight)

Description: The program gives girls a classic and timeless summer camp experience.

Location: Wasilla

Dates: Varies, June- August. 3-day, 6-day and 12-day sessions

Ages: Girls entering grades 1-9

Cost: $175-$585, financial aid available.

Camp Togowoods Wilderness Adventure Programs

Description: Outdoor skills, leadership, teamwork and traditional camping activities. Canoeing and backpacking programs include day trips, overnights and trips up to 6 days in length.

Location: Wasilla

Dates: Varies, June-August

Ages: Girls entering grades 4-12

Cost: $330-$650, financial aid available

Camp Togowoods Leadership Programs

Description: Campers practice decision-making, communication and conflict resolution. Traditional outdoor camping activities are also part of the leadership program.

Location: Wasilla

Dates: June 26-July 1 or July 6-8

Age: Girls entering grades 9-12

Cost: $330, financial aid available

Camp Togowoods Water Programs

Description: Explore the lake, develop paddling skills for canoeing, kayaking and recreational row-boating with a small craft safety-certified staff. Progressively challenging adventures.

Location: Wasilla

Dates: Varies, June-August

Ages: Girls entering grades 4-12

Cost: $330-$385, financial aid available

Camp Togowoods Helping Hands FamilyWork Weekend

Description: Help prepare camp for camping season and help pack up for winter. Saturday is work project completion and Sunday is hiking, canoeing and enjoying camp.

Location: Wasilla

Dates: May 20-22, September 3-5

Ages: Families of all ages

Cost: Free

Fine Arts Program

Sponsor: Palmer Arts Council

Contact: 745-7735

Website: thepalmerartscouncil.org/2011

Summer Youth Band

Dates: June 7-July 28

Time: 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Location: Palmer Junior Middle School

Cost: $250 for 8-week program

Two-week Theatre Camps

Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays-Fridays

Ages: 8 years and up

Location: Sherrod Elementary School (561 N. Gulkana St., Palmer)

Cost: $275 per session (discounts for multiple participants from same family)

Session 1: June 6-17

Zany Fractured Fairy Tale Plays and Shakespeare Unbound

Session 2: June 20-July 1

Mother Goose has Flown the Coop and The Audition

Session 3: July 11-22

Rap-Punzel and Folk Tale Plays from Around the World

Fine Arts Program

Ages: Children entering grades 4-8

Cost: $150 per session

Location: Studio sessions are held at Academy Charter School in Palmer

Session 1: Discover the Beauty of our Matanuska Valley

Dates: May 31-June 4

Times: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hike and sketch with Guest Artist, Gail Niebrugge on Wednesday.

Session 2: Design Fun!

Dates: June 6-10

Times: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Create illustrations and sculptures with a variety of materials.

Session 3: Art from Around the World

Dates: June 13-17

Times: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Explore art forms from various world cultures.

Green Light Circus Camp 2011

Registration closes April 30

Dates: Camp starts May 31-June 25; performances June 23-25

Time: 7-, 8-, 9-year-olds: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 10- and 11-year-olds: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 12-year-olds and older: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ages: 5 and up

Cost: $75 per week

Location: Talkeetna

Activity Description: Campers will learn magic, clowning, juggling, acrobatics, balancing tricks and more.

Contact: Mary Farina, 355-4699

Website: denaliartscouncil.org

Circus Mites (Ages 5 and 6)

Dates: June 20-25 (one week only)

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Cost: $20

Homer Wilderness Leader’s Camps

Dates: June-August (various dates according to camp chosen)

Cost: Varies

Ages: 10 and older (varies according to camp chosen)

Location: Homer

Description: Outdoor wilderness adventures for various groups. Climbing, paddling, backpacking, rafting and glacier travel. Learn survival skills.

Contact: Libby Bushell, 399-4695

Email: homerwildernessleaders@gmail.com

“Jungle Book” Performance Camp

Description: Disney’s “Jungle Book” will be performed July 23 as the culmination of a 3-week intensive theater camp.

Dates: July 5-23, Monday-Friday (ages 5-8 Wednesdays only)

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Ages: 5-18 years old

Cost: $290 if registered by June 1, $390 after June 1. $100 for students under age 8.

Location: Babcock Fine Arts Building, 5700 E. Pilgrim Way, Wasilla

Contact: AJ Seims, 357-8831

Email: seims@mtaonline.net

Website: ajactingacademy.com

LaVerne Griffin Camps

Dates: June, varies according to camp selected

Ages: Grades 1-12. Age varies depending on camp selected

Cost: $150-$175, scholarships available

Location: 4495 W. Little Cloud Drive, Wasilla

Description: Alaska Native Youth Camp, Boys Bible Boot Camp, Change your World Girls Camp, X-Faith Youth Camp

Contact: Sherry Chastain, 376- 6887

Email: lgyrc@mtaonline.net

Website: lgyre.org

Northern Lights Volleyball Club Summer Camp

Dates: June 14-17

Times: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Grades 8-12; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Grades 4-7

Location: Teeland Middle School, Wasilla

Description: Volleyball camp featuring Brent Aldridge, NSU, and Sonja Markanovich, ASU. Both are ready to use their impressive volleyball knowledge and experience to improve your skills.

Contact: Diane Clawson, 745-2447

Email: Diane@NorthernLightsVolleyball.net

Website: NorthernLightsVolleyball.net

Photography Intensive with Marco Gutierrez

Dates: June 13-17

Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: 13 and up

Cost: $250 if paid by May 16; $275 after May 16

Location: 12340 Old Glenn Highway, Eagle River

Description: Professional photographer Marco Gutierrez teaches photography techniques and camera basics.

Contact: Marco Gutierrez, 727-1284

Email: gutierrez@gci.net

Website: akfinearts.org or guttierezphotography.com

Play, Dance and Learn Camps

Sponsor: Play, Dance and Learn Pre-School

Ages: 3-6

Cost: $100

Pretty Princess Camp

Dates: June 21-23

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Super Hero Tumbling Camp

Dates: June 7-9

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contact: Cori Heath, 227-6258

Email: playdancelearnpreschool@gmail.com

Salvation Army Kings Lake Camps

Location: 3313 E. Lakeview, Wasilla

Cost: $150

Contact: Capt. Mark Thielenhaus, 907-276-2515

Email: kingslakecamp@usw.salvationarmy.org

Website: kingslakecamp.com

Military Kids Camp

Dates: June 20-24

Community Kids Camp

Dates: June 27-July 1

Teen Camp

Dates: July 5-9

Ages: 13-16

Salvation Army Youth Camp

July 11-15

Music Camp

Dates: July 18-23

Ages: 9-17

“Show Me” Baseball Camps

Dates: June 13-17

Times: Ages 7-10 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; ages 11-15 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $80

Location: Wasilla Youth Baseball Fields, Smith Complex

Description: Baseball fundamentals camp designed for all skill levels. Former baseball player Tony Cirelli will instruct.

Contact: Andre Tolliver, 561-2527

Email: tolover@gci.net

Website: cpoaalaska.com

Science and Engineering Camp

(limited to 14 students)

Description: Campers do scientific research and engineering design with active learning methods. Teamwork, writing, speaking, and light-hearted competition.

Location: UAA East Hall, 3701 Residential Drive, Anchorage

Dates: Camp A July 11-15, Camp B July 18-22

Contact: Dr. Alice Chen, 830-3595

Email: seekalaska@aol.com

Website: seekalaska.org

Trailside Discovery Camp

Sponsored by: Alaska Center for the Environment and Eagle River Nature Center

Locations: Palmer and Wasilla

Dates: Palmer June 20-August 12 at Spring Creek Farm; Wasilla June 27-July 29 at Palmer Hay Flats Cottonwood Creek Refuge

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ages: 5-12

Cost: $168-$210

Contact: Tom Burek, 274-5473 (KIDS)

Email: trailside@akcenter.org

Website: akcenter.org

Description: Naturalist instructors lead small groups, teaching basics of ecology, geology, natural history, nature craft, environmental stewardship and outdoor survival skills.

Valley Performing Arts Summer Theatre Arts Program

Dates: Two-week camps June 20-July 1, July 11-22, July 25-August 5

Ages: 6-17

Times: Ages 6-11 9 a.m. to noon; Ages 12-17 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Applications: online

Cost: $190

Location: Valley Performing Arts in Wasilla

Description: Produce a play after 2 weeks of theatre camp.

Contact: Sam Hanson, 373-0195

Email: mhanson@valleyperformingarts.org

Website: valleyperformingarts.org

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Family Christian Center

Activity: Chain Reaction Youth Group; come for fun, food, fellowship and an encounter with God.

Dates: Every Wednesday all summer

Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ages: Grades 6-12

Location: Family Christian Center, 203 W. Dogwood Ave., Palmer

Contact: Jesse Miller, 745-6033

Email: jesse@fccalaska.com

Website: fccalaska.com

Farm Loop Christian Center Vacation Bible School

Dates: July 25-29

Times: 9 a.m. to noon

Ages: Preschool-5th grade

Location: Farm Loop Road, Palmer

Theme: Hometown Nazareth

Contact: Amy Tucker, 745-4851

Website: farmloop.org

Lamb of God Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School

Description: Bible teaching, games, crafts and more.

Dates: June 6-10

Times: 9 a.m. to noon

Ages: 3 to entering 6 grade

Location: Lamb of God Lutheran Church

Contact: 357-8077

Email: loglcms@mtaonline.net

Lazy Mountain Bible Church Vacation Bible School

Dates: July 18-22

Times: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (picnic following regular day)

Ages: 5-10

Location: 16005 E. Shawn Drive, Palmer

Description: Amazon Outfitters

Contact: 745-2611

Website: lazymountainbiblechurch.org

Valley Baptist Tabernacle Vacation Bible School

Dates: May 30-June 3

Time: 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday

Ages: K-6th grade

Location: Palmer-Wasilla Highway (next to AT&T Sports Center)

Description: Answers in Genesis’ “Gold Rush — Discovering the Rock of Ages”

Contact: Rene Turner, 745-4719

Website: vbtak.org

Victory Bible Camps

Description: Campers choose various activities such as riflery, archery, boating, canoeing, foosball, horse rides, swimming, tubing, blobbing, ping-pong, Frisbee golf or crafts.

Ages: Grades 2-12

Dates: Numerous Camps available June through August

Cost: Varies according to camp selected

Location: Mile 95 Parks Highway in Sutton, and some camps in Fairbanks

Contact: 745-4203

Website: victorymin.org

YOUTH GOLF

Fishhook Golf Course

Location: 2600 N. Palmer-Fishhook Rd. Palmer

Website: fishhookgolfcourse.com

Junior Golf Lessons

6 sessions with pro golfer Joe Butler

Dates: June 14-July 19

Times: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Ages: 5-18

Cost: $80

Contact: 745-7274

Junior Golf Clinic

6 sessions with pro golfer Barry Willardson

Dates: May 18-June 22

Times: Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Ages: 7-17

Cost: $100

Contact: 907-360-2103

Matanuska Junior Golf Program

Description: Junior golf starting for the Valley that will offer 1 tournament per month and lessons/clinics every other week.

Dates: TBA (call or email for details)

Ages: 6-18

Location: Various golf courses in the Valley

Contact: Travis Jorgenson, 223-1201

Website: tjscontracting2@aol.com

Palmer Golf Course Junior Golf Lessons

Dates: June 15-July 27 (every Wednesday)

Times: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Ages: 6-18

Cost $125

Location: 1000 Lepak Ave., Palmer

Contact: 745-4653

Email: palmergolfcourse@email.com

Website: palmergolfcourse.com

Kids Free Golf Clinic Day

Sponsor: Palmer Golf Course

Date: July 29

Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Ages: 6-18

Cost: Free (includes lunch)

Description: Multiple professional golfers will be on hand to work with kids who want to find out if they are interested in golf.

Contact: 745-4653

Email: palmergolfcourse@email.com

Website: palmergolfcourse.com

Settler’s Bay Golf Course Junior Golf Lessons

Description: Two junior camps offered with instruction from golf pro.

Dates: June 6-10

Times: 10 a.m. to noon

Ages: 6-17

Cost: $100 for the week (Golf course can provide clubs if needed)

Location: 7307 S. Frontier Dr., Wasilla

Contact: 376-5466

Website: settlersbay.com

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

IDEA Curriculum Fair

Dates: April 28-29

Time: Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ages: All

Cost: No charge for IDEA families; $20 for both days, or Thursday $15 and Friday $10

Location: Egan Center in Anchorage

Description: Curriculum fair with workshops (schedule on website)

Contact: Betty Bair, 357-4850

Email: betty.bair@ideafa.m.ilies.org

Website: ideafamilies.org

Arts ’n’ Crafts and Toddler Time

Sponsor: RASCALS Indoor Playground

Dates: May 20-August 30

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 1300 Lucus Road, Wasilla

Description: RASCALS Indoor Playground will have crafts time, mini summer camps and special toddler time this summer. Check website for details.

Contact: 373-6659

Email: rascals@rascalsalaska.com

Website: rascalsalaska.com

Baird Life University

Description: Celebrating transition into adulthood. Personal finance training, chef competition and apprenticeship, construction academy, babysitting safety training, teen survival game, wilderness and emergency career orientations.

Ages: 15-25

Dates: May 10-August 12th

Location: Listed on website (Wasilla and Palmer locations)

Contact: Steve and Julie Baird, 232-3688

Email: julieb1997@gmail.com

Website: bairdlifeuniversity.blogspot.com

Boys and Girls Club

Summer Program May 26-August 17

Annual membership: $40 per year (allows attendance every day from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

Cost: $50 per week if child attends between 6:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Location: 3700 Bogard Road, Wasilla

Description: Computers, art, gym, activities, field trips (such as hiking, Wonderland Park, swimming, H2Oasis, etc.)

Contact: Howie Marks, 357-2582

Email: hmarks@bgcalaska.org

Eagle River Summer Fun Child-Care Program

Sponsor: Play, Dance and Learn Pre-School

Dates: May 20-August 16

Times: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ages: Grades K-6

Cost: $600 per month, $175 per week

Location: 17708 Monte Road, Eagle River

Description: Fun, educational weekly themes with arts and crafts, creative outdoor games, activities and field trips. Space is limited.

Contact: Cori or Becky Heath, 696-2420

Email: ersummerfun@gmail.com

Gail Moses Art Studio

Dates: June-August

Time: Varies depending on classes/camps selected

Ages: 5-6, 6-8; 8 and up; teens

Cost: Prices vary (see website or call)

Location: Mile 8 Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla

Description: Three day (Tues.-Thurs.), one-hour to three-hour fun camps in drawing, painting, clay and wearable art.

Contact: Gail Moses, 373-2781

Email: Gismoart@aol.com

Website: gailmoses.com

Okamoto’s Karate

Date: Summer lessons

Ages: 3 and up

Location: Pioneer Plaza on Blue Lupine in Wasilla

Description: First 50 to sign up for a month of martial arts lessons receive a free uniform and a month of lessons at 50 percent off.

Contact: 376-0333

Email: karate@alaska.net

Website: oka.m.otoskarate.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Birchwood Camps-Founders Day

50 years of Camp Celebration

Date: May 14

Time: 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. ($25 on day of race, Discounts available prior to day of race); free open house 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Description: Event to celebrate 50 years of Birchwood camps. Open to families. 5K race, open house and lunch, as well as other outdoor activities to follow lunch.

Location: 17161 David Blackburn Road, Chugiak

Contact: Marie Sweezey, 688-2734

Email: director@birchwoodcamp.org

Website: birchwoodcamp.org

North Bowl (bowling alley)

Register your child for a Summer Fun Bowling Pass. Registered children receive certificates to bowl 2 free games a day all summer

Ages: Under 18

Dates: Now through Labor Day

Location: 3250 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla

Contact: 357-6600

Website: KidsBowlFree.com/NorthBowlAk

Alaska Kite Festival

Sponsored by: Rusty’s at Dahlia Street restaurant

Date: May 14

Time: Starts at 10 a.m. (runs all day)

Ages: For all

Cost: Free

Location: 320 E. Dahlia Ave., Palmer

Description: Alaskiters will do free demonstrations (trick kites, large kites, etc.). Northwinds will have a booth with kites for sale. Prizes will be given to participants for such things as: smallest kite, largest kite, most unusual kite.

Contact: Liz, 746-3883

Email: rustys_ds@rocketmail.com

Website: rustysatdahliastreet.com or find them on Facebook