Plenty of options for summer fun

There are only 11 school days left this year. It’s a fact that no doubt has most Red Wing children rejoicing.

The same may not exactly be true for their parents. In just a few weeks’ time, they’ll be faced with the job of trying to pull those same children away from the magnetic fields that seems to surround video games, the computer and the TV.

Red Wing mom of four Janie Farrar said that task is made just a little easier with the help of a few children’s camps strategically placed on the calendar throughout the summer months.

“It’s just having them do something that’s constructive during the summer,” Farrar said. “They can see their friends and (I) know they’re in a safe environment.”

Luckily, there is a wide variety of summer camp options to choose from this year, from sports to arts. Basic summertime activities, like park time and trips to Red Wing Aquatic Center are also available.

With all the camps available, there should be no — or at least fewer — “I’m bored” statements this summer.

Red Wing Family YMCA

The Red Wing Family YMCA’s usual summer recreation and day camps have been replaced with its new Summer Enrichment and Recreation program.

The biggest change the new program makes is that it’s no longer “drop in,” Youth Development Director Josh Thygesen said. Children now need to attend all five weeks. In addition, parents now pay an enrollment fee.

“We want to start it low enough, but have something invested (so kids actually show up),” Thygesen said of the $50 fee.

The program, for kids age 5 and up, will run weekdays June 18 to July 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will be “park days,” and kids will explore Hi Park, South Park and Colvill Park. But, Thygesen said, it’s not just games of tag and playground equipment.

“We’re trying to bridge the education gap, adding a lot of things in the park: math, reading, to increase what those kids are learn,” he said.

Tuesdays will be enrichment days. Kids will learn about nutrition, art and history. On Thursdays, children will get the chance to go on a wide variety of field trips, from the Minnesota Zoo to the Science Museum.

The program receives funding from Xcel Energy, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Red Wing Community Education and the city of Red Wing.

Cost: $50 per child; each field trip is about $5-$10 extra (scholarships available)

More information: www.redwingymca.org, 651-388-4724, jthygesen@redwingymca.org

ArtReach

ArtReach will work independently this year to hold two weeklong art camps. The first will be June 18-22; the second is July 23-27.

Children in grades 1 through 5 will be able to create their own artwork over the course of the week. Camps are limited to 12 children per session.

“We really wanted to be able to give the kids individual attention,” ArtReach coordinator Emily Nelson.

Professional artists, including Guy Williams, will spend time working with the kids. Red Wing High School art teacher Kristin Bray, as well as high school art students, will help out.

In addition, the camps will take kids on field trips to see art in places like the Red Wing Arts Association Depot Gallery and the St. James Hotel.

“It’s neat to provide for kids who would want to do art instead of soccer camp,” Nelson said. “It’s just really fun to watch them grow over the week.”

Cost: $199 per child (scholarships available)

More information: artreachredwing.org, 651-388-4488.

Red Cottage Montessori

For the second year in a row, Red Cottage Montessori will hold its discovery camps. Children ages 3 to 6 will be able to explore the Montessori classroom and have the opportunity to discover and learn.

Children will also explore the nature areas surrounding the classroom. Activities include hikes to Hay Creek’s nearby beaches, tracking animals and discovering animal habitats. There will also be daily arts and crafts activities.

No Montessori experience is necessary. There will be two camps. The first is July 9-12; the second is Aug. 13-16.

Cost: $125 per week per child

More information: www.redcottagemontessori.org, 651-388-5776

Red Wing Community Recreation

Community Recreation will hold many of its usual sport camps and clinics this year. In addition, there will also be an inventor class for kids in first through sixth grade and a theater workshop for fourth-through-twelfth-graders.

New this year is a daylong safety camp for children in grades 4 and 5.

“They do a little bit of staying-on-your-own training,” Red Wing Community Recreation coordinator Dave Borgen said.

Lessons include fire, weather, electrical, water and bike safety. The class is sponsored by the Dawnbreaker’s Kiwanis.

For a complete listing of Red Wing Community Recreation’s programs, visit www.redwing.k12.mn.us and click on the community ed/rec tab.

Crossings at Carnegie

Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota is offering a variety of different summer camps this year for children of all ages — from 3 years old to high school seniors.

There will be a weeklong jewelry making class. Author Catherine Friend will lead a creative writing camp. Other camp topics include musical theater, comic books, textiles, art, clay animation and pottery wheels.

Cost: Camps range from $138 to $238 (scholarships available)

More information: www.crossingsatcarnegie.com, 507-732-7616, crossings@crossingsatcarnegie.com.

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