Numerous day camps planned for kids on winter vacation

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.

Parents may not have to worry about where their children are while they are out of school during winter break later this month.

Students can attend one of a variety of education-oriented camps and other programs during the vacation, including camps offered by the city of Las Vegas, YMCA, Jewish Community Center and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

The city of Las Vegas is offering six different science camps in which children will learn about subjects ranging from roller coasters to sharks to reptiles.

The first three camps will be offered Dec. 18 through Dec. 22 -- one in the morning and the other two in the afternoon.

Three other camps offered by the city will run Dec. 26 through Dec. 30, also with one running from 9 a.m. to noon, and the other two meeting 1-4 p.m. Each camp will cost $73.50 per child.

YMCA of Southern Nevada provides year-round day camps, including a holiday camp during the weeks of Dec. 18 and Dec. 26.

Students will make holiday crafts, swim and play sports during the first week. During the second week, children will participate in adventure activities, swimming and extreme exercise. The cost of the first week of the camp is $100, and the second week costs $80 per child.

Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the valley will offer a winter break day camp starting Dec. 18 and running on weekdays through Dec. 29, except Christmas Day.

Staff will provide structured daily activities that will include sports and crafts as well as educational programs using the club's library and computer labs.

Not all of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Southern Nevada will be open during the week of Christmas. The organization recommends calling to find out the nearest location that will be hosting a day camp during the vacation for children ages 6 to 12.

A child who is not a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs will have to pay a $10 fee in addition to the cost of the camp, which is $10 for one week and $15 for two weeks. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the club during the camp, which runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Camp K'helah starts on Dec. 18 at the Jewish Community Center and runs through Dec. 29. Parents can send kindergartners through sixth graders to the camp. Its schedule coincides with Hanukkah this year, with much of the program focusing on the holiday.

Youth attending the camp at the Jewish Community Center will also be able to participate in sports, music, and arts and crafts. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. The first week will cost $140, and the second week $115.

For more information about the city's science camps, call Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center at 229-1100.

To contact the YMCA call 877-9622.

To find out more about programs offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs call 367-2582.

The Jewish Community Center can be reached at 794-0090.