Yakima Greenway’s Kiddin’ Around kicks off in April

Yakima Greenway will offer a number of daily and ongoing activities for its Kiddin’ Around program starting in April and running through the summer. Check out this list of daily activities for April and May:

April 14: Spring Thaw Jamboree
April 20: Yoga for Kids
April 27: Kids’ Fish-In
April 28: See Spot Run
May 5: Golfin’ Around
May 10: Runnin’/Walkin’ Around
May 11: Family Field Day
May 18: Disc Golfin’ Around
May 18: Golfin’ Around
May 19: Color Naches Fun Run

Other ongoing activities are planned. The “Techin’ & Trekkin’” program runs Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The free activity lets you check out a GPS to record your mileage as you walk, run or bike the Greenway.

The “Photo Scavenger Hunt” is also available Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You’ll use a digital camera to take photos as you walk the Greenway. Free.

“Walkin’ the Dog” is available Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-3:30 p.m. This free activity lets you check out a dog from the Humane Society of Central Washington and go for a walk. Kids need to be accompanised by an adult. For this activity, call the Humane Society at 509-457-6854.

For information on all other activities, call the Yakima Greenway at 509-453-8280 or visit yakimagreenway.org.

Spring Sports

SOCCER

Spring Break Soccer Camp
Your kids will get a kick out of Ike’s Spring Break Soccer Camp, which runs two days in April. The camp, at Gilbert Elementary, is from 9-10:30 a.m., April 2-3.
The soccer camp is designed for boys and girls, grades K-6. Kids will work with the Ike soccer players to learn soccer skills and have fun. Cost is $20 per child. Registration began March 1. To register, contact coach Tyler Suhm at 509-573-2672 or email suhm.tyler@yakimaschools.org.

ITTY BITTIES INTRO TO SOCCER Boys and girls, ages 3-4. 6-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, May 10-31. Kids learn dribbling, passing, shooting and basic motor skills. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

PEE WEE SOCCER LEAGUE Boys and girls, ages 5-6. 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, April 5-26. Fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting learned with noncompetitive games. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt and ball. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

YMCA ITTY BITTY SOCCER Boys and girls, ages 3-6. Soccer basics, plus teamwork and sportsmanship. Season begins: TBA. Registration: Opens in mid-April, closes in May. Cost: $45/$55, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273 or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

FOOTBALL

SELAH FLAG FOOTBALL Boys and girls, grades 2-6. Divisions by grade. No-tackle, pass-only league. Cost: $47.61/$58.43/$69.25, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. Registration: Through April 12. League play: April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

YMCA FLAG FOOTBALL Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Season starts May 20; registration runs March 15-April 30. Cost: $65/$75, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273 or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

T-BALL

SELAH T-BALL Boys and girls, ages 5-7. Teams play once a week, plus one or two practices per week. Cost: $38.92/$49.77/$60.59, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. Registration: March 1-April 9. League Play: Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

GOLF

PEE WEE GOLF Boys and girls, ages 4-6. Four sessions: 3-3:30 p.m. Mondays, May 6-20; 3-3:30 p.m. Mondays June 3-17; 3-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, May 14-28; 3-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 22-June 5. Preschoolers will learn basics of golf and etiquette, stance, swings and putts. Class size caps at four students. Cost: $24/$29, depending on residency. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

JUNIOR CHIPPERS Boys and girls, ages 7-11. Three sessions, all Wednesdays-Thursdays: 3:30-4:30 p.m. April 17-May 2; 4:45-5:45 p.m. May 8-23; 4:45-5:45 p.m. June 5-20. Develop proper etiquette, swings, stance and confidence. Cost: $71/$80, depending on residency. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

JUNIOR DRIVERS Boys and girls, ages 12-16. Three sessions, all Wednesdays-Thursdays: 4:45-5:45 p.m. April 17-May 2; 3:30-4:30 p.m. May 8-23; 3:30-4:30 p.m. June 5-20. Develop proper etiquette, swings, stance and confidence. Cost: $71/$80, depending on residency. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

Fisher Park offers two Friday Night Glow Ball sessions
This spring you’ll have two chances to golf in the dark with glow balls, May 17 or June 7. Participants will take glow sticks on a nine-hole course and receive glow-in-the-dark necklaces. Cost: $25 per person; includes greens fee, one glow ball and glow stick, necklace and light snacks. Register one week prior to either event. Fisher Golf Course, 823 S. 40th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6075.

Want disc golf? Disc golf has become quite the popular sport. (Or is it recreation? You be the judge.) Now, disc golf enthusiasts and those new to the game have a special place of their own.
The Wide Hollow Creek Disc Golf Course is now open at Randall Park in Yakima, near the side CLOSEST to 48th Avenue. The nine-disc golf course was made possible by a $4,000 grant from Legends Casino along with more than $2,000 in donations from area businesses.

White Pass Kids’ Clinic Boys and girls ages 5-12 can experience full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors. The remaining sessions are March 23-24. Registration takes place from 8-9:15 a.m. on those dates in the Talus Room. Clinic participants meet at The Learning Center at White Pass at 9:30 a.m. each day. The cost is $90 single day, $130 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets.
Register for either program with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101, and check out skiwhitepass.com for more info.

Junior League Starting Kids’ Marathon

Junior League of Yakima wants to get your kids moving! The league is starting its first Kids’ Marathon, which is open to kids 5 and older.
Don’t worry, parents. Your child is not expected to run all 26.2 miles in one shot. Instead, your kids can get started now and have their miles logged along the way.
The actual marathon is set for 10 a.m. May 18 at West Valley Park. On that day, kids will run the final mile of the marathon together. Kids completing the marathon will receive a medal. The last day to register for the marathon is March 28.
A Family Fun Run is scheduled the same day, with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. There is no cost to participate, but families are asked to bring canned food donations to benefit Northwest Harvest.
To sign up, visit the group’s Facebook page, facebook.com/JlYkidsmarathon2013, where all required forms can be found. You can also contact the Junior League office, 509-966-0930, or email kidsmarathon2013@gmail.com.

Embrace winter for sports, inside and outside

“Baby, it’s cold outside…” Yep, and in places there’s lots of snow still. What are you and your family going to do about it? Sure, snow angels can get you so far, but if you want real adventure, look no further.

SOCCER

IKE HOSTS SPRING BREAK SOCCER CAMP Your kids will get a kick out of Ike’s Spring Break Soccer Camp, which runs two days in April. The camp, at Gilbert Elementary, is from 9-10:30 a.m., April 2-3.

The soccer camp is designed for boys and girls, grades K-6. Kids will work with the Ike soccer players to learn soccer skills and have fun. The cost is $20 per child. Registration begins March 1. To register, contact Coach Tyler Suhm at 509-573-2672 or by email at suhm.tyler@yakimaschools.org.

INDOOR TINY TYKES SOCCER. Boys and girls, ages 4-5. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays, Feb. 5-21. Indoor soccer teaches kids passing, dribbling, shooting, teamwork and sportsmanship. Cost: $28/$34, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. At Roosevelt Elementary. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

ITTY BITTIES INTRO TO SOCCER. Boys and girls, ages 3-4. 6-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, May 10-31. Kids learn dribbling, passing, shooting and basic motor skills. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

PEE WEE SOCCER LEAGUE. Boys and girls, ages 5-6. 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, April 5-26. Fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting learned with non-competitive games. Cost: $40/$48, depending on residency; includes T-shirt and ball. At Chesterley Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

SELAH FC. Boys and girls, grades K-6. Games played Saturdays and weekday evenings, March 9-April 27 (no games held March 30-April 6). Cost: $46.53/$57.35/$68.17; fee includes uniform. Registration: Jan. 2-Feb. 20, with $4 late fee if registered after Feb. 5. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

TINY TOTS SOCCER (SELAH). Boys and girls, ages 3-5. Play: Saturdays, March 9, 16, 27 & April 13, 20 & 27. Registration: Jan. 2-March 8. Introduction to soccer, including basic fundamentals, new skills and sportsmanship. Cost: $35/$45/$55, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. At Lince Play Field across Naches Ave. from Lince School in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

YMCA ITTY BITTY SOCCER. Boys and girls, ages 3-6. Soccer basics, plus teamwork and sportsmanship. Season begins: TBA. Registration: Opens in mid-April, closes in May. Cost: $45/$55, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273, or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

FOOTBALL

SELAH FLAG FOOTBALL. Boys and girls, grades 2-6. Divisions by grade. No-tackle, pass-only league. Cost: $47.61/$58.43/$69.25, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. Registration: Jan. 2-April 12. League play: April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

YMCA FLAG FOOTBALL. Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Cost: $65/$75, depending on membership. Season starts May 20; registration runs March 15-April 30. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273, or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

T-BALL

BEGINNER PEE WEE T-BALL. Boys and girls, ages 4-5. Four-game season: 6:15-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays, March 20-April 10. Register by March 8. Cost: $15/$20, depending on residency. Games played at Gateway Sports Complex or Kiwanis Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

SELAH T-BALL. Boys and girls, ages 5-7. Teams play once a week, plus one or two practices per week. Cost: $38.92/$49.77/$60.59, depending on residency; fee includes T-shirt. Registration: March 1-April 9. League Play: Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 30-June 6. At Lince Fields in Selah. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

BASKETBALL

ITTY BITTY BASKETBALL. Boys and girls, ages 3-6. 5:30-6:20 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays (ages 3-4), and 6:30-7:20 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays (ages 5-6). First practice starts March 5. Registration closes Feb. 18; $10 fee added after deadline. Cost: $45/$55, depending on membership. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. Contact: Doug Berndt, Youth Programs Director: 509-972-5273, or dberndt@yakimaymca.org. yakimaymca.org

ICE

Learn to Skate and Beginner Hockey classes at Yakima Ice Rink Ice skating and hockey do have a place in Yakima, and your child can learn how to do one — or both! The Yakima Ice Rink, 1700 Beech St. in Yakima, offers Learn to Skate lessons each Monday, 6-6:45 p.m. for tots as young as 3 and other brand-new skaters, and at 6:45-7:30 p.m. for beginners. Figure skating lessons are Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Public skating sessions take place each Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, 5-8 p.m. The cost is $6 per person, with an additional $1 fee for ice skate rental. Call the rink at 509-469-0597 or visit yakimaicerink.com for more info.

Chalet Place Ice Rink. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, this new ice skating rink is made from sheets of polyethylene, which isn’t as cold as ice and doesn’t require refrigeration or electricity. That means this outdoor rink could potentially be open year-round.  “Come July,” says Frank Hieber, co-owner of Incline LLC, which operates Chalet Place Ice Rink, “you might see people in shorts and tank tops skating next to the shaved ice area.” The cost is $5 per person, including a skate rental, or $4 if visitors bring their own skates. Once on the “ice,” patrons have an unlimited amount of time within the hours of operation. The Chalet Place Ice Rink is located in the Chalet Place shopping center at 56th and Summitview avenues in Yakima.

…AND SNOW

White Pass Kids’ Clinic continues through March The dates are set, and more kids’ clinics will be offered at White Pass in February and March. Boys and girls ages 5-12 can experience full-day skiing or snowboarding clinics with specialized children’s instructors.
The remaining sessions offered are Feb. 23-24, March 9-10 & March 23-24. Registration takes place from 8-9:15 a.m. on those dates in the Talus Room. Clinic participants meet at The Learning Center at White Pass at 9:30 a.m. each day. The cost is $90 single day, $130 weekend; includes lunch, snacks and lift tickets.

The Ski 4 Kids Race Weekend is scheduled for March 2-3 in conjunction with the Winter Carnival. These races are open to intermediate skiers and riders, ages 6-12. All-day training takes place Sat., March 2, and races commence Sun., March 3, followed by an awards ceremony and hot dog banquet. Register for either program with The Learning Center at White Pass, 509-672-3101, and check out skiwhitepass.com for more info.

EZ Ski/Ride 1,2,3. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 21, Feb. 15 & Feb. 21. Yakima Parks and Recreation leads groups to White Pass to teach kids an introduction to snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Cost: $140/$147, depending on residency; fee includes transportation and three days of lift tickets. Transportation only fee: $15/$17, depending on residency. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

YAKIMA LITTLE LEAGUE. Ages 4-14. League play: April 8-June 7. Registration: 5:30-8 p.m. Feb. 19 & 21 at Big 5, 2801 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 5-7 p.m. Feb. 26 & 28 at Kimmel Athletic Supply, 2105 W. Lincoln, Yakima. Also register by calling Mike Saxton at 509-952-1716 or Nicole Delp at 509-910-5248. Cost: $65 T-Ball (4-6 years); $75 Farm League (6-8 years); $105 Minor League (8-10 years); $105 Major League (11-12 years); $150 Junior League (13-14 years); cash and check accepted, and debit for a small fee.

Family Open Gym in Selah
So you want to get exercise with your family without going broke? Try the free Family Open Gym at Sunset Gym in Selah. The gym is open to families only 4-6 p.m. the first and third Sundays of each month through March. Sports activities include basketball, wiffle ball, volleyball and more. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

Ready for some hoops in Selah?

So your little troops like shooting hoops?  Here are a couple of options coming up this winter in Selah. Keep in mind the registration deadlines for both programs are earlier than the program start dates, so check out the details below carefully.

 

YOUTH BASKETBALL. Boys and girls in grades 1-6 can join the Selah Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball League. Practice starts Dec. 6; season runs Jan. 5-Feb. 23. Register by Nov. 30. Cost: $43/$53/$63, depending on residency (plus tax). At Sunset Gym & Selah Intermediate School.

 

LITTLE DRIBBLERS. Boys and girls ages 4-6 can learn the basics of basketball and sportsmanship. Winter session runs Mondays from 6-6:45 p.m. Jan. 7-Feb. 11; register Dec. 3-Jan. 4. Cost: $35/$45/$55 depending on residency. Located at the Sunset Gym, inside John Campbell Elementary School, 408 N. First St., Selah. Selah Parks and Recreation: 509-698-7302.

An “outstanding” project for kids with autism

By Scott Klepach

Photos by George May

A group of local children can now be called “Socially Outstanding Super Agents.” That’s because these nine boys successfully completed the week-long Camp SOS, which took place last June.

These children, who range in age from 8 to 12 and have been diagnosed with autism, spent the week of June 18-22 at Children’s Village learning strategies, coping skills and other social skills. “The goal of the project is to support children and their families around social skills development,” says Cindy Carroll, who is the Autism coach and consultant for Children’s Village. “There was a purposeful one-week intensive training session.”

Families could observe each morning session, and after the classroom camp concluded, says Carroll, “we took the classroom into the community.”

That included trips to the pool, Meadowbrook Family Fun Center and the cinema.

“We wanted kids to be able to practice skills they learned in a clinical setting and a natural setting,” adds Carroll.

And it’s working. Carroll conducted a Likert scale test, a common evaluation involving questionneres, before and after Camp SOS to determine the strength of the program. She found that the boys made a more than 50 percent gain in vocabulary and social skills.

The children celebrated the end of the camp with a field trip to Abby’s Pizza on August 7, 2012.

Camp SOS was a pilot project organized by the Yakima Autism Oversight Committee, a group comprised of various organizations, including Children’s Village, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Catholic Family and Child Services and Educational Service District 105. The camp was made possible with grant funding from ESD 105 and the M.J. Murdock Foundation.

Carroll and the committee want to build on what they started this year. She says she wants to bring in members of the community next year to learn the curriculum used in the program and see the progress being made.

“We want the ripple to be education on this practice,” says Carroll, “because we know it works. There’s a hole in our community for social skills.”

Ike Gearing Up for Soccer Camp August 23-24

Eisenhower High School kicks off its soccer camp Aug. 23-24. The two-day camp runs 9-10:30 a.m. at Gilbert Elementary, 4400 Douglas Drive in Yakima.

The camp is designed for boys and girls, from Kindergarten through 6^th grade. Cost is $20 per child. Contact Tyler Suhm at 509-573-2672, or by email at suhm.tyler@yakimaschools.org for questions or to sign up. Children may also sign up the morning of the camp.

Summer isn’t over yet! More fun, arts, crafts, and drama

Summer Fun: arts, crafts and drama

 

ART

Maxin Art Studio is offering a drop-in drawing class each Friday from 4-6 p.m. The studio is located at 106 S. Third St. in Yakima. You can call 509-494-3850 for details, or visit maxinartstudio.com. Ongoing.

Red Art Studios, located at 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd. in Yakima, has a lineup of summer art and science day camps continuing this summer. Each camp costs $65 per participant, and pre-registration is required. Call 509-469-2766 to register. All camps run 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. Here’s the rest of the schedule:

July 31-Aug. 3: “Masks of the Americas” Mask construction, history, culture and expression.

Aug. 7-10: Rocket camp. (First session)

Aug. 14-17: Rocket camp. (Second session)

Allied Arts of Yakima Valley continues its summer ArtsVan program, which brings art to various parks in the area. The ArtsVan will be at the Yakima Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19, Sept. 16, and Oct. 21.

Allied Arts also has a number of art camps at its facility at 5000 W. Lincoln Ave. in Yakima. Call the office at 509-966-0930 or visit alliedartsyakima.org for more info and updates.

Each art camp costs $80 for a full week or $140 for two theatre or art camps. Each camp is designed for ages 7-12 and runs from 2-4 p.m. on the dates listed below.

Aug. 20-24: Explore the world of puppet creation.

Allied Arts will resume its two-week Shakespeare Camp this August, too. Elementary and middle school students meet from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13-17 & Aug. 20-24, and high school students meet from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 13-17 & Aug. 20-24. Cost: $150.

 

MOVIES

The Fourth Annual Summer Cinema Series continues as well, with each movie beginning at sunset (about 8:30 p.m.) at Gilbert Park, at 5000 W. Lincoln Ave. in Yakima. Bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for admission. Here’s the remaining schedule:

Jul. 29: “Hugo,” rated PG.

Aug. 5: “Jack and Jill,” rated PG.

Aug. 12: “Twilight: Breaking Dawn,” rated PG-13.

 

DANCE

Co-Motion Dance will run weekly dance camps and intensives for ages 3 and up from June 11 to August 16, and each week will offer something different.

The cost is $68 for one week for ages 6-9, and $78 for the week for ages 10 and up. The 6-9 age group runs from 3-4:30 Monday-Thursday; intermediate from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; and advanced from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

July 30-Aug. 2: Jazz

Aug. 6-9: Tap

Aug. 13-16: Hip hop

 

The Melody Lane Performing Arts Academy is still offering music, dance and theatre camps this summer.

Music/Theatre/Dance classes: Two session options: 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. $65-$99.

Aug. 6-10: “Tangled” musical theatre. Ages 3-7.

Other dance camps:

Aug. 6-10: Pop Stars Hip Hop Dance Week. 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 6 and up.

July 30-August 3: “Get the edge.” Strength and flexibility. 10-11:20 a.m. or 5-6:20 p.m.

 

 MUSIC

 Melody Lane is also offering classes to boost your musical prowess with voice and instrument lessons.

July 30-August 3: Sing Like a Broadway Star. Vocal lessons. 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 8 and up. [Is this a camp or just lessons?]

 Another musical treat is Allied Arts’ Music Camp, which runs July 30-Aug. 3. The weeklong camp, from 9-11 a.m. each day, is for ages 7-12.

The music camp is open to everyone in that age group, and is inclusive of kids with special needs. The class will feature free-flowing music and give kids a hands-on music experience and lessons on instruments from around the world. The cost is $80 each.

 

[Contact info for above listings]

Allied Arts of Yakima Valley

5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima

509-966-0930 • alliedartsyakima.org

 

CoMotion Dance Center for the Arts

4001 Summitview Ave., Suite 20, Yakima

509-966-0676

 

Melody Lane Performing Arts Academy

2610 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Suite A, Yakima.

509-248-9623 • melodylaneacademy.com

 

…MORE MUSIC

Gone Fiddling Again hosts its “Circle Music Jam” the third Thursday of each month from 7-9 p.m. Next dates: Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18.

The jams are for all ages and abilities and are described as “nutrition for the music soul.” Music includes country, folk, fiddle, bluegrass and blues.

Gone Fiddling Again is located at 217 S. 63^rdAve. in Yakima. Contact: 509-949-2100; gonefiddlingagain.com

 

The Yakima Valley Community Band continues to offer free concerts each Wednesday until Aug. 8. A variety of music includes jazz, classical, pops, Broadway tunes and marches. Each concert is performed at Randall Park at 48 N. 44^th Ave. in Yakima.

 

The Summer Sunset Concert Series also continues at Franklin Park each Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. through August. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music and Allied Arts Summer ArtsVan.

Aug. 2: Little Big Band (Classic Rock and Country)

Aug. 9: Tuck Foster & The Mossrites (Blues)

Aug. 16: Alice Stuart & The Formerly’s (Folk Blues Legend)

 

GO OUTSIDE!

Yakima Greenway has a number of activities left on its Kiddin’ Around summer program.

Jul. 28: 10-11:30 a.m., Sarg Hubbard Park. “Yaki HA HA Yoga.” Laugh for way to health! Cost: $2. Register: 509-480-2603.

Aug. 4: 9-11 a.m., Yakima Area Arboretum. “Goin’ For a Bird Hunt.” Free. Register: ahtrees.org or call 509-248-7337 by Aug. 2.

Aug. 4: 1-2:30 p.m., Sarg Hubbard Park. “Zumbatonic.” Free. Hosted by Yakima Family YMCA; register by calling 509-972-5276.

Aug. 11: 2-4 p.m., Yakima Greenway. “Geocaching in the Greenway.” Free. Register by Aug. 1; call 509-453-8280.

Aug. 25-26: “Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney.” Located in downtown Yakima. Aug. 25: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Aug. 26: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fees for players. Pre-register at 509-575-6020 or at hotshots3on3.com.

For more info, contact the Greenway at 509-453-8280 or visit yakimagreenway.org.

 

Spend a few evening hours under the stars by Star Gazing at Randall Park one Friday each month through October. Thanks to a partnership between the Yakima Astronomical Society and Yakima Parks and Rec, families can observe the moon, planets, stars and other sky objects. Contact Yakima Parks and Rec at 509-575-6020 for more info.

Starting times vary, but here’s the schedule:

July 27: 8:30 p.m.-midnight

Aug. 24: 8 p.m.-midnight

Sept. 21: 7 p.m.-midnight

Oct. 19: 7 p.m.-midnight

 

A Free Summer Day Camp through Aug. 17 at Franklin Park, S. 21^st Ave. and Tieton Drive. The camp, offered by Yakima Parks and Rec, combines arts and crafts, swimming, and games, runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 509-575-6020 for more information.

 

SPORTS

Soccer

Itty Bitty Soccer. Boys and girls, ages 3-6. Fundamentals and basic skills taught. Cost: $45 member, $55 non-member. Register by Aug. 21; play runs 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 28-Oct. 4. Located at Gilbert Elementary School, 4400 Douglas Drive, Yakima. Yakima Family YMCA: 509-972-5273. yakimaymca.org

Pee Wee Soccer League. Boys and girls ages 5-6. Teaches the fundamentals of soccer in a safe, fun environment. The first sessions runs 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 1-23. The second session runs 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 6-27. Cost: $48 non-resident, $40 resident; fee includes T-shirt and ball. Call Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

Selah FC Fall Soccer League. Boys and girls, grades K-6. Registration period: Aug. 1-Sept. 7. League Play: Saturdays and weeknights, Sept. 22-Oct. 27. Cost: $43/$53/$63, depending on residency (not including taxes). Located at Lince Field in Selah. Contact Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

Tiny Tots. Boys and Girls, ages 3-5. Introducing soccer to kids, with fundamentals and basic skills taught. Located at Lince School Field in Selah. Register: Aug. 1-Sept. 7. Play runs 10-10:45 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27. Cost: $35/$45/$55, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. Selah Parks and Rec: 509-698-7300.

 

Golf

Pee Wee Golf Lessons. Boys and girls, ages 4-5. Games and activities help preschoolers learn the basics of golf. Two sessions in August: 9:30-10 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 7-21, & 9:30-10 a.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 8-22. Cost: $29 non-resident, $24 resident. Fisher Park, across from Eisenhower High School; 509-575-6075.

Junior Golf Lessons. Boys and girls, ages 7-16 (different groups). Junior Chippers, 7-12 years old: 10:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesday and Thursdays, Aug. 7-16 & Aug. 21-30. Power Drives, 13-16 years old: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 7-16 & Aug. 21-30. Cost: $58 non-resident, $47 resident. Fisher Park, across from Eisenhower High School; 509-575-6075.

Vacation Bible School 2012

Vacation Bible School

Here is the lowdown on the remaining VBS offerings in the area this summer:

June 18-Aug. 17: Select one week or multiple weeks. Westminster Presbyterian Church | 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima; westpress.org; Lisa Willey, 966-1900. “Summer Adventure Day Camp.” Meets 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Two age groups: Kindergarten-first grade and second-fifth grade. Cost: $30 weekly for first child, add $20 for each sibling; $10 registration fee.

Jul. 29-Aug. 2: 6-8:30 p.m. “Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity.” Intergenerational. Free. Wesley United Methodist Church of Yakima, 14 N. 48^th Ave. Contact: 509-966-2370. wesleyofyakima.org

Jul. 30-Aug. 3: 9 a.m.-12 noon. “VBS.” Kindergarten-sixth grade. Free. Peace Lutheran Church, 91 Wernex Loop, Selah; 509-697-4353. peacelutheranelah.org

Jul. 30-Aug. 3: 6-8:30 p.m. “Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity.” Ages 4-sixth grade. Free. Zillah Church of the Nazarene, 203 Miles Drive, Zillah; zillahnazarene.org; Sarah Friedrich, 509-829-5338.

Aug. 6-9: 9:-11:30 a.m. “Sky: Everything is Possible with God.” Ages 4-10. $10 donation. Westpark Church and Academy, 3902 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-966-1632; diversityexcels.org.

Aug. 6-9: 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Mission: Possible.” Kindergarten-sixth grade. Free. Wiley Heights Covenant Church, 12504 Gilbert Road, Yakima; wileyheightscovenant.org; Sherrin Melcher, 509-966-2383.

Aug. 12-16: 6-7:30 p.m. “Hometown Nazareth.” Free. For ages 3 (potty trained) through sixth grade. Shiloh Christian Center, 113 N. Pierce Ave., Yakima; call Patty at 509-594-7111.

Aug. 13-16: 6-9 p.m. “Mega Sports Camp.” Memorial Bible Church, 111 Old Stage Way, Yakima; contact Chris Kinman at 509-966-6500; mbcyakima.com. First-sixth graders. Focus on basketball and cheerleading. Cost: $20 per camper, plus other material fees (Registration deadline was July 10, but spots might still be available).

Be One with Nature

 There’s the joke about the Buddhist who walks up to a hot dog vendor and says, “Make me one with everything.”

Now, your family can be one with nature with the plethora of options available this summer.

 

Sometimes you don’t have to go very far to experience a real outdoorsy summer here in the area. Try these local options:

Spend a few evening hours under the stars by Star Gazing at Randall Park one Friday each month through October. Thanks to a partnership between the Yakima Astronomical Society and Yakima Parks and Rec, families can observe the moon, planets, stars and other sky objects. Contact Yakima Parks and Rec at 509-575-6020 for more info.

Starting times vary, but here’s the schedule:

May 25: 8:30-midnight

June 29: 9 p.m.-midnight

July 27: 8:30 p.m.-midnight

Aug. 24: 8 p.m.-midnight

Sept. 21: 7 p.m.-midnight

Oct. 19: 7 p.m.-midnight

 

Another great way to be one with the earth is to get your hands dirty and grab hold of some plump earthworms.

 Sure, you can try to hunt down the night crawlers on your own, or you can head to the Yakima Area Arboretum to give your kids an educational and fun outing. The Arboretum’s “Worm Composting for Kids” class is set for 1-3 p.m. June 19.

Kids grades 2 and up will learn all about worms in a real hands-on setting. The cost is $20 for YAA members and $26 for non-members. The fee includes a starter kit. Parents are free if they accompany their child.

The class takes place at the Jewett Interpretive Center at the Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima. Contact: 509-248-7337, or visit ahtrees.org.

The YAA is also holding “Nature Camp” for six weeks this summer. The week-long camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, and is intended for ages 5-11.

Pick from the following weeks: June 18-22, June 25-29, Jul. 2-6, Jul. 9-13, Jul. 16-20, or Jul. 23-27. The cost is $139 per child, which includes snacks, a T-shirt and a bottle.

Let your voice be heard this summer!

Ahhh … the sounds of summer.

 Melody Lane is offering classes to boost your musical prowess with voice and instrument lessons.

July 2-7 (no July 4 class): Sing Like a Pop Star. Vocal lessons. 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 8 and up.

July 3-31: Beginning guitar. 5-week session: Tuesdays, 4:30-5 p.m. Ages 8 and up.

July 5-Aug. 2: Beginning piano. 5-week session: Thursdays, 5-5:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up.

July 30-August 3: Sing Like a Broadway Star. Vocal lessons. 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 8 and up.

 Allied Arts is keeping with the rhythm of music with its own Strings Music Camp. Beginners will meet 8-9:30 a.m. June 18-22 or June 25-29, and intermediate musicians will meet 9:45-11:15 a.m. June 18-22 or June 25-29. The cost is $125.

Another musical treat is Allied Arts’ Music Camp, which runs July 23-27 & July 30-Aug. 3. The weeklong camp, from 9-11 a.m. each day, is for ages 7-12.

The music camp is open to everyone in that age group, and is inclusive of kids with special needs. The class will feature free-flowing music and give kids a hands-on music experience and lessons on instruments from around the world. The cost is $80 each.

 

Allied Arts of Yakima Valley

5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima

509-966-0930 • alliedartsyakima.org

 

CoMotion Dance Center for the Arts

4001 Summitview Ave., Suite 20, Yakima

509-966-0676

 

Meloday Lane Performing Arts Academy

2610 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Suite A, Yakima.

509-248-9623 • melodylaneacademy.com

 

More Musical Notes

If you want to enjoy music but don’t want to commit to a week-long camp, there are some other options out there.

 Gone Fiddling Again hosts its “Circle Music Jam” the third Thursday of each month from 7-9 p.m. Next dates: June 21, July 19 & Aug. 16.

The jams are for all ages and abilities and are described as “nutrition for the music soul.” The jams include country, folk, fiddle, bluegrass and blues.

Gone Fiddling Again is located at 217 S. 63^rdAve. in Yakima. Contact: 509-949-2100; gonefiddlingagain.com

The Yakima Valley Community Band marks its summer debut of “Concerts in the Park” 7 p.m. on July 4, with free concerts running each Wednesday from July 4-Aug. 8. A variety of music includes jazz, classical, pops, Broadway tunes and marches. Each concert is performed at Randall Park at 48 N. 44^th Ave. in Yakima.

Youth can also try out for a seat on the Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra’s 2012-2013 group. Auditions are held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 2 and June 9 at Englewood Christian Church, 511 N. 44^th Ave. in Yakima. For more details email yyso.yes@gmail.com.

Care to dance?

Your kids can dance the summer away with a variety of dance camps.

Co-Motion Dance will run weekly dance camps and intensives for ages 3 and up from June 11 to August 16, and each week will offer something different.

The cost is $68 for one week for ages 6-9, and $78 for the week for ages 10 and up. The 6-9 age group runs from 3-4:30 Monday-Thursday; intermediate from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; and advanced from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

June 11-14: Hip hop

June 18-21: Tap

June 25-28: Modern

July 9-12: Jazz

July 16-19: Ballet

July 23-26: Modern (not a repeat)

July 30-Aug. 2: Jazz (not a repeat)

Aug. 6-9: Tap (not a repeat)

Aug. 13-16: Hip hop (not a repeat)

 

The Melody Lane Performing Arts Academy is offering music, dance and theatre camps this summer. You like princesses? Check. Movie-inspired courses? Check. A variety of music genres? Check!

Princesses first! Ages 3-5: $65 per week. Each week offers two sessions: 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m.

June 25-29: Cinderella Princess

July 9-13: Little Mermaid Princess

July 23-27: Sleeping Beauty Princess

July 3-31: Disney Princesses (5-week session), 11-11:50 or 4:30-5:20 p.m.

Music/Theatre/Dance classes: Two session options: 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. $65-$99.

July 9-13: “Annie” Musical Week. Sing and dance. Ages 6 and up.

July 16-20: “Star Wars” stage combat and Jedi training. Ages 6 and up.

July 23-27: “Wicked” musical theatre. Ages 8 and up.

Aug. 6-10: “Tangled” musical theatre. Ages 3-7.

Other dance camps:

June 25-29 & Aug. 6-10: Pop Stars Hip Hop Dance Week. 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 6 and up.

July 2-7 (except July 4) & July 23-27: Ballerina Boot Camp Dance Week. 10-10:50 a.m. or 5:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 6 and up.

July 16-20: “So You Think You Can Dance?”-style dance week. 10-11:50 a.m. or 4:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 12 and up.

July 30-August 3: “Get the edge.” Strength and flexibility. 10-11:20 a.m. or 5-6:20 p.m.

Theatre, anyone?

“All the world’s a stage!”

So says the character Jacques in Shakespeare’s play As You Like It.

With that in mind, if you can’t travel the world, then make the world come to life with theatre!

This summer there are several programs available for your kids to get in the stage spotlight.

Eisenhower High School will host its Eisenhower Summer Drama Camp June 18-22. The camp, which runs from 9 a.m.-noon each day, is intended for kids 6-13.

Participants will learn the ins and outs of the stage, including acting, dancing, singing, improvisation, props and costuming.

A “Grand Finale” show will be held at 11:30 a.m. on June 22, the last day of the camp.

The cost is $68 per child, which includes a daily snack and a camp T-shirt.

The drama unfolds at Ike’s Little Theatre, located at 702 S. 40^th Ave. in Yakima. Call 509-833-7676 for more info.

 

Allied Arts of Yakima Valley has prepared a lineup of theatre fun, too.

The organization is holding its “Theatre For Kids” program June-August. Each camp runs from 4-6 p.m. for kids 7-12. Cost: $80.

June 25-29: The film “The Artist” hits the stage.

July 9-13: Myths and storytelling on stage.

July 15-20: Murals come to life on stage.

Aug. 20-24: Puppets on stage.

Allied Arts will also resume its two-week Shakespeare Camp in August. Elementary and middle school students meet from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13-17 & Aug. 20-24, and high school students meet from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 13-17 & Aug. 20-24. Cost: $150.

Programs for the Young Artist this summer

Programs for the Young Artist

 

Yakima Valley’s beautiful summer is a work of art itself, and it might inspire kids to get their hands working creatively. Here are some programs for kids who want to get artistic.

Maxin Art Studio is offering a drop-in drawing class each Friday from 4-6 p.m. The studio is located at 106 S. Third St. in Yakima. You can call 509-494-3850 for details, or visit maxinartstudio.com. Ongoing.

Red Art Studios, located at 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd. in Yakima, has a lineup of summer art and science day camps beginning in July. Each camp costs $65 per participant, and pre-registration is required. Call 509-469-2766 to register. All camps run 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. Here’s the schedule:

July 17-20: “Explore Ancient Egypt” Art, culture, math and language.

July 24-27: “Weather Central” Weather in art, weather machines and observing.

July 31-Aug. 3: “Masks of the Americas” Mask construction, history, culture and expression.

Aug. 7-10: Rocket camp. (First session)

Aug. 14-17: Rocket camp. (Second session)

 Allied Arts of Yakima Valley will resume its popular summer ArtsVan program, which brings art to various parks in the area (check out our website, playdateyakima.com, for a full schedule!). Allied Arts also has a number of art camps at its facility at 5000 W. Lincoln Ave. in Yakima. Call the office at 509-966-0930 or visit alliedartsyakima.org for more info and updates.

Each art camp costs $80 for a full week or $140 for two theatre or art camps. Each camp is designed for ages 7-12 and runs from 2-4 p.m. on the dates listed below.

Jun. 25-29: Explore the movie “The Artist.”

July 9-13: Explore myths and storytelling in an art classroom setting.

July 16-20: Explore the art of murals.

Aug. 20-24: Explore the world of puppet creation.

Backyard camping!

Make camping go a long way — without going far away.

By Scott Klepach Jr.

 

What I’m about to divulge may stir up some controversy.

I’m not a happy camper.

I mean that literally. I’m really not a camper at all.

Sure, sure, I may have had a bad experience, or maybe I didn’t give camping a chance. I can enjoy staying in a cabin – or even being under the cover of a makeshift structure for shelter.

But tent camping? Gasp!

I want to like it. I’ve tried, even though last summer was only my second time.

As I wrote then, for me camping conjures up images of tics, murderers and bears. Oh, and cougars, too. Or as my daughter Elise calls them, “poogars.” Not so cute when they are staring at you hungrily — in your imagination.

 

Growing up, my family never went camping. Not once.

In fact, the closest we came to camping was staying in an Embassy Suites hotel in Bellevue – you know, with all those plants and the jungle décor.

Oh, but I’ve sacrificed — or compromised — my comfort for the sake of family. What’s the compromise? Tent camping in our backyard. (My wife assures me we will go “real” tent camping again later this year.)

The Backyardigans had it right. Why spend all that time and effort packing and traveling to some distant location when you can bring “the wild” to the green space at your back doorstep? (Now if only I could make this argument work with my wife.)

This experience was grand. It helped, sure, to have a fenced-in yard, a familiar setting and our house several yards away – which I retreated to several times (Hey! It was a cold April night!). It also helped having an airbed and an extension cord running from the house to power the Christmas Story leg lamp that lit the tent inside.

I mused that Mark Twain would be proud, and by the light of the leg lamp I read his travel memoir Roughin’ It—rather than experiencing the real deal.

You think I’m lazy? A wimp? A bore? Call me what you will. But we did have fun. Our family roasted s’mores over our fire pit, slept in a real tent, shared scary stories and snuggled to keep warm.

And you know what? I learned some things about our neighborhood because of this experience. Traffic was not the biggest problem keeping us awake. Instead, it was a combination of other sounds: mating cats, a noisy donkey, a persistent rooster and the incessant chirping of birds (and we live within the city limits!).

So if you want to go “roughin’ it” in your own backyard, get ready for adventure of a tamer kind. But be sure to have these items with you:

• Tent
• Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
• Christmas Story leg lamp
• Fire pit
• Branches or sticks for marshmallows. And marshmallows!
• Graham crackers
• Chocolate squares
• Hot dogs and hot dog buns
• Glow sticks—fun!
• Board games
• iPad with Wi-Fi connection
• Toy fishing poles for the little ones (attach a magnet and go “fishing” for aluminum cans)
• River rock (in case you want to do some arts and crafts. Pet rock, anyone?)
• Imagination (good for creating spooky stories and pretending you’re not in the backyard)

 

 

Time for sports and outdoor fun!

Sports!

• Youth Soccer. Registration is open in May and June. Practices run July-August, and games are played at Yakima School District fields.

• Youth Flag Football. Registration is open in April and May. Practices run late May-July, and games are in June and July. Coed divisions only. Ages 5-12 with four age divisions.

• Youth Baseball. Registration is open in May and June. Practices run from June-August, and games are in July and August. Yakima and West Valley divisions: ages 6-9 coach pitch; ages 10-11 minors; 12 years majors.

Cost for each program: $65 members, $55 nonmembers

Itty Bitty Soccer and T-Ball for spring and summer: Call YMCA for details. Call Gilbert at 509-972-5273 or Tyler at 509-972-5276.

YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-248-1202. yakimaymca.org

 

Itty Bitty Soccer league. Boys and girls, ages 3-4. Parent-child class teaches kids the fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting. Learn teamwork, make new friends and play games. Meets from 6-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, April 12-May 3 at Chesterley Park. Cost is $40-$48, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt and ball.

Pee Wee Soccer League. Boys and girls, ages 5-6. Kids learn fundamentals of soccer, including dribbling, passing and scoring. Positive, noncompetitive atmosphere. Meets 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays, May 10-June 7 at Chesterley Park. Cost is $40-$48, depending on residency; includes a T-shirt and ball.

Soccer Camp. Boys and girls, grades 3-6. Meets 6-7:30 p.m., April 3-5 at Chesterley Park. Camp teaches kids the fundamentals of soccer, including ball control, shooting, offense and defense drills, and scrimmages. For beginning and moderate players. Cost: $30-$36, depending on residency; includes T-shirt.

 To register for all soccer programs, call Yakima Parks and Recreation. 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima. 509-575-6020.

 

 

 

 

 Golf!

 Golfin’ Around: May 6, 1 p.m. Ages 5-14. Free. Call 509-949-6349 or visit firstteeyakima.org to register. Must preregister by May 1.

Friday Night Glow Ball. 8 p.m., May 18 and June 1. Nine holes of glow-in-the-dark golf. Cost: $25 each; includes greens fee, one glow ball and glow stick, glow-in-the-dark necklace, and snacks. Register a week before each event.

 

Selah sports and activities

Selah T-Ball. Boys and girls, ages 5-7. Registration runs through April 16. League play runs May-June at Lince Fields in Selah. Cost: $38.92/$49.77/$60.59, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

Selah Youth Flag Football. Boys and girls, grades 2-6. Coed play with two divisions: grades 2-3 and 4-6. No-tackle play. Registration runs through April 16. League play runs May-June. Cost: $47.61/$58.43/$69.25, depending on residency; includes T-shirt. Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

 

Selah offers family survival course

In April, Selah Parks and Rec is offering a “Family Basic Outdoor Survival Course.” Instructor Danny Snider will teach families survival skills, which include starting fires, building shelters, addressing hypothermia and heat exhaustion and working with maps, compasses and survival kits.

The meetings are set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, April 2-16, and Saturday, April 28, at Selah Civic Center. Cost: $50/$55/$60, depending on residency. Selah Parks, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.