Parenting classes run Feb. 5-Mar. 25

PARENTING CLASS. 11 a.m. An 8-week parenting class instructed by Certified Family Life Educator and author Laurie Kanyer. Some topics include: Why kids misbehave, understanding temperament, acknowledging feelings and gaining trust, accountability, gaining trust and cooperation, ways to reduce stress, offering healthy alternatives, setting reasonable limits and teaching life skills. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. 8^th Ave., Yakima; 509-248-7940. Contact: shan.trick@fpcyakima.com.

Junie B. Jones next up for Capitol Kids Mar. 15-16

Junie B. Jones transcends the book format to grace the stage for the next Capitol Kids event. Four times are scheduled over two days, at 10 a.m. and noon March 15-16.

The program is for students in grades K-5. Tickets are $5 each.

The Capitol Theatre is located at 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Call 509-853-ARTS (2787) or visit capitoltheatre.org for more info.

Engineering Day for Kids at YVCC Feb. 25

Engineering Day for Kids

To celebrate Engineers Week, the Yakima branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Engineering Department at Yakima Valley Community College are teaming up once again to host “Engineering Day for Kids,” which runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 25. The event will take place at YVCC’s Hopf Union Building (HUB).

Any elementary school-aged child is invited to attend this free event and get experience with hands-on activities that will help the child explore the connections between math, science and engineering.

No registration is required, but if you have any questions, contact Ben Annen at 509-966-7000 or bannen@hlacivil.com.

Mickey Mouse + Music = Free Concert

“Mickey Goes to the Movies!” is the theme for the next KinderKoncert scheduled for 3 p.m. Feb. 26. This event, which is free and open to children of all ages, is touted as an “instrumental petting zoo,” which allows kids to have a hands-on introduction to musical instruments.

The Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra and Yakima Ensemble for Strings are putting together the show, which will be held at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Call 509-248-1414 or visit www.yyso.org for more info.

Shangahi Acrobats at The Capitol Theatre Feb. 12

Shanghai Acrobats at The Capitol Theatre

Athletes, acrobats, jugglers and extortionists show off stunts and feats as the Shanghai Acrobats perform at 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at The Capitol Theatre.

The Chinese circus traditions from 2,000 years ago are brought to life with music, lighting, choreography and scenery. The company’s American division is based at the New Shanghai Theatre in Branson, Mo.

Tickets: $7.50 for youth 18 and younger, $7.50-$35 for adults. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St. Yakima; 509-853-ARTS (2787). capitoltheatre.org

Girls’ Little League Softball

Yakima Valley Little League Softball for girls 5-10 years

A girls’ Little League softball program is being assembled for a 2012 season.

Yakima Valley Little League Softball is designed for girls ages 5-10 from the following school districts: Yakima, West Valley, Union Gap, Wapato, Zillah, Toppenish, Parker and White Swan. The program will include T-Ball, coach pitch, and player pitch divisions.

League President Ryan Yates notes that most girls in the area have to wait until age 10 to start playing softball, and the YVLLS will introduce younger girls to the sport so they can make a smooth transition. Yates is hoping to get the community involved with the league, and a board is being formed.

Registration starts 4-7 p.m. Feb. 7-8, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at Kimmel Athletic, 2105 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima. Girls must be 10 before April 30 to register.

Registration: $50 for ages 5-6 (T-Ball), $75 for ages 7-8 (coach pitch), and $75 for ages 8-10 (player pitch).

For volunteer interest, email yakimasoftball@gmail.com or visit www.eteamz.com/yakimavalleylittleleague/.

Prenatal and Kids’ Yoga

Prenatal Yoga:

Feather Yoga Studio
Prenatal yoga classes.
Heather Powell: 509-469-2559

featheryogastudio.com

 

Prenatal Yoga

Mondays 6-7 p.m.

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Education Center

2506 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima

Lori Gibbons: 509-248-7322

lorigibbons@yvmh.org

 

Yakima Yoga

509-910-1151

yakimayoga.com

 

Kids’ Yoga:

Surva Yoga

Kids’ 4-8

910 Summitview Ave., 6A

509-965-2346

Hold a Winter Triathlon!

Ready for a Winter Triathlon?

 

Scott Klepach Jr.

 

For this game, you will need:

• Four players or more (two players on two teams)
• A sled
• A box or basket
• Snowman supplies (carrot, hat, scarf or rocks)
• Station markers for three stations

 

Set up three stations:

 

Station 1: Snow Angels

Station 2: Snowmen
 Station 3: Sledding to Dress up the Snowman

 

1.           Create a starting line and mark three stations around the yard, using landmarks or household objects to designate each. Place one member of each team at the starting line and the second team member of each team at Station 2 (Snowman).

2.           When “go” is called, the team members at the starting line will race to Station 1 to make snow angels. Once finished, confirm that the snow angel looks complete and then team members will race to meet their teammates at Station 2.

3.           At Station 2, both teams will create their own snowman with three sections.

4.           When the snowman is finished, partners will run together to Station 3, where a sled and a box containing the snowman’s decorations are waiting. One player will sit on the sled and hold the box while the other partner will pull the sled back to Station 2 where the snowman is waiting to be decorated.

5.           Dress up the snowman for his date with winter!

6.           Both partners must race together back to the starting line, which is now the finish line.  Whoever crosses this finish line first, after having completed all of the steps properly, wins!

 

• Note: You can certainly modify the rules if only two people are playing a one-on-one match. The only real part of the game to take away in this case would be the sledding component.ereHere

Holiday Events

‘Tis the Season…

Nov. 25-Dec. 24: SANTA AT THE VALLEY MALL. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Dec. 5-9, Dec. 12-16 and Dec. 19-23; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 3, 10 and 17; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays Dec. 4, 11 and 18; Christmas Eve (Saturday, Dec. 24): 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Valley Mall, 2529 Main St., Union Gap; 509-469-9308.

Nov. 25-Dec. 2: A CHRISTMAS STORY. Show opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10. The beloved Christmas film comes to life on stage! Cost: $18.50 general admission, $16 students and seniors. Directed by Michael Liddicoat. Warehouse Theatre Company, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0951. warehousetheatreyakima.org

Dec. 2-3: CHRISTMAS AT THE FARM. Get freshly cut Christmas trees along with wreaths, swags, hot cider, cocoa, donuts, a bonfire for roasting marshmallows and Christmas carols. Caroling hayrides for $5 per family. Bill’s Berry Farm, 3674 N. County Line Road, Grandview; 509-882-3200. billsberryfarm.com

Dec. 2-3: A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 2 p.m. Dec. 3. Cost: $10 general admission, $8 students and seniors. Tickets available at Sixth Street Art Gallery in Prosser, Grandview Safeway and Guerra’s Coffee Co. in Sunnyside. Presented by the Valley Theater Company. The Princess Theatre, 1226 Meade Ave., Prosser. valleytheatercompany.org

Dec. 2-4: LEAVENWORTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY. Dec. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. Fridays: St. Nicholas arrives at 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays: Santa Claus and company arrive at noon and bring music and entertainment; lighting ceremony starts at 4:30 p.m. leavenworth.org

Dec. 2-5: JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM. 5:30-8 p.m. Interactive Christmas presentation, where ancient Bethlehem comes to live for visitors to tour. Wear warm, comfortable clothing. Free. Yakima Seventh-day Adventist Church, 507 N. 35^th Ave., Yakima; 509-452-2041. yakimasda.org

Dec. 3-4: TOY TRAIN CHRISTMAS. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18. Hop on board a Christmas Express to see Santa Claus! Find toy trains running around fully decorated Christmas trees and treat your family to hot cocoa and cookies. Cost: $6 adults, $4 children 12 and younger. Photos with Santa available for an extra fee. Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-1911. nprymuseum.org

 

DECEMBER 3

DARIGOLD’S DECORATING COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS. 9-11 a.m. Dairy provides cookies with different toppings to decorate. Free event for children and families; a nonperishable food item for local food banks is requested. Darigold Dairy, 400 Alexander, Sunnyside; 509-837-4321.

GINGERBREAD DECORATING. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Each child receives a footlong gingerbread man, frosting and candles to decorate in a 30-minute class. To-go boxes available. Call to register. The Cake Decorator Shoppe, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975. thecakedecoratorshoppe.com

YAKIMA VALLEY MUSEUM HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE. 12-3 p.m. Free performances in the Neon Garden by Yakima Youth Symphony, Yakima Children’s Choir and Melody Lane Singers. Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima; 509-248-0747. yakimavalleymuseum.org

WHISPERS OF CHRISTMAS. 6-8 p.m. Santa Claus arrives at Selah Civic Center at 6 p.m., followed by Christmas carols, live music and entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides and goodies. Free. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

LIGHTED FARM IMPLEMENT PARADE. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Sunnyside comes alive with more than 50 farm implements, vehicles and floats covered with decorative lights. Parade route starts on Warehouse Avenue and proceeds to Sixth Street, heading south to Edison Avenue. At Edison Avenue, the parade heads east until it reaches the Mid-Valley Mall parking lot. Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce; 509-837-5939.

YAKIMA ORCHESTRA POP CONCERT. 7:30 p.m. “Christmas Pop Spectacular,” presented by the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: $12-$50, available through ticketswest.com or Capitol Theatre box office. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima; 509-853-2787. yakimasymphony.org

DECEMBER 4

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS. 1-4 p.m. Celebrate a Victorian-style Christmas, complete with Christ Tree Candle Lighting services at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. Free, but donations accepted. H.M. Gilbert Homeplace, 2109 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima; 509-248-0747. yakimavalleymuseum.org

WINTER CONCERT. 3 p.m. Performance by the Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra. Cost: $5; tickets available at the door. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima; 509-248-1414. yyso.org

Dec. 9-10: LUMINARIA. 6-9 P.M. Luminaria walk through the arboretum’s landscape for the whole family. Refreshments and music in the Interpretive Center. Kids get to make their own luminary bag to take home. Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima; 509-248-7337. Ahtrees.org

Dec. 9-10: CHRISTMAS AT THE FARM. See Dec. 2-3.

Dec. 9-11: LEAVENWORTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY. See Dec. 2-4.

Dec. 10-11: TOY TRAIN CHRISTMAS. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See Dec. 3-4.

DECEMBER 10

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. 8-10 a.m. Christmas music and fireplaces provide the backdrop for Santa’s visit. Cost: $4 per person. Make reservations by Dec. 2. Harman Center, 101 N. 65^th Ave., Yakima; 509-575-6166.

GINGERBREAD DECORATING. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. See Dec. 3.

SANTA TROLLEY. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 30-minute trolley ride with Santa Claus. Tickets available day of event; call for prices. Yakima Valley Trolleys, South Third Avenue at Pine Street, Yakima; 509-249-5962. yakimavalleytrolleys.org

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS IN ZILLAH. Time: TBD. Music, games for kids, treats, and a visit from Santa. Located in downtown Zillah; 509-829-5151. cityofzillah.us

Dec. 16-18: LEAVENWORTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY. See Dec. 2-4.

 

December 17

GINGERBREAD DECORATING. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. See Dec. 3.

Dec. 17-18: DRIVE-THROUGH NATIVITY. West Valley Church, 7109 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-966-1550. westvalleychurch.com

Dec. 17-18: TOY TRAIN CHRISTMAS. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See Dec. 3-4.

Winter “Sun”derland: A Tropical Stay-cation!

Winter “Sun”derland

Do you suffer from the winter blues? If so, why not throw yourself — and your family — a tropical staycation? This activity can stir your imagination and give you a break from the blustery reality outside!

Throw down beach blankets in your living room and have an indoor beach party… • Grab some shades, an umbrella, put on your swimsuits and turn up the heat • Wear grass skirts and Hawaiian leis • Put on some tropical music • Do the limbo rock with a broom • Serve a ham and pineapple dinner with citrus drinks • Get out a beach ball and play volleyball

Make Tropical French Toast
(recipe courtesy of Kathy Sali)

Ingredients
6 – 8 thick slices bread
4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 small can crushed pineapple (1/3 of can for topping)
2 ripe bananas (1 banana sliced is for topping)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp brown sugar
Powdered sugar (called fairy dust at our house)
Shredded coconut (optional topping)

Directions
Combine eggs, milk, most of the crushed pineapple, one banana, vanilla and brown sugar in a blender (reserve some pineapple and one banana for topping). Pour mixture into a shallow bowl.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.

Dunk each slice of bread in egg mixture, soaking both sides. Place in pan, and cook on both sides until golden. Serve hot with the reserved crushed pineapple and banana slices on top.   Sprinkle with a little fairy dust and syrup.

…or Tropical Fruit Pizza
Spread out Pillsbury cookie dough on a pizza pan or cookie sheet; bake according to package directions
Spread yogurt on baked dough (you choose the flavor!)
Cut up banana, kiwi and strawberries and place on top of yogurt (these are your pizza toppings!)
Sprinkle with coconut
Enjoy!

65 Fun Fall Crafts!!! (And they’re easy, too!)

Each edition of Playdate magazine is on newsstands for about two months, and the October/November edition will be on newsstands for exactly 65 days. So here’s a list of 65 fun arts and crafts projects, kid-friendly recipes and easy activities that families can whip up in an afternoon or over a crisp fall weekend.

Sept. 21: National “Dog Week” is Sept. 19-25, so celebrate by making your dog homemade dog treats.

Sept. 22: Make quacky – ahem – whacky soap with a duck. Melt glycerin soap in microwave. (Look at the directions — one brand states to microwave on high for 40 seconds, with 10-second intervals. You can also use a double broiler.) Pour into disposable, rectangular plastic dish. Add a few drops of blue coloring and stir. Set squirt toy on top. Leave in cool, dry area to set (about 2-4 hours). Get sudsy!

Sept. 23: Bath time! Why not make your own bath salts? Combine 4 cups of fine sea salt, 1 ½ cups of Epsom salts, 1 cup of course sea salt and throw in some essential oils. Vanilla, jasmine and sandalwood are exotic oils, while lavender, sweet orange, fennel and rosemary are soothing. Birch, ginger and peppermint oils can help relieve pain. Great too for parents who need rejuvenation!

Sept. 24: Great for a ‘tween girls spa day or slumber party: Make a facial scrub. Combine 1 cup almonds, 1 cup oatmeal and ½ oz. lavender. Put ingredients in blender (Mom or Dad, not the kids!) and grind until smooth. Mix with water or milk to make a paste and scrub face lightly for one minute (avoid eyes!). Rinse and pat dry. Then gossip all day about boys!

Sept. 25: Keep that toddler busy with an exploring set. Gather six 8-ounce water bottles, removing labels. Fill each bottle with something for baby to discover. Some ideas: a mix of water and glitter; or go snow globe style with tiny toys, water, glitter and a few drops of food coloring and glycerin; jingle bells; fluffy pom poms or dried beans. Once you’ve filled them all, glue the lids on tight for safety.

Sept. 26: Sept. 25-Oct. 1 is national “Keep Kids Creative Week!” Let’s write a haiku. Haikus are three lines, remembering the 5-7-5 rule: the first line contains five syllables, the second line features seven syllables, and the last line has five syllables. Here is an example: Playdate magazine / Celebrates the coming fall / Enjoy the season! Send us your kids’ haikus!

Sept. 27: Jot down words and ideas to create a story. Big ideas are fun, but the details can be daunting. Try helping your child make a list or jot down ideas in some form. You can transform these notes into a story later on. Provide details of a scene and explain thoughts, actions, and emotions. Focus on sensory details — the five senses — unless your child wants to venture down the path of exploring what a sixth or seventh sense might look like! (Perfect for Halloween!)

Sept. 28: Help your little bards. Write or type your child’s ideas down as he or she tells them to you. This teamwork might reduce pressure on your child to “complete” a book or story project on his or her own. Emphasize working together. This teamwork aspect will still allow your child to have a primary role in the creative process.

Sept. 29: Create your child’s own book. This can be out of standard paper, colored construction paper or a combination of both.  Sometimes having a homemade book in hand is encouraging enough to get someone motivated to write down the ideas and see (and hold!) his or her own book!

Sept. 30: Create a ’zine or chapbook. If construction paper isn’t your thing, you can mix up the materials. Try a chapbook, or even a “’zine,” and be as artsy/crafty as you and your child want to be! Encourage your child’s imagination, so he or she can include drawings, photos, cutouts, stickers and so on to combine with words, sentences or an overall story. Here are some instructions on how to make a chapbook: www.pw.org/content/diy_how_make_saddlestitched_chapbook

Oct. 1: Today, believe it or not, is “World Card Making Day.” Make your own “Mandala” greeting cards. Gather the following materials:
• Old CDs (outdated software is a great source)
• Markers, pens, colored pencils or crayons
• Rulers, protractors or French curves
• Strathmore 5 x 7 blank greeting cards with deckled finish (Or something similar. Available at local art and stationary stores).

Instructions:

1) Take a used CD and recycled paper.
2) Have the kids practice tracing a circle on recycled copy paper with pen or pencil.
3) Ask them to offer you a fraction. (This is great for helping teach time with analog clocks.)
Most will offer “1/2″ or “1/4.” Demonstrate drawing those portion on your example sheet.
4) Ask the same question. Demonstrate breaking the large pattern into smaller patterns.
5) Don’t get too technical, just show them how to create patterns with a couple of fractions.
(Most of them catch on pretty quickly and want to start the card right away.)
6) Have the children explain to you their “plan” or “direction” from the recycled paper.
7) Now offer them the Strathmore greeting card. The CD fits on one side with the deckel (a colored strip of green or red that looks ‘ripped’)
Have at it! Depending on their level and patience, the possibilities are infinite.
For older kids, have them research “Serenpinski’s Triangle” and fractal math for ideas.

Oct. 2: Have little actors in your house? Act out a story. Dress up, make it a play and perform!

Oct. 3: Did we say cake pops? Yes we did. Here’s an easy recipe for a delicious and fun dessert:

Ingredients & Recipe:
~ 1 box cake mix (and necessary ingredients to bake it)
~ 1 container frosting
~ 12 to 16 oz candy melts or chocolate wafers; they have chocolate and colored. For best results, don’t use chocolate chips; they don’t harden & won’t create a very good shell.
(Wafers & melts are available locally at Cake Decorator Shoppe or Michael’s.)
~ sprinkles or candies to decorate
~ package of sticks for pops and bags if wrapping individually (Available locally at Cake Decorator Shoppe or Michael’s.)

•Bake cake of choice. Let cool completely. Cut into four sections, rub two sections together so they crumble. •Crumble entire cake into bowl. Mix in container of frosting.
•Roll dough into 1-inch balls and chill for 15 minutes.
•Microwave chocolate wafers according to package directions (Melt slowly, 30 seconds at a time, otherwise chocolate will burn).
•Insert sticks halfway into balls of dough.
•Chill 15 more minutes.
•Dip into chocolate and add sprinkles.
•Chill a few more minutes so chocolate sets & enjoy!

Oct. 4: Have a wood-burning fireplace? Make a fire starter out of egg cartons, shredded paper, lint, wax. Take a small handful of shredded paper and put it in the egg carton, then take a pinch of lint and put it on top of the paper. Make it compact. Melt wax from candles in a double broiler, and then pour a tablespoon of wax in each cup. (If you notice it begins to seep through the carton, that’s good! It will bind together.) This is a quick, messy and fun craft!

Oct. 5: It’s Balloons Around the World Day. Send a message attached to a balloon — write something inspiring to whoever may find it!

Oct. 6: Throw a “Merry Unbirthday” party to celebrate Mad Hatter Day. Make a cake, bake cookies, play games, dress up or have a tea party. Act goofy!

Oct. 7: Turn that frown upside down … it’s World Smile Day. Go outside and smile at everyone! See what happens and record your findings!

Oct. 8: Sing…sing a song…sing out loud…sing out strong! Make instruments with empty glass bottles, using sticks to make drums sounds and using your lips to blow into them for tones. Fill one bottle ¾ of the way from the top, one half full, the other only ¼ full, and one empty. Compare sounds. Change it up. Make music!

Oct. 9: It’s Leif Erikson Day, so make a boat. Take a piece of bark, insert a leaf with a stem, and let it sail!

Oct. 10: I’m on a boat! This time, make believe for Columbus Day. Make a boat out of cardboard boxes, a sailor’s hat out of newspaper, and sail the ocean blue in your imagination!

Oct. 11: Recycle those stubby crayons, Mom and Dad.

Classic version: Gather broken crayons, removing paper labels. Put about four full crayons’ worth of pieces into each cup of a muffin tin. Put tin in a 375-degree oven for about 6-7 minutes, then let cool. New fun crayons!

Fun version: Swirl colors with a toothpick when they come out of the oven. Or melt crayons in small cupcake cups in the microwave, then pour into candy molds for fun shapes! (But be careful-HOT!)

Oct. 12: Betcha’ didn’t know it, but today is International Top Spinning Day. Show off by making your own spin top with a toothpick and any plastic bottle cap. Puncture a small hole in the cap so the toothpick can fit snugly inside. Decorate the cap as you like it, and let the spin begin!  Visit this link to see a video!

Oct. 13: It’s an oldie but a goody: build a fort. Use boxes, blankets, chairs and pillows. Make popcorn and enjoy a movie through an opening in the blankets, or take your laptop with you inside the fort to watch a movie. Invite the dog in, too. Make your fort as big, creative and elaborate as you can, and send us pictures!

Oct. 14: Two greats come together: eggs and Dr. Seuss. To celebrate World Egg Day, make green eggs and ham and read the Dr. Seuss book!

Oct. 15: Sweetest Day. Outdo everyone else in the house by being the sweetest of them all. Do a kind act or give someone a compliment. Make sweets for your friends, neighbors and family!

Oct. 16: Nothing quite tops a Yakima apple, so to commemorate World Food Day, try this crunchy sweet Apple Crisp recipe, courtesy of the folks at Fresh Taste Meals.

Ingredients & Recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, gently fold together the following ingredients:
4 cups peeled sliced Granny Smith apples
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 Tbs lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbs flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

•Spread apple mixture over the bottom of a large greased pan.
•In a medium bowl use your hands to combine the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups oats
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups melted butter

•Crumble this mixture over the filling in the pan.
•Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the crumb mixture.
•Bake in oven for 45 to 60 minutes. Apple mixture will bubble and topping will be golden brown.

Oct. 17: Make a princess or a party hat! Get a circle to trace – the diameter of the circle determines the height of the hat. Trace the circle onto a sheet of pretty craft paper or poster board that’s not too thick to bend. Draw a “pie piece” into it that’s about a ¼ of the circle. Cut out the circle without the pie piece. If you used craft paper, roll into a cone and adhere with glue or strong tape. If you used poster board, you can cut the same shape out of material and glue the material onto the poster board before you roll into a cone. Decorate with pom poms, glitter, ribbon, artificial flowers, old jewelry or whatever you have on hand. Look adorable!

Oct. 18: Make a wand. Take a dowel or stick, wrap a ribbon around it, and tie ribbon around the top to make streamers. (Wave wand and practice saying “Bippity-boppity-boo!”)

Oct. 19: Let’s go camping…at home!  If you have a fire pit, make s’mores. If not, use the microwave or grill in aluminum foil on the barbecue. Make up spooky stories around the fireplace and enjoy the treats.

Oct. 20: Fall Tree Print. This one is messy, so kids love it! Add brown finger paint to a paper plate, then dip child’s hand and wrist, palm down, into the plate. Have them make a hand/wrist print onto a big piece of white paper. That’s your tree. Then have them dip their fingers into plates of green, yellow, or orange paint, and use their fingerprints to make multicolored fall leaves.

Oct. 21: Got a pillow case? Make a costume with it! Cut a hole in the top and on the sides. Glue on buttons and ribbons.

Oct. 22: Mix up a ghoulish Halloween punch. Mix lemonade, a blueberry drink mix, ice cubes and gummy worms. You should get a lovely green “slime” color, and the gummy worms can either hang off the edge of the bowl or just be in the punch!

Oct. 23: Make a pumpkin man, man!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct. 24: Enroll your kids in Monster Fighter training. See story by Courtney Crutcher on how.

Oct. 25: This one’s gross…and your kids will love it. Make a meat head!

Ingredients:

1 full-sized plastic human skull

1.5 lbs. thin-sliced deli meat (your choice!)

Cream cheese, BBQ sauce, or cranberry sauce (see below)

2 hard-boiled egg yolks, round mini-mozzarella pieces, or cocktail onions

2 slices of pimento-stuffed green olive

Instructions: 1. Buy a plastic skull. Wash the skull with soap and water and allow to dry.

2. Spread a “base” over the skull. BBQ sauce and jellied cranberry sauce give the skull a bloody, gory look as your guests lift away the lunch meat. Cream cheese is not as fun, but probably tastes better with most meats. This is entirely your choice.

3. Evenly distribute your lunch meat over the prepared skull, leaving openings at the eyes and mouth. Smallish pieces of meat work better than larger ones, as they’re easier to manipulate and form. You may need to use toothpicks to get some of the meat to stay in place.

4. For eyes, place one hard boiled egg yolk or small mozzarella cheese ball in each eye socket. Top with a slice of pimento-stuffed green olive.

6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to eat.

 

Oct. 26: Make your own magnets — they’re so attractive! Get it?

Mix up a basic salt dough. (Recipe below or use your own.) Roll out the dough, having kids use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Let them air dry (or bake, depending what type of recipe you use). Then just paint and glue magnets to the back. Perfect to hang school art on the fridge!

Salt Dough: In a big bowl, mix 1 cup salt and 2 cups flour together. Slowly add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix. Knead the dough on counter, adding a few more drops of water if needed, but don’t let it get gooey. Takes a day or so to dry.

Oct. 27: Make a regular ol’ red velvet cake into a VAMPIRE CAKE! Just color the frosting red too! (If you put raspberries in the middle, it’s kind of healthy.)

Oct. 28: Play the Gross Out/Guess What game to celebrate Frankenstein Friday. Place “mysterious” food items in paper bags and have kids guess which gross item it is. Grapes are good for eyeballs, cottage cheese for vampire vomit and spaghetti for zombie brains. UGH!

Oct. 29: Make a butterfly out of a regular empty coffee can. Wrap can in pretty craft paper; cut heart shaped “wings” from a different craft paper, taping to either side of the can; then tape  strips of paper (or sticker strips) around the can; add eyes to the front and a smiley face. Put rocks, jelly beans or candy in the can, adding squiggly pipe cleaners for the antennae!

Oct. 30: Make a jack-o-lantern! Then send us photos!

Oct. 31: Mmm…caramel apples. Melt caramel (either caramel candies or make it from scratch) and dip apples (on a stick) in the caramel. Perfect since it’s National Caramel Apple Day (hey – and Halloween!). You can decorate them too. Or if you don’t have a lot of time, just dip slices of apples in melted caramel for a nice snack.

Nov. 1: Halloween may be over, but the fun doesn’t have to be … kids can dress up like a favorite super hero, doll or character and help mom and dad with chores!

Nov. 2: “Leaf” the candy in the house and get outside! After all those sweets, kids need some exercise. Rake up as many leaves then dive in the pile (you, too, Mom and Dad)! Breathe in the new November air!

Nov. 3: Grab some plain clay pots at a craft store and make simple hand-print decorations on the outside.

Nov. 4: Use tracing paper to trace all the different shapes and sizes of leaves in your own backyard or nearby park.

Nov. 5: Press fall leaves in a heavy book, wait until they’re dry, then make a colorful collage on construction paper.

Nov. 6: Head to a fabrics store to get materials for a “no sew” blanket, just in time for the chilly weather! These are easy to make, but you can find directions on our website!

No-Sew Fleece Blanket

Materials Needed: Fleece blanket, scissors, yardstick, ruler

1. Pick your fleece. You can pick a pattern for the front side and a matching fleece with a solid color for the back side, but any combination that you like will do. You will need 2 ½ feet of fleece material for each side of the blanket (this would make an adult 6 ft. blanket). OR: You will need 1 ½ ft. to 1 ¾ ft. of fleece material for each side of the blanket to make a kid-sized blanket.

2. Lay both pieces of the fleece, with the wrong sides facing each other, on a table, and cut off the rough edges. Cut both pieces of fabric at the same time to the same size. Make sure your edges line up together and handle the fleece gently, since it can stretch out of shape easily.

3. Cut a 4-inch square out of each corner of the fleece.

4. Go down each side of the fabric and make 1-inch cuts all along the borders. It may make it easier if you lay a yardstick across the side at the 4-inch so you know how far to make each cut. You may also use a ruler to mark off the one inch points where you cut. Make sure both sides of the fabric are laying together flat as you cut.

5. Once you have cut the 1-inch strips around all four sides, you are ready to tie the two pieces of fabric together. Taking the two strands together, raise them up and then bring them back through the circle, from the back to the front. Tie a firm, but not tight, knot. Once you have all of the strips tied, your project is done!

Nov. 7: Practice writing skills: start writing those letters to Santa Claus!

Nov. 8: Make a picture frame out of popsicle sticks. Take four popsicle sticks, glue them together to form a square, and color and decorate the sticks as you see fit. Glue a photo behind the frame, and glue a magnet on the back so you can hang on your refrigerator.

Nov. 9: Get that blood sugar up with this Yakima Apple Pie Snack Mix. Combine a couple of cups each of three different favorite cereals — we like Apple Cinnamon Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch — to a big bowl.  Melt ¼ butter and add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon and 1 tsp apple pie spice to it. Pour over cereal and mix up. Then cook, stirring often, in microwave another 3-4 minutes. Spread on wax paper to cool, then add 2 cups dried apple slices, plus your choice of walnuts, white choc chips, sunflower seeds or raisins. Enjoy in the fall sunshine!

Nov. 10: Choreograph a dance. Perform for friends and family. Involve props, music and costumes.

Nov. 11: Veterans Day. Make a patriotic wand or flag. See direction on Oct. 18, and modify to use red, white and blue colors.

Nov. 12: Make your own Playdough. You’ll need:

2 ½ cups flour

½ cup salt

1 tablespoon alum

2 cups boiling water

5 tablespoon vegetable oil

Food coloring

Mix together the flour, salt and alum. Add boiling water, oil and coloring. Being careful of hot dough, kneed. Cool. Store in a plastic bag. Have fun!

Nov. 13: It’s International Tongue Twister Day. Read Dr. Seuss’s Fox in Socks. Or Joyce’s Finnegans Wake. No, stick to Fox in Socks.

Nov. 14: Craft a homework helper. Get an empty tin can, sanding the top edge for safety. Let kids cut out comic strips, toys from Sunday’s newspaper ads or tissue paper. Use Mod Podge to glue the paper on, adding a top layer to seal. If you want, add ribbon and tie a small favorite toy around the holder too. Now they have a great spot for pencils on their desks!

Nov. 15: …Or a chore money jar. Rinse out and dry an empty baby formula container. Decorate with fun papers and Mod Podge, similar to above. Cut a small slot in the top of the container to drop change through

Nov. 16: Help them organize their lockers, too, with a magnetic locker organizer. Use metal or plastic band-aid boxes, cover with craft paper and decorations (or just keep plain). Then add sheet magnets to cover the whole backside of the container. Just attach to the inside of locker.

Nov. 17: Another oldie but goodie…using any type of pretty paper, make paper snowflakes and put them in a bedroom window.  Use lots of colors.  You can find patterns on the Internet.

Nov. 18: It’s Mickey Mouse Day … make Mickey Mouse pancakes. Easy and delicious!

Nov. 19: Make your own Sidewalk Chalk. Coat the inside of an old ice cube tray with petroleum jelly. Mix up 1 cup plaster of paris and 1/2 cup of water in a disposable plastic container for about a minute. Quickly add a couple tablespoons of liquid tempera paint and mix. Scoop it into ice cube tray, and tap to make sure it packs in firm. Dry overnight before using.

Nov. 20: Go on a pinecone hunt! Get a few big ones for upcoming crafts. See what other cool things you can find (unusual leaves, colorful rocks, funny looking sticks, etc.).

Nov. 21: Make a pinecone bird feeder. Take a giant pine cone you found on the pinecone hunt on Nov. 20, and saturate it bird seed mixed with peanut butter. Take a string or ribbon and tie it around the top of the coated pinecone to hang on a tree branch, and watch the birds rejoice! (Just be sure to hang it high enough so it’s out of reach of the dog or the kids!)

Nov. 22: Make a pinecone turkey. After finding the pinecone of your choice, use either colored  craft feathers, cut-out construction paper, or colorful pipe cleaners to create the tail feathers. For the turkey’s head, you have a few options: glue an acorn, add some googley eyes, cut out a piece of felt for the beak and gobbler (or use construction paper). There are plenty of other ways to decorate your turkey, so be as creative as you can!

Nov. 23: Make a clay turkey using your kids’ hands! Sculpey Clay works well, but use your own preference of baking or hardening clay. Squish the imprint of your child’s hand on a rolled-out piece of clay, and then use an Exacto knife and cut around the outside of the print. Cut out shapes for the turkey beak and gobbler and add to the thumb of the handprint. Bake clay according to what type of clay you have (follow directions with specific product you use). Let your kids paint the cooked product!

Nov. 24: Thanksgiving. Eat turkey! … and think about everything you’re grateful for. Practice your best gobbling imitation – without food in your mouth, of course!

Thank you to the many readers who contributed to this list: Jennifer Wolman, a stay-at-home mom and arts/crafts expert; Meagan Paullin, local mom and owner and creative director of Sunshine and Sippy Cups (sunshineandsippycups.com), Doug Johnson, director of Cave Moon Press and local teacher; Ryan Miller, Alex Mitchell, Kimberly Klepach and Yakima Herald-Republic staff members.

Odds & Ends: Get Artsy this Fall!

Get artsy this fall with these options:

*Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. alliedartsyakima.org

Mommy and Me Art Class. 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 20 to Oct. 6, Oct. 18-26, Nov. 1-22, and Nov. 29-Dec. 15. Moms can enjoy art class with a pre-kinder child. Moms are required to stay on site, and they can sit and socialize with other moms. Cost: $10 for members per session/$12 for non-members per session; $210/$252 for entire series (two free classes with series).

Special Needs Art Class. 3:45-5:15 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 14 & Dec. 12. Cost: $20 per session for members, $25 per session for non-members; $60/$75 for series (one free session with series).
Homeschool Art Class. 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept, 28-Nov. 16, and Nov. 30-Dec. 14. From elementary to high school courses. Art history and art creation. Cost: $20 per session for members, $25 per session for non-members; $200/$250 for entire series (2 free sessions for series).

• Hands on Art, 5603 Summitview, Yakima; 509-966-4248. Call for classes and schedules. hands-on-art.com

• Red Art Studio & Sunflower Studio, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-469-2766. Classes start Oct. 3.

Teen Art Studio. 3:30-5:30 p.m. For ages 10 and up. 4 weekly classes.

Kids’ Clay Studio. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For ages 6 and up. 4 weekly classes.

Itty Bitty Art. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For ages 0-5; drop-in classes.

Kids’ Open Art Studio. 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. All ages drop-in classes.

Also…

Laurie Kanyer to teach parenting classes at First Pres
A series of parenting classes will be offered to the community this fall at First Presbyterian Church.

Laurie Kanyer, who has authored several parenting books and has years of experience teaching classes on parenting, will lead “Parenting with Love and Limits” at 11 a.m. each Sunday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 20, with a break on Oct. 16. (See our daily calendar for weekly topics.)

The goal is to teach parents how to develop skills that encourage positive behavior, help them gain insight and improve family organization, which can reduce family stress and give parents a greater understanding of childhood development.

Childcare is provided for each class, and kids are permitted to gather in the gym.

For more information, visit First Presbyterian Church, located at 9 S. Eighth Ave. in Yakima, or call the church at 509-248-7940.

And…Summer’s over…time for Fall Sports!

SOCCER

Itty Bitty Soccer. 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 27-Oct. 17. For boys and girls ages 3-4. Learn the fundamentals of soccer. Cost: $48 non-resident, $40 resident. T-shirt and ball included. Located at Gateway Sports Complex at Kiwanis Park. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

PeeWee Soccer. 6-7:15 Thursdays, Sept. 29-Oct. 20. For boys and girls ages 5-6. Fundamentals of soccer taught, and kids can improve on basics. Located at Gateway Sports Complex at Kiwanis Park. Cost: $48 non-resident, $40 resident. Yakima Parks and Rec: 509-575-6020.

BASKETBALL

Little Dribblers. 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 7-Dec. 12. For boys and girls ages 4-6. Learn the basics of basketball with group exercises and games. Registration: Oct. 3-Nov. 2. Cost: $32/$42/$52, depending on residency. Sunset Gym, Selah; register with Selah Parks and Recreation, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7300.

Harvest and Halloween Time!

 

 

One-Day Events:

Oct. 8:  Pumpkin Decorating for Kids – 10 a.m.
Class, supplies and pumpkin are free. Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Yakima County.
Located at Ahtanum Youth Park. 509-574-1600. mastergardeners-yakima.org

Oct. 15:  Harvest Marching Band Festival – 4:30 p.m. Finals at 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 adults for all-day pass, $7 for finals only; $7 students and seniors.
Zaepfel Stadium, 40th Avenue and Tieton Drive. harvestbands.org

Oct. 16:  Yakima Adventist Fall Festival – 1-4:00 p.m.
Games, prizes, bounce houses and hay rides to Washington Fruit Place.
Yakima Adventist Christian School, 1200 City Reservoir Road, Yakima; 509-966-1933.

Oct. 29:  Annual Pumpkin Run – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Caboose ride, pump car rides, museum tours and a free pumpkin for each child.
Cost: $5 adults, $3 children 12 and younger.
Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-2409.
nprymuseum.org

Oct. 30:  Halloween Farmers Market – 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Activities for kids plus special events. In front of The Capitol Theatre,
19 S. Third St., Yakima; 509-457-5765. yakimafarmersmarket.org

Nov. 1:  Cash 4 Candy – 3:30-6 p.m.
Kids 0-14 can trade their candy for money. Each pound of wrapped candy will be worth $1.
The candy will be sent to U.S. military troops overseas.
Yakima Pediatric Dentistry, 3909 Creekside Loop, Suite 140, Yakima; 509-834-2004.

Ongoing events in October:

Bill’s Berry Farm Apple & Pumpkin Festival
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22.
Pumpkins and apples available for picking. Make your own apple cider. Warm apple cider donuts, pony rides, hay rides, barnyard train rides, fire pits and marshmallows. Free admission.
Bill’s Berry Farm, 3674 N. County Line Road, Grandview; 509-882-7810.
billsberryfarm.com

Granger Pumpkin Patch
11 a.m.-6 p.m. every  day in October.
Hay ride, corn maze, jumpers, haunted house, petting zoo daily, and face painting and pumpkin carving during the weekends. Hot dogs, hamburgers, hot cocoa, and marshmallows for sale. Fire pit available for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Admission: $4.50 children, $5 adults. Babies younger than 1 are free. 1733 Beam Road, Granger. 509-376-2561.

Fun at Jones Farm Fruit Stand
Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.
Straw maze, hay-bale pyramid with slide, duck pond and pumpkin patch, self-guided orchard
walk, picnic area. Free admission. Pumpkins and produce for sale at the fruit stand.
2020 Thacker Road, off East Zillah Drive, Zillah. 509-829-6024. jonesfarmsinc.com

October Days at Washington Fruit Place
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays each weekend in October.
Cider tasting, hay rides, pumpkin patch, hay maze and apple variety tasting. Free events.
Barrett Orchards, 1209 Pecks Canyon Road, Yakima; 509-966-1275. treeripened.com

Schell’s Massive Corn Maze & Fall Harvest Funland
9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Open daily through October, beginning Oct. 5.
Ten-acre corn maze, and a 2-acre maze with no dead-ends for kids, straw pyramid with slides, hay rides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pumpkin chucker, haunted house, bonfire pits and barbecues. Admission includes carving pumpkin: $8.50 adults/$6 children ages 3-10 and
seniors 65+/children ages 2 and younger free with paid adult.
Schell’s Produce. Two locations: 3213 Tacoma St. in Union Gap, 509-453-3200;
and three miles east of Toppenish on Highway 22 at Harris Road, 509-865-4511.

Suncadia 6th Annual Harvest Festival
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-9 and Oct. 14-16.
Pumpkin patch, straw maze, beer garden, vendors, pony and tractor rides, canine
costume contest and live music. Free admission.
Located at the historic Nelson Dairy Road, Cle Elum.
Contact Karen Porter at 509-649-6204. suncadia.com

Thompson’s Farm Pumpkin Patch
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Pumpkin patch, pumpkin cannon, hay rides, farm animals, U-pick and U-select apples,
cornstalks, squash and gourds.
Thompson’s Farm, 9535 Old Naches Highway, Naches; 509-949-3450.
thompsonsfarm.com

Get Haunted!

Yakima Haunt Night
Oct. 28: Time TBD (call for details)
Visit local haunted houses in a group led by Yakima Public Works. Meet at Public Works for pizza first. Cost: $18 non-resident, $15 resident. 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima; 509-575-6020.

Grandview’s Annual Haunted House
October 28-29, 5:30-10 p.m.
Haunted house, games, food and more. Cost: $4 age 13 and older, $3 ages 12 and
younger and seniors. Sponsored by Miss Grandview Program and Grandview Music Boosters.
135 Division St., Grandview; 509-882-3198. visitgrandview.org

Haunted Depot at Northern Pacific Railway Museum
October 28-31, 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7-10 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
Ghosts, goblins and a fright around each corner as patrons tour the haunted depot and
two haunted railway cars. Cost: $5 per person; for ages 13 and older.
10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish; 509-865-2409. nprymuseum.org/npmuseumschedule.htm

Halloween Trolley
October 29-31, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Brace yourselve for a haunted journey on a trolley and take a pumpkin home.
Call for cost and details.
Yakima Valley Trolleys, S. 3rd Avenue and W. Pine St., Yakima; 509-249-5962. yakimavalleytrolleys.org

Trunk or Treat:

Montessori Harvest Festival
October 30, 3-5 p.m.
For kids ages 2-7. Games, activities, crafts, prizes and a bake sale. Kids encouraged
to dress up in costumes. Fundraiser; open to the community. Cost: $5 per child.
511 N. 44th Ave., on the corner of Englewood and 44th avenues, Yakima; 509-930-8789.

WestPress Carnival
October 31, 5:30-7 p.m.
Halloween-themed carnival games and more. Takes place in church parking lot.
Free/open to the public.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima.

Harvest Community Church Halloween Party
October 31, 6-8 p.m.
Harvest Community Church (and local area merchants) is hosting the Selah
Community Halloween Party at the Selah Civic Center. Kids birth-10 years old.
Kid-friendly costumes welcome. 509-697-8300.

Outdoor Summer Cinema 2011

 

Outdoor Summer Cinema

With such nice weather, many people don’t want to be shut inside watching a movie. Allied Art’s Outdoor Summer Cinema, sponsored by Yakima Parks and Rec, brings two elements of summer fun together: nice weather and fun flicks. Get ready to cuddle up with your family to enjoy these titles on the giant inflatable screen.

While each program is free, your family’s ticket to admission is a non-perishable food donation for Northwest Harvest. Each movie begins at sunset, usually at 8:30 p.m. Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930.

Here’s the lineup for 2011:

 

July 17: Yogi Bear (PG) at Gilbert Park, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima.

July 22: Shrek Forever After (PG) at Randall Park, between 44^th and 48^th avenues, south of Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima.

July 24: Megamind (PG) at Gilbert Park.

July 29: Jumanji (PG) at Randall Park.

July 31: Twilight – Eclipse (PG-13) at Gilbert Park.

Aug. 6: The Karate Kid (PG) at Sarg Hubbard Park, Yakima Greenway. Martial arts demo takes place before the movie starts.

Aug. 7: The Last Song (PG) at Gilbert Park.

Aug. 12: Secretariat (PG) at Randall Park.

Aug. 13: Dive’n Movie: Finding Nemo (G) at Franklin Pool, 2101 Tieton Drive, Yakima. Free movie with pool admission price.

Aug. 14: Toy Story 3 (G) at Gilbert Park.

Yakima Youth Track

Yakima Youth Track will provide a three week program July 11-27. The program is open to athletes in preschool on up, including adults.

The goal of the program is to let participants learn, practice and enhance skills for track and field and general conditioning.  Specific track and field events include speed development, flexibility, strength training, motivation and mental preparation.

Practices will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays for preschool-5th grade, and 7:30-8:30 p.m. for 6th grade-adults.  All-comers track meets are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 13, 20, and 27.

The cost is $50 per participant, or $150 per family. There will be a $5 entry fee for all non-Yakima Youth Track members.

All activities will be held at East Valley High School, 1900 Beaudry Road, Yakima. Contact Jennifer Wells at 509-678-5680 or wellss@riversidechristian.net for more information.

West Fest 2011 set for June 4

West Fest 2011 will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at the Meadowbrook Shopping Center in West Valley.

The fun family festival will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, paint ball and laser tag. Addition fun includes carnival games, local bands, arts and crafts, and plenty of food.

The free event is sponsored by the West Valley Lions Club, in support of the Yakima Humane Society. Reduced prices of 10 Humane Society dogs and cats will be available. Donations will be accepted.

The central location of West Fest is at Wray’s Thriftway at 72nd Ave. and Nob Hill Blvd.

“Summer Kick-Off” June 18 in downtown Yakima

 

Get ready for a “Summer Kick of” at 2 p.m. June 18 in downtown Yakima.

Here’s what in store for you: For entertainment, there will be a stage full of dancers and various musicians. For food, goodies, and activities, patrons will find food vendors, other vendors selling various goods, face painters, clowns, hands-on animal exhibits, a rock wall, jumpers and other activities.

Fire fighters will be teaching children fire safety, while the Yakima Police Department will have a child safety booth, and the Yakima Police Athletic League (YPAL) will be present.

The event, located in the same location as the Farmers Market on Third Street, is put on by the Events Committee for Downtown Yakima. Contact Jamie Lee Stickel at 509-225-2485 or jamielee@downtownyakima.com, or Gaibrielle Hauff at ghauff@yakimaherald.com.

Summer Events: Art Camps…and more!

 

Many camps are available during the summer. Check out Vacation Bible Schools here, and visit this page regularly for updates! For sports, head here.

 

Red Art Studios

Art and Science Day Camps. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday-Friday from June 21-July 22. For ages 5 and up. Cost: $65 per week; pre-registration required. Red Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd. Call 509-469-2766, or email redgalleryyakima@yahoo.com.

• Week 1: June 21-24. “Pop Art and Popcorn.” Students will use different printing techniques to create an original piece of Pop Art while learning about density, mass, and combustion.
• Week 2: June 28-July 1. “Kinetic Sculpture.” Students will create a unique kinetic sculpture, like the sculptures and mobiles of Alexander Calder, while learning about movement and balance.
• Week 3: July 5-8. “Rockets take 1.” Students will create an original mixed media galaxy and create rockets and launchers that will get them there.
• Week 4: July 12-15. “Rockets take 2.” Students will explore space even more while designing and building simple rockets and space stations.
• Week 5: July 19-22. “Painting with Plants.” Students will create paints from plants, fruits and vegetables and then use them to create original art pieces.

 

Summer Saturday Workshops at Red Art Studios. For kids and adults. Cost: $20 per participant, per workshop. Adults are welcome without kids, but kids must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration and payment required. Space is limited to 10.

• July 30: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. “Mosaic Stepping Stones.” Create unique art for your garden with recycled glass, tiles and old china. All materials are provided. You may bring old plates, tiles or other embellishments.
• August 6: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. “Handmade Paper.” Using junk mail, scraps, plants and more, create original pieces of paper to use as wall art or stationery. Materials provided, but you can bring in other materials.
• August 13: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. “Monster Mash.” Make a one-of-a-kind monster stuffy using fun fabrics, stuffing, string and more. All materials are provided, but you are encouraged to bring fun fabric scraps, monster drawings, and trinkets.
• August 20: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. “Magic Weaving.” Learn to weave a purse, scarf, belt and more using items you find around your house for looms. All materials are provided, but you can bring along other materials.

 

Sunflower Art Studio

Summer with Art (Teen Art Camp). 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday June 20-August 25. Ages 10 and up. Cost: $65 per week. Sunflower Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd. Call 509-469-2766.

• June 20-23: “Basic Drawing”
• June 27-30: “Still Life Drawing”
• July 4-7: “Color Study”
• July 11-14: “Watercolor Paint”
• July 18-21: “3D Art”
• July 25-28: “3D Art”
• Aug. 1-4: “Basic Drawing”
• Aug. 8-11: “Still Life Drawing”
• Aug. 15-18: “Color Study”
• Aug. 22-25: “Acrylic Paint”

 

Drop-in Open Art Class: 4-5:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. Cost: $12 to drop-in; $40 if prepaid for 4.

 

Clay Class: 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. 4-week class for ages 6 and up. Cost: $85 pre-registration required.

 

Summer with Books and Art. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Thursday July 25-Aug. 25. Participants may use crayon, colored pencil, marker, water, color paint, tempera paint, colored paper, yarn, wires, papier-mâché and found objects. Ages 6 and up. Cost: $65 per week.

• July 25-28: “The Little Prince.” Create a planet to care for like the Little Prince.
• Aug. 1-4: “Hope for the Flowers.” Study caterpillars and butterflies and make butterfly wings.
• Aug. 8-11: “The Giving Tree.” Study trees and make your own Giving Tree.
• Aug. 15-18: “The Lorax.” Make your own Truffula Tree and talk with the Lorax.
• Aug. 22-25: “Where the Wild Things Are.” Meet the Wild Things and roar with them.

Hands on Art. Drop-in studio for painting ceramics, making mosaics and decorating T-shirts. Prices vary. Call for schedule of events. Hands on Art, 5603 Summitview Ave., Yakima; hands-on-art.com; 509-966-4248.

Allied Arts

 

The ArtsVan returns June 20-July 29! Here is the schedule:

Mondays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Franklin Park, 2101 Tieton Drive, Yakima; 1-3 p.m. at Miller Park, N. 4^th and “E” streets, Yakima.

Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Randall Park, between 44^th & 48^th avenues, south of Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 1-3 p.m. at Southeast Community Center, S. 8^th St. & Arlington, Yakima.

Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Kissel Park, S. 32^nd Ave. & Mead, Yakima; 1-3 p.m. Tieton Park, Tieton Ave. & Elm St., Tieton.

Thursdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Chesterley Park, N. 40^th Ave. & River Rd., Yakima; 1-3 p.m. Milroy Park, N. 16^th Ave. & Lincoln, Yakima.

Fridays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Toppenish Railroad Park, Asotin Ave. & E. Toppenish Ave., Toppenish; 1-3 p.m. Wapato Lions Park, adjacent to Wapato Middle School, Wapato.

 

ArtsVan Family Nights will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 7-Aug. 11 at Franklin Park.

 

Art camps and classes

 

• June 20-24: Stage Combat camp. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 8-12. Cost: $50 members, $55 non-members.
• June 27-30: Makeup Effects camp. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 10-14. Cost: $50 members, $55 non-members.
• July 5-8: Where Will Your Imagination Take you? camp. 9:30-12 p.m. Ages 6-8. Cost: $80 members, $105 non-members.
• July 11-15: Become a Knight camp. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 7-11. Cost: $100 members, $125 non-members.
• July 11-15: Princess for a Week camp. 1-3:30 p.m. Ages 7-11. Cost: $100 members, $125 non-members.
• July 18-22: Improv camp. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 7-12. Cost: $50 members, $55 non-members.
• July 18-22: Robot Riot camp. 1-3:30 p.m. Ages 7-11. Cost: $100 members, $125 non-members.
• July 25-29: Our Animal Parade camp. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. For kids with special needs, ages 5-11. Cost: $100 members, $125 non-members.
• July 25-29: Our Outdoor Art Festival camp. 1-3:30 p.m. For teens with special needs, ages 12-19. Cost: $100 members, $125 non-members.
• Aug. 1-5: Acting for Film, TV, and Radio camp. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 12-18. Cost: $50 members, $55 non-members.
• Aug. 8-12 & Aug. 15-19: Shakespeare for Elementary/Middle School students camp. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $125 members, $150 non-members.
• Aug. 8-12 & Aug. 15-19: Shakespeare for High School students camp. 1-3:30 p.m.  $125 members, $150 non-members.

 

 

Outdoor Summer Cinema

With such nice weather, many people don’t want to be shut inside watching a movie. Allied Art’s Outdoor Summer Cinema, sponsored by Yakima Parks and Rec, brings two elements of summer fun together: nice weather and fun flicks. Get ready to cuddle up with your family to enjoy these titles on the giant inflatable screen.

While each program is free, your family’s ticket to admission is a non-perishable food donation for Northwest Harvest. Each movie begins at sunset, usually at 8:30 p.m. Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930.

Here’s the lineup for 2011:

 

July 17: Yogi Bear (PG) at Gilbert Park, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima.

July 22: Shrek Forever After (PG) at Randall Park, between 44^th and 48^th avenues, south of Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima.

July 24: Megamind (PG) at Gilbert Park.

July 29: Jumanji (PG) at Randall Park.

July 31: Twilight – Eclipse (PG-13) at Gilbert Park.

Aug. 6: The Karate Kid (PG) at Sarg Hubbard Park, Yakima Greenway. Martial arts demo takes place before the movie starts.

Aug. 7: The Last Song (PG) at Gilbert Park.

Aug. 12: Secretariat (PG) at Randall Park.

Aug. 13: Dive’n Movie: Finding Nemo (G) at Franklin Pool, 2101 Tieton Drive, Yakima. Free movie with pool admission price.

Aug. 14: Toy Story 3 (G) at Gilbert Park.

 

EISENHOWER SUMMER DRAMA CAMP. 9 a.m. to noon. Week-long camp, runs June 13-17. For children ages 6-13; two groups by age. Campers will learn acting, dancing, singing, improvisation, props, and costuming all in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Cost: $68, which includes a daily snack and one T-shirt. Campers will perform at 11:30 a.m. June 17. Little Ike Theater, 702 S. 40^th Ave., Yakima; call Stephanie Wilson at 833-7676 for registration information.

 

NATURE CAMP. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Week-long camp. Focus on natural history of the Yakima area and the use of native plants for food, shelter, medicine, clothing, art and music. Three sessions offered: June 13-17 for ages 8-10; June 27-July 1 for ages 9-11; and July 11-15 for ages 8-10. Cost: $135; $130 for Yakima Area Arboretum members. Fees include a T-shirt, water bottle and daily snacks. Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima; 509-248-7337. ahtrees.org

Summer Sports

Check back regularly for updates!

 

GOLF

Introduction to Golf. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 21-July 14. Ages 6-15. River Ridge Golf Course, Selah. Call Selah Parks and Rec at 509-698-7302 to pre-register.

The First Tee of Yakima. The 2011 summer season begins on June 20 and runs through mid-August. For girls and boys age 5-high school. Weekly golf activities at various locations in Yakima, Toppenish and Granger. No golf experience necessary. Golf clubs are supplied. Summer fee: $50, and scholarships are available. The First Tee of Yakima: 509-949-6349. thefirstteeyakima.org

 

SOCCER

Yakima Athletic Club Summer Soccer Camps. Various camps, ages 3 and up. Each camp limited to 10 students. Yakima Athletic Club, 2501 Racquet Lane, Yakima; 509-453-6521; yakimaathleticclub.com

• June 20-23: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Ages 3-4. $45 members, $55 non-members.
• July 11-14: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Ages 5-6. $45 members, $55 non-members.
• July 18-21: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Grades 1-5. $85 members, $95 non-members.
• July 25-28: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Grades 6-8. $85 members, $95 non-members.

YMCA Soccer. Boys and girls, ages 6-12. July 11-Aug. 26. Games and practices take place at local Yakima School District fields. $45/$55/$65, depending on YMCA membership level. Fees include team jersey. Registration ends June 4.

 

SWIMMING

Lions Pool. Various classes and times offered. Schedule will change after June 30. Pool fees: $3.75 adult, $2 youth, $10 family. Three-month pass: $89 adult, $46 youth, $190 family. 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.

• Recreational Swimming. 3:15-4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-3 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. Saturdays.
• Baby and Me, for tots 6 months to 3 years, 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

• Preschool H2O Play, 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Funky Friday Nights (‘80s theme), 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $0.50 for kids, $1 adults, $0.75 seniors (62 and older), or $3.25 per family.
• Home-School Swim, which gives home-school students an opportunity to receive P.E. credits or just socialize with fellow home-schooled kids. Meets 1:30-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Yakima Athletic Club. 2501 Racquet Lane, Yakima; 509-453-6521; yakimaathleticclub.com

• Summer Swim Lessons Each session lasts 30 minutes and are separated by age groups, from preschool to children ages 6-14. $45 members, $55 non-members. Three morning sessions: 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12 p.m. Monday-Thursday June 20-June 30, July 11-21 & July 25-Aug. 4.  Two evening sessions: 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays June 21-July & July 19-Aug. 11.
• Parent Tot swimming. For children 4 months-2 ½ years, with parent. 30 minute classes. Two morning sessions: 10 a.m. June 24-July 8 & July 15-Aug. 5. Two evening sessions: 6 p.m. Tuesdays, June 21-July 12 & July 19-Aug. 9. Cost: $22 plus tax for members, $30 plus tax for non-members.

TENNIS

Little Hitters Teach and Play. 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekly sessions: June 21-23, June 28-30, July 12-14, July 19-21, Aug. 2-4, & Aug. 9-11. Yakima Athletic Club, 2501 Racquet Lane, Yakima; 509-453-6521. yakimaathleticclub.com

 

Tennis camp. 9 a.m.-noon, July 25-28. Learn tennis skills and play games, including water balloons and slip ‘n slide. Camp T-shirt and water bottle included. Ages 4-15. $70 members, $80 non-members. Yakima Athletic Club, 2501 Racquet Lane, Yakima; 509-453-6521.

 

Youth Tennis Lessons. Boys and girls, grades 3-8. Instruction on forehand, backhand, serve and net play. Bring a racket and a can of unopened tennis balls. Session 1, June 14-24; 9-10 a.m. for grades 3-5 & 10-11 a.m. for grades 6-8. Session 2, July 19-29; 9-10 a.m. for grades 3-5 & 10-11 a.m. for grades 6-8. $26/$36/$46, depending on residency. Carlon Park Tennis Courts, Selah. Call Selah Parks and Rec at 509-698-7302.

 

BASKETBALL

YVCC camp. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Two four-day skills camps, June 13-15 for boys and girls grades 7-10, and June 20-23 for boys and girls grades 2-6. Sherar Gym, Yakima Valley Community College Campus, Yakima. For info and to register go to www.yvcc.edu/athletics or call 509-574-4726.

Eisenhower basketball camp. June 13-16. For boys and girls, grades 2-9. Cost: $70. Hosted by Eisenhower boys basketball. Takes place at Ike Gym at Eisenhower High School. Contact Coach Schultz at 509-972-3668 for more information.

Other Sports

June 21-24: Intro to Skateboarding. 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boys and girls, ages 6-12. Helmet required. Basic skateboarding techniques will be taught at Selah Skate Park, adjacent to the tennis courts at Carlon Park. $20/$26/$36, depending on residency. Selah Parks and Recreation; 509-698-7302.

June 21-Aug. 4: Junior Athletic Conditioning. 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ages 9-11. Kids get fit and refine, improve, and coordinate their skills. $60 members, $70 non-members.

Vacation Bible School!

Check back regularly for updates!

June 19-23: Wiley Heights Covenant Church | 12504 Gilbert Road, Yakima; wileyheightscovenant.org; Sherrin Melcher, 966-2383. “Narnia: Through the Wardrobe.” Meets 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Kindergarten-sixth grade. Free; daily offering encouraged.

June 20-24: Central Lutheran Church | 1604 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima; clcyakima.org; Nathan, 575-6490. “Splish Splash!” Meets 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 3 years through sixth grade; pre-registration strongly encouraged for preschoolers due to limited space. Cost: $10 before June 6; $15 after June 6.

June 20-24: First Presbyterian Church | 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; fpcyakima.com; Susie Woodin, 248-7940. “Pandamania!: Where God Is Wild About You.” Meets 8:45 a.m. to noon. Four years-fifth grade. Cost: $25 per child; $30 after June 13. $20 for new families. Free childcare and 3-year-old class provided for all VBS volunteers.

June 20-24: Mountainview Christian Fellowship  | 7105 Alpine Way (corner of 72^nd and Summitview avenues), Yakima; yakimafmc.org; contact Tabitha Darwood at 972-3723. “PandaMania!: Where God Is Wild About You.” 6-8 p.m. Children age 3-up to fifth grade. Younger children should be toilet-trained. Free.

June 20-24: Selah Covenant Church | 560 McGonagle Road, Selah; selahcov.com; Jewell Nelson, 697-4095. “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid.” Meets 10 a.m. to noon. Ages 4-11 years. Cost: Free. Registration deadline is June 20.

June 20-24: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. Mondays through Thursdays June 20-Aug. 19; sign up for one week or more. Two age groups: Kindergarten-first grade and second-fifth grade. Cost: $30 weekly for first child, add $20 for each sibling; $10 registration fee includes a T-shirt.

June 20-24: West Side Church  | 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima; westsidechurch.info; 965-2800. West Side Soccer Camp. 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. A camp to help kids learn soccer skills and receive Bible messages. For kids who have completed Kindergarten and through fifth grade. Cost: $70 if registered by June 5; $80 after June 5. Fee includes a T-shirt.

June 26-30: Christ Lutheran Church | 5606 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; christlutheranyakima.com; Lori Murphy, 895-9037. “SonSurf Beach Bash VBS.” Meets 5-8 p.m., beginning with a light dinner. Preschool-sixth grade. Cost: Free.

June 26-30: Christian Life Center | 716 N. 40^th Ave., Yakima; 248-2015; myclc.tv. “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid.” 7 p.m. Featuring the Heavenly Hands Puppet Team.

June 26-30: Shiloh Christian Center | 113 N. Pierce Ave., Yakima; call Patty at 594-7111. “Faith Mountain.” 6-8:15 p.m. Ages 3-6^th grade. Free, but offering collected.

June 27-July 1: Holy Family Activities Center  | 5313 Tieton Drive, Yakima (corner of 56^th and Chestnut avenues); 966-0788. “Jonah and the Whale.” 9-11:30 a.m. Ages 4-fifth grade. Cost: $10, which includes lunch and one barbeque at the end of the week. Recommended registration date: June 15.

July 11-15: Mount Olive Lutheran Church | 7809 Tieton Drive, Yakima; mountoliveyakima.org; 966-2190. “Splish Splash!” 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Kindergarten-sixth grade; kindergarteners are done at noon. Free. Lunch provided.

July 31-Aug 4: Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church | 10203 W. Tieton Drive, Yakima; redeemeryakima.org; 248-6919. “One-of-a-Kind Zoo.” 5:30-8 p.m. Supper is from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by singing, lessons and crafts from 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

Aug. 1-4: Westpark Church and Academy  | 3902 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-1632; diversityexcels.org. “PandaMania!: Where God Is Wild About You.” 9-11:30 a.m. Ages 4-10. $10 donation.

Aug. 1-5: Sun Valley Church | 2002 E. Mead Ave., Yakima; 965-6800; sunvalleychurch.net. Vacation Bible School. 9-11:30 a.m. Kids entering Kindergarten-fifth grade. Cost: $5 per family.

Aug. 2-4: Memorial Bible Church  | 111 Old Stage Way, Yakima; contact Chris Kinman at 966-6500; mbcyakima.com. “The Mega Sports Camp: The Great Comeback.” 6-9 p.m. First-sixth graders. Focus on basketball and cheerleading. Cost: $40 per person.

Aug. 8-12: Zillah Church of the Nazarene | 203 Miles Drive, Zillah; zillahnazarene.org; Sarah Friedrich, 829-5338. “Pandamania.” Meets at 6 p.m. Four years-sixth grade. Cost: Free.

Check back regularly for updates!

June 19-23: Wiley Heights Covenant Church | 12504 Gilbert Road, Yakima; wileyheightscovenant.org; Sherrin Melcher, 966-2383. “Narnia: Through the Wardrobe.” Meets 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Kindergarten-sixth grade. Free; daily offering encouraged.

June 20-24: Central Lutheran Church | 1604 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima; clcyakima.org; Nathan, 575-6490. “Splish Splash!” Meets 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 3 years through sixth grade; pre-registration strongly encouraged for preschoolers due to limited space. Cost: $10 before June 6; $15 after June 6.

June 20-24: First Presbyterian Church | 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; fpcyakima.com; Susie Woodin, 248-7940. “Pandamania!: Where God Is Wild About You.” Meets 8:45 a.m. to noon. Four years-fifth grade. Cost: $25 per child; $30 after June 13. $20 for new families. Free childcare and 3-year-old class provided for all VBS volunteers.

June 20-24: Mountainview Christian Fellowship  | 7105 Alpine Way (corner of 72^nd and Summitview avenues), Yakima; yakimafmc.org; contact Tabitha Darwood at 972-3723. “PandaMania!: Where God Is Wild About You.” 6-8 p.m. Children age 3-up to fifth grade. Younger children should be toilet-trained. Free.

June 20-24: Selah Covenant Church | 560 McGonagle Road, Selah; selahcov.com; Jewell Nelson, 697-4095. “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid.” Meets 10 a.m. to noon. Ages 4-11 years. Cost: Free. Registration deadline is June 20.

June 20-24: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. Mondays through Thursdays June 20-Aug. 19; sign up for one week or more. Two age groups: Kindergarten-first grade and second-fifth grade. Cost: $30 weekly for first child, add $20 for each sibling; $10 registration fee includes a T-shirt.

June 20-24: West Side Church  | 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima; westsidechurch.info; 965-2800. West Side Soccer Camp. 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. A camp to help kids learn soccer skills and receive Bible messages. For kids who have completed Kindergarten and through fifth grade. Cost: $70 if registered by June 5; $80 after June 5. Fee includes a T-shirt.

June 26-30: Christ Lutheran Church | 5606 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; christlutheranyakima.com; Lori Murphy, 895-9037. “SonSurf Beach Bash VBS.” Meets 5-8 p.m., beginning with a light dinner. Preschool-sixth grade. Cost: Free.

June 26-30: Christian Life Center | 716 N. 40^th Ave., Yakima; 248-2015; myclc.tv. “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid.” 7 p.m. Featuring the Heavenly Hands Puppet Team.

June 26-30: Shiloh Christian Center | 113 N. Pierce Ave., Yakima; call Patty at 594-7111. “Faith Mountain.” 6-8:15 p.m. Ages 3-6^th grade. Free, but offering collected.

June 27-July 1: Holy Family Activities Center  | 5313 Tieton Drive, Yakima (corner of 56^th and Chestnut avenues); 966-0788. “Jonah and the Whale.” 9-11:30 a.m. Ages 4-fifth grade. Cost: $10, which includes lunch and one barbeque at the end of the week. Recommended registration date: June 15.

July 11-15: Mount Olive Lutheran Church | 7809 Tieton Drive, Yakima; mountoliveyakima.org; 966-2190. “Splish Splash!” 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Kindergarten-sixth grade; kindergarteners are done at noon. Free. Lunch provided.

July 31-Aug 4: Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church | 10203 W. Tieton Drive, Yakima; redeemeryakima.org; 248-6919. “One-of-a-Kind Zoo.” 5:30-8 p.m. Supper is from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by singing, lessons and crafts from 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

Aug. 1-4: Westpark Church and Academy  | 3902 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-1632; diversityexcels.org. “PandaMania!: Where God Is Wild About You.” 9-11:30 a.m. Ages 4-10. $10 donation.

Aug. 1-5: Sun Valley Church | 2002 E. Mead Ave., Yakima; 965-6800; sunvalleychurch.net. Vacation Bible School. 9-11:30 a.m. Kids entering Kindergarten-fifth grade. Cost: $5 per family.

Aug. 2-4: Memorial Bible Church  | 111 Old Stage Way, Yakima; contact Chris Kinman at 966-6500; mbcyakima.com. “The Mega Sports Camp: The Great Comeback.” 6-9 p.m. First-sixth graders. Focus on basketball and cheerleading. Cost: $40 per person.

Aug. 8-12: Zillah Church of the Nazarene | 203 Miles Drive, Zillah; zillahnazarene.org; Sarah Friedrich, 829-5338. “Pandamania.” Meets at 6 p.m. Four years-sixth grade. Cost: Free.

Aug. 8-12: Tieton Drive Bible Chapel | 4305 Tieton Drive, Yakima. “Amazing Science and Wonders.” Meets from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bible teaching, hands-on experiments, singing, activities, food and fun. Lunch provided. For ages 5-12.

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