Nickelodeon Storytime Live Coming to the Sundome!

Your favorite Nickelodeon characters are coming to the Yakima Sundome on Oct. 26! Come out to play along with your favorite preschool friends live on stage as Nickelodeon presents “Storytime Live!” The musical adventure features four of the top-rated preschool shows on television, and starts at 7 p.m.

Some highlights include a Fairytale Land adventure with “Dora the Explorer”; a journey through Purewood Forest with “The Backyardigans”; a trip to Wonderland with the “Wonder Pets!”; and a Monkey King Adventure with “Ni-Hao, Kai-lan.”

Tickets are $20 and $35, and they go on sale at 12 p.m. on Sept. 10, but Internet pre-sale tickets will be available Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. and close Sept. 9 at 10 p.m.  The pre-sale code is DORA.  Groups of 10+ can receive a discount.  Kids 1+ are required to have a ticket.

In the meantime, visit www.nicklivetours.com or www.yakimasundome.com for more information about the show.

Allied Arts Offers Fall Classes for Special Needs Kids

This is the first year that Allied Arts of Yakima is offering classes specifically created for kids with special needs. Each class will introduce kids and teens to the world of art in an exploratory, relaxed setting. No art experience is necessary. If requested, Allied Arts can offer accommodations, adaptations, and modifications based on individual needs. Each class costs $25 for non-members, and $20 for members.

For the rest of the fall courses offered by Allied Arts, check out the calendar. Call 966-0930 or visit the website at alliedartsyakima.org for more information.

Special Needs Kids Courses:

• “The Elements of Texture for Kids with Special Needs.” Emphasis on visual and tactile learning. Bring a paint shirt and a picture of something you like. Ages 12-18. Oct. 5: 4-6 p.m.
• “The Elements of Texture for Kids with Special Needs.” Emphasis on visual and tactile learning. Bring a paint shirt and a picture of something you like.Ages 5-12. Oct. 6: 4-6 p.m.
• “The Elements of Line for Teens with Special Needs.” Learn about the line in art using non-traditional materials. Bring a paint shirt and a picture of something you like. Ages 12-18. Oct. 19: 4-6 p.m.
• “The Elements of Line for Kids with Special Needs.” Learn about the line in art using non-traditional materials. Ages 5-12. Oct. 20: 4-6 p.m.
• “Let’s Create a Table Sculpture! Class for Teens with Special Needs.” Learn about the element of color and create a table sculpture. Bring a paint shirt and a picture of something you like. Ages 12-18. Nov 2: 4-6 p.m.
• “Let’s Create a Table Sculpture! Class for Kids with Special Needs.” Learn about the element of color and create a table sculpture. Bring a paint shirt and a picture of something you like. Ages 5-12. Nov. 3: 4-6 p.m.

Capitol Kids 2010-2011 Series

The Capitol Theatre has announced the 2010-2011 Capitol Kids series. These live performances are educational, entertaining, and interactive, so kids can use their creative and intellectual sides while having a ton of fun. Here’s the lineup:

“Ferdinand the Bull” will grace the stage at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Oct. 25. Meet the young bull Ferdinand, who would much rather relax and smell the flowers instead of being mean and dangerous. Ferdinand and his friend Danilo figure out what it means to be true to themselves and what they believe in. Grades K-5.

Next is “Barrio Grrrl!” at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Feb. 11. Ana, a 9-year-old girl who also has the alter-ego Barrio Grrrl, wrestles how to balance with fighting for justice and keeping a foot in the real world. Grades 4-8.

The final performance is “Berenstain Bears in Family Matters” at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Mar. 17. Join the Bear family as each bear deals with his or her troubles and presents life lessons along the way. Grades pre-K-4.

Tickets are $5 per show. All performances are at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St, Yakima, and are open to school groups and parents with children. To purchase tickets, contact Christina McCarthy at 853-8000.

Capitol Theatre 2010-2011 Best of Broadway Family Series

Three family-friendly musicals are on tap for this year’s Best of Broadway series at the Capitol Theatre. Single ticket prices: $60/$45/$30/$10. Tickets are available at the Capitol Theatre box office and online. Call 509-853-ARTS or 800-325-SEAT for more information, or visit the website at capitoltheatre.org.

First up is Cirque le Masque’s “Carnival,” a colorful performance by acrobats and trapeze artists that pushes the envelope of human athleticism. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6.

The second installment is surely the “one that you want,” the infamous “Grease.” All ages are sure to enjoy this hit musical based on the popular movie. Be prepared to sing and dance along with the cast; those catchy tunes will keep you movin’ the whole night! Performances at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 4-6.

The third offering is “The 39 Steps,” a comical retelling of one of Hitchock’s films, and set in the 1930s. Get ready to be surprised and laugh, since this musical is said to be a hybrid of Hitchcock’s style, spy novel intrigue, and Monty Python with a caffeine boost. Performances at 7:30 p.m. April 26-29, and 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 30.

Next Fresh Taste Meals Kids’ Cooking Course Scheduled!

KIDS’ COOKING CLASS. 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11.  Fresh Taste Meals is offering the next kids’ cooking class for kids ages 9 and up. This time, the focus is on jazzing up foods using baking mixes. The cost is $25 per student, and this includes instruction and a 6-portion meal to take home. 457-7798. freshtastemeals.com

Moms In Touch International now in East Valley

MOMS IN TOUCH INTERNATIONAL.  10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  East Valley group: Moms, grandmas, aunts, and others are welcome to join in praying for children and the East Valley Schools and staff.  Bring snacks or a lunch for the kids.  Babysitting is provided for a small fee.  Meets the first and third Mondays of the month (during school year), beginning Sept. 20. Terrace Heights Presbyterian Church, 4303 Maple Court, Yakima.  Contact Julie Byers at 453-0741 for more information.

Jelly Belly RV on tour in Yakima!

Sure, Yakima has been attracting big names from the music industry, but it will also be a tour destination for the Jelly Belly RV!  Shall we jump for jelly beans?

The Jelly Belly RV will make its first stop at Cookie Cutter, located at 4001 Summitview Ave, Suite 18 in Yakima, on Tuesday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Then, the RV will be at Boehm’s Candy Store from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4.  Boehm’s Candy Store is located at 5645 Summitview Ave. in Yakima.

Highlights include:

* Jelly bean experts will share insider secrets to the making of Jelly Belly jelly beans

* The newest flavors will be offered, and only the most daring will try skunk spray and pencil shaving beans (don’t worry! Top Banana and coconut flavors will also be offered!)

* Stop by for games and other jelly bean samples!

Go Out And Learn this summer!

Go Out And Learn is a new summer enrichment program being offered in Selah that allows kids to explore fun subjects with lots of hands on activities, indoors and outdoors.

Each week is a unique topic, so families can choose to participate in one week or more. Kids start in the classroom learning about the day’s activity, and then go outside for experiments and fun. By the end of the week each student will have completed one or more projects. Take Photography and by Friday have a portfolio of pictures to show your friends. Explore the History of Flight with kites and rockets. Find bugs and read maps with Action Adventures. Be a Fashion Pro and wear the clothing and jewelry that you designed.

Go Out And Learn programs are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The current schedule is below – watch for additional classes. The cost is $90 per week, except for History of Flight, which is $125 per week.

July 12-16:  “Built It!”  Building challenges with legos, popsicle sticks, and other cool stuff.  Ages 5-8.

July 19-23:  “History of Flight.”  Start with a kite and end with a rocket!  Ages 8-12.

July 26-30:  “Photography.”  Create a professional portfolio with your digital camera.  Ages 10+.

August 2-6:  “Action Adventures.”  Bugs, plants, maps, and more.  Ages 5-8.

August 9-13.  “ECO Challenge.”  Solve problems with green solutions.  Ages 8-12.

August 16-20:  “Fashion Pro.”  A local artist will help you design clothing and jewelry.  Ages 10+.
For information, contact Leanne at 833-8552.  Go Out And Learn is presented by Critical Path, Inc., located at 119B South Second Street, Selah.

Free Workshops on Children’s Reading Problems

READING PROBLEM WORKSHOP.  “Does Your Child Have a Reading Problem?” Workshop for parents or teachers who deal with young people who are behind in reading, have trouble with comprehension, or anyone for whom reading is a slow, laborious chore. The workshop covers vision problems and what can be done to resolve them. Presented by Benjamin Winters, O.D. Washington Vision Therapy Center, 3909 Creekside Loop, Suite 150, Yakima.

Two free workshops will be offered, the first on Tuesday, August 14, and the second on September 21.  Both workshops start at 7 p.m.  Call 654-9256 to RSVP.

Art Camp @ Allied Arts: Monster Madness!

For ages 7-11, Allied Arts is offering a special Art Camp called “Monster Madness.”  Kids will “explore monster images and what makes a monster scary, friendly or funny, then develop your own monster.”  If time permits, kids can even make their own monster mask.  July 12-16 ($100 AAYC members/$125 non-members)

5000 W. Lincoln Ave., (509) 966-0930, alliedartsyakima.org

Worm Composting for Kids at Yakima Arboretum

WORM COMPOSTING FOR KIDS. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This class is the total worm composting package for second graders and up. Kids will learn about the benefits of worm composting, examine all of the components of a healthy worm bin up close, and learn how to setup and care for their own bin. Kids will leave with everything they need to worm compost at home, including a starter worm bin, worms, and instructional materials. Cost: Yakima Area Arboretum members, $20; non-members $25. Hosted by Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima. Call 248-7337 to reserve a seat. ahtrees.org

Tea Party with Ice Cream at the Museum

The Yakima Valley Museum and Yakima Association of Family and Consumer Science will host a “Kim’s Books” ice cream social on Saturday, August 21 from 1-3 p.m. The event will take place at the museum and in adjacent Franklin Park.  Kids can get an enlarged coloring book based on Bill Donelson’s book Kim’s Coloring Book of Tea Party Manners, which offers fun and educational hints about healthy eating and proper table manners.

Events include games in the park, an art project, and High Tea in Children’s Underground. Show your copy of Kim’s Coloring Book to receive dollar-scoop ice cream cones at the Museum Soda Fountain.

Check out the museum’s website, yakimavalleymuseum.org, to see short television animations that were originally created from Donelson’s illustrations.  Contact the museum at 248-0747 for additional information.

Pacific Science Center is coming to the Yakima Valley Museum!

The Pacific Science Center will present two programs at Yakima Valley Museum on Saturday, July 31.

The first program, “Harvesting Science,” will start at 10:00 a.m. and be available for viewing in the Great Hall all day. The program offers bilingual hands-on exhibits to reveal how science and agriculture go together.  Learn the difference between a good bug and a pest, and what kind of soil grows the biggest crops.

The second program, “The Super Cool Science Show,” will be presented at 11:00 a.m. on the Noel Family stage outside the museum. The 40-minute show will be all about “super cool matter.” Explore how gases become liquids and liquids become solids, and see the Inter-Planetary Olympics.

Both programs are free to the public and are sponsored by Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program.

For more information, contact Kathy Sample at 248-0747.

Kids’ Cooking Classes

KIDS’ COOKING CLASS. 2-4 p.m.  July 8, July 22, and August 19.  Kids ages 9 and up welcome, and may be accompanied by an adult, but not required. Cost: $25, which includes some cooking related instruction and one 6-portion meal to take home. Fresh Taste Meals, 2204 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. Call in advance to book session and select meal to take home, 457-7798. freshtastemeals.com

Scott Klepach Joins Playdate Magazine!

We are pleased to announce that writer (and dad!) Scott Klepach will join the ranks at Playdate magazine as its new coordinator June 21. Scott is well versed in the media industry, having served as the Yakima Herald-Republic’s first student editor of the “Unleashed” section back in 2000.

Now, with Bachelors and Masters degrees under his belt, and substantial writing and teaching experience, Klepach says he’s ready to take on new challenges with Playdate and the Herald-Republic’s other niche products.

“I’m elated,” said Klepach, referring to his new position with the Herald-Republic. “I think it’s going to be an awesome opportunity.”

Readers can turn to the current issue of Playdate for a sample of Klepach’s writing: he had recently begun a new column in the magazine called “Dad’s Pad,” which are musings on the struggles and rewards of parenting young children. He said he’d like to incorporate readers’ suggestions into the magazine as well. “I’m excited for the challenge,” he said.  We’re excited too!

You can contact Scott, starting June 21, by calling (509) 577-7641 or emailing him at sklepach@yakimaherald.com. You can contact Playdate magazine anytime by emailing talkback@playdateyakima.com or calling (509) 577-7731.

Cinema Circle will show ‘Shrek’

“Shrek Forever After” will be the final film of the 2009-10 season for Cinema Circle, a program that allows young children and their caregivers to have a special day at the movies.

The show begins at 11 a.m. June 10 at Yakima Cinema, 1305 N. 16th Ave. The movie is rated PG and will not be shown in 3-D.

Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-6. One child age 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. Children over age 6 are asked to attend a regular matinee. For more information about the program, call 509-965-7100.

Make art in the park

Enjoy free craft projects at the park this summer with the Allied Arts Summer ArtsVan. From June 14 to July 30, the van visits two locations each weekday, inviting children to stop by and make some art. This summer’s theme is “I Heart Art,” emphasizing healthy bodies and feelings.

STAR-STRUCK ART In addition to daytime park stops, ArtsVan Family Nights will be held July 7 through Aug. 12. Kids are invited to make “Planet Art” projects Wednesday evenings in downtown Tieton or Thursdays at Yakima’s Franklin Park while listening to the Summer Sunset Concerts.

Daytime ArtsVan weekly themes:

• Stained Glass Hearts, June 14-18
• Healthy Heart Art, June 21-25
• Beating Heart Drum, June 28-July 2
• My Book of Feelings, July 5-9
• Slot Sculptures, July 12-16
• Animal Hearts, July 19-23
• Healthy Heart Mobile, July 26-30

Mondays
10 a.m. to noon: Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Miller Park, N. Fourth and “E” streets, Yakima.

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to noon: Randall Park, between 44th and 48th avenues south of Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Southeast Community Center, S. Eighth and E. Arlington streets, Yakima.

Wednesdays
10 a.m. to noon: Kissel Park, S. 32nd and Mead avenues, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: West Valley Community Park, 323 S. 80th Ave., south of Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima.
Family Night (July 7-Aug. 11): 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Tieton Park, Tieton Avenue and Elm Street, Tieton.

Thursdays
10 a.m. to noon: Chesterly Park, N. 40th Avenue and River Road, Yakima.
1-3 p.m.: Milroy Park, corner of N. 16th and Lincoln avenues, Yakima.
Family Night (July 8-Aug.12): 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Franklin Park, 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima.

Fridays
10 a.m. to noon: Buena, call 966-0930 for location.
10 a.m. to noon: Toppenish, locations vary. Railroad Park, July 2 and 30; Olney Park, July 9; Lincoln Park, July 16; Pioneer Park, July 23 and Aug. 6.
1-3 p.m.: Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato.

Day Camps

DAY CAMPS

ART & SCIENCE DAY CAMP | Ages 6 and up. Science experiments and art projects. Meets 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. New sessions begin weekly, June 21-Aug. 16. Cost: $65; advance registration required. Red Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; redgalleryyakima.com; 509-469-2766.

TREK ‘N’ TRAVEL TROLLEY | Youth ages 8-12 can hike, swim and explore the state with daytrips offered through Yakima Parks. Sessions meet 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Three sessions: June 21-25, July 12-16 and Aug. 9-13. Cost: $115-$137, depending on residency. Yakima Parks, 575-6020.

FREE SUMMER PLAYGROUNDS | Yakima Parks and Recreation staff offers games, crafts and trips to the pool through this free program for ages 5-12. Offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays June 14-July 29 (except July 5) at Kissel Park, S. 32nd Avenue and Mead, and Southeast Community Center Park, S. Eighth Street and Arlington. Register on first day. Call Kim Lopez at Yakima Parks, 575-6020.

SALVATION ARMY SUMMER DAY CAMP | Enjoy supervised activities in the park at this free day camp for kids entering grades 1-5. Meets 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, June 14-July 29, at Milroy Park, corner of 16th and Summitview avenues, Yakima. Free, includes morning snack and lunch (served to anybody under 18). Call in advance to register, beginning June 1. Salvation Army, 453-3139.

ORCHESTRA CAMP | Middle school students with at least one year playing experience. Learn new music and play different styles, led by Christy Baisinger. June 14-18 and 21-25. Intermediate group meets 8:15-10:15 a.m. Advanced group meets 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Concert on final day. Cost: $150; bring your own instrument. Allied Arts, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; alliedartsyakima.org; 966-0930.

IKE SUMMER DRAMA CAMP | Students entering grades 3-8 can learn acting, dancing, singing, improvisation, set design and costuming. Meets from 9 a.m. to noon June 14-18 in the Ike Little Theatre at Eisenhower High School. A performance for parents and friends will be at 11:30 a.m. June 18. Cost: $65, includes a T-shirt and daily snack. Call 833-7676 to register; space is limited.

SUMMER STORYBOOK BALLET | 11th Avenue Ballet School, 1014 S. 11th Ave., Yakima; Noël Manderville, 457-6791. Register online at brownpapertickets.com/event/108187.
Imaginitive pre-ballet dance classes for ages 3-7 with snack and craft related to weekly theme. Four sessions offered:
June 21-24: “The Little Mermaid.” Qualities of weight, tempo and energy.
July 6-9: “Hawaiian Adventure.” Rhythm, fire dance and the language of hula.
July 19-22: “Ballerina Bunny.” Classical pre-ballet with a traditional Swedish Maypole Dance.
Aug. 2-5: “Le Corsair,” a classical ballet of pirates, high seas and adventure.
Classes meet Monday-Thursday, except Tuesday-Friday the week of July 6. Ages 3-4 meet 9-11 a.m. Ages 4-5 meet 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Ages 6-7 meet 1:3-3:30 p.m. Cost: $85 per session, or $272 for all four.

COMOTION DANCE CAMPS | CoMotion Dance Center for the Arts, Westpark Plaza at 40th and Summitview, Yakima; 966-0676.
Summer classes and day camps for ages 3 and up. Tap-ballet combo classes (and a class just for boys ages 5-10) meet once a week for nine weeks; cost is $94.
Theme camps for dancers ages 6-9 include Hannah Montana, Fairytopia and Princess Camp. Intermediate and advanced-level camps specialize in hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet or modern dance. Camps are $68 per week.

ARTS ENCOUNTER | 11th Avenue Ballet School, 1014 S. 11th Ave., Yakima; Noël Manderville, 457-6791.
Five-day workshop combines dance, music composition and art. Meets June 14-18. “Toad is the Uncle of Heaven,” based on Vietnamese folklore. Ages 5-6 meet 9:30-11:15 a.m.; ages 7-8 meet 12:30-2:15 p.m.; ages 9-12 meet 3-4:45 p.m. Combined performance at 6 p.m. June 18. Cost: $85.

SUMMER IN THE PARK | Enjoy games, crafts and other supervised activities at Selah’s Wixson Park, 214 S. Third St. Weekly themes. At 1 p.m., the pool opens next door.
DETAILS: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 14-July 23. Ages 6-12. Cost: $48-$60, depending on residency; fee covers entire summer and includes a T-shirt. Scholarships available. Friday field trips available for extra fee. Register with Selah Parks and Recreation, 216 S. First St., Selah; 698-7300.

Vacation Bible School

At this summer’s lineup of vacation Bible camps, area churches are inviting families to sail the high seas, explore a rainforest and hang their hats at Saddle Ridge Ranch. Of course, the goal of each adventure is to learn about Jesus.

Note that many camps will meet in the evening and the whole family is encouraged to join in the fun. Of course, there are lots of traditional day camps as well.

Whichever adventure you choose, there’s sure to be lots of songs, skits, prayer and praise at each of the following programs. Advance registration is always appreciated.

JUNE 13-17
Shiloh Christian Church | 112 N. Pierce Ave., Yakima; Patty, 248-4609. “High Seas Expedition.” Meets 6-8:15 p.m. Three years-sixth grade. Free; snacks provided.

Wiley Heights Covenant Church | 12504 Gilbert Road, Yakima; wileyheightscovenant.org; Sherrin Melcher, 966-2383 or 930-6227. “Going for Gold — Go for God.” Meets 6:30-8:30 p.m.; registration and free BBQ at 5:30 p.m. June 13. Kindergarten-sixth grade. Free; daily offering encouraged. Donations will be used to purchase bed nets to fight malaria in the African Congo.

JUNE 14-AUG. 19
Westminster Presbyterian Church | 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima; westpress.org; Lisa Willey, 966-1900. “Summer Adventure Day Camp.” Meets 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays June 14-Aug. 19, except July 5-8; sign up for one week or more. Kindergarten-fifth grade. Cost: $30 weekly for first child, add $20 for each sibling; $10 registration fee includes a T-shirt.

JUNE 20-24
Christ Lutheran Church | 5606 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; toolkit.thevbsplace.org/christlutheranyakima; Lori Murphy, 895-9037. “Baobab Blast.” Meets 5-8 p.m., beginning with a light dinner. Preschool-sixth grade. Cost: Free.

JUNE 21-25
Bible Baptist Church | Corner of Tibbling and Selah Loop Road, 2.5 miles north of the high school, Selah; selahbaptist.org; 697-8895. “I Love America.” Meets 7-8:30 p.m. Ages 5 years-seventh grade. Cost: Free. Bring pennies for the boys vs. girls offering competition.

First Presbyterian Church | 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; fpcyakima.com; Kathy Eaton or Susie Woodin, 248-7940. “High Seas Expedition.” Meets 9 a.m. to noon. Four years-fifth grade. Cost: $20 until June 15; $30 late registration. Free childcare and 3-year-old class provided for all VBS volunteers.

Highland Community Church | VBS meeting at Tieton Square in downtown Tieton; hcc-cowiche.org; Nikki Keller, 673-2585. “SonQuest Rainforest.” Meets 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. June 21. Ages 3 1/2 (born before 12/31/06) to seventh grade. Cost: Free. Interdenominational.

Selah Covenant Church | 560 McGonagle Road, Selah; selahcov.com; Jewell Nelson, 697-4095. “Egypt: Joseph from Prison to Palace.” Meets 10 a.m. to noon. Ages 4-11 years. Cost: Free.

Terrace Heights Baptist Church | 619 S. 41st St., Yakima; thbcyak.com; 248-1684. “Saddle Ridge Ranch.” Meets 6:30-8:30 p.m., family dinner each night at 5:30 p.m. Whole family. Cost: Free. Online registration.

West Side Church | 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima; westsidechurch.info; Suzanne Dieker, 965-2800. “West Side Soccer Camp,” soccer day camp with Bible messages. Meets 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. First-fifth grade. Cost: $70 until June 6; $80 late registration.

JUNE 27-JULY 1
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church | 10203 W. Tieton Drive, Yakima; redeemeryakima.org; 248-6919. “Let’s Build an Ark.” Meets 5:30-8 p.m. All-ages family program includes supper, devotion, lesson and crafts.

JUNE 28-JULY 2
Central Lutheran Church | 1604 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima; centrallutheranyakima.org; Nathan, 575-6490. “Imagine!,” theme based on Ephesians 3:20. Meets 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade; pre-registration strongly encouraged for preschoolers due to limited space. Cost: $10 donation; snack and lunch served daily.

JULY 26-30
Mountainview Christian Fellowship | Corner of 72nd and Summitview avenues, Yakima; yakimafmc.org; 966-5422. “High Seas Expedition.” Meets 6-8 p.m. Three years-fifth grade.

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church | 4105 Richey Road, Yakima; sttimsyakima.org; 966-7370. “Galactic Blast.” Meets 9 a.m. to noon. Three years-sixth grade. Cost: $15 per child or $25 per family.

AUG. 2-6
Trinity Family Fellowship | 603 S. 13th Avenue, Yakima; trinityyakima.com; Christopher Ward, 248-9405. “High Seas Expedition.” Meets 6-8 p.m. Ages four years-fifth grade. Cost: Free.

Westpark United Methodist | 3902 Summitview Ave., Yakima; diversityexcels.org; Michele Piguet, 966-1632. “High Seas Expedition.” Meets 9-11:30 a.m. Ages four years-fifth grade. Cost: $10 donation.

Zillah Church of the Nazarene | 203 Miles Drive, Zillah; zillahnazarene.org; Sarah Friedrich, 829-5338. “High Seas Expedition.” Meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Four years-sixth grade. Cost: Free.

AUG. 9-13
Sun Valley Church | VBS held at Moxee Elementary, 528 E. Seattle Ave., Moxee; sunvalleychurch.net; 965-6800. Meets 9-11:30 a.m. Preschool-fifth grade. Cost: $5 at the door or register free at the Moxee Hop Festival booth.

Overnight Camps

CAMP ARNOLD | Affiliated with the Salvation Army. Located on the west side of Mount Rainier near Eatonville. Encourages spiritual growth, self-esteem and skills with traditional residental camp activities.
DETAILS: 12 and under. Salvation Army of Yakima County will take campers the weeks of June 21-25 and June 28-July 2. Cost: $20. CONTACT: 509-453-3139; tsacamparnold.org

CAMP DUDLEY | Sleep in bunks, swim and participate in other traditional camp activities at the Yakima Family YMCA’s camp on Clear Lake, near White Pass. A variety of sessions offered for kids ages 5-15, with special horseback riding and rock climbing camps for ‘tweens and teens and the second-annual Autism Family Camp, June 25-27.
DETAILS: Mini-session for ages 5-10 is July 7-9, $150-$180. Weekly themes and ages vary. Cost: $305-$535; multi-week discounts and scholarships available. Family Camp is Sept. 3-5; $210-$240 for a family of four. CONTACT: Matt Rusch, 972-5271; yakimaymca.org

CAMP FOUR ECHOES | Affiliated with Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington North Idaho. Located on Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho, this outdoor skills and waterfront camp focuses on teaching girls valuable life-long skills, positive self image and confidence.
DETAILS: Open to all girls, grades 2-12. Sessions range from two nights to a 12-day backpacking and canoeing adventure. Cost: $135-$546, varies by session; scholarships available. Discounts available for bringing a friend or multiple camp sessions. CONTACT: 800-827-9478; campfourechoes.com

CAMP WAHOO | ‘Tweens and teens can learn the ropes of living in the wilderness at this horse camp near Cle Elum. Campers will care for horses, cook with a Dutch oven and learn other survival skills.
DETAILS: Ages 10-16, all-girls and coed sessions available. Multiple sessions for each skill level and age group start weekly, June 27-Aug 22. Cost: $850-$1,025; sibling discount. CONTACT: 888-235-0111; highcountry-outfitters.com

GHORMLEY MEADOW CHRISTIAN CAMP | Faith-based camp near Rimrock Lake. This year’s theme is “Joy Story — To Eternity and Beyond!” Activities include canoeing and sliding on a zipline. Special adventure camps for teens.
DETAILS: Owned by First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. Sessions begin June 14-Aug. 1. Co-ed sessions available for grades 2-12. Cost: $165-$380, varies by session; scholarships available. CONTACT: Joel Whitehead, 509-672-4311; ghormleymeadow.org

LAZY F | Faith-based camp in the Manastash Canyon near Ellensburg. Activities include horse riding, inner-tubing creek, archery hill, campfires and worship. Special sessions for children of military and family camps with grandparents or moms.
DETAILS: Affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Camps offered weekly, June 20-Aug. 8. Cost: $225-$575, varies by session and sliding scale. CONTACT: 509-962-2780; lazyfcamp.org

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