Summer solutions

Duane Prokop/VIEWPre Twinkle students practice at Nevada School of the Arts on April 20. Duane Prokop/VIEWCello, book 1 and 2 students practice during a class at Nevada School of the Arts, 401 S. Fourth St. The school plans to offer a three-day Suzuki String Camp in June. Craig L. Moran/VIEWA group of 4- to 8-year-old children, assisted by Priscilla Scott, top, work on their Father?s Day gifts while attending the 2006 Kids Camp at Robinson Community School. Advertisement

The stifling heat of a Southern Nevada summer is slowly creeping into sight, and with kids preparing to wrap up yet another school year, parents are left with the dilemma of keeping their children safe, entertained and out of trouble through the hottest months of the year.

That's where summer camps come in, offering a plethora of activities, field trips, socialization and memory-making opportunities for kids of any age.

"People still have to work even when their kids aren't in school," Las Vegas mother Vera Louis said. "You have to find an alternative for your kids, and summer camp is a good one."

MUSIC MADNESS

The Nevada School for the Arts, 401 S. Fourth St., plans to offer a three-day Suzuki String Camp for kids. The camp, which begins in mid-June, is set to include guest speakers and instructors and culminate in a group performance. The cost is $150.

"You don't have to be a student here to participate, but you must have musical training in piano, violin or cello," said Dhakeh Ghoukasian, the school's dean. "This is a tremendous opportunity for kids who love music."

For more information, call 384-2727.

SUMMER AT THE "Y"

Maureen Sisto, youth and family director of the Camp for Kids at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA, 4141 Meadows Lane, said that parents love YMCA Day Camp because it's a great solution for quality child care, plus kids stay active and see friends from prior years.

"We incorporate the Y's four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into all of our activities. Character development and fun go hand-in-hand at the Y," Sisto said.

Sisto believes that kids look forward to the camp each year because it is a new adventure.

"Whether they're going down the water slide, getting basketball pointers from a former Cal Berkeley player or making crafts for their families, Y Camp is always a summer of fun 'firsts' for kids," she said.

The camp, which plans to feature arts and crafts, swimming and 22 specialty camps in a variety of disciplines, including, drama, rock climbing, scrapbooking, basketball and dance, is for kids 5 to 15.

Camp activities begin at 9 a.m. Free before- and after-camp care is available, and a free lunch is provided. Camps begin June 7 and run Monday through Friday.

Sisto encourages everyone to sign up.

"I'll hire more staff to accommodate the needs," she said. "Every child deserves the chance to have a Y Day Camp experience."

The cost varies from $99 to $131 per week. Financial assistance is available.

For more information, call 877-9622.

PRIVATE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Griffith Methodist Day School plans to offer themed camps for kids 3 to 11. Campers of all faiths are welcome, and camps are not religious in theme.

Nancy McDonald, director of the school, said older children will be taken on weekly field trips.

"Kids older than 5 will be able to go to the museums and Springs Preserve, take part in the summer programs at Winchester Cultural Center, along with a variety of other activities we have planned for them," she said. "But the younger kids won't miss out, either."

McDonald said themes such as Western Week will feature cowboy music and food.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," she said.

Camp begins at 6 a.m. June 14. Cost varies from $100 to $135, according to age and schedule. For more information, call 382-7836 or visit www.griffithpreschool.org.

First Good Shepherd Lutheran School plans camps with field trips to places such as Anderson's Dairy and CiCi's Pizza.

"We plan to have project days where kids get to play in hoses, bake cookies and do all kinds of fun things," Principal James Crafft said.

Crafft said kids will go swimming twice per week, and participate in bowling and roller skating.

The school features three camps for kids in different age groups, including preschool. Camp is not open to children who are not potty-trained. Camp is $120 per week and begins June 9. For details, call 382-8610.

ARTS CAMPS

The city of Las Vegas plans camps at the Reed Whipple Cultural Center and the Charleston Heights Arts Center set to culminate in a live performance.

The Arts Conservatory camp, an eight-week, theater camp for kids 7 to 16, is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning June 7.

According to Robin McCartney, supervisor of the city's arts and community events division, this summer's theme is "Time Warp -- Arts through the Ages."

A five-week segment will give kids an opportunity to learn arts disciplines, including visual and language arts, dance and music. A three-week segment beginning July 12 will include games and drama taught by the Rainbow Company Youth Theatre staff. The cost is $800 per child. Financial assistance may be available. For more information, call 229-6211.

The Summer Youth Dance Camp 2010 is a program designed for intermediate to advanced dancers 11 to 18. The camp is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, July 6 through July 30, at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.

Instruction is set to include Pilates, ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz and contemporary jazz dance. The camp is set to conclude with a performance.

Students must provide their own dance shoes, dance attire and snacks. Auditions for placement are scheduled for 1 p.m. June 26 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center.

The cost is $175. Those who register early, June 1-12, can save $25 in fees. Registration will continue through June 26 or until full. Call 229-6383 to register.

NEON VENUS

Neon Venus Art Theatre, 1404 S. Third St., plans a camp in six two-week sessions. The group's Summer Theater Camp started last year, and teaches kids about stage performance, writing and, according to owner Peter Valentino, just about any facet of theatre one might imagine.

"Kids are also learning leadership skills. We've seen reading comprehension levels improve," Valentino said. "They learn about literature and culture. It's just a wonderful atmosphere. It really brings a lot of kids out of their shells."

Classes are available for kids from 6 to 16. The classes run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $150 per week. For more information, visit www.neonvenustheatre.com or call 787-2481.

Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.