Summer Camps

After all these years, it’s easy to conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of summer camp –– the warmth of the summer sun on your back, the cool splash of river water, the piney smell of the forest.

Here in the Sierra Foothills, summer camps (traditional overnight and day camps) offer kids a chance to explore interests that fall outside the boundaries of the classroom and to be mentored by adults who are passionate about things unique to our area: Native American teachings, Chinese culture, nature, farming, horses, fine art, theater and dance.

The Parents’ Resource Guide and Nevada City Park and Rec’s Third Annual Summer Camp and Activity Fair is a festival and community benefit rolled into one. At this event, parents will find camps that kindle their children’s individual interests. On Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veteran’s Hall in Nevada City parents can meet more than 30 instructors and learn firsthand about activities happening throughout Grass Valley and Nevada City. At the camp fair, kids can jump in the bounce house provided by Dan Wiles Entertainment. Mema’s Kitchen will be cooking up hot dogs and every family gets a chance to win raffle prizes.

While the kids are at camp this summer –– having an adventure, meeting new friends and gaining self-confidence –– parents traveling to Nevada County have a chance re-energize their own relationship: hiking, mountain biking, relaxing at the Yuba River, wine tasting or sight-seeing Gold Rush history.

Camps instructors attending Camp Fair include: Bear Yuba Land Trust, Bear River Rec & Park District, Camp Beckworth, Camp Rockin ‘U, C-Horse Ranch, Cloud Walker Camp, Community Canvas, Flying Heart Ranch, Food Love Project, Gold Country Gymnastics, Gold Country Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts Adventure Day Camp, Nevada City Parks & Recreation, Nevada County Public Library, Sierra Stages, South Yuba Club and Community Asian Theater’s Xiao Mao.

All proceeds from camp fair go back into the community. Additional raffle ticket sales, go to improving Seaman’s Lodge. Vendor fees and sponsor contributions –– including the Outside Inn –– fund “camperships” for needy kids. If you have a summer camp, it’s not too late to join the camp fair.

And the winner of the Polly’s Paladar giveaway is Michelle Noe, congrats!

Contributed by Kathy Spoto, a freelance writer who works for the Northen Gold Parents’ Resource Guide.  Become a fan of the Northern Gold Country Parents’ Resource Guide Facebook page for more local information for families.

© 2014 InnSide Nevada City, Photos contributed by Kathy Spoto