Summer Camps 2008

by TAMMY MARSHALL and BLAIR TELLERS & r & & r & & lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & I & lt;/span & n addition to providing all the info that parents will need to plan their children's summer, this camp guide shows that there's a camp for every kind of kid. From theater camp to sports camp to a camp for genius children, kids of any age from families of any income have the opportunity to go somewhere and have an adventure this summer. Kids not only have the ability to alleviate any summer boredom -- they have a chance to learn something they didn't know about the world and about themselves.





RESIDENTIAL CAMPS





& lt;li & Fiddler on the Hoof, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek, Sandpoint, Idaho. Campers (age 8 to adult) will learn to fiddle and enjoy horseback riding from Aug. 3-7. Cost: $410. www.westernpleasureranch.com Call: (208) 263-9066 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Adult Horsemanship Camp, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek, Sandpoint, Idaho. Vickie Fuller will teach solid fundamental skills on Sep. 16-20. Cost: $750. Call: (208) 263-9066 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Youth Horsemanship Camp, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek, Sandpoint, Idaho. Kids will be involved in hands-on experiences with their horses. June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 10-14. Cost: $525-$600. Call: (208) 263-9066 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Four Echoes, 22270 S. Four Echoes Rd., Worley, Idaho, located on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Girls (grades 2-12) are welcome to attend camps run by the Girl Scouts Inland Empire Council -- open to all -- with themes such as cheerleading, discovery, sports, adventure, night time, horse riding, sailing, stagecraft, hiking and more from June 25-Aug. 16. Cost: $144-$455. Scholarships available. www.gsewni.org Call: 800-827-9478 ext. 227 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Junior Grange Camp, Bear Paw Camp, Newport, Wash. Youth (ages 9-14) will swim, fish, play sports, do crafts and more, July 27-Aug. 2. Cost: $150; $175, after July 1. Call: 362-2518 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Lutherhaven, 3258 W. Lutherhaven Rd., Coeur d'Alene. This residential Bible camp offers youth (grades K-12) a summer camp experience from June 22-Aug. 15. Cost: $100-$355. Scholarships available. www.lutherhaven.org Call: (208) 667-3459 ext. 13 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Nazarene Church Camp, Pinelow Park and Conference Center, Deer Lake, Wash. Sessions for youth (grades 2-12) from July 9-Aug. 3. Cost: $225. Call: 233-2367 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Schweitzer Summer Camp, Schweitzer Resort, Sandpoint, Idaho. Youth (ages 6-11) hike, do crafts, swim and more at Adventure Camp from July 7-Aug. 22. Cost: $175 per week; $160, season pass holders. www.schweitzer.com Call: (800) 831-8810 x2152 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Twin Eagles Summer Camps, Sandpoint, Idaho. Day camps for kids (ages 6-12) that focus on nature and sensory awareness, fire by friction, natural shelters, animal tracking, natural mysteries and wild edible and medicinal plants will be offered in Sandpoint from June 16-20 and June 30-July 3. Cost: $155-195. A camp will be offered in the Spokane area from June 23-27. Cost: $195. An overnight camp for youth (ages 9-13) will be offered from July 13-July 18. Cost: $470. Youth (ages 13 and older) may go to an overnight camp from July 21-26. Cost: $475. www.twineagles.org Call: (208) 265-3685 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Ross Point Camp, Post Falls, Idaho. Youth (grades K-12) and families play softball, beach volleyball, miniature golf, swim, kayak and more. Youth camp: June 22-July 11. Cost: $237. Family Camps: July 20-Aug. 2. Cost: $900. www.rosspoint.org Call: (208) 773-1655 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Sheltering Branch Camp, Camp Wooten, Pomeroy, Wash. Families participate in music, sports, nature hikes, devotions and more June 28-July 4. Cost: $595 per family. www.shelteringbranch.org Call: (541) 276-2082 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Spaulding, 8513 Hwy. 211, Newport, Wash. The Presbyterian Church operates this residential Bible camp for youth (grades K-12) with rope course, horseback riding, crafts, team sports, swimming, boating, mountain boards and more from June 30-July 11. Cost: $165-$325. www.clearwaterlodge.org/campspaulding Call: (800) 566-1155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Sweyolakan, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Camp Fire USA runs this camp on the north end of Lake Coeur d'Alene and offers a variety of day and residential camps that are open to youth (ages 6-18) from June 30-Aug. 22. Activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, outdoor cooking, archery, hiking, arts and crafts, rock climbing and more. Cost: $220-$740. Financial assistance available. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 x10 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Twin Lakes Friends Camp, 8068 W. Radmer Rd., Rathdrum, Idaho. This Christian-themed residential camp for kids (grades 1-12) will be held weekly June 23-Aug. 9. Designed for bringing kids to Jesus Christ and developing Christian leaders. Cost: $90-$140. Scholarships available. www.twinlakesfriendscamp.org Call: (208) 687-1026 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Union Gospel Mission Camp, Tshimakain Creek Camp, Reardan, Wash. Low-income youth (ages 8-11) may attend weekly sessions of summer camp in July and August. Free. Call: 535-8510 for dates and times & lt;/li &


& lt;li & United Methodist Church Camp, Twinlow Camp, Rathdrum, Idaho. Youth (grades 2-12) may attend day camp or residential camp from May 23-Aug. 22. Games, waterskiing, crafts, swimming, canoeing and more are included. Cost: $140-$335, per week. www.twinlowcamp.org Call: (208) 687-1146 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Youth Horse Camps, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek, Sandpoint, Idaho. Campers (ages 10-16) get in the saddle and ride at camp sessions from June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17 and Aug. 10-14. Activities include horsemanship, husbandry, and games. Cost: $600. www.westernpleasureranch.com Call: (208) 263-9066 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Outdoor Learning Adventures Camp, Chewelah Peak Learning Center, 3215 Flower Trail Rd., Chewelah, Wash. Learn science, math and language arts in a natural environment Aug. 6-10 or Aug. 13-17. Cost: $50. Scholarships available. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Women's Retreat Weekend, Camp Sweyolakan, Mica Bay, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Women (ages 18 and older) engage in sailing, hiking, massages, archery, manicures, boating, crafts, swimming and more on Sep. 5-7. Cost: $90. Gal's Weekend Away, July 25-27. Cost $90. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 or (800) 386-2324 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & You and Me, Kid! Camp Sweyolakan, Mica Bay, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Adults, bring your favorite kid and enjoy camp together! Try archery, the giant swing, canoeing, crafts, boating, ropes course, swimming and more on June 27-29 or July 11-13. Cost: $60, adults; $35, youth 4 and older; free, children younger than 4. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 x10 or (800) 386-2324 x10 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Reed Traditional Camp for Boys and Girls, Fan Lake, Spokane. YMCA hosts a Traditional Camp for Boys and Girls entering grades 3-9 from June 22-Aug. 16. Swimming, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, fun yaks, war canoes, surfboards, climbing tower, archery, pottery, painting, skits and more. Cost: $325. www.campreed.org Call: 838-3577 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & YMCA CIT Program, Fan Lake, Spokane. YMCA hosts a "sell out" program designed for high school students entering their sophomore year. Program features group dynamics, leadership, stewardship, hard work, self-esteem, peer communication experiences and training. Groups 1 and 4 are still available. Cost: $435. www.campreed.org Call: 838-3577 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & YMCA Mini Camp, Fan Lake, Spokane. Two nights for boys and girls (entering grades 1-2). Mini campers have the opportunity to experience camp under the watchful eye of counselors and junior counselors. Campers may swim, boat, do arts and crafts and participate in a treasure (or turtle) hunt. Cost: $205. www.campreed.org Call: 838-3577 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & YMCA Family Camp, Fan Lake, Spokane. Family camp at Camp Reed is great for families looking to spend time together from Aug. 21-24. Each family will be assigned their own bunk-style rustic cabin with a shared central restroom and shower facility. Activities include swimming, canoeing, hiking, basketball, archery, critter talk, campfires, archery and more. Cost: $120 per person; families with more than two children receive 50 percent discount for each additional child. www.campreed.org Call: 838-3577 & lt;/li &





TEACHING BASKETBALL AND RESPECT


& lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & T & lt;/span & ony Wells, 6 feet 10 inches tall, turns heads when he walks into a room. He even turns heads on a basketball court -- where large people are common. In a profession where boorish coaches grab headlines, Wells has won respect for behaving differently.





"Tony is much different from other coaches. He has never yelled or been angry with me or any of his players," says former student Lincoln Clark.





For Wells, teaching basketball is more than just winning at any cost. He teaches kids social skills and how to live with rules. "Sports can teach kids humility and patience. It teaches them about how to lose and win," Wells says.





Wells' basketball camps don't simply focus on coordination and shooting skills. They emphasize respect for teammates and opponents. "Young men have a tendency to put people down, if they [themselves] are good at sports. I try to teach them how to treat people with respect. If you're going to practice with me, you're going to have to respect individuals."





The former professional basketball player and co-captain of the Naples Magic team in Italy attributes his love for coaching and playing to growing up in a large family. "I played the game ever since I could pick up a basketball. I have a lot of love for the game," the YMCA coach says.





With seven brothers and two sisters, the 48-year-old Wells says he spent his childhood in Chicago with his own family's basketball team. It was there that he began to learn all the values he brings to his players every day. "My parents weren't as educated. My mom had a fifth-grade education and my dad only completed third grade. They didn't want that for us and they taught us to work hard," Wells says.





While Coach Wells is teaching basketball to high school kids -- he coaches at Gonzaga Prep -- he says he's also a student, continually growing and learning from his players. "Coaching has transformed my mentality from a negative and introverted person. The kids have taught me patience. They've taught me how to coach," he says.





Wells can usually be found at the Downtown YMCA teaching basketball to kids who come from different backgrounds. His YMCA camps are open to all high school-age boys and girls.





-- TAMMY MARSHALL





Tony Wells Basketball Camp * Programs available all summer * Cost: $30-$320 * Scholarships available * YMCA * 507 N. Howard St. * Call: 768-0955





SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS





& lt;li & Camp No Limits, Camp Cross, Coeur d'Alene. Kids of all ages with congenital limb deficiencies or traumatic limb loss can attend camp from Aug. 21-24 to help learn how to use adaptive prosthetic equipment to tie shoes, play sports and more. Cost: $257. Scholarships available. Call: 879-2994 or (207) 240-5762 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Champ Camp, Camp Lutherhaven, Coeur d'Alene. Youth (ages 8 to young adult) with special needs are invited to attend camps from June 29-July 3. Additional Champ Camp weeks run on select dates June 22-Aug. 15. Campers receive the extra space and assistance required for a great summer camp experience. Cost: $261. Day camps also available. www.lutherhaven.com Call: (208) 667-3459 x15 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Chmepa, Camp Lutherhaven, 3258 W. Lutherhaven Rd., Coeur d'Alene. Hospice of Spokane hosts this camp for youth (ages 7-15) who have recently lost a loved one. July 25-27. Free. www.hospiceofspokane.org Call: 456-0438 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Discovery, YMCA Camp Coleman, Puget Sound. Youth (ages 7-17) with epilepsy and their siblings participate in activities such as hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, boating and more from Aug. 24-27. Program gives children with seizures the opportunity to experience the fun of camp activities in a safe, medically supervised environment. Free for children with epilepsy and their siblings. www.epilepsynw.org Call: (800) 752-3509 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Eyabsut, Camp Waskowitz, 45505 SE 150 St., North Bend, Wash. Burn survivors (ages 7-17) swim, hike, kayak, golf and more with full-time medical staff, hosted by the Northwest Burn Foundation on-site from July 18-24. Free with minimal registration fee. www.nwburn.org Call (206) 789-6838 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Funshine Day Camp, Spokane Parks and Recreation. Youth (ages 6-21) with developmental or physical disabilities and their siblings may attend camp and participate in swimming, sports, games, music, field trips, arts and crafts from June 23-Aug. 8. Camps run Monday-Friday, 10 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $109. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6245 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Fun in the Sun, Twinlow, 22759 N. Twinlow Rd., Rathdrum, Idaho. This camp for children (grades 7-12) with diabetes will be held July 27-Aug. 2. Cost: $325, if registered by July 1; $350, after. Camp for grades 1-6 will be Aug. 5-9. Cost: $275, if registered by July 15; $300, after. Scholarships are available for both camps. www.campfuninthesun.org Call: 838-7109 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Goodtimes, Ross Point Camp, 600 S. Ross Point Rd., Post Falls, Idaho. The American Cancer Society hosts a camp for youth (ages 5-17) who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past or are undergoing treatment currently. Day camp will be held for ages 5-6 on Aug. 4-7 from 9 am-4 pm; overnight camp (ages 7-17) will be held Aug. 3-9. Campers are encouraged to bring a sibling or friend with them to camp and will be participating in a variety of activities, including canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, and more. Free. Apply by May 16. www.cancer.org Call: 838-7109 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Stix, 581 Bear Paw Dr., Newport, Wash. Youth (ages 8-18) can camp and learn more about how to deal with diabetes on July 13-19. Cost: $150. Scholarships available. www.campstix.org Call: 484-1366 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp You Bet I Can!, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Camp Dart-Lo, 14000 N. Dartford Dr. Boys and girls with special needs (ages 6-25) can build skills and gain self-esteem at a residential camp at Camp Sweyolakan or day camps (ages 5-21) at Camp Dart-Lo. First-time campers must be pre-screened, have ability to walk on uneven terrain and be toilet trained. Camp Sweyolakan dates: July 7-11; Cost: $275-$375. July 21-25, Cost: $325-$425. Financial assistance available. www.sweyolakan.org or www.dartlo.org Call: 747-6191 x10 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Beats & amp; Rhythms, Riverview Bible Camp, 408771 SR 20, Cusick, Wash. Rock climbing, swimming, volleyball, flag football and more will be a part of this camp that provides medical personnel to supervise so kids with congenital heart disease can do normal camp stuff from June 27-29. Free for kids with congenital heart disease. www.beatsandrhythms.org Call: 385-8276 & lt;/li &





DAY CAMPS





& lt;li & Spokane Parks and Recreation, various locations in the Spokane metro area. The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is offering various day camps this summer with topics ranging from sports to juggling to art. Cost: varies by camp. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6200 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Adventure Camp, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 10-12) can engage in fun activities and field trips from June 16-Aug. 22 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm with extended hours 6:30 am-6 pm. Cost: $109 per week; with extended hours $119 per week. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Alotta Fun, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 5-9) can recreate and go on field trips from June 16-Aug. 22 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm with extended hours 6:30 am-6 pm. Cost: $99 per week; $119 with extended hours. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Attitude and Camp Positive Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 8-15) can participate in camps to enhance their personal and social skills from July 14-Aug. 4. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camo Camp, Minnehaha Park. Boys and girls (ages 5-12) can dress in camouflage and play Army, build camo-net tents, fire slingshots and learn compass coordinates on Aug. 11-15 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $109. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Boys and Girls Club, 544 E. Providence. Youth (ages 6-18) can do crafts, play sports, play games and more. Hours for summer: 10 am-4 pm, Mondays-Fridays. Cost: $10 membership fee. www.bgcspokanecounty.org Call: 489-0741 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Cougar Kids, WSU, Pullman, Wash. Youth (grades 1-7) can attend this summer-long camp that will include rock climbing, swimming and sports as well as activities centered around each week's themes, which include Fiesta, EcoAdventures, Lights, Camera, Action, Blast From the Past and Week of the Olympians. June 16-Aug 8. Cost: $62-$141. www.urec.wsu.edu Call: (509) 335-8732 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Camp Dart-Lo, 14000 N. Dartford Dr. Camp Fire USA runs this day camp for boys and girls (ages 3-14) from June 16-Aug. 29. Cost: $140-$200, for one week. Financial assistance available. Dart-Lo also provides a leadership camp for students in grades 6-12. Cost: $60-$300. Swimming lessons also available. www.dartlo.org Call: 747-6191 x10 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Express Program at Ridgeview, Roosevelt and Finch Elementary schools. Youth (ages 4-12) can go on field trips, swim, and do crafts and more from June 18-Aug. 21 from 6:30 am-6 pm. Cost: $34 per day for one child; $29 per day for each additional; $20 activity fee per month. Call: 354-7312 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Fun with FLASH Computer Camp, EWU, Cheney. Youth (ages 13-17) can launch their own personal Websites using Adobe Flash software and learn introductory 2-D animation and ActionScript to create games on Aug. 4-8. Cost: $295-$475. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Green Gable Explorers' Summer Camp, Green Gable Children's Learning Centers, South Hill. Kids (grades 1-6) can attend summer day camp with weekly themes like Saddle Up for Summer, Sports, Cartoon Crazy, Winter Wonderland, Hula Days and more from June 16-Aug. 29, open 6:30 am-6 pm. Daily activities include arts and crafts, camp songs, cooking, field trips, special guests and more. Camp runs all summer with weekly sessions available. Cost: $87-$156. Call: 455-6110 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Little Inventors Camp, Manito Park, Meeting Hall. Campers (grades 1-3) can do science projects including Ride the Waves, Where is my Toad? Creepy Crawly Adventures, Robotics and more on July 21-25 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $159 and includes USDA lunch, two snacks and a T-shirt. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Outbackers, Camp Sweyolakan, Mica Bay, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Campers (grades 1-6) can participate in swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, Aqua Jump, outdoor cooking, handcrafts, hiking, archery and more. Transportation provided. Monday-Thursday, from June 30-Aug. 22. Cost: $160-$200. Monday-Thursday, June 30-July 3. Cost: $140-$170 per week. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 or (800) 386-2324 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Summer Youth Academy, Martin Luther King Center, 845 S. Sherman. Youth (ages 3-12) can participate in cultural awareness, recreation, and community service activities from June 23-Aug. 28. Cost: $450. Scholarships available. www.mlkspokane.org Call: 455-8722 x200 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation, Valley Mission Park, 11123 E. Mission Ave.; Western Dance Hall, 1901 N. Sullivan Rd.; and CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. Youth of various ages can participate in several different day camps. Kids (ages 6-11) can attend day camp at CenterPlace from June 16-Aug. 22 with a variety of themes and activities. Kids (ages 3-5) can attend KinderCamp at the Western & lt;/li & & lt;li & Dance Hall with a variety of themes and activities. Little Tykes Indoor Gym provides a chance for your child (crawlers up to 3 years old) to socialize and gain body awareness on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from June 16-Aug. 15. Cost: $30-$95. www.spokanevalley.org Call: 688-0190 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Xtreme Teen Day Camp, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 13-15) can shoot pool, kayak, raft, hike, rock climb and many other activities from June 16-Aug. 22 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm. Cost: $109 per week. Scholarships available. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Tincan, various locations. Teens can learn filmmaking, theater, civil action, e-commerce, game development and more at camps hosted by the Inland Northwest Community Access Network. See Website for dates, locations and costs. www.virtualteencenter.org Call: 216-3451 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Urban Day Camp, Girl Scout Program Center, 1404 N. Ash St.. Girls (ages 5-6) are invited to attend day camp June 16-20 from 9 am-noon exploring cooking, art, sports, computers and science. Cost: $45. Register by May 30. Girls (ages 7-11) can do all of the above plus try the rock-climbing wall, July 28-Aug. 1 from 9 am-4 pm. Must register by July 11. Cost: $100. www.gsewni.org Call: 747-8091 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & YMCA, north, downtown and valley locations: Downtown YMCA, Brentwood Elementary School or Spokane Valley YMCA. Youth (grades 1-9) can swim, do arts and crafts, sports, games, overnight campouts and field trips. Dates vary with the options of a traditional day camp for grades 1-5, a summer fever day camp for grade 6, a triangle club for grades 7-9, and outdoor adventure camps for grades 7-9 from 6:30 am-6 pm Monday-Friday. Cost: $144-$159 per week. www.ymcaspokane.org Call: 838-3577 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Outdoor Learning Adventures Explore the outdoors and go to the Chewelah Peaks for kids ages 10-12 from July 21-25, and kids ages 13-15 from July 28-Aug. 1. Cost: $295. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: 359-6155 & lt;/li &





SHELLING OUT FOR CAMP


& lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & A & lt;/span & s the value of the U.S. dollar continues to decrease while the prices for oil and food increase, people's pocketbooks are growing steadily lighter. While penny-pinching may now be a national pastime, your children's summer camp doesn't have to go out the window: Camps still want kids. They want to fill their buildings and grounds with children of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds having fun. As the camp listings on these pages show, camps abound in the Inland Northwest. With so many to choose from, camps like to provide incentives so you'll bring your children to their place. Some have excellent scholarships so that any kid can go; most have specials, and some provide opportunities for kids to earn their own way to camp.





The easiest way to save is early registration. You can cut anywhere from $10 to $50 off the price just by signing up early. Deadlines for early registration are fast approaching so if you want to save, call your camps now.





Getting the word out about your child's camp can also save you money. "Parents can save 10 percent off their child's tuition for every new child they bring in," says Tim Corcoran, the co-director of the Twin Eagles Wilderness School near Sandpoint. "If they bring 10 of their child's friends, their kid gets to go to camp for free. If they bring more than 10 we'll cut them a check." Many camps offer discounts for siblings.





Campfire USA's Camp Dart-Lo gives parents an opportunity to work in exchange for a reduction in the camp fee to $40. That's a savings of $100 to $240. By becoming a bus parent you would ride the buses that travel around Spokane picking up kids to take them to and from the north Spokane camp. Duties include checking attendance of kids getting on and off the bus and singing songs on the way to and from camp. A parent may volunteer for a camp session per child.





Both Girl Scouts, which runs Camp Four Echoes on Lake Coeur d'Alene, and Camp Fire USA, which runs Dart-Lo and Sweyolakan (also on Lake Coeur d'Alene), hold yearly cookie and candy sales so that kids can earn their own way to camp.





Sending a kid to camp may also be good for your taxes. Parents of children younger than 13 may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. The catch is that only day camps qualify for this break.





Since the cookie and candy sales are over, and the deadline has already passed or will soon pass for early registration, it's probably good to know about the scholarship programs available at area camps.





Camps such as Lutherhaven (another Lake Coeur d'Alene camp), Four Echoes and Eastern Washington University's summer camps look at more than financial need when considering whether to accept a camper for a session. They consider family size as well as current situation. "We had a student last year whose father was undergoing cancer treatment. Our main thrust is that we want every student who wants to come, to come," says Becky Chamberlain, who runs EWU's summer session.





At EWU's summer camps, campers write 300-word essays about why they want to go to camp. Members of a summer camp board read them and dole out the scholarships. The YMCA's camp program, which includes Camp Reed, considers medical expenses in addition to need and family size.





"We really don't want to turn anybody away if they have a need," Bob Baker says of Camp Lutherhaven's scholarship program. "A key thing for parents to do is ask. Every camp is different. Find out what your options are."





-- TAMMY MARSHALL





ARTS & amp; WRITING CAMPS





& lt;li & Campbell House Mystery Camp MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. Learn preservation skills, forensics and solve a Spokane family mystery from July 28-Aug. 1 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $130; $115, members. www.northwestmuseum.org Call: 456-3931 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Inland Northwest Drawing School, Spokane Art Supply, 1303 N. Monroe St. The Monart Drawing School is holding a number of workshops for children (ages 5-12) including Exotic India, Ancient Egypt, Tropical Treasures, Under the Sea, African Safari, Beautiful Thailand, Let's Go Fishing and Creepy Crawlies, from July 10-Aug. 16. Cost: $60-$95. www.indrawschool.com Call: 230-1880 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Clearwater Arts Camp, 8513 Hwy. 211, Newport, Wash. Students (grades 7-12) can participate in classes for concert band, concert choir, fine arts, drama and dance taught by professional instructors from July 13-19. Cost: $360. www.clearwaterlodge.org Call: (800) 566-1155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission, Harding Family Center, 411 N. 115, Coeur d'Alene. Youth (grades K-12) can learn watercolor, guitar, mask making, found art fusion, pirate training camp, clay, cooking, cartooning, magic, marimba and more from June 17-July 17. Cost: $30/class. Call: (208) 676-9132 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Digital Movie Making EWU, 502 Fifth Ave., Cheney, Wash. Kids (ages 10-17) will write the script, shoot the movie and edit the footage from Aug. 18-22. Cost: $295-$475. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: 359-6155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Corbin Kids Fine Arts and Crafts Summer Camp, Corbin Arts Center, 507 W. 7th Ave. This series of weekly art and craft workshops for children ages 3-5 runs from June 9-Aug. 22. Courses for children ages 6-11 run from June 16-Aug. 22. Activities include creative hands-on projects plus themed day camps including Adventure Camp, Mystery Camp, Nature and Science Camp, arts and crafts and much more. Students may attend any or all workshops; preregistration is required. Full schedule available at Website: www.spokaneparks.org Cost: $20-$99. Call: 625-6677 or 625-6200 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Mobius Kids, River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. Youth (ages 6-10) may attend numerous camps with themes like Pigs and Pineapples, Coral Reef Explorers, Edible Art, KABOOM!, Balloon-a-Palooza, Crystal Mysteries and much more from June 5-Aug. 28. Cost: $7-$55. www.mobiusspokane.org Call: 624-KIDS & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Color Me Mine! Summer Camp, River Park Square, 808 W. Main. Youth (ages 6 and older) can attend an art-based summer camp with instruction in painting, pottery, crafts and more, with a pizza and ice cream party at the end of each week, beginning July 7. Cost: $150-$200 per session. www.spokane.colormemine.com Call: 838-3037 & lt;/li &





THEATER CAMPS





& lt;li & Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave., will offer classes targeting specific aspects of improvisation on Saturday mornings from June 7-July 5 and Aug. 2-30. 10-10:50 am, Beginning/Intermediate Improv (ages 8-12); 11-11:50 am, Games, Games, Games! (ages 13-17); noon-12:50 pm Short-form Improvisation (ages 13-17) Cost: $60. 1-3 pm Intro to Long-form Improvisation (ages 13-17) by instructor approval only, Cost: $80. www.bluedoortheatre.com Call: 747-7045 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Christian Youth Theater, CYT North Idaho. Children ages 6-13 may attend one of four one-week theater day camps on July 7-11; 14-18; 21-25 and July 28-Aug. 1, from 9 am to 3 pm Monday-Thursday and 9 am-4 pm on Friday. This summer's theme is "Peter Pan" and each camp includes theater arts workshops, theater and outdoor games, team competitions, a camp T-shirt and a performance of musical highlights from "Peter Pan" with parts for every camper. Cost: $150 if registered two weeks before the first day of camp. CYT-NI will also offer a camp for teens (ages 13-18) on July 14-18 where campers will rehearse and perform "Hats Off to Broadway" and participate in games and competitions more challenging for the older camper. Call: 819-9281. Email: [email protected] & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Idaho Theater Camp UI, Idaho Repertory Theatre, 875 Perimeter Dr., Moscow, Idaho. Summer workshops for youth (grades K-6), who will learn the basics of theater on June 23-27 and July 14-18. Apprenticeships available. Cost: $125. www.idahorep.org Call: 208-885-2979 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Drama Intensive, Christian Youth Theatre, 6205 E. Mansfield Ave. A day camp on critical thinking, physical coordination, public speaking, confidence, group problem solving, emotional risk taking, and understanding and compassion for others will be Monday-Friday July 14-18, from 10 am-4 pm. Cost: $160. A residential camp will be Aug. 4-8. Each session will end with a production. Cost: $300. www.cytspokane.com Call: 487-6540 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Stage Door to the Future, EWU, University Theater Building, Cheney, Wash. This two-week day camp for youth (ages 8-17) will explore various aspects of theater including acting, music, dance, lighting and more from June 19-July 2. Cost: $225. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: 359-2459 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Songbird Arts Camps, Songbird Christian Academy, 315 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Campers (ages 9 and older) may participate in a variety of camps, including drama, creative writing, singing and songwriting in August from 9:30 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $135 per week, for most camps. Scholarships available. www.songbirdonline.com Call: (208) 664-3672 or (208) 667-9730 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Civic Theatre Performing Arts Day Camp, Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. The Civic Theater is hosting multiple summer camps (morning and afternoon sessions) for youth (grades 3-6) from June 23-Aug. 8. Opportunities for older youth (grades 6-12) in musical theater, drama and performance will take place from June 16-Aug. 8. Cost: $55-$350. www.spokanecivictheatre.com Call: 325-1413 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Summer Theater Camp, Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. Youth (grades 3-12) will develop acting skills using scripted, improvisational, mime and adaptive techniques from July 8-July 24 from 1-4 pm. Cost: $125. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5400 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Theater Camp, Women's Club of Spokane, 1428 W. 9th Ave. The basics of performance, improvisation and audition will be taught June 23-26 from 9 am-noon. Cost: $65. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6246 & lt;/li &





THE FIDDLER AND THE HORSE


& lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & D & lt;/span & anielle Schoonover can't remember a time when she wasn't living on some type of ranch, which is probably why she chose to study an outdoor vocation when she went to college -- camp directing instead of teaching.





"Being gone and away from the ranch made me realize what I wanted to be," says Schoonover. "I wouldn't have had it any other way growing up."





A freshman at the University of Idaho, Schoonover is majoring in resort recreational management and taking classes like wilderness first aid, office and food service management and leadership.





Every summer she works at her family's Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, about 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint, which prides itself on quality instruction in horsemanship along with sincere, country hospitality. Schoonover loves working with the kids who come to stay at the camp, and while sessions only last five days, she says she is still able to make connections with all of her guests.





"It's very rewarding because I get to share my childhood with them on the ranch ... by the end of the week [the kids] are just doing amazing," says Schoonover.





The Western Pleasure Guest Ranch offers several camping options for people of all ages and skill levels. One is "The Fiddler on the Hoof," which combines music with equestrian. Schoonover developed the idea after a costume class she participated in at a local horse show. A fiddle player herself, Schoonover went dressed as a horseback-riding fiddle player.





"That was kind of the inspiration," says Schoonover. "We basically combined our love of music with our love of horses, and there you go!"





The Fiddler on the Hoof camp offers a unique chance for campers to learn to play fiddle, guitar, mandolin and stand-up bass from experienced instructors. In addition, campers also learn from the ranch's wranglers how to work with the horses. The end of the week always concludes with either a concert or horse show.





Schoonover says one of her fondest memories of being a counselor is when she and her parents took the kids to the ranch property to camp in teepees for a night.





"One of my parents told the kids, 'If you wanna eat, you've gotta catch your own food,'" she recalls. "There's a creek that runs right by the campsite, so we all went down to the creek and caught all these frogs, even though it was totally a joke! It even inspired a mud fight."





-- BLAIR TELLERS





Western Pleasure Guest Ranch * 1413 Upper Gold Creek, Sandpoint, Idaho * Programs available June 15-Aug. 14 * Cost: $410-$750 * www.westernpleasureranch.com * Call: (208) 263-9066





DANCE CAMPS





& lt;li & Academy of Dance, 14214 E. Sprague. Dance Camp for beginner levels will be offered Monday-Thursday, July 8-11, from 2:15-5:15 pm. Cost: $128. Ballet Summer Workshop for advanced beginners will be held on Tuesday-Friday, July 14-17. Cost: $128. Ballet Intensive for high intermediate and advanced levels will be offered Monday-Thursday, July 21-31. Cost: $264. www.spokaneacademyofdance.com Call: 922-3023 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Ballet Arts Academy, 416 W. Sprague. A children's workshop for beginners (ages 4 and older) will be offered from Monday-Friday, June 16-27. Cost: $250; $35, per day. Intermediate and advanced intensive workshops (for ages 11 and older) will be offered from June 30-July 27. Cost: $600; $30, per day. Call: 838-5705 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Dance Center of Spokane, 1407 E. 57th Ave. The dance studio will hold a variety of camps for dancers (ages 3 and older) in ballet, hip-hop, tap, jazz, ballroom, tumbling and more from June 16-Aug. 21. Cost: $40-$275. www.dancecenterofspokane.com Call: 448-2464 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Dance Emporium, 7410 N. Division and 13105 E. Sprague. Summer Dance Camp. Starz Performing Company and Competition Team Audition, June 23-27; summer classes, July 7-31; Dance Camp, Aug. 4-8 and Aug. 11-15. For ages 3 to adult, beginning to advanced. Offers ballet, tap, hip-hop, character, modern, lyrical, pointe, choreography and more, plus an in-house show at the end of each session. www.danceemporium.org Call: 489-2524 or 927-8656 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Hula Camp, German-American Society, 25 W. Third Ave. Kids (ages 4-14) may come and learn this Polynesian dance from June 23-27 with one camp at 10 am and a second at 11 am. Camp includes instruction, lessons in island crafts, music and language, a costume and luau recital on the final day. Cost: $55 per child; $50 for children from the same family. www.northwesthula.com Call: 701-4145 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Isabelle's Dance Time, 4120 S. Sullivan Rd. This camp (ages 6-adult) will combine hip-hop, jazz, ballet, modern, tap and more from July 7-Aug. 1. Cost: $100, per family. www.isabellesdancetime.com Call: 927-0972 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Elite Gymnastics, 5615 E. Broadway Ave. Youth (ages 3 and up) learn gymnastics, cheerleading, swing, hip-hop, the foxtrot, jazz, the rumba and more at various camps from June 23-Aug. 29. Cost: $54-$219. Call: 533-9646 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & A Time to Tumble Gymnastics, 3508 E. Trent Ave. Gymnastics, cheer and dance will be taught to kids of all ages throughout the summer weeks from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Cost: $70-$120. www.atimetotumble.com Call: 536-6425 & lt;/li &





MUSIC CAMPS





& lt;li & Cougar String Camp, WSU, Pullman, Wash. Youth (grades 7-12) may study violin, viola, cello and bass by playing orchestral and jazz music, improvising, learning string technique and music theory from July 29-July 4. Cost: $265, commuter campers; $385, residential. Must register by June 1. libarts.wsu.edu/music/camp/csc/ Call: (509) 335-3961 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Music Camps, EWU, Cheney. Choose from the Music Academy (band camp), Middle School Jazz Camp, High School Jazz Camp, Drum Major, Leadership Camp and Orchestra Camp. Dates and costs vary. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Holy Names Music Center, 3910 W. Custer Dr. The center will hold a series of summer camps (ages 7 and older) focusing on chamber music, singing, piano, string ensemble, jazz, flute, guitar, and more from June 16-Aug. 8. Cost: $60-$299. Call: 326-9516 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Kindermusik Adventures Summer Camps, 1309 W. 14th Ave. Children (ages 0-7) may sing and dance, hear stories and do crafts from June 14-Aug. 29. Cost $91-$140. www.munchkins.kindermusik.net Call: 991-1816 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Music City Piano Camp, 1322 N. Monroe St. Students (grades 1-7) may study rhythm, theory and ear training at camp from Aug. 4-8. Cost: $110. Call: 838-8312 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & School of Rock Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 9-15) will get a crash-course in rock music July 28-Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8, from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $139. Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Area Children's Chorus, St. George's School, 2929 W. Waikiki Rd. This 17th annual summer camp is open to students (grades 2-8) and will include vocal training, performance techniques and more on Aug. 11-15 from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $150 if registered by June 13; $175, after. www.saccsings.org Call: 624-7992 x13 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Parks and Recreation, various locations across the Spokane metro area. The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is offering numerous music camps this summer on variety of topics. Cost varies by camp. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6200 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Summer Keyboard Explor-ations, WSU, Pullman, Wash. Middle school and high school students may attend camp to learn about piano, jazz piano, harpsichord, organ, electronic music and more from June 29-July 4. Cost: $280-$400. www.summer.wsu.edu Call: (509) 335-2509 & lt;/li &





EDUCATIONAL CAMPS





& lt;li & Discovery School Educational Camps, Discovery School, 323 S. Grant St. Youth (preschool-grade 8) can attend enrichment, art and drama camps with themes like musical theater, crafts, video and more from June 23-Aug. 15. Cost: $99 per week for most camps. www.discovery-school.org Call: 838-0606 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Junior Engineering Summer Science Workshop, University of Idaho. Students (grades 11-12) who have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have completed three years of math may attend camp from July 13-25. Cost: $650. Applications must be in by May 30. www.uidaho.edu/engr/jems Call: (208) 885-0132 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Mad Science Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 4-6) will get some hands-on experience with this science camp July 14-18 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $179. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Robot Quest EWU, 526 Fifth St., Cheney, Wash. Kids (ages 8-12) learn the mechanics of building and programming Aug. 4-8. Cost: $295. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: 359-6155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Little Inventors Camp, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (grades 1-3) work on and invent projects July 21-25 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $159. Call: 482-0708 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Video Game Creation EWU, 526 Fifth St., Cheney, Wash. Kids (ages 10-17) can design their own characters, backgrounds, sounds and make their own game from Aug. 11-15. Cost: $295-$475. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: 359-6155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Building Skills and Strategies for Middle School Students, Central Valley High School, 812 S. Sullivan Rd. Students (grades 6-8) will be actively engaged in learning specific math and writing skills and develop a culminating project that spotlights a possible career path. June 23-July 25, 8 am-noon, Monday-Thursday. Cost: $140. Visit: www.cvsd.org. Call: 228-5400 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Saint George's School, 2929 W. Waikiki Rd., offers youth (grades K-12) camps for gifted children, photography, reading/writing, SAT prep, Lego robotics, study skills and leadership from June 19-Aug. 20. Cost: $100-$450. www.sgs.org Call: 466-1636 x325 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Lego Crazy Lincoln Heights School, 3322 E. 22nd Ave. Learn how to design, engineer and in some cases robotize your Lego creation June 24-26 from 10 am-3 pm; July 15-17 from 10 am-2 pm; and July 22-24 from 10 am-3 pm. Cost: $95-$115. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6246 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Satori Camp, EWU, Cheney, Wash. Students (ages 13-18) may attend "a weeklong journey toward personal enlightenment for intellectually talented students from around the world," July 20-26. Cost: $495-$595. www.satoricamp.org Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Science Safari, Gonzaga Prep, 1224 E. Euclid Ave. "Sea Voyages of Scientific Discovery." Half-day, one-week sessions for students entering grades 2-9. June 16-20 from 8:30-11:30 am; June 23-27 from 12-3 pm; June 30, July 1-3 from 8:30-noon; July 7-11 from noon-3 pm. Cost: $95. Call: 466-9453 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & SFCC Youth College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Dr. SFCC is offering a variety of classes to kids (ages 9-13) including performing arts, storytelling, creative writing, technology, painting, photography, fashion, Web design, French, dance, PowerPoint, archery, aviation, jewelry making, magic, interior design and more, June 23-July 18. Cost: $32-$185. www.spokanefalls.edu/programs/youthcollege Call: 533-3522 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spanish Immersion Camp, Villa Vista Language Academy, 724 E. Hastings Rd. Youth (ages 3-12) participate in a series of full-immersion languages camps from June 16-July 11. Cost: $100 for one session or $200 for both. 8:30 am-noon or 1-4:30 pm. www.growwithspanish.com Call: 465-4656 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Summer High School, Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. High school students from any district can take courses in language arts, math, science, social studies and several electives from June 23-July 24. First session, 7:30-10:46 am; second session 11:30 am-2:46 pm. Cost: $170 per class. No classes July 3-4. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5400 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & WSU Spokane CityLab Women's Summer Science Camp, "The Secrets of CSI." CSI-themed science camp at the downtown Riverpoint campus. Girls entering grades 6-8 are invited to solve the crime of the year on June 23-27 from 9 am-3 pm. Cost: $150, includes lab materials, T-shirt, day trip to WSU Pullman and an afternoon climbing at Wild Walls. Visit www.spokane.wsu.edu/ResearchOutreach/CityLab/camps.asp. Call Sylvia Oliver at (509) 359-7635. Registration deadline is June 13 or until filled to capacity. & lt;/li &





ALL-SPORTS CAMPS





& lt;li & Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. Youth (grades K-12) may attend basketball, gymnastics, football, volleyball, weight training, tennis and track camps from June 16-Aug. 1. Cost: $43-$79. Call: 228-4755 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Kids' Athletic Club Summer Camps, 320 W. Centa Dr., Hayden, Idaho. Session 1 runs June 16-July 20; Session 2 runs July 28-Aug. 31. Variety Sports Camp teaches kids (ages 4-10) to properly throw, dribble, catch, strike, run, jump and play. Camps are also offered for baseball, basketball, fitness, tennis, soccer, volleyball and triathlon skills. Cost: $50-$150. www.kidsatheticclub.org Call: (208) 762-7262 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & NBC Camps, Whitworth College, 300 W. Hawthorne Rd.; Upper Columbia Academy, 3025 E. Spangle-Waverly Rd., Spangle, Wash. Youth (ages 9-18) receive training in basketball, volleyball, soccer and speed explosion as well as family camp and international tours. Cost: $355. www.nbccamps.com Call: (800) 406-3926 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Saint George's School, 2929 W. Waikiki Rd., offers youth (grades K-12) sports camps including volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball from June 9-July 27. Cost: $100-$175. www.sgs.org Call: 466-1636 x325 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. Youth (grades K-12) may attend baseball, basketball, football, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, tennis, soccer and weight training camps from May-July. Call: 228-5400 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Skyhawks Sports Camps, various locations. Skyhawks sponsors sports camps across the Inland Northwest for children (ages 4-14). Camps include soccer, baseball, football, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, golf, roller hockey, volleyball, track and field, cheerleading and more. Cost: $54-$204. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Parks and Recreation, various locations across the Spokane metro area. The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department offers numerous sports camps this summer, including cheerleading, golf, roller hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, yoga, Frisbee golf, tennis and more. Cost: Varies by camp. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6200 & lt;/li &





BASEBALL CAMPS





& lt;li & Mini-Hawk Baseball, Shadle Park. Youth (ages 4-6) may attend summer baseball camp from July 7-Aug. 7 from 5:30-6:15 pm or from 6:30-7:15 pm. Cost: $54. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Indians Baseball, Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St. Youth (ages 9-12) may play ball from Aug. 11-15 from 9 am-noon and get two tickets to the Aug. 25 Indians baseball game. Cost: $110. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590 & lt;/li &





BASKETBALL CAMPS





& lt;li & Advantage Basketball Camps, The Warehouse, 800 N. Hamilton St. Youth (ages 7-18) may attend a ball-handling and shooting camp Aug. 11-15 from 9 am-5 pm. Cost: $265. Save $30 if registered by July 12. www.advantagebasketball.com Call: (425) 670-8877 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Cheney High School Basketball Camps, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Camp for boys (grades 1-12) runs June 16-18; camp for girls (grades 3-12) is June 23-27. Cost: $40. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Gonzaga Basketball Camps. Team camp, individual skills camps, parent/child camp, youngsters' camp and position camp will be offered from July 7-Aug. 1. Cost: $70-$365. www.gozags.com Call: 323-4201 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Halo Hoops Basketball Camp, Covenant United Methodist Church Gym, 15515 N. Gleneden Dr. Boys and girls (ages 6-13) build and improve their skills, from beginning to intermediate, from 9 am-noon. Dates TBA. Cost: $70; $80, after June 18. Discounts for returning campers bringing friends or multiple family members. www.halohoops.com Call: 466-1768 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Higher Hoops Basketball Camps, Chase Middle School, 4747 E. 37th Ave.; Global Fitness, 14210 E. Sprague. Camps for advanced and junior players will be available July 21-24, July 28-31 and Aug. 4-7. Cost: $155-$255. Call: 466-2545 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Mead High School Boys Basketball Camp, 12828 N. Newport Hwy., Mead, Wash. Boys learn shooting fundamentals, passing, dribbling, individual offensive skills and teamwork on June 19, from 2-4 pm (grades 4-8) and from 4:15-6:15 pm (grades 9-12). On June 20, 23-24 from 8-10 am (grades 4-8) and from 10:15 am-12:15 pm (grades 9-12). Cost: $50. Call: 465-6000 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Mead High School Girls Basketball Camp, 12828 N. Newport Hwy., Mead, Wash. Girls learn shooting fundamentals, passing, dribbling, individual offensive skills and teamwork June 23-26 from 12:30 pm-2:30 pm (grades 4-8) and 2:45-4:45 pm (grades 9-12). Cost: $50. Call: 465-6000 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & North Idaho College Basketball Camps, Christianson Gym, 1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d'Alene. Aubrey Johnson and the NIC women's players will help teach basketball camps for girls June 9-12, from 9 am-noon (grades 3-6) and from 1-4 pm (grades 7-9). Cost: $90. Call: (208) 769-3347 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & St. Stephen's Camp, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry St. Youth (ages 5-12) may attend camp from June 17-30. Cost: $50-$65. Call: 448-2255 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Ten Star All-Star Basketball Camp, various locations. Youth (ages 10-19) may participate in an exclusive basketball camp over the course of the summer. Students must apply, be evaluated by a coach, and then be invited to attend. Cost: $599. www.tenstarcamp.com Call: (704) 373-0873 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Warehouse Sharpshooters, 800 N. Hamilton St. Kids (ages 6-9) may attend Little Dribblers camp July 14-16 from 9 am-noon. Cost: $110. Youth (ages 10-14) may attend a Sharpshooter Skills camp July 14-16 from 1-4 pm. Cost: $130. www.warehouseathletics.com Call: 484-2670 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. The college will host camps to work on shooting, ball handling, defense and passing for girls (grades 5-8), June 17-19 from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $135. Call: (509) 335-2518 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Whitworth Basketball Camps; 300 W. Hawthorne Rd. Camp will include individual instruction on ball handling, shooting form, passing skills, one-on-one moves, post moves, footwork and reading screens in four different camps from June 23-July 10. Cost: $50-$125. Email: [email protected] Call: 777-4415 & lt;/li &





FOOTBALL CAMPS





& lt;li & Eagle Football Camps, EWU, Cheney, Wash. Team Camp I for high school students (team only) will be held June 17-22. Cost: $320. Team/individual Camp II will be held on June 23-27. Cost: $325; commuter $265. www.ewu.edu Call: 359-2307 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Central Valley Football Camp, Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. Youth (grades 5-8) may participate non-contact camp June 7-10 from noon-1:30 pm. High school students may participate in contact football camp June 23 and June 25 from 12:30-2:30 pm, on June 24-26 from 9-11 am, and on June 27 from noon-4 pm. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5174 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Cheney High School Football Camp, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Skill camp (grades 9-12) will be offered June 2-6 from 3-5 pm and July 28-31 from 5-7 pm. Cost: $25-$50. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Mead Football Camp, 12828 N. Newport Hwy., Mead, Wash. Youth will be introduced to the Panther football family Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, from 8-10 am (grades 9-12) and 10:30 am-noon (grades 5-8; non-contact clinic). Cost: $60. Call: 465-7002 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Weekend Football Camp, Hart Field, 300 E. 37th Ave. The Morning Star Boys Ranch will be sponsoring a weekend workshop June 14-15. They are currently searching for sponsors to bring in some professional athletes. Cost: $75. Must register by June 1. Call: (469) 767-1299 & lt;/li &





CHEERLEADING CAMPS





& lt;li & Cheney High School Cheer Camp, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Youth camp (grades 1-8) will be offered June 16-17 from 5-7:30 pm. Cost: $50. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Skyhawks Cheerleading, various locations, dates and costs. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Elite Gymnastics, 5615 E. Broadway Ave. Dreams of being a cheerleader can come true in this popular camp for kids ages 3 and older. Campers learn tumbling, stunts, dances and cheers topped off with a big show on Friday. Camp runs July 29-Aug.1 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm or 12:30 pm-4:30 pm Cost: $119. Call: 533-9646 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Summer Star Squad, CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. Youth (ages 5-10) learn how it's done on July 23-26 from 9-11:30 am. Cost: $65. www.spokanevalley.org Call: 688-0300 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Cheer Dance, CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. Youth (ages 5-10) learn basic dance and cheer steps on July 21-24 from 1-3:30 pm. Cost: $70. www.spokanevalley.org Call: 688-0300 & lt;/li &





GYMNASTICS CAMPS





& lt;li & A's Gymnastics Summer Camp, 7826 N. Market St. Boys and girls (ages 4 and older) stay fit and healthy with gymnastics, games and structured classes that run July 21-24 from 1-4 pm. Cost: $99 in advance, $27 per class, $10 registration fee per family. Call: 230-7207 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. Beginning gymnasts camp on June 18-28 from 8 am-noon. Cost: $33-$48. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-4575 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Mead Gymnastics Camp, 12828 N. Newport Hwy., Mead, Wash. Youth focus on the fundamentals of gymnastics with an introduction to the basic skills on all four girls' events Monday-Thursday, June 9-13, from 4-5:30 pm (grades 1-8). Call: 465-7002 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Elite Gymnastics, 5615 E. Broadway Ave. Experienced youth (ages 3 and older) train intensively. Activities include tumbling, stunts and cheers along with games and crafts during a series of several different camps starting June 23. Times vary. Cost: $54-$219. Call: 533-9646 & lt;/li &





MARTIAL ARTS CAMPS





& lt;li & Jung Kim's Martial Arts, 9105 N. Division. Youth (ages 6-12) learn the art of Taekwondo, July 7-Aug. 8 from 9:30 am-3 pm. Cost: $155-$195. jungkimtaekwondo.com Call: 228-9200 & lt;/li &





FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SENDING YOUR KID TO CAMP


& lt;span class= & quot;dropcap & quot; & I & lt;/span & t won't be long before parents all over the Inland Northwest will be smearing little noses with sunblock and waving goodbye to the cherubic faces of their kids as they board the bus for camp. Here's a handful of points to remember to make it an experience worth writing home about.


& lt;ol &


& lt;li & "It's a simple thing, but make sure the child wants to go," says Tim Corcoran, one of the founders and owners of Twin Eagle Wilderness School in Sandpoint. "Oftentimes it's the parent that gets the idea -- they want the kid to go." But it's not about the parent -- it's about the child. Corcoran suggests talking to the child beforehand to determine his level of interest and passion. It may be the biggest factor as to whether the kid has a positive experience. & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Safety first. Find out what kind of camp safety procedures are followed. Girl Scouts, for example, use the Safety-Wise program, while other camps might be accredited with the American Camp Association. Parents should ask questions about the experience and training of camp instructors and talk to other parents who have sent their kids to any particular camp. It doesn't hurt to actually visit the campground. & lt;/li &


& lt;li & "You have to have realistic expectations," says Patricia Maas, outdoor education manager for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho. "Make sure you're getting what you think you're getting out of the program," she says. A weeklong camp that features horseback riding as one activity among many might not make a world-champion rider out of your child. Maas also says it's important to make sure the child fits into any particular camp. "If your child has not had the best social skills, are you going to send her to a 14-day camp?" & lt;/li &


& lt;li & "Understand that 95 percent of kids get homesick," Maas says. Packing familiar items such as a favorite baseball bat, blanket or picture can help them cope. Explain to them that most of the other kids will be feeling the same thing, whether they show it not. Sometimes parents need coping mechanisms, too, because they are often more stressed than the kids -- especially if the children have never been away for more than a night or two. Knowing how to communicate with your child while she's at camp is important. & lt;/li &


& lt;li & "Take an active role, and show interest," Corcoran says. Parents should understand the program so they can support the camp curriculum before, during and after camp. Give the child a chance to tell their Story of the Day, and offer one yourself to demonstrate authentic interest. & lt;/li &


& lt;/ol &


"It's important on a fundamental level that parents look at camp as beyond just something for kids to do," Corcoran says. "Is there a purpose beyond babysitting? What are the essential life skills learned at this program that are going to help us collectively?"





-- MICK LLOYD-OWEN





SOCCER CAMPS





& lt;li & Blackhawks Soccer Camp, Cheney High School, Cheney, Wash. Students (grades 3-9) may participate in soccer camp from June 9-13. Cost: $50. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Brandon Deyarmin Soccer Camps, various locations in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake. Camps for youth (ages 5-10) run Monday-Friday, June 18-Aug. 10, from 9 am-1 pm. For beginning to intermediate campers; will focus on technique, physical needs, listening skills, growth and sportsmanship. Cost: $65 per week. At Liberty Lake Pavillion Park, July 7-11 and July 28-Aug. 1; at Chester Elementary, July 14-18. Call: 710-8770 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Bulldogs Men's Soccer Camp, Gonzaga, 502 E. Boone Ave. Youth (ages 9-16) day camp will be offered July 15-18 and Aug. 5-8 from 10 am-2 pm. Cost: $204. www.skyhawks.com Call: (800) 804-3509


& lt;li & Eagle Soccer Goalkeeping Camp, EWU, Cheney, Wash. Youth camp designed to further goalkeeping skills will be offered July 7-11 from 9 am-noon (grade school) and from 1-4 pm (high school). Cost: $90. Call: 359-6045 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Eastern Soccer Team Camp, EWU, Cheney, Wash. Youth (ages 14-16) learn systems of play, team building, tactical/technical cues, individual and goal setting, nutrition and fitness from July 14-18. Cost: $395, residential; $240, commuter. Must come with a team with a minimum of 12 players. Call: 359-6045 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Eagle Soccer Youth Camp, EWU, Cheney, Wash. Camp for boys and girls ages 6-8 runs July 21-25 from 9-10 am. Cost: $40. Camp for boys and girls ages 9-12 runs July 21-25 from 10 am-noon. Cost: $80. Call: 359-7949 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Mead Soccer Camps, 12828 N. Newport Hwy., Mead, Wash. Youth (grades 9-12) will receive a fun, individual emphasis on footwork, ball handling, passing, attacking and defending, shooting technique and much more Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, from 5-7 pm. Cost: $50. Call: 465-7002 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Soccer Academy Camps, various locations. Youth (7-18) may attend a range of soccer camps from June 23-Aug. 7. Cost: $250. www.spokanesocceracademy.com Call: 879-7999 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Whitworth Soccer Camp, Whitworth College. Youth (ages 10-12) practice their shooting technique, July 23-26 from 10 am-noon. Youth (ages 13 and older) practice from July 23-26 from 1-3 pm. Cost: $90. Call: 777-4385 & lt;/li &


& lt;li & Spokane Valley Soccer Camp, Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake, Wash. A camp focusing technique, physical needs, sportsmanship, listening skills and personal growth for beginners to intermediate players will be from July 7-11, July 14-18 and July 28-Aug. 1 from 9 am-1 pm. Cost: $65. Call: 710-8770 & lt;/li &