Summer Camps

by MICK LLOYD-OWEN & r & & r & RESIDENTIAL CAMPS





Fiddler on the Hoof, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek, Sandpoint, Idaho. Campers (age 8 to adult) can learn to fiddle and enjoy horseback riding from July 29-Aug. 2. Cost: $390. www.westernpleasureranch.com Call: (208) 263-9066





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





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 27-Aug. 18. Cost: $140-$365. Scholarships available. www.gsewni.org Call: 747-8091





Junior Grange Camp, Bear Paw Camp, Newport, Wash. Youth (ages 9-14) can swim, fish, play sports, do crafts and more from July 29-Aug. 3. Cost: $125; $150, after July 1. Call: 796-4582





Union Gospel Mission Camp, Tshimakain Creek Camp, Reardan, Wash. Low-income youth (age 8-11) can attend weekly sessions of summer camp in July and August. Free. Call: (509) 535-8510





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





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 25-29. Cost: $185. Camps will be offered in the Spokane area from July 9-13 and July 16-20. Cost: $225. A weekend family camp will be offered in the Spokane area July 21-22. Cost: $225 per family. An overnight camp for youth (ages 10 and older) will be offered from July 29-Aug. 4. Cost: $450. www.twineagles.org Call: (208) 265-3685





Ross Point Camp, Post Falls, Idaho. Youth (grades K-12) and families can play softball, beach volleyball, miniature golf, swim, kayak and more from June 24-Aug. 4. Cost: $35-$280. www.rosspoint.org Call: (208) 773-1655





Schweitzer Summer Camp, Schweitzer Resort, Sandpoint, Idaho. Youth (grades 1-5) can hike, do crafts, swim and more at Adventure Camp from July 9-Aug. 24. Cost: $175 per week. www.schweitzer.com Call: (800) 831-8810 ext. 2152





Camp Lutherhaven, 3258 W. Lutherhaven Rd, Coeur d'Alene. This residential Bible camp offers youth (grades K-12) a summer camp experience from June 10-Aug. 10. Cost: $32-$298. Scholarships available. www.lutherhaven.org Call: (208) 667-3459 ext. 13





Sheltering Branch Camp, Camp Wooten, Pomeroy, Wash. Families can participate in music, sports, nature hikes, devotions and more from June 30-July 6. Cost: $595 per family. www.shelteringbranch.org Call: (541) 276-2082





Camp Spaulding, 8513 Hwy. 211, Newport, Wash. The Presbyterian Church operates this residential Bible camp for youth (grades K-12) with rope course, crafts, team sports, boating and more from June15-Aug. 11. Cost: $145-$325, www.clearwaterlodge.org/campspaulding Call: (800) 566-1155





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 (grades 1-12) from June 27-Aug. 24. Activities include swimming, rock climbing and more. Cost: $220-$640. Financial assistance available. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 ext. 10





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 25-Aug. 11. Cost: $90-$140. Scholarships available. www.twinlakesfriendscamp.org Call: (208) 687-1026





United Methodist Church Camp, Twinlow Camp, Rathdrum, Idaho. Youth (grades 2-12) can attend day camp or residential camp from June 18-Aug. 18. Games, water skiing, crafts, swimming, canoeing and more are included. Cost: $240-$2780 www.twinlowcamp.org Call: (208) 687-1146





Youth Horse Camps, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek, Sandpoint, Idaho. Campers (ages 10-16) can get in the saddle and ride at camp sessions from June 24-28, July 1-5, Aug. 5-9 and Aug. 12-16. Activities include horsemanship, husbandry, and games. Cost: $475. www.westernpleasureranch.com Call: (208) 263-9066





Outdoor Learning Adventures Camp, Chewelah Peak Learning Center, 3215 Flower Trail Rd., Chewelah, Wash. Learn science, math and language arts in a natural environment from Aug. 6-10 or Aug. 13-17. Cost: $195. Scholarships available. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155





Women's Retreat Weekend, Camp Sweyolakan, Mica Bay, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Women (ages 18 and older) can engage in sailing, hiking, massages, archery, manicures, boating, crafts, swimming and more on Sep. 7-9. Cost: $90. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 or (800) 386-2324





You & amp; Me, Kid! Camp Sweyolakan, Mica Bay, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Adults can bring their child or children and try archery, the giant swing, canoeing, crafts, boating, ropes course, swimming and more on July 13-15 or July 27-29. Cost: $60, adults; $35, youth 4 and younger; free, children younger than 4. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 or (800) 386-2324








SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS





Camp Ability Northwest, Camp Cross, Coeur d'Alene. Kids of all ages with congenital limb deficiencies or traumatic limb loss can attend camp from Aug. 23-26 to help them learn how to use adaptive prosthetic equipment to tie shoes, play sports and more. Cost: $257. Scholarships available. Call: 879-2994





Champ Camp, Camp Lutherhaven, Coeur d'Alene. Youth (ages 8 to young adult) with special needs are invited to attend camps from June 1-July 6. Cost: $261. Day camps also available. www.lutherhaven.com Call: (208) 667-3459 ext. 15





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 27-29. Free. www.hospiceofspokane.org Call: 456-0438





Camp Discovery, YMCA Camp Coleman, Puget Sound. Youth (ages 7-17) with epilepsy and their siblings can participate in activities such as hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, boating and more from Aug. 27-30. Free for children with epilepsy; $200, siblings. Scholarships available. www.epilepsynw.org Call: (800) 752-3509





Camp Eyabsut, Camp Waskowitz, 45505 SE 150 St., North Bend, Wash. Burn survivors (ages 7-17) can swim, hike, kayak, golf, and more with full-time medical staff hosted by the Northwest Burn Foundation on-site from July 21-28. Free. www.nwburn.org Call (206) 789-6838





Funshine Day Camp, Spokane Parks and Recreation. Youth (ages 6-21) with developmental or physical disabilities and their siblings can attend camp from June 25-29; July 9-13; July 23-27; July 30-Aug. 3; Aug. 6-10. Cost: $109. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6245





Camp Fun in the Sun, Twinlow, 22759 N. Twinlow Rd., Rathdrum, Idaho. This camp for children (grades 1-6) with diabetes will be held July 31-Aug. 4. Cost: $275 if registered by July 7; $300, after. Youth (grades 7-12) with diabetes are invited to attend camp July 22-28. Cost: $300 if registered by July 1; $325, after. Scholarships are available for both camps. www.campfuninthesun.org Call: 232-8135





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. 6-9 from 9:15 am-4 pm; overnight camp (ages7-17) will be held on Aug. 5-11. 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 June 19. www.cancer.org Call: 838-7109





Camp Independence, location TBA. Youth (ages 4-21) with special needs can attend a day camp hosted by Tesh Inc. to participate in summer activities and therapy from June 18-Aug. 16. Cost: $100. Scholarships available. www.teshinc.com (208) 765-5105





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 15-21. Cost: $150. Scholarships available. www.campstix.org Call: 484-1366





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) may attend residential camp at Camp Sweyolakan or day camps (ages 5-21) at Camp Dart-Lo. First-time campers must be pre-screened. Camp Sweyolakan dates: July 9-13 and 23-27. Cost: $325. Camp Dart-Lo dates: July 2-6 and Aug. 6-10. Cost: $160. Financial assistance available. www.sweyolakan.org or www.dartlo.org Call: 747-6191 ext. 10








DAY CAMPS





Adventure Camp, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 10-12) can engage in fun activities and field trips from June 18-Aug. 10 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm. Cost: $99 per week. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708





Camp Alotta Fun, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 5-9) can recreate and go on field trips from June 18-Aug. 10 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm. Cost: $99 per week. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708





Biotech Boot Camp, EWU, Cheney. Youth (ages 14-17) can learn about biotechnology, ecology and genetics by conducting field research on fish populations in the Spokane River Watershed from June 25-29. Cost: $395. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155





Boys and Girls Club, 544 E. Providence. Youth (ages 6-18) can do crafts, play sports, play games and more. Extended hours for summer: 9 am-6 pm, Mondays-Fridays. Cost: $10 membership fee. www.bgcspokanecounty.org Call: 489-0741





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 July 20 from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $39. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708





Cougar Kids, WSU, Pullman, Wash. Youth (grades 1-7) can attend this summer-long camp that will include themed weeks such as Aloha Summer, Into the Wild, Hollywood, Super Hero and others, from June 11-July 30. Cost: $59-$135. www.urec.wsu.edu Call: (509) 335-8732





Camp Discovery, Hutton Elementary, 908 E. 24th Ave. Participants (grades 4-6) will learn to foster creativity, teamwork, thinking skills and scientific literacy through Amusement Park Engineering, Who Did It Forensics, Gross-Out Kitchen Chemistry, Space Encounters of the Groovy Kind and Ripley's Believe It or Not from June 25-29 or July 16-20 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $189. Call: 482-0708





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 20-Aug. 23 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





Fun with FLASH Computer Camp, EWU, Cheney. Youth (ages 13-17) can launch their own personal Web site using Adobe Flash software and learn introductory 2-D animation and ActionScript to create games on Aug. 20-24. Cost: $295. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155





YMCA, north, downtown and valley locations. Youth (grades 1-9) can swim, do arts and crafts, sports, games, overnight campouts and field trips. Dates vary, 6:30 am-6 pm. Cost: $128-$152 per week; $118-142, members. www.ymcaspokane.org Call: 838-3577





Little Inventors Camp, Hutton Elementary School, 908 E. 24th Ave. Campers (grades 1-3) can do science projects including Ride the Waves, Where is my Toad? Creepy Crawly Adventures, Robotics and more on July 9-13 or July 23-27 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Cost: $189. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708





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, Monday-Friday, from July 2-Aug. 24. Cost: $160 per week. www.sweyolakan.org Call: 747-6191 or (800) 386-2324





Camp Dart-Lo, 14000 N. Dartford Dr. Camp Fire USA runs this day camp for boys and girls (ages 3-14) from June 18-Aug. 31. Cost: $260; $160, for one week. Financial assistance available. Dart-Lo also provides a leadership camp for students in grades 6-12. Cost: $60-$260. Swimming lessons also available. www.dartlo.org Call: 747-6191, ext 10





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 25-Aug. 29. Cost: $450. Scholarships available. www.mlkspokane.org Call: 455-8722 ext. 200





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 babysitting to art. Cost: varies by camp. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6200





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 18-Aug. 24 with a variety of themes and activities. Kids (ages 3-5) can attend KinderCamp at the Western 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 19-Aug. 25. Cost: $30-$95. www.spokanevalley.org Call: 688-0190





Xtreme Teen Day Camp, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. Youth (ages 13-15) can shoot pool, kayak, rock climb and many other activities from June 18-Aug. 10 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm. Cost: $99 per week. Scholarships available. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708





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 Web site for dates, locations and costs. www.virtualteencenter.org Call: 216-3451





Urban Day Camp, Girl Scout Program Center, 1404 N. Ash. Girls (ages 5-6) are invited to attend day camp exploring cooking, art, sports, computers and science. Cost: $45. Register by June 8. Girls (ages 7-11) can do all the above plus a try a new rock climbing wall from July 30-Aug. 3 from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $100. Call: 747-8091





ARTS & amp; WRITING CAMPS





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 15-21. Cost: $325. www.clearwaterlodge.org Call: (800) 566-1155





Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission, Hardin Family Center, 411 N. 115, Coeur d'Alene. Youth (grades K-12) can learn watercolor, guitar, cultural arts, fused glass, cooking, cartooning, magic and more from June 19-July 19. Cost: $23/class. Call: (208) 676-9132





Color Me Mine! Summer Camp, Riverpark Square, 808 W. Main. Youth (ages 6 and up) 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 9. Cost: $150 per session. www.spokane.colormemine.com Call: 838-3037





Corbin Kids Fine Arts and Crafts Summer Camp, Corbin Arts Center, 507 W. Seventh Ave. This series of weekly art and craft workshops for children (ages 3-5) run from June 11-Aug. 17. Courses for children (ages 6-11) run from June 18-Aug. 17. 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 can attend any or all workshops; pre-registration is required. Full schedule available at Web site: www.spokaneparks.org Cost: $20-$95. Call: 625-6677 or 625-6200





Mobius Kids, River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. Youth (ages 6-10) can attend Papier-M & acirc;ch & eacute; or Theater camp from July 11-Aug. 17. Cost: $7-$55. www.mobiusspokane.org Call: 624-KIDS





Inland Northwest Drawing School, Spokane Art Supply, 1303 N. Monroe St. The Monart Drawing School is holding a number of workshops for children (ages 4-12) including Great Safari Adventure, World of Art, Mad Artists, Dinosaurs, Let's Go Fishing and Creepy Crawlies from July 10-Aug. 16. Cost: $60-$95. www.indrawschool.com Call: 230-1880





Spokane Art School Summer Camps, 920 N. Howard St. Campers (grades 1-6) can study the works of Keith Haring from June 18-22; Faith Ringgold from June 25-29; Alexander Calder from July 2-6; Red Grooms from July 9-13; Henri Matisse from July 16-20; Andy Warhol from July 23-27; Mies Van Der Rohe from July 30-Aug. 3; and Henri Rousseau from Aug. 6-10 from 9:15 am-5 pm. Cost: $175. Limited scholarships available. www.spokaneartschool.org Call: 328-0900





THEATER CAMPS





Act Right Drama: Christian Youth Theater Summer Camp, CYT Campus, 6205 E. Mansfield, Spokane Valley. Youth (ages 8-12) can attend Summer Theater Camp from June 25-Aug. 24 with themes like Peter Pan, Kids on Broadway and The Wizard of Oz. Cost: $150. Youth (ages 13-18) can attend a West Side Story-themed camp from July 30-Aug. 3. Cost: $300. www.cytspokane.com Call: 487-6540





Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave., will offer improvisation classes on Saturdays from June 16-July 14 at 10 am (ages 7-11) and at 11 am (ages 12-17). Cost: $60. www.bluedoortheatre.com Call: 747-7045





Film Acting Camp, Christian Youth Theatre, 6205 E. Mansfield Ave. Hallie Todd, who played Jo McGuire on the Disney Channel's popular TV series Lizzie McGuire, along with her husband Glenn Withrow, will host a camp on critical thinking, physical coordination, public speaking, confidence, group problem solving, emotional risk taking, and understanding and compassion for others on June 18-29, Monday-Friday, from 9 am-3 pm. Cost: $1,200. www.inhousemedia.com Call: (800-448-9700)





Sizzling Summer Theatre, Northeast Youth Center II, 2121 E. Wabash Ave. This camp will focus on the five main elements of modern theater: acting, set design, special effects, script writing and character development on July 30-Aug. 3 (ages 9-13) and on June 18-22 (ages 6-8) from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $89. www.spokaneneyc.org Call: 482-0708





Songbird Arts Camps, Songbird Christian Academy, 315 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Campers (ages 9 and older) can participate in a variety of camps, including drama, stagecraft, makeup, singing, cartooning, scriptwriting and creative writing, from June through August. Cost: $125 per week, for most camps. Scholarships available. www.songbirdonline.com Call: (208) 664-3672 or (208) 667-9730





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 July 9-Aug 3. Opportunities for older youth (grades 6-12) in musical theater, drama and performance will take place from July 9-Aug. 17. Cost: $95-$350. www.spokanecivictheatre.com Call: 325-1413





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 June18-29. Cost: $225. www.ewu.edu/summer Call: 359-2459





Summer Theatre Camp, Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. Youth (grades 3-12) can develop acting skills using scripted, improvisational, mime and adaptive techniques from June 27-July 11 from 1-4 pm. Cost: $125. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5400








DANCE CAMPS





Academy of Dance, 14214 E. Sprague. DanceCamp for Beginning Levels will be offered on July 9-20, Monday-Thursday, from 2:15-5:15 pm. Cost: $224; 140, per week. Ballet Summer Workshop for advanced beginners to low intermediate levels will be held on June 18-29, Monday-Thursday, from 1:30-5:15 pm. Cost: $256; $150, per week. Ballet Intensive for high intermediate, advanced and professional levels will be offered on July 23-Aug. 17, Monday-Thursday, from 12:30-5:45 pm. Cost: $450; $112, per week. www.spokaneacademyofdance.com Call: 922-3023





Ballet Arts Academy, 416 W. Sprague. A children's workshop for beginners (ages 4 and older) will be offered from June 18-29, Monday-Friday. Cost: $225; $30, per day. Intermediate and advanced intensive workshops (for ages 11 and older) will be offered from July 5-Aug. 10. Cost: $700; $30, per day. Call: 838-5705





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, salsa, tango and more from June 18-Aug. 23. Cost: $24-$275. www.dancecenterofspokane.com Call: 448-2464





Dance Emporium, 7410 N. Division and 13105 E. Sprague. Summer Dance Camp, featuring lessons in tap, jazz, hip-hop and ballet, for youth (ages 7-teens) and Mini Dance Camp for kids (ages 5-7) will be held at the Valley location from June 25-29 and Aug. 13-17, and at the North location from June 25-29 and Aug. 6-10. Cost: $100-$200. www.danceemporium.org Call: 489-2524 or 927-8656





Hula Camp, German-American Society, 25 W. Third Ave. Kids (ages 3-12) can come and learn this Polynesian dance from June 25-29. Camp includes instruction, costume and luau recital on the final day. Cost: $55. norhtwesthula.com Call: 701-4145





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





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 9-13 and from Aug. 6-10. Cost: $85 per family. www.isabellesdancetime.com Call: 927-0972





Spokane Elite Gymnastics, 5615 E. Broadway Ave. Youth (ages 6 and up) can learn gymnastics, cheerleading, swing, hip-hop, the foxtrot, jazz, the rumba and more at various camps from June 18-Aug. 24. Cost: $95-$175. Call: 533-9646








MUSIC CAMPS





Cougar String Camp, WSU, Pullman, Wash. Youth (grades 7-12) can study violin, viola, cello and bass by playing orchestral and jazz music, improvising, learning string technique and music theory from July 1-6. Cost: $260-$380. Must register by June 15. www.summer.wsu.edu Call: (509) 335-3961





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





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 18-Sept. 8. Cost: $30-$199. Call: 326-9516





Kindermusik Adventures Summer Camps, 1309 W. 14th Ave. Children (ages 0-7) can sing and dance, hear stories and do crafts from June 18-Aug. 13. Cost $90-$140. www.munchkins.kindermusik.net Call: 991-1816





Ludiker Fiddle Camp, Lincoln City Fairgrounds, 1601 Morgan Rd., Davenport, Wash. Fiddlers of all ages and skill levels can attend this fiddle camp from Aug. 5-9. Cost: $375. www.ludikermusic.com Call: 927-7529





Spokane Area Children's Chorus, St. George's, 2929 W. Waikiki Rd. This camp is open to students (grades 2-8) and will include vocal training, performance techniques and more on Aug. 13-17 from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $150 if registered by June 14; $175, after. www.saccsings.org Call: 624-7992 ext. 13





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





Summer Keyboard Explorations, WSU, Pullman, Wash. Middle school and high school students can attend camp to learn about piano, jazz piano, harpsichord, organ, electronic music and more from July 2-July 6. Cost: $260-$380. www.summer.wsu.edu Call: (509) 335-3898 or (509) 335-3991





Syringa String Chamber Music Camp, Rock of Ages Church, 2131 W. Woodside Ave. Students in junior and high school are invited to audition for this camp on June 19-27, where they will be placed in performance quartets to prepare for a culminating concert. Cost: $225. Call: 276-1431





Jazz Camp, Whitworth College, 300 W. Hawthorne Rd. High school students can live on campus and study improvisation, combos, big band and jazz theory from June 17-21. Cost: $405. www.whitworth.edu/jazzensemble Call: 777-1000





Music City Piano Camp, 1322 N. Monroe St. Students (grades 1-7) can study rhythm, theory and ear training at camp from July 30-Aug. 3. Cost: $110. Call: 838-8312








EDUCATIONAL CAMPS





Camp Invention, Saint George's School, 2929 W. Waikiki Rd. Youth (entering grades 1-6) can participate in such activities as disassembling old machinery and using the parts to make their own inventions, building communication centers, crime scene investigation, math, history and more on July 23-27. Cost: $199. www.campinvention.org Call: 466-1636





Adventures in Learning, Broadway Elementary, 11016 E. Broadway. Students (grades 1-5) can enjoy project-based adventures traveling to their hometown and beyond, Monday-Thursday from June 25-July 26 from 8 am-noon. Cost: $115. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5400





Discovery School Educational Camps, Discovery School, 323 S. Grant St. Youth (preschool to eighth grade) can attend enrichment, art and drama camps with themes like musical theater, crafts, video and more from June 19-Aug. 24. Cost: $90 per week for most camps. www.discovery-school.org Call: 879-4120





Junior Engineering Summer Science Workshop, University of Idaho. Students (grades 11-12) who have a 3.0 or higher and have completed three years of math can attend camp from July 8-20. Cost: $650. www.uidaho.edu/engr/jems Call: (208) 885-4934





Project Learning, Greenacres Middle School, 17409 E. Sprague. Students (grades 6-8) can build reading, writing, math and technology skills while working on a hands-on project from June 25-July 26, 8 am-noon. Cost: $115. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5400





Richard Allen Youth Academy, East Central Community Center. Youth (grades K-12) can work on literacy and math as well as exploring culture, character development, drama, dance, music, choir, arts and crafts and go on field trips at camp from June 18-Aug. 24. Cost: $540; $54, per week; $50 registration fee. Before and after care available. Scholarships available. Call: 535-9681





Saint George's School, 2929 W. Waikiki Rd., offers youth (grades K-12) camps for gifted children, SAT prep, robotics, study skills and leadership from June 11-Aug. 22. Cost: $100-$450. www.sgs.org Call: 466-1636 ext. 325





Satori Camp, EWU, Cheney, Wash. Students (ages 13-18) can attend "a weeklong journey toward personal enlightenment for intellectually talented students from around the world" from July 22-28. Cost: $475-$575. www.satoricamp.org Call: (800) 831-6114 or 359-6155





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 from June 25-July 20. Cost: $33-$180. www.spokanefalls.edu/programs/youthcollege Call: 533-3522





Spanish Immersion Camp, Villa Vista Language Academy, 724 E. Hastings Rd. Youth (ages 3-12) can participate in a series of full-immersion languages camps from June 18-July 26. Cost: $100. www.growwithspanish.com Call: 465-4656





Spokane Parks and Recreation, various locations across the Spokane metro area. The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is offering numerous educational camps this summer on variety of topics. Cost: Varies by camp. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6200





Cougar Quest, WSU, Pullman, Wash. This residential camp on the WSU campus will offer workshops on such diverse subjects as architecture, dance, literature, ecology and more. Students entering grades 7-9 can attend camp from July 15-20 while students entering grades 9-12 can attend on July 22-27 Cost: $475. www.cougarquest.wsu.org Call: (509) 335-1235





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 25-July 26. Cost: $160 per class. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5400





Sylvan Learning Center, 8536 N. Wall St., 210 N. University Rd. and 2527 E. 27th Ave. A 20-hour beginning reading course for kids (ages 4-6) will be offered at various times and locations from June 9-Aug. 21. Cost: $399. Twelve-hour advanced reading seminars will be offered from July 9-Aug. 9. Cost: $395. Call: 232-2520 or 924-7656 or 462-7300.








ALL-SPORTS CAMPS





Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. Youth (grades K-12) can attend basketball, gymnastics, football, volleyball, weight training, tennis and track camps from May 29-Aug. 3. Cost: $30-$75. Call: 228-4755





Kids' Athletic Club Summer Camps, 320 W. Centa Dr., Hayden, Idaho. Session #1 runs from June 11-July 21; session #2 runs from July 23-Sept. 1. Variety Sports Camp introduces 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: $60-$180. www.kidsathleticclub.com Call: (208)-762-7262





NBC Camps, Whitworth College, 300 W. Hawthorne Rd.; Upper Columbia Academy, 3025 E. Spangle-Waverly Rd., Spangle, Wash.; North Idaho College, 1000 W. Garden Ave., CdA. Youth (ages 9-18) can receive training in basketball, volleyball, soccer and speed explosion as well as family camp and international tours. Cost: $240-445. www.nbccamps.com Call: (800) 406-3926





Saint George's School, 2929 W. Waikiki Rd., offers youth (grades K-12) sports camps including volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball from June 11-Aug. 10. Cost: $75-$175. www.sgs.org Call: 466-1636 ext. 325





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





Skyhawks Sports Camps, various locations. Skyhawks are sponsoring sports camps across the Inland Northwest for children (ages 4-14). Camps include soccer, baseball, football, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, golf, roller hockey, golf, volleyball, track and field, cheerleading and more. Cost: $44-$199. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590





Spokane Parks and Recreation, various locations across the Spokane metro area. The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is offering 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








BASEBALL CAMPS





Mini-Hawk Baseball, Shadle Park. Youth (ages 4-6) can attend summer baseball camp from July 12-Aug. 9 from 5:30-6:15 pm or from 6:30-7:15 pm. Cost: $49. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590





Mighty Hawk Baseball, Browne Elementary, 5102 N. Driscoll Blvd. Youth (ages 5-6) can attend camp from Aug. 20-24 from 7:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $105. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590





Indians Baseball, Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St. Youth (ages 9-12) can attend camp from Aug. 20-24 from 9 am-noon and get two tickets to the Aug. 25 Indians baseball game. Cost: $105. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590








BASKETBALL CAMPS





Advantage Basketball Camps, The Warehouse, 800 N. Hamilton St. Youth (ages 7-18) can attend a ball handling camp from Aug. 13-17 from 9 am-5 pm. Cost: $235. www.advantagebasketball.com Call: (425) 670-8877





Cheney High School Basketball Camps, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Boys (grades 1-12) can attend camp from June 18-22, and girls (grades 3-12) can attend from June 25-29. Cost: $40. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103





Eagles Basketball Camps, EWU, Cheney. Youth (grades 3-8) can work on fundamentals, ball handling and defense at camp from July 9-12. Cost: $145. High school girls' camp will be on June 22-25. Cost: $100, commuter; $200, overnight. High school boys' camp will be on June 26-29. Cost: $145-$270. Call: 359-6540





Gonzaga Basketball Camps. Team camp, individual skills camps, parent/child camp, youngsters' camp and position camp, June 8-Aug. 3. Cost: $70-$355. www.gozags.com Call: 323-4201





Halo Hoops Basketball Camp, Covenant United Methodist Church, 15515 N. Gleneden Dr. Boys and girls (ages 6-13) can build and improve their skills, from beginning to intermediate, from July 30-Aug. 3 from 9 am-noon or from 2-5 pm. Cost: $70; $80, after June 18. www.halohoops.com Call: 954-1107





Mead High School Boys Basketball camp, 12828 N. Newport Hwy. Mead, Wash. Boys can learn shooting fundamentals, passing, dribbling, individual offensive skills and teamwork from June 18-22 from 12:30-2 pm (grades 4-6), from 2-3:30 pm (grades 7-8) and from 3:30-5 pm (grades 9-12). Cost: $50. Call: 465-6000





Mead High Girls Basketball camp, 12828 N. Newport Hwy. Mead, Wash. Girls learn shooting fundamentals, passing, dribbling, individual offensive skills and teamwork from June 18-21 from 8-10 am (grades 4-8) and 10:15 am-12:15 pm (grades 9-12). Cost: $50. Call: 465-6000





North Idaho College Basketball Camps, Christianson Gym, 1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d'Alene. Basketball camps for girls will run from June 11-13 from 9 am-noon (grades 3-6) and from 1-4 pm (grades 7-9). Cost: $90. Call: (208) 769-3347





NBC Basketball Camps, Whitworth College. Basketball camps such as Complete Skills, Team Camp, Girls Post Camp, Family Hoop Camp, Speed Explosion and Boys Post Camp for youth (ages 9-18) will be offered from July 16-Aug. 9. Cost: $240-$405. Call: (800) 406-3926





St. Stephen's Camp, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry St. Youth (ages 5-12) can attend camp from June 26-29. Cost: $65. Call: 448-2255





Ten Star All-Star Basketball Camp, various locations. Youth (ages 10-19) can 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 (704) 373-0873





Warehouse Sharpshooters, 800 N. Hamilton St. Kids (ages 6-9) can attend Little Dribblers camp from July 9-11 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Cost: $100. Youth (ages 10-14) can attend a Sharpshooter Skills camp from July 16-18 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Cost: $125. www.warehouseathletics.com Call: 484-2670





Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. The college will host camps to work on shooting, ball handling, defense and passing for girls (grades 5-8) on June 11-14, from 9 am-4 pm. Cost: $175. Youth camps (grades K-4) will be held on June 11-14 from 9 am-noon. Cost: $85. Advanced camp for varsity players (grades 3-12) will be offered from June 23-27. Cost: $100-$120. www.wsu.edu Call: (509) 335-2518








FOOTBALL CAMPS





Eagle Football Camps, EWU, Cheney. Team Camp I for high school students will be held on June 19-23. Cost: $320. Team/individual Camp II will be held on June 25-29. Cost: $260-$320. www.ewu.edu Call: 359-2307





Central Valley Football Camp, Central Valley High School, S. 821 Sullivan Rd. Youth (grades 5-8) can participate non-contact camp on June 9-12 from 12:30-2 pm. High school students can participate in contact football camp on July 16-18 from noon-2 pm and on July 17-19 from 9-11 am. www.cvsd.org Call: 228-5174





Cheney High School Football Camp, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Skill camp (grades 9-12) will be offered from June 4-7. Cost: $50. Team camp (grades 5-7) will be on July 24-27. Cost: $50. Skill camp (grades 6-8) will be on July 24-28. Cost: $40. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103





YMCA Grid Kids Football Camp, Centennial Middle School, 915 N. Ella Rd. Youth (grades 1-4) can work on fundamentals and conditioning with the Spokane Shock players from July 9-12. Youth (grades5-8) can attend camp from July 30-Aug. 3. Call: 838-3577








CHEERLEADING CAMPS





Cheney High School Cheer Camp, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Youth camp (grades 1-8) will be offered on June 18-22 from 9-11 am. Cost: $50. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103





Skyhawks Cheerleading, various locations, dates and costs. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590





Spokane Elite Gymnastics, 5615 E. Broadway. Youth (ages 3 and older) can learn tumbling, stunts and cheers during camp from July 30-Aug. 3 from 9 am-noon. Cost: $95. Call: 533-9646





Summer Star Squad, CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. Youth (ages 4-7) can learn how it's done on July 23-27 from 1-3 pm. Youth (ages 8-12) can attend camp on Aug. 6-10. Cost: $65. www.spokanevalley.org Call: 688-0300








GYMNASTICS CAMPS





A's Gymnastics Summer Camp, 7826 N. Market St. Boys and girls (4 and older) can stay fit and healthy with gymnastics, games, and structured classes from July 16-19 from 1:30-4:30 pm. Cost: $88, in advance; $24, per class. Call: 230-7207





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





Spokane Elite Gymnastics, 5615 E. Broadway Ave. Experienced youth can train intensively from June 25-29 from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Cost: $175. Call: 533-9646





University High School Girl's Gymnastics Camp, 12420 E 32nd Ave. Girls (grades 2-7) will meet on June 4, on June 11, on June 18 and on July 9 from 5:30-7 pm. Cost: $45. Call: 228-5240








MARTIAL ARTS CAMPS





Jedi Warrior Camp, Elite Martial Arts, 13318 E. Sprague. Youth (ages 5-12) can learn the way of the Jedi from Aug. 6-10. Cost: $150. Call: 891-7316





Jung Kim's Martial Arts, 9105 N. Division. Youth (ages 6-12) can learn the art of Taekwondo from July 16-Aug. 17 from 9:30 am-2:30 pm. Cost: $175. Call: 228-9200








SOCCER CAMPS





Blackhawks Soccer Camp, Cheney High School, Cheney. Students (grades 3-9) can participate in soccer camp from June 11-15. Cost: $50. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103





Eastern Soccer Team Camp, EWU, Cheney. Youth (ages 14-16) can learn systems of play, team building, tactical/technical cues, individual and team goal setting, nutrition and fitness from July 16-20. Cost: $395, residential; $240, commuter. Call: 359-6045





Bulldogs Men's Soccer Camp, Gonzaga, 502 E. Boone Ave. Youth (ages 10-13) day camp is offered from June 25-28 from 1-4 pm. Youth (ages 6-9) will have camp from 9-11:30 am. Cost: $147. www.skyhawks.com Call: (800) 804-3509





Brandon Deyarmin Soccer Camps, various locations in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake. Youth (ages 3-10) can attend camp from June 18-Aug. 10. Cost: $35-65 per week. Call: 710-8770





Eagle Soccer Goalkeeping Camp, EWU, Cheney. Youth camp designed to further goalkeeping skills will be offered from July 9-13 from 9 am-noon (grade school) and from 1-4 pm (high school). Cost: $90. Call: 359-6045





Eagle Soccer Youth Camp, EWU, Cheney. Boys and girls (ages 6-8) can attend camp from July 23-27 from 9-10 am. Cost: $40. Boys and girls (ages 9-12) can attend from July 23-27 from 10 am-noon. Cost: $80. Call: 359-7949





Moonsoccer Camps, various locations. Youth (7-18) can attend a range of soccer camps from June 25-Aug. 16. Cost: $60-$225 www.moonsoccer.com Call: 879-7999





Whitworth Soccer Camp, Whitworth College. Youth (ages 10 and older) can practice their shooting technique from July 23-26 from 10 am-noon. Cost: $80. Call: 777-4385








VOLLEYBALL CAMPS





Eagle Volleyball Skills Camp, EWU, Cheney. Girls (ages 12-18) can attend camp from July 13-15. Cost: $210; $85 for residence. www.ewu.edu Call: (800) 648-7697





Cheney High School Volleyball Camp, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Youth camp (grades 3-12) will be offered on July 22-27. Cost: $40. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103





Shadle Park High School Volleyball Camps, 4327 N. Ash St. Youth can develop their skills from June 9-13 from 1:30-3:30 pm (grades 4-6), from 11:30 am-1:30 pm (grades 7-8) and from 8-11 am (grades 9-12). Call: 354-6700





Whitworth Volleyball Camp, Whitworth College, 300 W. Hawthorne Rd. Youth (grades 8-12) can attend from Aug. 13-16 from 6-9 pm. Cost: $125. www.whitworth.edu/athletics Call: 777-4391








OTHER SPORTS





Cheney High School Weightlifting Camp, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Youth camp (grades 9-12) isfrom June 18-July 31, and camp (grades 6-8) will run from June 25-July 31. Cost: $50. cheneyhs.org Call: 559-4000 or 559-4103





Cheney High School Wrestling Camp, 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney. Youth camp (grades 7-12) is from June 29-July 3. Cost: $25. 460 N. Sixth St., Cheney





Eagle Tennis Camp, EWU, Cheney. Camp will be offered from June 19-23 and from Aug. 7-11. Call: 359-2515





Junior Golf Camps, Downriver, Esmeralda, Indian Canyon and Qualchan golf courses. Camps (ages 8-17) are at various times through Aug. 10. Cost: $70. www.spokaneparks.org Call: 625-6200





Mead High School Wrestling Camp, 12828 N. Newport Hwy., Mead, Wash. Youth (grades 1-12) can learn technique on June 4-7 from 5-7:30 pm. Cost: $40. Call: 465-7002





Mount Spokane High School Wrestling Camp, 6015 E. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead, Wash. Youth can attend from June 4-8 from 4:30-6 pm (grades 1-5) and from 3-4:30 pm (grades 6-12). Cost: $50. Call: 465-7200.





Nike Tennis Camp, Gonzaga University. Youth (ages 10-18) can attend day and residential camps from July 29-Aug. 17. Cost: $355-$685. www.ussportscamps.com Call: 323-4074





Roller Hockey, Mullan Road Elementary, 2616 E. 63rd Ave. Youth (ages 7-14) can work on hand, stick and skating techniques from June 25-29. Cost: $104. www.skyhawks.com Call: 466-6590





University High School Weight Training Camp, 12420 E 32nd Ave. Youth (grades 9-12) can get fit from June 25-July 26 from 7-11 am. Cost: $50. Call: 228-5240





Washington Intensive Wrestling Camp, Lakeside High, 5909 Highway 291, Nine Mile Falls. Olympic gold medalist Kendall Cross will teach youth (ages 5-18) how to wrestle from June 23-29 from 10:15 am-3 pm. Cost: $265, resident; $140, commute. Call: 467-4279








Hurry! Do Belay! & r & & r & & lt;span class= "dropcap " & Y & lt;/span & our daughter's roped into a harness, suspended 30 feet up a climbing wall, with a dozen classmates staring up at her and shouting encouragement. She only has three more hand-holds before making it to the top, but she lost her grip (and her nerve) last time.





You think indoor rock-climbing doesn't teach self-reliance?





Josh Jackman knows otherwise. As manager at Wild Walls, he's seen kids succeed. "The little kids get started just by climbing side to side," he says. "But by the end of lunch, we've got 4-year-olds climbing Twos. And it's not unrealistic for a talented 9-year-old to be climbing Threes by the end of the day."





Jackman's referring to climb difficulty ratings, with Ones being "like going up an aluminum ladder" -- and as for Sixes, he says, "there's probably only about five people at any one time in Spokane who can successfully negotiate a climb rated as a Six."





Elementary school-age kids can get their first taste of indoor climbing in five-hour Thursday sessions that will feature a variety of games and a chance to ride in a giant swing. Kindergarteners through fourth-graders will soon be throwing around terms like "top roping," "traversing" and "bouldering."





At the Wild Walls camps, beginners play games like the blindfolded climbing game against the clock or "Add-On," which Jackman explains as "a climbing version of 'Horse': the first person in line gets on the wall and executes a series of moves, and then the next person does the same series and adds on a move."





For kids from fourth grade through high school, there's a choice of beginner camps and the more advanced technique camps. These take place five hours a day, four days a week (with an optional shot on Fridays at scampering up real, live outdoor rocks!). Climbers will get more practice with traversing (practicing move within two feet of the ground), top roping (anchored to the top of an indoor wall, with a partner belaying out rope) and bouldering (unroped climbing on the wall's bottom 12 feet, with heavy mats for protection). (As an analogy, Jackman compares top roping to a mile run and bouldering to a 100-meter dash.)





Teens will also get a crack at route reading: while still on the ground, visualizing the best foot- and handholds for ascending a particular route. Guys tend to act macho and rely on their upper-body strength, but it's a common misconception that you need a strong upper body to rock-climb, says Jackman: "People say, 'I'm no good at pull-ups.' But I say, 'How many pull-ups did you do the last time you climbed an aluminum ladder?'"


-- MICHAEL BOWEN





Wild Walls Climbing Gym, 202 W. Second Ave., offers beginner camps (ages 10-16) on Mondays-Thursdays from 9 am-2 pm from June 11-28 and from July 9-Aug. 30. Cost: $130. Add optional outdoor climbs (near Upriver Drive) on Fridays from 9 am-2 pm. Cost: $230. Technique camps (same age range, dates, days and times) will be offered for those with belay certification. Cost: $160. Or choose a three-day indoor/two-day outdoor class. Cost: $360. Day camps (ages 5-10) are on Thursdays only from 9 am-2 pm from June 14-28 and from July 12-Aug. 30. Cost: $60. Visit www.wildwalls.com or call 455-9596.








CSI: Spokane & r & & r & & lt;span class= "dropcap " & J & lt;/span & ust east of downtown Spokane, a forensic detective from the city police department gathers a group of rookie investigators at a crime scene. A specialized drug used in cancer treatment has been stolen from the motel room of a WSU Spokane faculty member, and it's up to this group of greenhorns to figure out whodunit.





Sounds like a scene straight from CSI, but it's actually the scenario for an intriguing summer camp for middle-school girls being held at WSU Spokane's CityLab, a fully equipped lab-based teaching and learning center on the Riverpoint Campus. All week, the young women will gather evidence and learn the laboratory skills used by professional investigators.





"They learn fingerprinting, DNA analysis using agarose gel electrophoresis, chemical analysis of dyes left at the scene, and handwriting analysis," says research scientist Sylvia Oliver, who co-founded CityLab in 1995. "We take them on a one-day field trip to WSU Pullman to introduce them to a university campus where they go on several tours of science programs. We also take them on a half-day tour to the EWU campus where they learn how to do professional fingerprint analyses."





At the end of the week, the young investigators bring all their evidence together and make posters describing their findings and the techniques they used. On Friday, they present the evidence to a jury of other students plus a judge and a defense attorney. Parents are invited to the court session and to lunch. In the afternoon, the girls get to demonstrate their newly learned lab skills to their parents.





In addition to all the fun, there's a serious side to the camp, says Oliver. "We have focused our summer program over the years on middle school girls, to get them excited about science, math and technology," she says. "Women are such good scientists -- we multi-task well, we have that sense of intuition -- but it's hard, it's still a male-dominated field."





At CityLab, Oliver works with K-12 teachers and students throughout the school year, opening opportunities for students who may have no role models in the sciences. For the summer camp, there are need-based scholarships available and an effort to draw in young women who may have never considered working with science and technology.





"It's fun when you see the girls three or four years later," she says. "We have had many of our previous students tell us this camp was a turning point that led them into the sciences -- and that's very gratifying!"


-- ANN M. COLFORD





The Secrets of CSI: Young Women's Science Camp (grades 6-8) * WSU Spokane CityLab, Riverpoint Campus * Monday-Friday, June 25-29, 9 am-3 pm * Cost: $150 * Visit: www. spokanecitylab.wsu.edu * To register, call 358-7635 or e-mail [email protected].








The Tradition Continues & r & & r & & lt;span class= "dropcap " & L & lt;/span & ong before there were merry convoys of yellow buses to haul kids to camp, the boys of the YMCA in Spokane got to camp on primitive shoe-leather, hiking from Hillyard to Loon Lake along trails, dirt roads and railroad tracks. The overnight hike was more than 30 miles long. The stuff they couldn't carry came along on a horse-drawn wagon, and the exhausted campers slept in canvas tents. This rugged coterie of campers formed the basis of what would later become a regional tradition for youth: Camp Reed.





In 1915, when a good citizen of Deer Park donated 13 acres of property to the YMCA, the camp took his name and relocated to its permanent home at Fan Lake. Much of the land around the lake at that time was logged and burned. Over the next 92 years -- through two wars and a depression -- the camp grew through numerous donations and acquisitions to well over 500 acres. Simple facilities -- luxuries at the time -- were erected, some remodeled, some eventually torn down and replaced.





The YMCA now owns almost all of the shoreline of the lake. Featuring a modern lodge with a commercial grade kitchen to feed the troops, Camp Reed boasts a rifle range, an archery range, and even a BB-gun range. There is also a rock-climbing tower, a challenging rope course, a basketball court, a soccer field and boating facilities including a small armada of "war canoes." The forest has grown back over the years to reclaim the area, so the 25 modern cabins that pepper the lakeside are once again nestled among tall trees.





Keeping the "Christian" in YMCA, the outdoor chapel is a regular part of the daily program at Camp Reed. Campers' time is divided among skill development exercises, all-camp activities such as fire and flagpole gatherings, and free choice time during which they can swim, hike, ride horses, mountain bike, learn leatherwork, pottery, painting and other crafts. The YMCA aims to provide a camping experience that is beyond recreational by pursuing a sevenfold goal to develop: teamwork, communication, trust, decision making, leadership, problem solving and self-esteem.





Character building, however, no longer requires a 30-mile hike to camp. It's a break with tradition that most campers are willing to make.


-- MICK LLOYD-OWEN





YMCA Camp Reed, Traditional * Eight six-night sessions from June 24-Aug. 18 * Cost: $305-$325; $295-$315, members * Ages 8-14 * YMCA Camp Reed, Mini * Three-day camps from June 24-Aug. 4 * Cost: $200; $190, members * Ages 6-8 * 30 miles north of Spokane * www.campreed.org * Call: 838-3577.








Kickin' It & r & & r & & lt;span class= "dropcap " & I & lt;/span & f you think the martial arts are all about learning new ways to inflict damage, think again, says Shawn Gants, one of the partners at Kick n' Fun in Spokane Valley. "With the way we teach the martial arts, we teach more of a way of thinking than a way of hitting," he says. Students learn about kinesiology -- the science of body movement -- so they can think through each physical activity. "They could become a better baseball player because of what they learn."





Of course, the weekly summer karate camps at Kick n' Fun provide plenty of opportunity to hit things, too, because it's so much fun. "Martial arts training is a core part of every single week," says Gants. "The kids train every day, but we spice it up with other activities."





Each week focuses on a particular theme. It might relate to history or to artistry -- say, origami or Japanese Kanji writing -- but the most popular themes are those focused on a particular persona in martial arts lore. During Ninja week, campers will learn how to use nunchucks; as Shaolin monks-in-training, they'll learn all about using staffs as weapons; and during Samurai Warrior week, the wooden sword is the weapon of choice. Gants says the teachers work the cultural dimension into all the play-fighting.





"It's not just about fun," he says. "We're always trying to get the cultural piece in there, the personal improvement."





For example, Samurais were not just warriors, he says. "The whole concept of a Samurai is being a servant, being helpful, so it's getting into that mentality," he explains. There's also a dimension of personal responsibility. "As a Samurai, if I take responsibility for this weapon, and someone else picks it up and gets hurt, that's my responsibility. They learn to take care of the wooden swords as if they were the real thing."





Campers get outside, away from the school, "as much as possible," Gants says. "We go on hikes, we're always going to the lake, or to the river by Post Falls, where there are lifeguards. And they've got to read every day, so at the beginning of each week we take a trip to the library. We try to keep it as fun as possible, but our goal is to make our kids grow as people."





There are discounts if you pre-register, if you sign up for a four-week cycle or for all 12 weeks, or if you're a Kick n' Fun member. The cost starts at $200 per week, but all the discounts can cut that rate in half.


-- ANN M. COLFORD





& lt;span class= "dropcap " & M & lt;/span & axCamp Karate Summer Camp at Kick n' Fun Family Martial Arts and Activity Center, 101 N. Argonne Rd., runs weekly beginning June 18. Standard cost: $200 per week. Each weekly session is Monday-Friday, from 7 am-5 pm. www.kicknfun.com Call: 228-0606.school, "as much as possible," Gants says. "We go on hikes, we're always going to the lake, or to the river by Post Falls, where there are lifeguards. And they've got to read every day, so at the beginning of each week we take a trip to the library. We try to keep it as fun as possible, but our goal is to make our kids grow as people."





There are discounts if you pre-register, if you sign up for a four-week cycle or for all 12 weeks, or if you're a Kick n' Fun member. The cost starts at $200 per week, but all the discounts can cut that rate in half.


-- ANN M. COLFORD





MaxCamp Karate Summer Camp at Kick n' Fun Family Martial Arts and Activity Center, 101 N. Argonne Rd., runs weekly beginning June 18. Standard cost: $200 per week. Each weekly session is Monday-Friday, from 7 am-5 pm. www.kicknfun.com Call: 228-0606.