Sunshine, warm breezes, baseball and the end of school signal fun for kids and the need for parents to keep their children entertained and educated during the summer. Several colleges of the Dallas County Community College District offer the perfect solutions to those summertime needs for camp, classes and fun.
Brookhaven College
From culinary arts to computer animation or from self-defense to fantastic physics, summer youth programs at Brookhaven College cover a full range of activities that keep children and teens active and entertained during their long break.
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full schedule of Brookhaven College summer classes is listed online; parents also can contact Julie Stearman, continuing education and workforce specialist, for more information at (972) 860-4600. Ages vary based on course content. Brookhaven College is located at 3939 Valley View Lane in Farmers Branch.
Kids literally can cook up some fun in classes that include Petite Chef, Junior Chef, Beginning Cake Decorating and Cuisines Around the World. Creative writing and journalism classes, science, physics, forensics, theater, digital photography, drawing and sculpture, art, a cartoon clinic, guitar and music camp, piano and music camp plus specialty workshops for older students in areas like job searches, resume writing and keys to effective communications are samples of a full schedule of summer fun available at Brookhaven College. Students also can learn about multiple computer career areas such as creating Web pages, comic graphics and animation using Flash, to name only a few.
Eastfield College
Future rock stars can learn more about guitar and music by taking guitar lessons at Eastfield College this summer. Children’s guitar classes require students to bring their own nylon-string guitar (not electric) and footrest. A course on music theory will teach youngsters how to read music and to understand rhythm, meter, tempo and harmonies. Beginners classes are available (ages 7 to 11 or 12 to 18) for $110, or private instruction is offered for students ages 7 to 18 or adults at the cost of $179 per half-hour session.
To register for Eastfield College summer youth camps and classes, call (972) 860-7113. See the
Eastfield College schedule online. Eastfield College is located at 3737 Motley Drive in Mesquite.
Eastfield’s Guitar Festival also returns on Saturday, June 4; people of all ages can listen to concerts and learn about classical guitar techniques taught by EFC music instructors and guest faculty. Most of the events for this one-day festival are free; for $25, participants can register to perform in a master class taught by one of three distinguished classical guitar instructors.
Youngsters who love drama or art can sign up for the Summer Theatre Camp for Children and Teens, scheduled June 13-17 (for students ages 7 to 18). Tuition is $150, and students will learn acting techniques, set creation and more.
The Eastfield Piano Festival, June 20-25, comprises piano workshops and master classes taught by renowned pianists. Piano Festival beginner/advanced and intermediate classes are offered; the cost ranges from $100 to $124, based on experience.
Art Discovery is presented in two sessions: drawing, printmaking, painting and sculpture for children ages 5 to 7 from June 20-24 at a cost of $90; and ceramics and photography for students ages 8 to 12 from July 11-15 at a cost of $150.
Mountain View College
At Mountain View College, “FUNtastic” classes are waiting for children and teens this summer, too. Offerings include academic camps in reading, writing and mathematics for completers in grades 2 through 7; arts and crafts, robotics, dance, guitar, magic camp, Spanish, and modeling and self-esteem building; and recreation and fitness (baseball, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, soccer, Tae Kwon Do, volleyball and swimming).
Bilingual arts and crafts, creative minds academic/arts camps, pottery and T-shirt design for a variety ages will challenge the imagination and teach new skills to young students. Ballet, tap and hip hop will keep youngsters dancing, and the summer will be filled with magic tricks as students learn about the art of illusion.
And all of the energy that children and teens have each day can be channeled through a number of athletic mini-camps and classes; students in Upward Bound, SSBC or TexPREP camps have access to after-camp open gym time as well as movies and games.
For details about summer camps, call (214) 860-8673 for information about schedules, ages and cost. Mountain View College is located at 4849 W. Illinois Ave. in Dallas.
North Lake College
Young students can make new friends and create lasting memories at the North Lake College Kid’s Summer Camp, scheduled June 6 through July 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the fee is $150. The camp is designed for youngsters ages 6 to 12 years (grades 1 through 6), and students must be at least 6 years old at the time they are registered. A daily afternoon snack is provided for every camp registrant, too.
For more information, call the NLC office of continuing education at (972) 273-3360. North Lake College is located at 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Irving.
Camp classes include:
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Fun/Wacky Sports and Games
Try playing baseball with badminton equipment! Learn cooperation and teamwork while playing innovative and creative games ... from board games to traditional games with an altered twist. This approach is a fun way to exercise, so campers need to wear tennis shoes with socks and bring a water bottle.
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Create a Website
Students will learn to create and maintain a personal Web page. The basics of computer use, word processing, backgrounds, texts, graphics, links and more will be taught. This course includes informative, fun interactive activities, and at the end of the class, campers can show family and friends their website. Students need to bring a flash drive for this class.
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Computer Games
Who doesn’t like to play games on the computer? Each game or puzzle will challenge the most advanced computer game player. Campers can have fun playing games as they improve their strategy skills.
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Tricks With Math!
Come review math in a fun way. This course uses games and activities to help kids make problem solving fun. Students learn basic math skills and quick tricks in a fun and highly energized environment.
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Crazy/Fun With Science
Collecting insects or making slime will be a new experience! Youngsters will learn about the world around them and explore science through fun, hands-on experiments that involve biology, chemistry and physics (both indoors and outdoors).
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Awesome Art Projects
Learn strategies that artists use. Students apply their creativity and imagination as they complete a number of art projects. This class explores various art media with hands-on drawing, painting and other exciting projects.