The end of the school year leaves many parents stuck trying to figure out what to do with their children until school starts again. But Rio Arriba County will offer several options to keep youths of all ages and interests busy this summer.
Some activities available this summer are:
Española Teen Technology Center
From spray-painting dumpsters to playing basketball, the YMCA-run Center has a calendar full of activities planned for the summer. Other activities include: hiking trips, cooking classes, summer school tutoring, swimming, lapidary classes, fishing trips, woodworking classes, and more.
Where: Española Teen Technology Center
When: June through early August
Ages: 12 to 19
Cost: Free with membership. Memberships are $40 for a year and $20 for six months.
More information: Call Center Director Ben Sandoval at 747-6569
Española YMCA Y Earth Service (YES) Corps:
Youths take part in environmental projects to learn about energy and water conservation, restore trails, learn organic gardening and landscaping, and more. The Corps also offers CPR and first aid certification.
Where: Participants meet every morning at the Española Teen Technology Center.
When: June 1 to early August, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon.
Ages: 11 to 17
Cost: $155 a month for members, $282 for nonmembers; grants and scholarships are available.
More information: Registration packets are available at the Center. Call Sandoval at 747-6569.
Española Library Summer Reading Program
Youths keep track of the books they read, or their parents read to them, and enter to win prizes. At the weekly meetings, participants will make crafts and be entertained by magicians, a mobile zoo, swimming trips to the Lucero Center and an end-of-program barbecue.
Where: Española Public Library
When: Thursdays, June 3 to July 22, 10 a.m.
Ages: 3 to 12
Cost: Free
More information: Call Coordinator Lucy Peña at 747-6086 or register at the Library.
Boys and Girls Club del Norte Summer Program
Attendees will participate in recreational activities such as sports, swimming, arts and crafts, digital photography, weaving, tin work, and cooking and leadership classes, plus field trips every Friday. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Where: Abiquiú and Chimayó Boys and Girls Clubs, at the elementary schools in those towns.
When: Monday through Thursday, June 14 to July 9, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Ages: 5 to 13.
Cost: $200 for one child, $100 for the first sibling and $75 for each other sibling. Need-based scholarships available.
More information: Call 351-1515 for information on the Chimayó program; for the Abiquiú program, call 685-4586.
Camino de Paz School and Farm Sustainable Food Systems Camp
Grow food using a systems approach while learning basic techniques of permaculture, composting, irrigation, animal husbandry, harvesting and more.
Where: Camino de Paz School and Farm, off of State Road 76 in Cuarteles
When: June 14 to 18, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 14 through 18
Cost: $400 per child
More information: Call 747-9717 or e-mail angiea@caminodepaz.net.
Camino de Paz School and Farm Fun on the Farm Camp
Learn about organic farming by making cheese from milk goats, gathering wool and eggs, harvesting vegetables and caring for animals. In the afternoon, participants will do arts and crafts and explore the Santa Cruz River.
Where: Camino de Paz School and Farm, off of State Road 76 in Cuarteles
When: June 21 to 25, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 8 through 11
Cost: $300 per child
More information: Call 747-9717 or e-mail angiea@caminodepaz.net.
Camino de Paz School and Farm Self-Care from Nature Camp
Learn to identify and gather local herbs to create your own personal care kit of balms, salves, tea, and skin and hair products.
Where: Camino de Paz School and Farm, off of State Road 76 in Cuarteles
When: July 12 to 16, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 12 through 14
Cost: $400 per child
More information: Call 747-9717 or e-mail angiea@caminodepaz.net.
Rio Arriba County Summer Food Service Programs
Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, bowling, movies and a trip to Albuquerque.
Where: 16 sites throughout the County.
When: June 7 to July 30, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Ages: 1 to 18
Cost: Free. Small fees apply for some activities, including $2.50 for adult lunch.
More information: Register at the County Annex in Española or call 753-6663.
Española Recreation Center Youth Sports Camps
Sports include dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, soccer, baseball, kickball, swimming and more. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Where: Recreation Center
When: Two sessions: June 21 to July 16, and July 19 to Aug. 13.
Ages: Toddlers to 18.
Cost: $50
More information: Apply at the Recreation Center, or call 747-6055
Española Recreation Center Swimming Program
The Recreation Center offers two-week swimming lessons for children and adults of all skill levels.
Where: Recreation Center and Ranchitos pools
When: Five sessions: June 1 to 9, June 14 to 23, June 28 to July 7, July 12 to 21, July 26 to Aug. 4.
Ages: Toddlers to 18.
Cost: $35 per session.
More information: Apply in person at the Center or call 747-6055.
Española Recreation Center Summer Sports Leagues
Co-ed teams in five age groups for paintball, soccer, basketball and flag football offered in conjunction with Adults at Play.
Where: Española Recreation Center
When: To be announced. Registration begins June 14 at 6 p.m. at the Recreation Center.
Ages: 2 to 17
Cost: $35 per sport
More information: Sign up at the Recreation Center or call 747-6055.