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As we grew up we were all faced with situations that were just a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it was the first time you auditioned for a school play. Or maybe it was your first piano recital or just standing up and reading aloud in class. Putting yourself out there in front of your peers can be so frightening. These situations crop up throughout your life and if you were fortunate enough to spend some time at camp, you probably learned how to take that deep breath, summon your internal courage, and just do it! That is what camp is really about. It’s not just a way to get the kids out of the house. It’s a chance to put them in the hands of caring couselors, directors, and sometimes their peers, who will help them learn things they never get to try in school. We asked our advertisers to send us comments from some of their campers, parents and staff. One in particular spoke so clearly of the benefits of camp that I thought I should just let him start out this feature. We hope you will take the time to read what all the camps and programs have to say and will find the perfect fit for your child. So, here you go, from the Santa Clara County YMCA, a little glimpse of what can happen at camp. My name is Jordan Oakley and I had the pleasure of working at the YMCA Summer Camp and I saw plenty of amazing things happen. One story that comes to mind involves a student overcoming self-doubt through the support of peers and camp leaders. During camp one day we arranged for a 26-foot rock climbing wall to be brought in. As students continued to rotate onto the rock wall throughout the day, I discovered an eighth-grade student who sat back and watched her friends climb the wall successfully. I approached the student and asked why she chose not to attempt the climb. As any adolescent child would respond, she said, “I don’t feel like it.” After hearing these words and seeing a different message come from her body language and facial expressions, I knew she wasn’t being truthful. If she had chosen to be honest with herself and me, she may have said, “I want to, but I don’t know if I can do it – not to mention, I am afraid of heights.” With encouragement from other camp leaders, a friend, and me, she decided she would attempt to climb the wall. With her bravery starting to shine through, I offered to climb the wall with her to provide a little coaching on the way up. As we both started up the wall, I realized I was watching this student grow right in front of my eyes. About half way up the wall, she almost panicked and began to convince herself that she was stuck. With cheering from the ground support and some guidance from me, she told herself that she wanted to finish. At that point, she settled in and shot to the top. As we both repelled to the ground I looked over and saw a smile on her face as if she had just aced a test. On the ground she gave her friends and the other camp leaders a round of high fives. She then came to me and said, “Thank you for making me do that. It was awesome!” I replied back to her, “I didn’t make you do anything…you chose to do it.”
Art Studio Of Lynda Bassett “Every summer I look forward to going to Mrs. Bassett's Art Camp. She always has new projects that keep our class fun and exciting year after year. I started going to camp at age 7 and now at 16 I still can't wait to see what she has in store for us!” ~ Brianne Howell, Morgan Hill
Basketball Jones Hoops Camp “This was my daughters' first basketball camp, and they learned so much and truly understand the game better. Thank you for making it a successful week-they are looking forward to next year.” ~ Diana Lewandowski, Parent “Thanks, thanks, thanks. Words can't explain the confidence you have given my son. You are nothing less than a class act, and we can’t wait till next year!” ~ Todd Seeley, Parent
Diane Wallace Art Lessons “Each class with Diane is like a master class. My kids learned the process from the beginning by establishing good habits without really knowing it. The kids are encouraged to create and express their imagination while having the benefit of drawing from a wealth of timely pertinent advice on technique, color choice and composition. At first I was surprised that my kids could sit and concentrate for that long, but they didn’t want to leave. Next I was impressed with the paintings they brought home. Finally I’ve come to love watching the subtle but steady improvements and sudden breakthroughs the kids are making.” ~ Craig H., Parent
Gavilan S.T.A.R. Program
Now, as a STAR leader, I have seen the full blown STAR-effect. I find so much joy in watching STAR kids grow-up as performers and as people. I've seen shy students find confidence and shine on stage, and young people come together to form friendships that last a lifetime. Most importantly, I've been given the opportunity to be a part of what STAR kids and staff alike call ‘another amazing summer!’” ~ Katie Hipol, Age 19
Golden Ridge Stables Golden Ridge Stables beautiful facility is set in the lush South County. Among other things they offer training, riding lessons and sales, specializing in the American Saddlebred.
Kumon Math & Reading Center “I like Kumon. It has really helped in school. I used to be scared of fractions and decimals. After coming to Kumon, every time we do those I now get really excited about it.” ~ Manjot Kaur, Fifth grader, Kumon's Advanced Student Honor Roll
Lana’s Dance 1825 Fifth St. • Gilroy “The summer of 2007, I was fortunate enough to take several members of my competition team to Australia for an international dance exchange with Brentstreet Studios in Sydney. My daughter and I taught their students and our dancers took class from their faculty as well. Not only will they remember the different teachers and choreographers that they were able to learn from, but the traveling experience is a memory that will live with them for the rest of their lives.” ~ Lana Wright
Morgan Hill Aquatics Center “The swim instructors at the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center/ Centennial Recreation Center are creative and caring. My son has really enjoyed going to swim class each week. It has been fun, as a parent, to see his improvement over the past 4 sessions. My 3 year old can swim! What more can I say!” ~ Kristyn S., Happy Mom of a new little swimmer
Morgan Hill Centennial Recreation Center “The Morgan Hill Cool Kids camp is the highlight of my child’s summer. I can always count on the Cool Kids staff to take the extra step to make sure that the children in the camp have an exciting time, while making safety a top priority.” ~ The Dad of a happy camper!
Morgan Hill Preschool I am thrilled to have my grandson participate in the Morgan Hill Recreation Preschool. It is a very positive atmosphere in class and what a beautiful facility. The material covered is always interesting! ~ Theresa A., proud and satisfied grandmother of a happy preschooler
Mt. Madonna School “It was 8.75 on a “fun-ness” scale of 1-10. I liked the moviemaking class (Digital Storytelling) and making model airplanes and flying them (Things that Fly). The teachers were fun.” ~ Rowan, age 12 “I love that the kids could be there all day, and get a good combination of outdoor time, focused sports and art or academics. The environment in the redwoods is great for nature study, making movies or photos, and exploring. The classes were long enough for the kids to really learn something, but not too long (like an all-day soccer camp). And the teachers were great!” ~ Sara, parent of two summer ’08 participants
Mount Hermon “I think I could say with a smile on my face and assurance in my heart that not one of my peers who visited can say that they had an unenjoyable time. That would be a flat out lie.” ~ Kristin, 6th grade student
San Benito Aquatics The team has been around for 35 years, and has a highly experienced coaching staff. Many alumni of the program have received college scholarships and continued on to successful college careers.
Santa Catalina School Summer at Santa Catalina is a place filled with play, joy, and learning. From arts and athletics to yoga and marine biology, we offer attention-grabbing classes that spark curiosity and build confidence and independence.
Stratford School 410 Llagas Road • Morgan Hill
~ Parent of a preschooler “What a fabulous introduction to an incredible environment for learning. The Stratford summer program provided a very upbeat, loving and structured environment for my daughter to jump right in with new kids and start the learning process. She came home every week with amazing art projects, stories about different parts of the world and new songs to share. We couldn't be happier with our first Stratford experience and look forward to starting in the pre-K program this fall.” ~ Parent of a preschooler
The Little Gym “The camps are literally awesome! They are action-packed with fun themes, fabulous activities and great crafts, and the kids never want to leave. I have total peace of mind dropping my kids off knowing they will be well cared for by loving instructors, have a great time learning new skills and making new friends. I like the idea that we can come to as many or as few camps in a week as we want and that we have both morning and afternoon options each week. We are looking forward to another fun-filled summer at The Little Gym.” ~ Stephania M., long-timeThe Little Gym family member
USA Sports Fun-n-Fit Day Camp 8840 Muraoka Dr. • Gilroy Established in 2006, USA Sports is dedicated to providing a way for families to Stay in Motion. With gymnastics, dance, gym fitness, indoor rock climbing, birthday parties, children's choir and a parent's night out, you and your family will be sure to find an active program to fit your lifestyle.
YMCA Mt. Madonna 17666 Crest Ave. • Morgan Hill Mt. Madonna YMCA enriches kids, adults, families and communities through after school child care, youth sports, and day camp programs. We are proud to partner with the City of Morgan Hill at the Centennial Recreation Center to provide, health, fitness and wellness programs, swimming and aquatics, programs for seniors and teens, anf other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. Coming in April, more detailed information on each of these camps and schools. Summer programs do fill up early, so we would advise you to reserve your space soon.
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“At age 9, I was a shy little only child, so the idea of “camp” was very scary for me. However, when I first entered the theater, I automatically felt at home. I was introduced to new friends my age, and lead by mentors called “STAR leaders.” I had so much fun learning about all aspects of performing.
“Camp Socrates was the perfect introduction to preschool for our son. The class size was smaller, the activities even more child-centered and project driven than during the year, and the teachers were able to spend extra time with each child. Our son was also able to make some new friends who will be classmates when he starts preschool in the fall - he cannot wait!”
2010-2011
Dining Guide
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