June 7, 2007

Let the games begin

Several options are available in the summer to sports-addicted children.

LOU PONSI STAFF WRITER

School is almost finished and you don’t want your kids sitting around playing PS3 or being bored all summer.

You’re in luck.

If you are reading this page, chances are pretty good that your children love sports.

There are some excellent summer camps in the area that will keep sports-crazed youngster active for hours on end.

Some, such as the Titan Youth Sports Camp and Skyhawk Sports offer a several sports in one program. Other tried and true programs such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and North Orange County YMCA offer some sports to go with non-athletic activities.

All can be excellent depending on the needs of the youngsters:

TITAN YOUTH SPORTS CAMP

Where: Cal State University, Fullerton and open to residents throughout the county.

The basics: One of the best programs around for athletic children. TYSA is broken down into two groups: Rookie camp for grades K to 4 and Free Agent Camp for grades 5 to 8. Campers participate in sports such and games such as:

flag football, basketball, Wiffle Ball, bowling, tennis and swimming. This non-competitive sport camp supports social development as the participants learn and play in a cooperative environment. Campers can go for morning, afternoon or full-day sessions. Extended hours are also available.

Dates: six five-day sessions from June 25 to Aug. 3.

Cost: $220 for full day or $110 for morning or afternoon sessions Discounts are available.

Swimming: A Learn to Swim program is offered fro children six months and older in two-week sessions from June 18 to Aug. 10

Information: 657-278-7529 or tysc.fullerton.edu

SKYHAWKS SPORTS

Where: offered through Parks and Recreation Programs in Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda. Activities take place at locations throughout those cities.

The basics: Sports include flag football, basketball, baseball, dodge ball, lacrosse, soccer and golf. Half- and full-day sessions are available. Skyhawks’ purpose is to teach children and young adults life lessons through athletics. Age groups are 4 to 7, 7 to 14 and 10 to 14, depending on the program. A camper can sign up for individual or multi-sport programs

Dates: sessions run from June 25 to Aug.10 depending on the city.

Cost: ranges between $112 to $168 depending on the sport and the city

Information: General information: www.skyhawks.com; Fullerton, (714) 738-6575; Placentia, (714) 993-8232; Yorba Linda, (714) 961-7167

YMCA

Where: various locations throughout Fullerton Yorba Linda and Placentia. Programs also serve Brea and La Habra

The basics: Itty Bitty Soccer, Itty Bitty T-ball, basketball and baseball Itty Bitty programs for children’s ages 3 to6;

Youth basketball for children ages 5 to 14. YMCA sports are generally non-competitive and focus on building character. Most sports take place for one hour two days per week.

Dates: Sports are seasonal and run year-round

Cost: participation in sports requires a yearly membership for a nominal cost.

Swimming: The Yorba Lin- da-Placentia branch offers lessons through its Backyard Swim program, using neighborhood pools. The Fullerton facility provides lessons on site.

Information: General information: www.ymcaoc.org; Fullerton, Brea La Habra, (714) 879-9622; Yorba Linda,

Placentia, (714) 777-9622

ALSO WORTH NOTING:

The City of Brea offers several age-appropriate sports and games throughout the summer. Along with traditional sports, Brea offers camps on horsemanship, fishing, karate, golf and ice skating.

Call: 714-990-7100 or visit: www.ci.brea.ca.us

Brea also offers swimming lessons through the Plunge. Call: (714) 529-6233.

Finally ....Don’t forget to check the community sports notes section of this paper for a listing of sports-specific camps.