STORY and PHOTOS by Tam Nguyen, Nguoi Viet
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. ― A phrase no mother ever wants to hear: “Mom! I’m bored!”
More than 100 community members attended the Summer in the City Resource Fair at Bolsa Grande High School.
But every summer, seemingly the day after school’s out, that’s what kids blurt out. But at the Summer in the City Resource Fair at Bolsa Grande High School this week, parents learned just how to counter the boredom blues.
The fair was an opportunity for families to explore the many recreational, athletic and educational programs ― some even free and low-cost ― available for children during the summer months.
More than 40 stations in the Bolsa Grande gym showed parents just what kinds of activities can fill their kids’ break. From summer camps to summer sports, parents signed up their children for the programs they thought would be sure to keep them busy.
Timothy Nguyen and his sister, Tonya, learn to plant at the Home Depot booth.
Trung Nguyen and his son, Timothy, came to the fair to figure out Timothy’s interests. He enjoyed what he learned at the Home Depot booth.
“I just learned how to plant a seed and care for this plant. Hopefully it will grow,” Timothy said.
His father said he likes to the idea of keeping kids active in the summer.
“It is a good thing to see my children being active during the summer. I don’t want to see them at home wasting their summer with video games and television,” Trung said.
Suzan Rodriguez and her children, Nathan and Stephanie, explore the options of space camp.
A sampling of some of the camps showcased at the fair:
—–During June and July, Home Depot has free workshops for children. To register, visit http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops. Activities include building a mini lawnmower and a bug house.
—–The Stanton Public Library has free shows every Wednesday in July. The first show is July 2 with “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” puppet show, which mixes comedy with a little magic and even a live bunny. The Stanton Public Library also hosts a free Kids’ Book Club for children in third through sixth grades. It meets on the second Wednesday of each month during July and August. More information: http://ocpl.org/documents/STANTONSRPEventsKIDS.pdf
—–ScienTerrific Kids has half-day and full-day camps all summer. The program has entertainment and science projects and games. Fees start at $190 a child per week with discounts for enrolling more than one child. More information: http://www.scienterrifickids.com/Summer_Main2.html
—–Sky High Sports has trampoline floors and falls. Jump all summer long for a fee of $14 per hour. It also offers family dodge ball, with six players per team and a fee of $72. More information: http://ocy.jumpskyhigh.com
—–Lil’ Kickers teaches soccer but also helps to build character and interaction with peers. More information: www.lilkickers.com/NextLevel.
—–For Garden Grove residents, visit http://www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us/commserv/recreation for more information. Westminster residents should visit http://www.westminster-ca.gov/depts/cs/register_for_classes_online_now!!/default.asp
