Put a little spring in your student’s step

Flowers won’t be the only thing blooming this spring. With an array of educational and fun events for the children of Claremont to participate in, the love of learning will be planted early on in the season.

With almost two months gone from the school year’s second semester, now is the time to start thinking about what students will be doing for the district’s upcoming spring break. The Claremont recreation and activities guide outlines season-ong activities that residents can participate in, with a special focus on the youngest Claremonters.

“It keeps children from sitting in front of the television or iPad and being engaged that way. We try and offer things that they wouldn’t be able to get at home, something different to keep their minds engaged,” Community and Human Services Supervisor Ali Martinez said.

Spring break for the Claremont School District spans from April 7 to April 11 this year. For the younger Claremont population, that leaves seven days to find something to beat the break boredom.

To register for any classes or activities listed below,  visit the Alexander Hughes Community Center in person or call (909) 399-5490. The center is located at 1700 Danbury Rd. in Claremont and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 pm., Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays and major holidays. Online registration is also available at claremontrec.com.

Taking flight

Mimicking the elegance of the birds that fly over Claremont in the springtime, the Aerial Circus Camp introduces the skill of using silks, trapeze and hoops to work out and hang in the air. The courses will introduce basics and some minor intermediate tricks and moves.

The course takes place at Pilates Studio M located inside the Packing House at 546 First Street. Two classes will be offered classes during the first part of the day from noon to 2 p.m., will be for six to 12-year-old participants. For older participants, between 10 and 18 years old, the class will be from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both courses include five classes and cost $115.

Anime camp

With the stroke of a pencil or the sweeping motion of a brush, life will be brought to the characters of your child’s choosing with the My Artworkz Anime Camp.

The art class continues the trend of creative activities for students. Following a series of art camps over the last couple years, this theme of anime was chosen after a similar session last summer took off with younger students.

Participants can use different types of media such as clay, string or textiles to create their works of art. The children will be able to make flip-books or comic panels.

“They can use different things they find around the house to create their characters or draw them,” Ms. Martinez said.

The course is made up of five classes spanning over spring break from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for ages eight to 16 years old.  The camp has a $25 material fee and costs $100 for the course.

Famous spring tennis camp

Kids ages seven to 17 of all ability levels may attend a spring break tennis camp. From on-court games and drills to hitting for prizes, training to music, and creative ball decorating contests, the city of Claremont offers it all.

Students are grouped with players of their own ability and are taught level appropriate skills to take their game to a new level. By the end of camp, everyone learns how to play a set. Students supply their own racket and one unopened can of tennis balls on the first day of class. Classes run Monday, April 7  through Thursday, April 11 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cahuilla Park. Cost is $100.

The spy who loves you

Bring out the disguises and call the police, because the Hughes Center will be the scene of a crime in April. Clues will dot the community center during spring break and it is the students’ job to piece together the big picture.

Using science, math and language arts skills mixed with intuition, participants in the Spyworkz Science Camp can be just like James Bond. Participants will even have projects to work on at home as they try to crack the case.

“We are moving toward a more scholarly type of class. Although we want the classes for recreation, with today’s technology you are able to include math and language in some of the projects,” Ms. Martinez said.

Each day will focus on a different skill set with clues to collect that eventually lead to the break needed to solve the case. The camp is made up of five classes for children eight to 15 years old. The course runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon during spring break with a $25 material fee and $100 for the course.

Furry friends

Bring four-legged family members along for the break this year. Young pet owners will learn tricks to teach their dogs from Live Oak Dog Obedience.

“I love working with kids, it’s really great. I think the kids need a chance to get out and get more involved. A lot of kids don’t know what to do with their dogs,” owner of Live Oak and behaviorist Mya Quintero said.

Ms. Quintero has been teaching obedience classes for over 23 years. Tricks in the course will include shaking paws, rolling over, jumping and running agility courses. Owners are reminded to bring calm, friendly pups and their favorite treats. Closed-toe shoes are suggested.

The training course takes place over two classes on Monday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 9 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for children from six to 14 years old and is held at the Hughes Center.  The class is $40.

For more information, call the Hughes Center at (909) 399-5490 or visit www.claremontrec.com.

—Christina Burton