Most camps start the second week of June and end the first week of August. Camps fill up quickly; find details at www.denvergov.org/recreation or call 720-913-0689.
Discover art which explores the world and lets the imagination soar with classes from Children’s Art School, offering Monday after-school and Saturday classes. Highlights: Imaginary Landscapes (ages 7+), March 7, 14 & 21, 10a.m.-noon; Painting Joys (ages 5+), 7 & 14, 1-2:30p.m.; Painting Joys (adults & kids), 16, 23 & 30, 10-11:30a.m.; Comic Cartoon Capers, 16, 23 & 30, 4-5:30p.m.; Harlequin and Pierrot – puppets, masks & paintings (ages 5+), 21 & 28, 3-4:30p.m.; Doing Art Together & Family Portraits, 21, 1-2:30p.m.; A+ Advanced Art (ages 8+), noon-2p.m., March 28. Call for fees and details. Pre-registration required. Children’s Art School is located at 700 S. Franklin St. in St. John’s School. Info: 720-319-3813.
The Denver Office of Economic Development Youth Services is recruiting youth ages 14-21 for summer jobs! There are two different programs available this year: Summer Youth Employment Program – for Denver residents, includes income restrictions. Applications are available on the Youth Services website: www.milehigh.com/employment, and need to be returned to the Youth Services office, 1391 N. Speer Blvd, Suite 520. Applications accepted until March 20 or when all positions are filled. Th eGovernor’s Summer Job Hunt program is for all Colorado youth and has no income restrictions. Attend a job fair Wed., March 11, 2-6p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center. Info: www.milehigh.com/employment/youthservices/GSJH. Questions? Call 720-865-5700.
Four Mile Historic Park’s free Hay Bales & Tall Tales family storytime takes place first Saturdays (March 7, April 4). 11a.m., at 715 S. Forest St. Domestic crafts, blacksmithing and woodstove cooking are featured 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays. Visit www.fourmilehistoricpark.org or call 720-865-0800 for information.
Explore cliff dwellings, tipis and sod houses in Home, Sweet Western Home, the next Let’s Make History program for families, Sat., March 7, at the Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway. The museum’s Saturday offerings include a guided exhibit tour at 1p.m.; program at 2p.m. Free with admission: $7 adults; children 12 and under are free on Saturdays. Other programs: March 14, Women on the Range; 21, A Soldier’s Life; 28, Colorado Women. Info: www.coloradohistory.org or call 303-866-3682.
Saddle up and head down to The Best Spring Break Ever: Giddy Up!, March 21-29, at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave., featuring free admission and Western-themed activities for kids – make cowboy boots, color a posable horse, weave on a Navajo loom, and more – available from 10a.m.-4p.m. daily. Also, free admission for all to DAM: March 7 & April 4. Kids 3-5 and their parents are invited to smudge, squiggle and splatter at Create Playdates, second Wednesdays, 11a.m.-1p.m. Drop in and meet up with other tots for artmaking in Duncan Pavilion, story time throughout the museum and scavenger hunts in the galleries. New themes every other month: Squiggle, March 11 & April 8; and Splatter, May 13. Free with general admission (five and younger free). Email rlevy@denverartmuseum.org or call 720-913-0073 for details. Registration begins March 16 for Summer Art Experiences 2009, morning, afternoon, and all-day, weeklong courses for kids ages 4-11. For registration and general info, visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-913-0048.
Open enrollment begins March 15 for Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten & School-age Summer Camp, 4140 E. Iliff Ave. From the outside (the unique DC-7 airplane retrofitted as a classroom) to the inside (limited to 15 children), it is evident that this school has a flair for the alternative. Download registration forms at www.iliffpreschool.com or call Carol with questions: 303-757-3551.
Denver Parks and Recreation’s First Tee of Denver program uses golf as a tool to educate kids academically, socially, and physically. Programs will take place at City Park, Willis Case, and Wellshire golf courses, as well as at Aqua Golf, the brand-new driving range/miniature golf course at Overland golf course, Santa Fe Dr. & W. Florida Ave. Classes run June 14-July 26. Sign up for The First Tee of Denver program online starting March 16, www.thefirstteeofdenver.com.
Parents and young music buffs, ages 2-10, can sing, dance and finger-play in the next Children’s Sing-A-Long, Sat., March 21, 10:30-11:15a.m., at Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E. Yale Ave. The casual, monthly gathering provides shakers, rhythm instruments and instructors. Registration requested. The Julie Davis Music School also offers instruction in guitar, recorder, music theatre and more. Info/registration, call 303-777-1003 or visit www.swallowhill.com.
Kids can express their artistic sides in free Art Workshops for Kids at Chicano Humanities & Arts Council’s Del Norte Gallery, 772 Santa Fe Dr., every third Saturday, 2-4p.m. Info: www.ChacWeb.org or call 303-571-0440.
There are a few spaces left in Dance Happy kids combo classes, held at the Grant Avenue Community Center, 216 S. Grant St., Sat., 12:30p.m. (ages 5-7) and Wed., 4p.m. (ages 8-10). Call Gwen Bowen, 303-722-2624, for details.
Would your child like to swim in an Olympic-sized pool, or play on an inflatable water obstacle course? How about climb to the top of a two-story rock climbing wall? These adventures – and many more – are available during the University of Denver Recreation’s School Days Off program, designed for kids ages 5-11, March 23-30, 7a.m.-6p.m. Info: www.recreation.du.edu, or call Jami Petersek, 303-871-8908. Also at DU Ritchie Center Recreation: Jr. Pioneer FUNdamental Basketball, held Saturdays, 9a.m.-1p.m., March 21 & 28, and April 4. Participants in grades K-6 can engage with DU’s varsity basketball program, as well as coaches and DU student-athletes. Questions: call 303-871-3396.
Kids 6-12 will learn to grow and maintain a garden in Junior Master Gardeners Camp, March 23-27, at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. Day-campers investigate plant growth and soil structure, then design and plant a garden. Sign up at www.botanicgardens.org (“classes” link) or 720-865-3580.
Children and Diabetes, the Myths and Facts is the next Healthy Mothers – Healthy Kids! round table discussion and tea with nutrition and supplement expert Dr. Tiffany Binder, Fri., March 27 (fourth Fridays), 9-10a.m., at Origins, 2800 E. 2nd Ave. Free. Info: 303-388-0018, www.origins.com.
Join Youth Interfaith Group (middle & high-schoolers from diverse traditions) for Christianity & Afro-Indigenous with Rev. Toni Cook, Rev. King Harris and Opalanga Pugh, at Epworth Parish (United Methodist), 1865 E. Bruce Randolph Ave., Sun., April 5, 2:30-4:15p.m. YIG’s purpose is to meet youth and spiritual leaders from various religious traditions and learn about their beliefs, rituals, and practices. Info: Rev. Toni Cook, St. Paul United Methodist Church & Buddhist Christian InterSpiritual Community, visit www.stpauldenver.com, or email tonicook@comcast.net.
Storytimes and craft activities for all ages abound at a nearby Denver Public Library branch. Note: all branch libraries are closed Wed., March 18, for Staff Planning and Training Day, and Mon., March 30, for Cesar E. Chavez Day. Byers, 675 Santa Fe Dr. After School is Cool! features crafts, games, dance lessons and educational activities for kids and teens, every weekday, 4-5p.m. Limited to first 20 kids. Info: 720-865-0160. Eugene Field, 810 S. University Blvd. Storytime with Craft for all ages, Fridays, 10:15a.m. Storytime with songs for all ages, Tuesdays, 10:15a.m. Bookbabies, Fridays, 11a.m. Super Saturdays, all ages, 10:30a.m.: March 7, Cloud of Dust Puppet Theater; 14, Luck of the Irish Magic Show; 21, Mr. Shine. Info: 303-777-2301. Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Weekday children’s activities, 10:30a.m.: Tuesdays, Bookbabies I (0-6 mo.); Wednesdays, Tales for Twos & Craft (24-35 mo.); Thursdays, Preschool Storytime & Craft (3-5 yrs.); Fridays, Bookbabies II (early walkers). Saturdays at 2p.m. (all ages): March 7, Western Magic and Puppet Show; 14, Heritage Irish Stepdancers; 21, Puppets and Things on Strings; 28, World Drum Celebration. Info: www.denverlibrary.org or 720-865-1306. Decker, 1501 S. Logan St., will be closed through mid-June for renovations. Schlessman, 100 Poplar St.: Bookbabies (3-24 mo.), Thursdays, 10:30a.m.; and All Ages Storytime, Tuesdays, 10:30a.m. Evolver Teens offers group activities monthly: Wed., March 11, 3:30-4:30p.m., practice & audition for a rock band! Word Up Readers Book Club is for readers grade 5 and up, meets March 25 (fourth Wednesday), 3:30-4:30p.m., to discuss Ally Carter’s I’d Tell You I Love You but then I’d Have to Kill You. Info: 720-865-0000. Virginia Village, 1500 S. Dahlia St., hosts Tot Tales (2-3 yrs.) on Mondays, 10:30 & 11:15a.m.; Bookbabies (6-24 mo.), Tuesdays, 10:30 & 11:30a.m.; Preschool Storytime (3-5 yrs,), Fridays, 10:30a.m. Super Saturdays, 11a.m.: March 7, Spring Fling Juggling; 28, World of Magic with Stuart Hayner. Info: 720-865-0940.
Have a budding chamber music enthusiast in the family? Sign up now for Intermezzo Chamber Music Sessions, a summer camp teaching novice and experienced chamber players to play in an ensemble, and enjoy and express the music to the fullest. Program also includes classes in yoga, the technical and musical interpretations of chamber music, techniques for practicing and rehearsing, stage etiquette and improvisation. Starts June 22 at 1220 S. Fillmore St. Register at www.IntermezzoCMS.com, or call 303-393-7116 with questions.
Kids can engage in creative arts with a little Español mixed in, at Museo de las Américas’ Art Camp summer program, 861 Santa Fe Dr., for youths kindergarten-12th grade, led by local artists and teachers. Younger students will learn Latin American history and traditions, and older students will be given more in-depth and challenging projects blending historical and contemporary subject matter. Six weeklong sessions will be offered as either half- or full-day camps, June 15-mid-August. Email claudia@museo.org for details, or call 303-571-4401.
Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St., offers a full-time, play-based learning Qualistar preschool, emphasizing school readiness and the arts and the Discoveryland Enrichment Program, 9a.m.-1p.m.. Also: Kids Club before- and after-school, DPS Days Off and flexible summer camp programs. WSCC has served the community since 1967. Information: www.wscc-denver.org or 303-733-4643.
Schedule and registration forms for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Summer Day Camps are available online. Weeklong day camps are available for kids of all ages, and fill up quickly. Visit www.dmns.org or call 303-322-7009.
Plan now for Summer Camps at the Mizel Museum, 400 S. Kearney St., half- and full-day multi-activity camps featuring art, dance, drama and multi- cultural activities for ages 4-12, $95-$185 per week. For details, call 303-394-9993, ext. 103, email jmock@mizelmuseum.org or visit www.mizelmuseum.org.
Form a band, rehearse and learn to play a set of classic rock songs for a live concert at Rock Music Boot Camp, a one-week “boot camp” version of Paul Green School of Rock Music program, held at Grant Avenue Community Center, 216 S. Grant St. Four camps – June 22-26, July 6-10 and 27-31, and Aug. TBA – held Mon.-Fri., 10a.m.-3p.m., with Fri., 6p.m., final concerts. Campers should be at least advanced beginners; $375 fee. Registration and details at www.schoolofrock.com, or 720-221-6991.
For All Single Moms – Families First offers a free Circle of Parents support group just for you! Discover proven methods for cutting down on the frustration of being a single parent in today’s hectic world. Unlock the knowledge you already hold and share your wisdom, create a support network and rebuild your self-esteem. Group meets first, third and fifth Thursdays, 6:30-8p.m., at Evanston United Methodist Church, 2122 S. Lafayette St. Free children’s group provided. Come build upon your strengths in a safe and nurturing environment. Info: call the Family Support Line, 303-695-7996, or Families First, 303-745-0327.
Registration for Fall 2009 has begun at Emmanuel United Methodist Preschool, 2700 S. Downing St., on a first-come, first-served basis. Emmanuel is celebrating its 35th year of service to the community. Classes include play, music, literacy, art, dramatics, science, cooking, outdoor play, special events, summer camp and global learning. Call to schedule a tour. Tuition discounts are available to residents through the Denver Preschool Program. Info: Jeanann Johnson at 303-758-1697.
University Park Mothers Club is a social, supportive, and educational group for families with young children living in the University Park neighborhood and surrounding area (Colorado Blvd. to University Blvd. and Yale Ave. to I-25). All families (dads, too!) with children ages 0-5 or expecting, are welcome. The group boasts more than 75 families and 150 children! Join today at www.uparkmoms.org or email info@uparkmoms.org for more information.
Wellshire Parents Day Out, an early childhood education program offered by Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., is offered Monday through Friday, 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m., Sept. through mid-May. Children at least one year old and walking, up through age 4, attend only one day a week for a fee of $80 per month. Call the PDO office, 303-691-0346, with questions.
Kindermusik means musical fun and fellowship for kids 6 weeks to 3 years, and their special adult (grandparents encouraged!) at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Held Wed., 9:45 & 10:30a.m. Caregiver must accompany children. Call Katy Fink-Johnson for details, 720-488-8076.
Improving moms’ lives through support, education and advocacy is the mission of Mothers & More, a secular, not-for-profit national organization. The Central Denver Chapter (#218) offers monthly activities like meetings, Margarita Club, play groups, family picnics, and provides email networks, newsletters and Care Committee Support. Visitors welcome at monthly moms-only events; email mothersandmoredenver@yahoo.com for details.
No mom was ever meant to mother alone. That’s the philosophy of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). The Corona MOPS is a local chapter that meets at Corona Presbyterian Church at 8th Ave. & Downing St. Join in for brunch, meeting other moms and speakers on diverse topics. Children’s program provided. Corona MOPS meets first, third and fifth Fridays of each month, 9-11:30a.m. Motherhood is a journey of its own, and supporting each other is fundamental. For info, call 303-832-2297.
Are you a Mod Mom? Do you have kids under 5? Are you expecting a new little one? Mod Moms – Moms of Denver – offers monthly get-togethers, playgroups, Mod Moms Unplugged, Bunko, book clubs and more, to build lasting friendships, have fun and support both mothers and children. Info: www.modmoms.org.
The MOMS Club of Cherry Creek/ Washington Park invites stay-at-home moms to meet with other at-home mothers and their children. The Club offers events every week, including play groups, outings, Bunko, Mom’s Night Out, walking groups and family nights. Find Cherry Creek chapter info: www.momsclubofcherrycreek.com or email momsclub_cc@yahoo.com. Washington Park chapter: email wpmc_membership@yahoo.com or visit www.momsclubofwashpark.com.
Challenge Fitness provides fitness and social opportunities for children with special needs (mild to moderate disabilities) at the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St. Kids can physically work out after school, stretch, develop balance and stamina, meet new people and learn life skills. Advance registration required; contact Parmet at 303-316-6309, or sparmet@jccdenver.org.
