The city of Encinitas offers about 500 different programs during the summer, with more than 100 different camps for all ages. Nick Buck, recreation supervisor, gives us a tour of programs and events to check out during the next couple of months.
SUMMER CAMPS: “We have everything from surfing to Legos to music and everything in between,” says Buck of the slate of camps for participants ranging from toddlers to seniors. “They are great resources for getting kids involved in something and getting the most out of their summer.” Various sessions are offered throughout the season.
BEACH KIDS/JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS: Encinitas’ popular Junior Lifeguards program has been offering kids age 9 and older “a great mix of fun and education” for about 20 years, Buck says. And younger children, ages 7 and 8, can get in on the action with Beach Kids, now in its second year. The program emphasizes beach safety and awareness, basic first aid, marine life awareness, water etiquette and team building.
“It gives kids confidence to feel good at the beach,” says Buck, who adds that lifeguard skills are taken more seriously in the program for older kids. In Beach Kids, there is no prerequisite in terms of swimming skills; participants are put in groups based on age, ability, comfort level and experience. “The goal is, at whatever level, they advance their skills,” Buck adds. “There is a swim test for Junior Lifeguards and the hope is that Beach Kids will get kids to that level for the test.”
Beach Kids, like its counterpart, is offered in two-week sessions at Moonlight State Beach, from either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. There are three sessions offered during the summer, with the first one starting July 5. Fees are $177.50 (Beach Kids) and $227.50 (Junior Lifeguards) for Encinitas residents. Get more information at encinitasbeachkids.com or encinitasjrguards.com.
TEEN TRIPS: Two outings are offered this summer for 7th through 12th-graders: Six Flags Magic Mountain (July 6) and Universal Studios (Aug. 3). “One of the cool things about these trips is it’s just teens” says Buck. “It’s an all-day thing—they leave at 8 a.m. and come back at 10 p.m.” Kids travel in style on a luxury charter bus with movies playing during the round trip. When they get to the venue, they can move around on their own, but must check in at specific times throughout the day. The price is an affordable $47.50 for residents, which includes theme park admission.
SUNDAY SUMMER CONCERTS BY THE SEA: The free concert series at Moonlight Beach is bookended by reggae performances. The Devastators play July 10, and Shoreline Rootz performs Aug. 21; other shows feature the soul/funk of The Styletones (July 24) and blues from Burnsville Band (Aug. 7). The free concerts are staged below the parking lot bluff; Buck recommends going a couple of hours early to get a prime spot.
FEELING FIT FESTIVAL: The showcase of the city’s recreational offerings makes a move from its usual October date and will now be held Aug. 20 at Leo Mullen Sports Park, across the street from Target. This year, the city is partnering with the Coastal Community Foundation and the Encinitas Union School District to present the free festival, which includes rock walls, inflatables and the chance to sample different kinds of city rec classes.
For more information on city recreation activities, visit encinitasrecreg.com or encinitasparksandrec.com.
Cardiff’s Birthday Bash
A reminder that Cardiff celebrates its centennial July 2 with a variety of festivities. Kicking things off at 10 a.m. is a parade from the Cardiff post office down Newcastle Avenue, presided over by grand marshal Marion Ross. The parade ends at Glen Park, where the rest of the birthday action takes place until 4 p.m.
Among the events: a historical exhibit curated by Friends of the Cardiff by the Sea Library; live music; an arts and crafts fair; a kids yoga class and other children-oriented activities such as face painting and chalk drawing; and food and beverages from local businesses including Rimel’s Rotisserie, Bull Taco and East Coast Pizza.
Shuttle service is available from Encinitas City Hall (505 S. Vulcan Drive). The Cardiff post office is located at 2027 Newcastle Ave., and Glen Park is located at 2149 Orinda Drive. Admission is free. For more information, call 760-436-0431 or visit cardiff101.com.
Don’t Snooze and Miss Mattress Store Charity Drive
Donate a backpack filled with notebooks, pencils and more as part of Sleep Train Mattress Center’s annual School Supply Drive for Foster Kids, which takes place July 18 through Sept. 5. The store is located at 356 N. El Camino Real. For more information, call 760-479-2529 or visit sleeptrain.com.
