Patch Picks: Spring and Summer Kids Camps

Spring break is almost here, and summer is just around the corner. Here are five kids camps in the region where youth can get creative, be active and learn new things.

• The has day camps during spring break and summer vacations. The camps are open to kids in grades kindergarten through eighth grades. Call 831-728-9622 for information.
• Live Earth Farm Discovery Program has two week-long day Art on the Farm camps scheduled this summer. Children will prepare farm-fresh snacks, make cheese and cob oven pizza, learn about planting, harvesting and animal care, and do arts and crafts: animal masks, printmaking, tie-dye, garden signs, forts, totems and wheat heads. The camp is at the 80-acre organic fruit and vegetable farm that also is home to sheep, goats and chickens. Camps start on June 13 and 20, and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farm is at 172 Litchfield Lane, Watsonville. Contact Jessica Ridgeway at 831-728-2032 or lefeducation@baymoon.com to register for camp.
• The city's parks and community services department will host Spring Day Camp for kids ages 5-12 at Ramsay Park Family Center on April 25-29. Camp is from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $140 for the full week, including a field trip. Register online, at the parks office (231 Union St.) Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by calling 831-768-3240.
• Pleasant Valley Horse Club in Aptos hosts day camps year round, with its Spring Camp April 25-29. Instructors are trained in horse safety and will assist children in learning basic equestrian skills. The camp costs $75 per day, or you can get a package deal for $200 by attending Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Monday through Friday for $300. Day camps continue through the summertime, teaching natural horsemanship, English and western skills. 
• For another opportunity to horse around, check out Mitchell Ranch in Watsonville. The Travers Lane ranch holds summer camps where kids can learn about horses in a safe environment. Kids are exposed to horses in a way that builds self esteem and confidence. In addition to riding, participants learn about grooming and tack while they get familiar with the horses. Contact Lauren Schlick at 408-528-5461 or Info@Horse-n-Around.Biz.