Daxon: Fun summer activities for kids in Brea

By early June, all of Brea's public school students be out for summer vacation.

Well, not for the entire summer, because they return to their schools on Aug. 14. Many of us, and our kids, remember the school year ending mid-June and everyone heading back to classes right after Labor Day. Not any more.

So it is time to find fun activities for the kids, if you haven't done so already, and Brea's Community Center is a good place to start.

Unfortunately, the summer camp is filled, but you might find a cancellation at this point. Worth a try, and you can find out by checking the website, brearec.com. And there is also a great summer camp program through the Boys & Girls Club of Brea, Placentia, Yorba Linda at the Brea club, 502 Sievers Ave., by the Brea Senior Center.

The Boys & Girls Club's summer camp will run 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 5 to Aug. 14, and is open to kids age 5 and older and includes fun field trips. Limited spaces are left for the younger kids, said Christine Marick, chief professional officer. Go to everykid.org for more information and registration for all ages.

Mary Kathryn Mendoza, community services supervisor, youth programs, said the part-time Tiny Tots and Summer Fun Club programs are already filled for the summer.

"We do have various camps and youth sports activities that still have room at this point," said Mendoza. Go to brearec.com to find what sports and aquatics are available, including the new Youth Summer Games. And don't wait to register at brearec.com.

The Youth Summer Games sound like a lot of fun. Mendoza said the program takes place Friday mornings, June 9 to July 21. Each week the participants learn new games, including Kickball, Whack-o, Capture the Flag, Flag Football and Relay Races. There are also a Kids’ Choice Day and Water Day aquatics at the Brea Plunge.

Sounds like good summertime fun that doesn't include cell phones.

There are also special theme camps that sound like a lot of fun. They include a Harry Potter Camp, Princess Camp, Star Wars Camp, assorted art camps, STEM and science camps, and they are all available for ages 5 to 12. The cost for these theme camps ranges from $100 to $299, and you can register online at brearec.com.

One of the all-time favorite summertime events at the Brea Community Center is the annual Father-Daughter Dance for girls ages 3 to 18 and dads or father figures of any age.

This year the Father-Daughter Dance is June 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and includes dinner. This year the theme is Star Wars. I wonder if any father-daughter pairs will come as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia?

Mendoza said they have an awesome DJ who has special contests and plays interactive games with the guests, along with the music for rocking out. She added that the Father-Daughter Dance has been presented in Brea for more than 20 years. Maybe this year there will a grandfather or two accompanying their granddaughters to the dance.

To register for the Father-Daughter Dance call 714-990-7101 or just stop by the information counter in the Community Center. And polish up those dance shoes.

Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at [email protected].

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