Summer camps for downvalley youths

EAGLE, Colorado — There are tons of fun activities on tap for kids this summer in Eagle and Gypsum. Whether your children are interested in sports, flying or animals, there’s a camp that’s perfect for them. Check out the Rec Kids and summer sports camps offered through the Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District.

Rec Kids camp

Parents can sign their children up for Rec Kids camps at either the Gypsum Recreation Center or the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink.

Programs at the Gypsum Recreation Center are a new addition this year to the Rec Kids camp, which has been operating out of the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink for four years.

“We wanted to give campers the opportunity to spend more time on the activities we offer at our traditional camp at the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink plus experience everything that the Gypsum Recreation Center has to offer.” Rec Kids Coordinator Jenika Doberstein said.

In Gypsum, kids can engage in weeklong camps focusing on specialty activities. For instance, the flight academy will teach kids about everything from paper airplanes to rockets, and culminate in a field trip to the Colorado Army National Guard’s High Altitude Aviation Training Site at the Eagle County Regional Airport. Also, an “Animals in Action” camp features trips to the 4Eagle Ranch petting zoo in Wolcott and the animal shelter in Eagle. Other specialty camps focus on swimming, juggling, cooking, archery and crafts.

Set for June 8 to Aug. 20, the Rec Kids camps at the Gypsum Recreation Center will take place Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The camps cost $110 to $150 per week. Children will learn about their specialty topics for two hours, and spend the rest of the day immersed in classic camp activities like hiking, archery, games, swimming, disc golf, outdoor education, and arts and crafts.

Those classic camp activities will be available at the Rec Kids camp at the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink as well. Plus, a variety of adventure trips are part of the Eagle program. For example, kids can explore caves at the Glenwood Cavern, rock climb at Camp Hale or tour Elitch Gardens in Denver. Adventure trips range from $35 to $50 per trip. The Rec Kids camp at the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink costs $35 per day, per child. Set for June 8 through Aug. 21, the camp runs Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Registration for the Rec Kids camps began in April. Parents can register their children up to two days before the camp starts. Register in person by stopping by the Gypsum Recreation Center or the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink. For more information, visit www.wecmrd.org or call 970-328-5277.

Summer sports camps

If your kids are into sports, WECMRD offers 50 different camps this summer in Eagle County.

“Basically we’re setting up the summer sport camps to be affordable summer recreation for all kids and opportunities for these kids to improve on these various sports,” said Brad Johnson, athletics coordinator for WECMRD.

Each camp spans two to four days. Camps are available from June 8 through Aug. 28.

A variety of camps specialize in tennis, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, flag football, volleyball, dance, skateboarding, mountain biking, karate, fly fishing or lacrosse.

For example, during one camp in July, coaches and players from the professional lacrosse team the Denver Outlaws will run a program in Edwards. Children who sign up for that camp get a free ticket to the All-Star Game at Invesco Field in Denver.

A wide variety of programs are available for children ages 6 to 18. Programs range from $45 to $200. Camps will take place at venues throughout Eagle County. Registration continues throughout the summer. For more information, visit www.wecmrd.org or stop by the Gypsum Recreation Center or Eagle Pool and Ice Rink.

For more information on camps, visit www.wecmrd.org.

Current events Start Smart Baseball/Softball When: Eagle Pool: Mondays 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29; Miller Ranch Turf: Wednesdays 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1 Age/Grade: 3-4 yrs. Cost: $25 Registration Deadline: May 22 More details: Contact the GRC at 777-8888 or EPIR 328-5277 Swimming Lessons When: June 8 - Aug. 29 Where: Eagle Pool & Gypsum Rec. Center Pool Age/Grade: Parent/Tot - 6+ yrs. Cost: $35 weekday lessons, $30 Sat. lessons Registration: Save $5 if register before June 1 More details: Contact the GRC at 777-8888 or EPIR 328-5277 to register Rec Kids Camp When: June 8 – August 21 Where: Eagle Pool & Ice Rink & GRC Age/Grade: K-7th Grades Cost:EPIR-$35/day/child (Adventure trips vary, see schedule for details); GRC -$110-150/week Registration Begins: April 1, contact 328-5277 to register Adult Co-Rec Soccer When: June 8 – August 17 Where: Freedom Park, Edwards a Divisions: Co-Rec Cost: $450/team Registration Deadline: June 3 Summer Sports Camps When: June, July, August Where: Various locations Age/Grade: 6+ yrs. Cost: Varies depending on camp Registration Begins: April 1, contact 777-8888 to register Dive In to Summer Pool Party When: Friday, June 5th, 12-2:30pm Where: Eagle Pool Age/Grade: All Ages Welcome Cost: Kids under 18 Free, Adults $6

Contact the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink at 970-328-5277 or the Gypsum Recreation Center at 970-777-8888

Editor's note: This is an excerpt from WECMRD's monthly ad in the Eagle Valley Enterprise.