Here’s what’s on tap this summer
Horse riding
Horseplay Equestrian Center, LLC will offer weekly day camps beginning June 13 for beginning and intermediate riders. Horseplay camps are designed to introduce children to correct riding skills and the care of horses. Those with a riding background will advance their skills in various riding disciplines.
Each day includes a mounted riding lesson with individual and group instruction, plus games, crafts, discussion groups, barn chores and other hands-on activities. In addition to developing their riding skills campers will learn safe horsemanship and an understanding of the nature of horses.
Participants receive a “Horseplay” T-shirt, as well as photos and art projects.
Location: Honalo (8 miles south of Palani)
Ages 5-14
Hours vary by week and age: 8:30-2:30 sessions, 8:30-12:30 4 &5-day sessions
Cost: $250-435
Contact: Cyndy DeMeter 345-4696 Email: konahorseplay@gmail.com, konahorseplay.com, Facebook: Horseplay
Equestrian Center
Hawaii County Summer Fun programs
The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation announces openings are still available for select youth Summer Fun Programs and Summer Sports Camps offered throughout Hawaii Island.
Summer Fun Programs include excursions, swimming, nature exploration, arts and crafts projects, indoor and outdoor games, sports, music, and dance. Open to boys and girls who have completed kindergarten through the sixth grade, Summer Fun Programs are offered weekdays from June 6 through July 15, except for holidays.
Summer Sports Camps are open to older children, in some cases up to high school seniors, and offer sports, strength, speed and agility, and cross-training. They are held weekdays June 6 through July 15, except for holidays.
Registrations will be accepted for the following programs on a first-come, first-served basis until all open spots are filled.
Kona and Kohala District
Kekuaokalani Gymnasium Summer Fun (at Kailua Park)
Yano Hall Summer Fun
Waimea Community Center Summer Fun
Waikoloa Park Summer Fun
Kamehameha Park Summer Fun
Info: 961-8740.
Tennis for all skill levels
Junior Tennis Academy at Mauna Lani Sports and Fitness Club, 68-1365 Pauoa Road in South Kohala
May 30 – July 30
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. M/W/F/S Advanced tournament training
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. T/TH/S Beginner intermediate
10-11 a.m. T/TH Keiki beginner
Saturday is match play
Cost: $50 daily, $125 weekly, $500 (5) weeks, $600 all 10 weeks
Info: 808-885-7765
Summer education program
Kuleana Education’s Summer Program is open to any incoming K-8 students in the community. You do not need to be a Kuleana student to attend. We are offering six one- week sessions over the summer, and you may apply for any weeks you are interested in.
June 13 – 17 is Science and Art Camp. June 20-24 is Music Mania. June 27-July 1 is Space Camp. July 4 – 8 is Around the World Camp. July 11 – 15 is Creative Arts Camp, and July 18 to 22 is Carnival Camp.
Info: www.k8kona.com or call us at 808-989-0986.
STARS summer camp
The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) is currently accepting applications for its summer STARS Program.
STARS, short for STEM Aerospace Research Scholars, is a summer space workshop for high school females ages 16 and up. The program will run for four days starting July 19 with a workshop at the Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope Headquarters in Waimea. On July 20, the participants will take a tour of PISCES headquarters and projects, and then visit the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation again on Thursday for an overview on multi-wavelength astronomy and search for Exo-planets and life in the universe. The program will end on July 22nd with a sunset tour at the Summit of Mauna Kea.
Those interested may apply online at PISCES’ website www.pacificspacecenter.com. Applications will be accepted until May20. Spots are limited.
Summer Activities for Kona Baptist Church
For June
What: Vacation Bible School – “The Ultimate Treasure”
Where: Kona Baptist Church
When: June 6 – 10
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Ages: Completed kindergarten through 5th grade
Cost: Free
Contact: Kona Baptist Church office for registration forms, 322-3355
For July
What: B I Mpact Youth Camp (BIBA Association)
Where: Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano.
When: July 11-15
Ages: 6th grade – 12th grade
Cost: $199
Sailing courses at Kawaihae Harbor
The Island of Hawaii YMCA is pleased to announce it will offer a summer series of small boat sailing classes at Kawaihae Harbor.
Beginning Sailing courses:
Class #1 June 25-26 &July 2-3 (consecutive weekends)
Class #2 July 9-10 &16-17 (consecutive weekends)
Class #3 July 23-24 &30-31 (consecutive weekends)
Advanced sailing course: (completion of beginning course required)
Monday through Thursday July 18-21
Cost: $125 for YMCA members, $175 for public
Contacts: david.giff@islandofhawaiiymca.org, daniellej@islandofhawaiiymca.org (808) 935-3721
Junior Music Academy
JuniorMusicAcademy.com
Music classes at Junior Music Academy this summer include: Musical adventures around the world: Action-packed musical games with singing and hands-on instrument playing for students entering grades 1-4. June 6 to July 15. $120 per two week session, $215 for two sessions, $305 for all three sessions. Sibling discount available.
Pre-piano, singing and creative movement: For 3-5 year olds Creative theme -based lessons for preschoolers and their parents or caregivers that incorporate singing, creative movement and hands-on piano playing. 5-10 weeks, $10 per class or drop in rate: $12 per class Open enrollment.
Clapping, wiggles, bounces and tickles: For infants and toddlers. Hands-on instrument playing, singing, dancing and creative movement for our youngest musicians and their parents or caregivers. 5-10 weeks, $10 per class or drop in rate: $12 per class. Open enrollment – Jump in any time!
Classes will be held at Junior Music Academy in the old industrial area, 74-5605 Alapa St., #105 in Kailua-Kona
Info: Miss Mary at 331-2000 for more information or visit: www.juniormusicacademy.com
Cultural festival
This summer Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will hold its annual cultural festival.
Where: Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
When: June 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fees: Entry fee waiver days!
Activities: Hawaiian crafts, games, demonstrations, guided walks, canoe rides (Saturday) and food tasting (Sunday)
Info: www.nps.gov/puho or call (808)328-2326 ext. 1702 or find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/PuuhonuaoHonaunauNPS
Vacation Bible School
Offered by Kona Faith Center, Inc. at the Captain Cook Shopping Center, across from NAPA in Captain Cook
Dates: July 6-8
Ages 5-12
Must be 5 years old at time of registration
Cost: $7. Includes Lunch and Snacks if Prepaid, $10 at door
Info, register form: 323-3788, X 107
Library summer reading
North Kohala Public Library will kick off its summer reading program starting May 31. The program runs for seven weeks ending on July 15. This year’s theme is “Exercise Your Mind” and focuses on health and fitness. The library will offer a variety of programs for all ages.
Every Monday evening at 6 p.m. enjoy a family film all rated PG, and open to ages 5 and up (except for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is PG-13). The movies and dates are as follows: June 6 “Inside Out”, June 13 “The Good Dinosaur”, June 20 “Pan”, June 27 “Shaun the Sheep”, and on July 11 “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”*PG-13*(Parental Advisory)
Kids ages 6-12 bring your lunch to the library every Wednesday (June 8-July 6) at 12:15 p.m. and join the Lunch Bunch. Enjoy your meal while listening to stories. The library will provide a small healthy snack. Then stay for the Library Olympics games and crafts.
The Library Olympics for ages 6-12 will meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. The library Olympics opening ceremony will be on June 8, and includes making a paper Olympic torch, head wreath and participating in the library’s opening ceremony parade. Olympic crafts will be made on June 15. Children will make a personalized family flag and clay medallion to use during the library Olympic games and closing ceremony. There will be three Olympic game days, starting on June 22 with an obstacle course. On June 29 there will be water games, including a slip ‘n’ slide (remember to bring your swim suit and towel). On the last library Olympic game day children will attempt to make and break some library records, such as fastest runner, or longest jump. The final day will be the library Olympics closing ceremony on July 6 starting at 12:30 p.m. with a big celebration, including an awards ceremony, and food.
The summer reading program offers something for everyone! Come to the library this summer to enjoy the programs, sign up for summer reading, read books, and win prizes. This year if you participate for 4 or more weeks of summer reading program you will receive a new book (choose from a variety of books or puzzle/activity books). There are weekly incentives for all readers-Children, Teens and Adults!
Info: Leilani Silver at North Kohala Public Library, 889-6655.
Drum-making workshop
Make a Native American prayer drum in a ceremonial setting: 15” Cedar Rounds and Elk rawhide for creating your drum are included in the cost. Open to adults and young people 12 and older.
Workshop leader: Dawn Barnett
Dates: June 10 &11.
Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: New Thought Center of Hawaii, Kealakekua
Cost: $200— Pay materials fee of $70 to hold a place.
Send check to Dawn at P.O. Box 1078, Kapaau, HI 96755 or pay by credit or debit card via New Thought website: www.newthoughtcenterofhawaii.com (Click on events, register) Deposit due May 21; balance on or before June 10.
Info: Dawn Barnett at 808 895-7870.
Yoga CIRQUE-US Summer Camp
A camp for budding performers ages 5-18, with Chantel Durelli (and assistants). 4 week sessions.
Starts June 6, M-F 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: 3 days a week $300/month, 5 days a week $400/month
Become junior park rangers
Keiki from ages seven to 13 years old are invited to “Find Your Park” and become junior rangers through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s free Keiki o Hawaii Nei summer program during the park’s centennial year. A fun-filled, three-day program for keiki ages 7 to 10 is June 7-9, and a program for youngsters ages 11 to 13 is June 14-16.
Each age group begins Tuesday and ends on Thursday. For the first two days, Keiki o Hawaii Nei begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. On the last day (Thursday), the program begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. The programs will start and end at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
Keiki o Hawaii Nei is designed to encourage a child’s enthusiasm for discovery by connecting the child with the park’s resources and staff, and to inspire his or her appreciation of what is uniquely Hawaiian by exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Hawaii.
Participants must bring and be able to carry their own day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and rain gear, and hike up to three miles over uneven terrain at a leisurely pace. All interested applicants must submit an application to register.Download the application form here, or contact Education Specialist Lanakila Anderson at (808) 985-6020 or email gwen_anderson@nps.gov for information and an application.
Applications are due by noon on May 16, and selections will be made, and parents notified, on May 18.
Learn to swim with Hawaii Swimming
The learn-to-swim classes offer a wide array of levels, which include Parent-Child classes, pre-school classes, K-5 classes, middle and high school classes, and adult classes. Participants learn important skills and techniques at every lesson; are grouped according to ability; and learn in asmall-group setting. Descriptions of levels, class times, dates, and locations are listed on the Hawaii Swimming website(https://www.hawaiiswimming.org).
Registration and payment is required prior to attending classes. Participants may register on-line at any time.
Info: 572-4665 or email hawaiiswimming@hawaiiswimming.org
Golf with pros
Big Island Junior Swing Team at BICC offers players ages 10-17 an invitation to Train to Play with Coach Laurie, LPGA Teaching Professional and Titleist Performance Institute Junior 2 and Golf 3 Certified.
Sessions are 12:30 to 5:30 Tuesday and Thursday June 7 to July 28. Cost is $75 per Session with 2-6 players max.
Players must know the basics of the game, have proper fitted clubs, willing to walk 9 holes and a desire to train to play/compete.
Each session combines golf specific fitness, swing skill development, and challenging drills followed with the 2 hour coached on course playing experience.
Info: Laurie Hillyard at 808-333-6114 or laurie@skillfullgolf.com
Summer sailing adventure
Big Island Sailing Foundation is pleased to be able to offer several one-week sailing camps of fun, safe, learning activities in June &July.
Beginning dinghy sailing and beach fun for 8-12 years olds will be at Keauhou Bay; The first session runs June 20-24, a 2nd session for young sailors runs June 27 – July 1. Day camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In July there will be two dinghy/keel boat sailing weeks for 12–18 year olds, sailing out of Kona Sailing Club at Honokohau Harbor. Novice teens and intermediate sailors are welcome to join the July 11-15 session. Intermediate sailing and Intro to Racing will be July 25- 29. Day camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Certified instructors and Lifeguards lead the shore and sailing programs. No prior sailing experience required for the June camps, however, participants should be able to swim and be comfortable on the water. Booklets and life jackets provided. BISF is a charitable organization and requests a fee of $170 from new sailors, $150 for returning sailors. Scholarships are available.
Info: Alicia Starsong @ 325-5529 or email bisf@earthlink.net
Soccer camps
Soccer camps run for 2 weeks sponsored by Kona AYSO and also high school coaches.
Week 1 will be July 18-22 at old airport field for boys/girls 6-14 years. (Coaches: International USSF certified/Phys ed specialists/MA degrees in education) $125 a week.
Week 2 will be July 25-29 at old airport field – College prep week/Soccer &Strength training or all high school players. (Coaches: International USSF “A” licensed certified/certified strength and conditioning coach/MA degrees in education/CA Olympic development coach). $125 a week.
Muchkin camp for 4-6 year olds. July 25-29. 1:30 to 3 p.m. at old airport field. $79 per week.
Kona AYSO Summer Camp check send to PO Box 1598 Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
Science Camp for teens
Science Camps of America, a Hawaii-based nonprofit, heads back to Hawaii Island this summer, offering teens entering grades 8 through 12 the opportunity to explore science outdoors. Camp founder Michael Richards started the camp in 2013 for teens to do science rather than just reading about it from a textbook.
Camp home base will be at the Pahala Plantation Cottages in Ka’u. Campers will get the chance to explore the environmental diversity that Hawaii Island has to offer from beaches to rain forests and mountaintops. Some of the destinations include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, Mauna Kea Visitor Center, U.S.G.S. Mauna Loa Climate Observatory, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and many more.
The first camp session, Land and Sea, will be held June 29 to July 8 and focus on Hawaii’s ocean, forests, mountains and volcanoes. Campers will explore Hawaii’s unique flora and fauna and learn how events in the natural world affect every living creature, including humans.
The second session, Air and Space, will be held July 9 to 18 and focus on astronomy, space exploration and climate. Campers will gain a better understanding of climate change and the creation and use of alternative energy to help address global warming.
To extend this experience to more local teens, Science Camps offers a limited amount of partial scholarships based on financial need through the Science Camp of America Scholarship Fund. Other scholarship opportunities are available from partnering nonprofits.
Info and register: visit SciCamp.org.
Jack’s Diving Locker camps
Keiki Sea Camp: June 6-10, ages 6-8, $195, includes marine life education, beach excursions, tide pool exploration, shoreline clean-up, snorkeling, pool activities, ocean themed arts &crafts.
Sea Camp Hawaii – Sea Turtles: June 20-24, ages 8-14, $250, includes sea turtle education, beach excursions, snorkeling over a coral reef, shoreline clean-up, PADI Skin Diver program and intro to scuba diving!
Sea Camp Hawaii – Coral Reef Ecology: Aug. 1-5, $250, ages 8-14, includes coral reef education, beach excursions, snorkeling over a coral reef, shoreline clean-up, PADI Skin Diver program, and intro to scuba diving!
Sea Camp Hawaii – Dolphins &Whales: July 11-15, ages 8-14, $250, includes Dolphin Snorkel Boat Trip, PADI Skin Diver program, snorkeling over a coral reef, shoreline clean-up, dolphin and whale education, and intro to scuba diving!
Sea Camp Hawaii – Sharks &Rays: July 18-22, $325, ages 10-14 (ages 8 &9 with Camp Director approval), includes Manta Night Snorkel, intro to scuba diving, PADI Skin Diver program, snorkeling over a coral reef, shoreline clean-up, shark and manta ray education.
Seal Team Scuba Camp: June 27-July 1 or July 25-29, ages 8-14, $295 plus materials, includes official PADI Seal Team pool aqua missions with basic scuba skills and building a ‘space station’ underwater.
Master Seal Team Scuba Camp: July 4-8 or Aug. 1-5, $295, ages 8-14, includes official PADI Seal Team pool aqua missions such as diving on a ‘wreck’ and night diving, plus shallow water shore scuba diving!
Open Water Scuba Camp: June 6-9, July 4-7, July 25-28, August 1-5, $350 plus materials, ages 12-18, PADI eLearning $174, includes pool, shore, and boat dives. PADI Jr. Open Water Diver certification will be issued with successful completion of camp.
Advanced Scuba Camp: June 13-16 or July 11-14, ages 12-18, $350 plus materials, PADI eLearning $164, dives include boat, underwater naturalist, deep, navigation, and night. PADI Jr. Advanced Open Water Diver certification issued with successful completion of camp.
Rescue Diver Scuba Camp: June 20-23, ages 12-18, $350 plus materials, PADI eLearning $169, includes First Aid/CPR certification course plus rescue diving skills and scenarios. PADI Jr. Rescue Diver certification issued with successful completion of camp.
All camps conducted at Jack’s Diving Locker located at the Coconut Grove Marketplace 75-5813 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740. Camp supervisors are certified in 1st Aid/CPR plus have PADI certifications such as Instructor, Divemaster or Rescue Diver. Prerequisites vary depending on camp. Register by calling 808-329-7585. Registration forms and camp details at https://www.jacksdivinglocker.com/juniors/.
Dance camp
West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy Summer Dance Camp, Register on line www.whdt.org, Phone (808) 329-8876
Classical Ballet Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Conditioning and Choreography Camp Ages 10 and up
Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Camp #1 June 6-9
Camp #2 June 20-23
Camp #3 July 11-14
Camp #4 July 18-21
Fee: $195 per Student per Camp
Musical Theatre Dance &Vocal Camp Ages 6 +
Tuesday, June 14 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 15 9 .m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, June 16 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
Fee: $165
Prince &Princess Dance Camp Ages 3-5
Tuesday-Thursday 1-3 p.m.
Camp #1 June 14-16
Camp #2 July 12-14
Fee: $125 per Student per Camp
Tinker Bell and her Fairy Friends Dance Camp Ages 6-9
Tuesday-Thursday 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Camp #1 June 28-30
Camp #2 July 19-21
Fee: $145 per Student per Camp
Zulu Maniacs Hip Hop Ages 6-16
July 9, Saturday 2:00pm-3:30pm $15 Drop In
Hip Hop &Jazz Classes with Ali Hasert
5-Week Session Dates : June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
3:30-4:15 p.m. : Hip Hop ages 6-10
4:15- 5:00 p.m. : Hip Hop ages 11-16
5 – 5:45 p.m. : Jazz Ages 11-16
5:45- 6:45 p.m. : Hip Hop/Jazz Teen &Adult
Fee: $60 for five classes, $15 Drop in
Tap &Contemporary Classes with Juanita Finkenberg
Dates : June 21,28 ~ July 5,12 (Tuesdays – 4 sessions)
3:30 -4:30 p.m. : Beginner Tap for All ages
4:30-5:30 p.m. : Intermediate Advanced Tap for All ages
5:30- 6:30 p.m. : Teen / Adult Contemporary
Fee: $45 for four classes, $15 Drop in