County celebrates Parks and Recreation Month
A beleaguered economy means a tightened family household budget, but residents don't have to cut out extra activities just yet. Clark County Parks and Recreation, in honor of National Parks and Recreation Month, offers activities, camps, fitness centers and activities to fit families' tight budgets and active lifestyles.
Memories of summer camp don't need to be forgotten during tough economic times. They can live on during the On the Edge (ages 13-15) and Omni (ages 8-12) camps. From July 19-24, On the Edge challenges campers in outdoor adventure recreation including a high-ropes course, mountain biking, hiking and a one-night camp-out under the stars. From July 26-31, the Omni Camp encourages kids with interests in science, arts and outdoor adventure recreation.
All campers stay in dormitory-style cabins at Camp Lee Canyon, located about 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Valley, and are supervised by a trained staff. Cost is $400 for each camp, which includes all meals, a daily snack, class supplies and camp T-shirt.
For regulations and prerequisites for camp, call Colleen Duffy at 455-7071 or send e-mail to CampLee@co.clark.nv.us.
Tuition to high-priced dance, music and martial arts studios and sports leagues are typically the first cuts when finances tighten. Clark County Parks and Recreation employs professional dance, music, theater, martial arts, sports and fitness instructors with talent and expertise.
Sports activities and classes are available for youth and adults, such as badminton, basketball, flag football, golf, cheerleading, soccer, softball and volleyball. For the creatively inclined, dance classes in hip-hop, ballroom, belly, ballet, contemporary, jazz, Latin spice, musical theater, Mexican folkloric and tap are available and numerous centers for all ages. Classes can range from $18 for a four-week session to $60 for a 12-week session, depending on the class, center and program.
The Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, offers low-cost, high-quality concerts by national and local performers as well as educational programs in theater, dance, music and voice. The Winchester Players theater troupe offers professional training for youth ages 6 to 16 along with three annual productions. The Winchester Star Catchers Dance Program, for ages 8 to 18, is home to the center's hip-hop dance team, and the Winchester Youth Choir uses contemporary and Broadway styles to train young voices. Classes in fitness, music and voice also are available for all ages. Call 455-7340 for additional information.
Understanding threatening situations and the skills to escape them are learned during the new Bujinkan Ninjutsu classes for youth and adults at Helen Meyer Community Center, 4525 New Forest Drive. Richard "Deshimura" McCall, an eighth-degree black belt with more than 45 years of training and teaching experience, instructs the youth (ages 7-15) and adult classes (ages 16 and older). The four-week classes begin Aug. 8 and cost $18 for youth, $25 for adults. For information, call 455-7723.
The classes and programs above are only a fraction of what lies in store at neighborhood Clark County Parks and Recreation centers. Fitness centers, sport courts and open play areas are available at many centers. Most classes can be registered for online using a major credit card. To register, or to see a full list of classes, events, exhibits, concerts and activities, visit the Web site at www.accessclark county.com/parks or call 455-8200.
