with summer around the corner, it’s time to make sure the children will keep busy having fun. From art to tennis, U.Va. conducts several summer camps for children. Don’t forget sunscreen and hats when outdoors in the sun.

Sports and more

For a range of activities, the Intramural Recreational Sports department’s Cavalier Day Camp offers swimming, arts and crafts, music, drama and nature every week for children going into grades 1-5. Limited space is available, however, in the eight one-week sessions June 17 – Aug. 9.

Depending on their age group, campers may visit museums, community attractions, and nature areas for hiking and canoeing throughout the summer. Campers begin and end their day at North Grounds Recreation Center.

Cost: varies according to number of weeks and hours the child is registered. There is a discount for additional children. Member rate, $125; Non-member rate, $150.

IM-Rec Sports also offers tennis classes. (The registration deadline for swimming lessons is May 3.) Young people ages 8-18 can sign up for junior team tennis.

Three groups of youth tennis are available: ages 5 & under, ages 6-7 and ages 8-13. Every participant will receive a T-shirt.

Beginning players are introduced to basic skills. Experienced players will improve strokes and learn strategy. Drills and games are used to help everyone develop an understanding of the game. To ensure quality instruction, classes are limited to a low student-to-instructor ratio.

Six weeks of classes, from 9-9:55 a.m., will be held at the Snyder Tennis Center adjacent to Memorial Gym and run Monday through Friday, except for July 4.
Cost: $35 per child of student or member; $45 child of non-member. If multiple weeks are paid for at the same time: $30 and $40.

Coached by John Morris, junior team tennis is designed with the more experienced player in mind. Team members will practice stroke refinement, advanced play and tactics. The junior team will travel to compete against other clubs and recreation department teams. Practice and home matches will be held at the Snyder Tennis Center adjacent to Memorial Gym.

Practice times are Mon-Fri, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and matches are held on Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.

Cost: for the eight-week session: $35 for child of student or member; $45 child of non-member.

For an artful summer

“The best art comes from real life with your own twist of imagination.” That’s what one art camper said in last summer’s program. “Panoramic Perspectives” is this year’s theme for the University Art Museum’s summer program. Covering photography, drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking, the program offers opportunities for students to learn about art history. Participants will learn how to look at art, guided by museum docents and camp instructors, and will create their own artwork.

Camp is held Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the museum.

Three sessions will be offered: July 15- 26, July 29-Aug. 9 and Aug. 12-23. Campers and their families and friends will be invited to a reception and special exhibition of campers’ artwork Saturday, Aug. 24.

Cost: Through June 15, $300 per student per session for museum members; $360 per student per session for non-museum members. (This includes a family membership.) Tuition includes all supplies and morning and afternoon snacks. After June 15, the fee is $375. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Part of nature

Do your children like reptiles and amphibians, nocturnal creatures and insects? The U.Va. branch of the Virginia Museum of Natural History offers five one-week day-camp sessions for children entering grades 1-3 or 4-6, from June 24-28 through July 29-Aug. 2.

Children will have the opportunity to experiment with all their senses as they explore new ideas about nature. There’s also a special session on the Lewis & Clark expedition.

Sessions, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon, will be held at the VMNH-UVA Branch, 104 Emmet Street and may include a local field trip. Children should bring a healthy snack and drink.

Cost: $105 for museum members; $115 for non-members; $10 discount for siblings. Some scholarships are available.

• IM-Rec Sports - Aquatic & Fitness Center, room 209 / 924-3791
http://www.virginia.edu/ims/*CDC/CDC.htm#intro

•University of Virginia Art Museum - Bayly Building, Rugby Road / 924-7458
http://www. virginia.edu/artmuseum/Summercamp/camp.html

• Virginia Museum of Natural History - 104 Emmet Street / 982-4605
http: www.virginia.edu/~vmnh-uva