While the kids are gearing up for a break from school, parents in Santa Clarita are sorting out how to keep their youngsters engaged and out of trouble during Spring Break. City officials have launched programs ranging from team sports to cooking classes designed to fill the void. The Spring Break Camp, aimed at kids aged 4.5 to 17, is setting up shop at the Newhall and Canyon Country Community Centers from April 1-5 with daily activities scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

City Manager Ken Striplin detailed the planning that went into developing this initiative, "Our staff developed this initiative in response to the community’s need to keep our youth engaged and active during school breaks." Little kids can sign up for Spring Buddies, which, among other things, features team-building exercises and dance sessions tailor-made to help them develop social skills. Meanwhile, older kids can get involved in Spring Adventures for Youth and teens have a custom-made Teen Experience program, all devised to foster creativity, teamwork and a sense of community.

At the Newhall Community Center, STEM becomes STEAM with a camp that includes hands-on activities that embody Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. It's a think tank for kids, aimed to spark innovation and critical thinking skills, while RecPlay brings the focus back to the body with a heavy emphasis on sports and games designed to promote fitness and teamwork. "Teens aged 13-17 can explore a variety of interests," boasts a program overview from the City's announcement, highlighting options like Art for All and Digital Odyssey.

With spots filling up, Striplin is urging families to move fast. Registration for Spring Camp 2024 is now open, and parents can secure a spot for their little ones online at SantaClarita.gov/Seasons or in person at the Community Centers. The City promises a cornucopia of activities to wrest kids away from their screens and infuse their break with social interaction and learning opportunities – just don't wait too long to sign up.