Illustrations by Ben Ciccati
While the phrase “back to school” may not elicit the same excitement from kids as, say, “summer camp,” we bet parents don’t mind so much. Luckily there’s a compromise: Kids may have to return to school, but they’ve got a wealth of exciting activities to choose from once the final bell rings. So check out this year’s offerings, and see how much fun the school season can be. Parents, that means you’ve got the whole day taken care of.
Preschool, Toddler, and Baby and Me Programs
Mommy & Me Ballet
Budding ballerinas can try this new city Parks & Rec class from popular instructor Susan Manchak. Adults enjoy a gentle exercise while introducing their child to the world of dance. Price includes both the parent and child.
Tue., six-week sessions beginning Sept. 18, 10-11am. Carrillo Recreation Center. $74/$67*. Ages 2-3. Call 451-2304 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.
San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop
A half-day preschool sponsored by SBCC Continuing Education that supports whole-child development. Become a part of a community of families who value parent involvement in education. Parent participation is required one morning a week along with an evening parent education class.
Mon.-Fri., 9am-noon. 4750 Hollister Ave. Monthly fees vary depending on days enrolled. Call 964-8994 or visit smpcw.org.
Teens
AHA! (Academy of Healing Arts for Teens)
Through an active, experiential curriculum, facilitators teach youth to stop bullying, express themselves creatively, communicate and listen effectively, solve their own problems, set and reach goals, and serve their community.
Mon.-Fri., Oct. 1 - mid Jan., 3:30-5pm (some evening programs available). Meets at 111 E. Arrellaga St. or the Unitarian Society (1535 Santa Barbara St.). Ages 14-19. By donation. Call 882-2424 x309 or visit ahasb.org.
Face Painting
Stephanie Mings teaches beginning through advanced face-painting techniques in this city Parks & Rec class. Learn in three-week sessions of progressive levels.
Carrillo Recreation Center. Teens+. Call 897-2519 for more information or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.
Investigative Journalism Adventure to Laos
This program blends cultural awareness, adventure travel, insider access to living historians, and community service, encouraging students to explore the craft of professional journalism on cutting-edge issues. Trip includes informative preparatory seminars, historical curriculum, and daily instruction.
Mar. 21 - Apr. 1, 2013. Laos. $3,885 (excluding airfare). Grades 8-12. Call 685-8687 or visit friendshiptoursworld.com.
Isla Vista Teen Center
Teens have access to a variety of recreational, educational, and leadership opportunities. Tutoring, homework support, and UCSB tutors are available.
Mon.-Fri., 3-7:30pm. 889 Camino Del Sur. Free. Grades 6-12. Call 685-9170 or email luis.ortega@ciymca.org.
General Programs
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara After-School Program
Girls can enjoy swimming, art, dance, cooking, sports, and reading.
Weekly after-school program begins Aug. 27.
531 E. Ortega St. or 4973 Hollister Ave. $100/week for three days or more, $60/week for two days or less. Ages 3+. Call Annabel at 963-4017 or Kristina at 967-0319 or visit girlsincsb.org.
Lompoc Family YMCA After-School Program
Emphasizing values such as caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, Y programs are open to all.
Mon.-Fri., Aug. 22 - June 5, 2013, school end-6pm. Full-time: $295-$350/month; part-time: $220-$275/month. Call 736-3483 or email stephanie.silva@ciymca.org.
Montecito Family YMCA After-School Program
Kids will develop self-confidence, social and physical skills, and new friends while participating in activities such as sports, games, crafts, cooking, and swimming.
Mon.-Fri., Aug. 29 - June 11, 2013, 3-6pm. Montecito Family YMCA, 591 Santa Rosa Ln. Five-day option, $475/month; four-day option, $450/month; three-day option, $425/month. Grades K-6. Call Yvonne at 969-3288 or visit ciymca.org/montecito.
Rainbow School After School
Kids enjoy arts and crafts, special theme days, board games, outdoor activities, and homework time.
Mon.-Fri., 1:30-5:30pm. (All-day care available during elementary school holidays.) 5689 Hollister Ave. $27/day for kindergarten; $22/day. Grades K-6. Call 964-4511.
Santa Barbara Family YMCA After-School Care
Children will receive homework help, make new friends, and take part in games and arts and crafts.
Mon.-Fri., noon-6:15pm (kindergarten), 2:30-6:15pm (grades 1-3), 3-6:15pm (grades 4-6). Meets at Hope Elementary School, 3970 La Colina Rd.; and Monte Vista Elementary School, 730 N. Hope Ave. Monthly fees vary depending on schedule. Grades K-6. Call 687-7720 x256 or email berlyn.springer@ciymca.org.
Santa Ynez Family YMCA After-School Education and Safety Program.
Providing a nurturing environment and the resources students need to deepen positive values and their motivation to learn while having fun.
Mon.-Fri., Aug. 24 - June 7, 2013, 2:30-6pm (Mon. starts at 1:30pm). Santa Ynez Elementary School, 3325 Pine St., Bldg. #27. Five-day option, $290/month; four-day option, $260/month; three-day option, $230/month. Grades K-8. Call 686-2037 x226 or email michelle.marland@ciymca.org.
Kids will sing, dance, act, and shine at this after-school and weekend musical theater program.
Fourteen-week sessions meet weekly. 316-A State St.
An educational program with the goal of encouraging diverse expression through music, dance, drama, visual arts, and literacy.
A progression-based curriculum covering static trapeze, aerial fabrics, lyra, corde lisse, aerial sling, and innovative apparatus. Each class will include skill building, conditioning, partnering work, and choreography.
Mon.-Fri., Sept. 3 - Dec. 21, hours vary. 810 E. Gutierrez St., Ste B.
An educational program with the goal of encouraging diverse expression through music, dance, drama, visual arts, and literacy.
Three sessions, Sept. 17 - Dec. 3, Mon., 3:30-4:30pm. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $44. Ages 6 months+. Call 897-2519 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.
Young dancers learn basic moves with balances, turns, and jumps. Dance combinations allow for individual interpretation and expression.
Mon., 4:30-5:30pm; Wed., 3:30-4:30pm and 4:30-5:30pm; beginning Sept. 17. Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. $63/$57*. Ages 3-10. Call 451-2304 or visit sbparksandrecreation.com.
Offering classes in classical ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, modern, and hip-hop dance.
Mon.-Sat., hours vary. 5370 Hollister Ave., #1. $17+. Ages 3+. Call 681-0684 or email sbdanceunltd@gmail.com.
Classical ballet training for boys and girls as well as open adult classes for continuing education. Classes culminate in two annual performances.
Sept. 4 - June 2013, hours vary. 303 Magnolia Ave., Goleta. $49+ depending on class level. Ages 3+. Call 328-3823 or email lisa.abshere@goletaschoolofballet.com.