It’s that time of year again — the time when you’re oh-so glad to have your little tykes back from school and filling your home with laughter and excitement. For about a week.
After a while, it can be easy to run out of things to keep those kiddos busy. To that end, the Homer News has compiled a list of summer activities and programming for children in the Homer area.
Camps
Tiny Trees Summer Camp with Krista and Seanna
This is for ages 3-6. Located at a residence on West Hill
Session 1: Aug. 6-10
Session 2: Aug. 13-17
Session 3: TBD
Cost is $125 per session. Contact: 907-435-7851 or tinytreesforestschool@gmail.com.
Seldovia Village Tribe
June 11-14 Gathering Together Overnight Culture Camp
For those entering fifth through twelfth grade: camp will be held at the Sea Otter View Cabins at the head of Seldovia Bay. Activities will include hide tanning, atlatl-making, bead-making, Dena’ina language and music, campfires, games, and more. Contact 907-234-7898 for more information.
Aug. 6-8 Gathering Together Day Culture Camp
Youth Culture Camp this year will feature the Alaska Native practice of skin tanning. Participants will get to see a sea otter in various stages of the tanning process and learn how indigenous people used and preserved hides. They will also explore land and sea to see how plants and sea life were used in traditional ways. For ages birth to six, and entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Contact 907-234-7898 for more information.
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Junior Naturalist Camp: June 15 – 18 for ages 9-12.
Four-day camp with two-day sessions at the Wynn Nature Center and two overnights at the Peterson Bay Field Station. Explore the diverse habitats and wildlife of the forests and beaches around Kachemak Bay. Activities include animal tracking and game cams, forest hikes, tidepooling, outdoor fun, and adventure. Cost: $300 per person. https://www.akcoastalstudies.org/education-programs/summer-youth-programs.html
Teen EcoAdventure Camp: July 13 – 23 for ages 12-15.
This 10-day outdoor adventure and environmental stewardship camp explores the changing environment and how this connects to a most basic and delicious part of our lives — food. Includes 4 overnights at the yurts of the Peterson Bay Field Station, one-night campout at Portage Glacier, and three-day backpacking trip around Jakolof and Tutka Bay. Cost: $850 per person. Price includes all transportation, food and lodging. https://www.akcoastalstudies.org/education-programs/summer-youth-programs.html
K-Bay Martial Athletics
This group is currently in open registration for all summer camps and programs. Updates will be posted on its Facebook page. Register online at https://www.kbaymartialathletics.org/member-portal
Contact: K-Bay Martial Athletics Director Guro Kurt P Leffler II, head coach, LFS-Kali Fight Team Program. Phone: 907 299 7239. Email: Kbaymartialathletics@gmail.com. Address: 601 East Pioneer Avenue #111 Homer, Alaska. 99603
Youth Martial Arts Camp: Ages: 6-12
When:
Camp 2 – June 11-15
Camp 3 – July 16-20
Time: 8 a.m. to noon.
Where: K-Bay Martial Athletics.
Cost Per Camp: $200 for the first child. Add $50 for the second. Add $20 per additional child.
What: This is a youth Martial Arts and Athletic training camp.This camp is intended to be a survey and introduction to a variety of skills.
“Train the Trainer” – LFS-Kali Fight Team
When: July 23-27
Time: 8 a.m. to noon.
Where: K-Bay Martial Athletics.
Cost: $200 for the first child. Add $50 for the second. Add $20 per additional child.
Ages: 13-17 years old (Instructor Invite)
Curriculum: This invitational camp is for our senior youth athletes. We are selecting some exceptional students to become assistant youth trainers.
“Train the Trainer” – Shotokan Karate
When: July 23-27
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Where: K-Bay Martial Athletics.
Cost: $200 for the first child. Add $50 for the second. Add $20 per additional child.
Ages: Brown Belts (Instructor Invite)
Curriculum: This invitational camp is for our senior youth athletes. This is a leadership camp. We are selecting some exceptional students to become assistant youth trainers.
Weapons Camp
When: June 18-22.
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Where: K-Bay Martial Athletics.
Cost: $200 for the first child. Add $50 for the second. Add $20 per additional child.
Ages: 9 years old or older and/or Purple Belt. (Adults are welcome.)
Curriculum: This camp is an in-depth look at the various weapons found in the Filipino Martial Arts, Shotokan Karate, with an introduction to the Japanese Katana and Chinese Wushu weapons. At the conclusion of this camp the participants will be able to assist with instruction of these tools and techniques in the fall when regular classes resume.
Homer Wilderness Explorers
Wesbsite: www.howlalaska.org
Phone: 907-399-4695
Email: howl@howlalaska.org
Fire and Ice, June 11-15. $395. Age: 10-13 Build one-match fires. Swim to a glacier. Adventure in the wild. Learn skills for survival in the wild. Fire and Ice is designed especially for students who are new to wilderness adventures.
Alpine Lakes Extreme Capture the Flag, July 3-6. $395. Age: 12-18. Four days of backpacking, trail building and mountain-to-mountain capture the flag.
Kachemak Complete, July 10-14. $450. Age: 13-18. Rock climb. Stand up Paddle. Hike to a glacier lake. Camp on the beach.
Edible Ocean, July 24-26. $375. Age: 12-18. Imagine sea kayaking in Kachemak Bay, dipping for red salmon, harvesting edible sea weed and cooking it all over an open fire. Now imagine that is your life for three whole days.
Open to Alaska Residents Only:
Fire and Ice, July 30-Aug. 3. $395. Age: 10-13.
Namaste Wild, Aug. 7-9. $500. Ages: 10-14, plus mother or female role model. Hiking, mindfulness, beach Yoga and mother daughter bonding.
Ongoing programming
City of Homer Community Recreation
ZUMBA Kids Jr.
For ages 4-6. Preregistration is preferred by calling Gretchen at 399-2129 or emailing Gretchen.mccullough@gmail.com. Limit to 20 kids. Class placement is a first come, first serve basis. There will be a waiting list if all spots are filled. Instructors are Gretchen McCullough and Maria SantaLucia.
WHEN: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m., June 4-27
WHERE: HERC
FEE: $50 payable to instructor
ZUMBA Kids
For ages 7-12, or older. Preregistration is preferred by calling Gretchen at 399-2129 or emailing Gretchen.mccullough@gmail.com. Limit of 30 kids. Class placement is a first come, first serve basis. There will be a waiting list if all spots are filled. Instructors are Gretchen McCullough and Maria SantaLucia.
WHEN: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15 p.m., June 4-27
WHERE: HERC
FEE: $50 payable to instructor
Homer Youth Cheerleading
Are you interested in cheerleading? A chance to learn a new sport and make new friends. Must be age 7 to 14, all genders welcome. For more information and registration: Contact Coach Hannah MacLean at 299-0069 or hannahmaclean@yahoo.com
WHEN: Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10-11 a.m. for ages 7-9 and 11 a.m. to noon for ages 10 and older; June 5-21
WHERE: Homer High School
FEE: $60
Early Bird Basketball
Games are pick-up and called by the players. Good sportsmanship is a must. Contact Eric for more information: 399-3737. For seventh graders and up.
WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 6:15 – 7:30 a.m. Ongoing
WHERE: Homer High School
Youth Punch Cards: 10 punches for $20; 20 punches for $40
Evening Pick Up Basketball
Games are pick-up and called by the players. Good sportsmanship is a must. For seventh graders and up. Multiple courts available if needed.
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Homer High School Gym
FEE: Adult and Youth punch cards—10 punches for $30; 20 punches for $60
Outdoor Soccer
Play soccer at the Homer High artificial turf. Games are pickup. For seventh graders and older.
WHEN: Sundays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. and Fridays, 6:30-9 p.m.
WHERE: Homer High Turf
FEE : Adult &Youth punch cards—10 punches for $30; 20 punches for $60 or $25 for the whole summer.
Wednesday Night Volleyball
For all level volleyball players. Learn and play elements of the game such as positions on the court and basic skills including set, bump, and spike. For seventh graders and older.
WHEN: Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
NOTE: Closed June 27 and all of July
WHERE: Homer High School Gym
FEE: Adult and Youth punch cards—10 punches for $30; 20 punches for $60
Sunday Night Volleyball
Learn elements of the game such as positions on the court and basic skills including set, bump, and spike. For seventh graders and older.
WHEN: Sundays, 3:30 – 6 p.m. Ongoing. Closed for Month of July.
WHERE: Homer High School Gym
FEE: Adult and Youth punch cards—10 punches for $30; 20 punches for $60
Gymnastics Tumbling and Equipment Classes
Classes are taught by Jeanne Parker. Participants may sign up for specific dates. Please call Jeanne 235-6547 for class placement, pricing and registration. Pre-registration required.
WHEN: Mondays and Fridays; July 20, 23, 27 and 30.
WHERE: Homer High School
Kinder Gym (3 -5 years old) 1-1:50 p.m.
Beginner (5-8 years old) 2-3:20 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced (instructor’s permission) 3:30-5 p.m.
Summer Dance Intensive
With Dance Instructors Ilya Burov &Emily Loscocco
WHEN: June 5-16
Registration forms available at homernutcracker.com or Contact Kiirsten Styvar (907) 441-9695
Seldovia Village Tribe
STEAM Program: Ends Aug. 17
Summer sessions for elementary children, led by Prevention Program staff members, Tania Spurkland and Amanda Miller. Contact 907-234-7898 for more information.
Homer Wilderness Explorers
Wesbsite: www.howlalaska.org
Phone: 907-399-4695
Email: howl@howlalaska.org
Howlin’ HoWL, Aug. 14-16. $375. Age: 10-16.
Day trips, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spring Greens, Wild Edibles, June 1. $60. Age: 9 and older. On this Day Trip kids will learn which local wild plants they can and cannot eat.
Climb the Crack!, June 8, July 20 $75. Age: 12 and older. This trip goes across the Bay to Kachemak Crack for some extreme rock climbing. These walls are 120 feet high.
What’s Around the Corner? June 15. $60. Age: 10 and older.
Beach hike around the corner to explore the wonders of Kachemak Bay and the abundance of sea life.
Surf’s SUP! June 22, Aug. 3. $75. Age: 10 and older.
Lets get wet with some Stand Up Paddle (SUP) action. HoWL has a whole fleet of wetsuits so we can cruise around the water with leisure.
Survival Shelters and Awesome Forts, June 29. $60. Age: 10 and older.
Learn the elements of a survival shelter and build your own in the forests around town.
I Canoe Can You? July 6, Aug. 17. $75. Age: 10 and older.
Canoe in the scenic wilderness of the Bridge Creek Reservoir. You’ll learn canoe safety, SUP technique, and how to capsize your buddy’s board.
Backcountry Beats, July 13. $60. Age: 9 and older.
Calling all musicians. Participants will be playing music down on the beach.
Flag frenzy! July 27. $60. Age: 10 and older.
This Day Trip combines two awesome elements: Flag-making and Capture the Flag.
Campfire Gourmet, Aug. 10. $60. Age: 9 and older.
If you haven’t had a banana boat, you haven’t truly lived. Same can be said for campfire pizzas, roasted caramel apples and gourmet s’mores.
Dirtbag Service Days: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Boomerang Bag Day, June 13, Aug. 8. Ages: 9 and older.
Come out and get creative with HoWL as the group teams up with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. The group will be making eco-friendly reusable shopping bags to distribute around the local stores. Pizza will be available.
Trails Day, June 20, July 4, July 18, Aug. 1, and Aug. 15. Age 10 and older. Free.
Come out and help keep the trails around Homer in tip top shape. Hike a bit, hack down brush, move sticks and hang signs. Plus there’s free pizza.
HoWL Clean Up Crew: June 27, July 11, and July 25. Age 9 and older. Free.
HoWL will be giving back to the community that supports the group by cleaning up, playing games with friends, and eating free pizza.
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
The Carl E. Wynn Nature Center, Mile 1.5 East Skyline Drive, will open on June 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Every Sunday is free for families. The Wynn is 150 acres with miles of trails including handicapped accessible boardwalk and a natural play space.
Knee-high Naturalist Program
Ages 2-4. Fridays: 10:30-11:30 a.m. A preschool story hour with parents that includes a story, short hike, and craft activity. $2 donation requested. Starting June 15 and running through August.
Bio-Kids
Ages 5-8. Fridays 1-3 p.m. Get a sneak peek of the secret lives of the plants, birds, and animals that live at the Wynn Nature Center. Please dress for the weather. Drop-ins are welcome. This costs $10 per class or $40 for five sessions, starting June 15 and ending Aug. 17.
Trackers
Ages 8-11. Every other Thursday 1-3 p.m. Learn all about the animals that spend their time at the Wynn Nature Center. Please dress for the weather. Drop-ins are welcome. This costs $10 per class or $40 for five sessions. Trackers will be on June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26, and Aug. 9.
S.P.I.T. Kids
Ages 6-10. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a S.neak P.eek I.nto T.hings as you explore sea creatures under the dock, search for seabirds and marine mammals, investigate the beach, learn about plants, do ocean crafts and more. This costs $10 per day or $40 for five sessions. The program begins June 11 and goes until Aug. 17, located at the Yurt at the Homer Harbor, on the boardwalk across from the Boathouse at the top of Ramp 2.
K-Bay Martial Athletics
Summer Class Schedule:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Open Lift, 6-7 a.m.
Group Conditioning (All Levels), 7- 8 a.m.
Youth Camps, 8 a.m. to noon
Youth Beginners – Intermediate Boxing and Kickboxing, 5-6 p.m.
LFS-Kali Fight Team Practice for the LFS-Kali Fight Team, 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
Open Lift, 6-7 a.m.
Youth Camps, 8 a.m. to noon
Youth Beginners – Intermediate Boxing and Kickboxing, 5-6 p.m.
Shotokan Karate, 6-7:30 p.m.
LFS-Kali Fight Team Practice, 6-7 p.m.
Friday
Open Lift, 6-7 a.m.
Group Conditioning (All Levels), 7- 8 a.m.
Youth Camps, 8 a.m. to noon
Youth Beginners – Intermediate Boxing and Kickboxing, 5-6 p.m.
LFS-Kali Fight Team Practice for the LFS-Kali Fight Team, 6-8 p.m.
The R.E.C. Room
The R.E.C. Room is open for youth ages 12-18 from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the entire summer. Some programs happening this summer are:
Garden Group — happening weekly.
FOrK Club cooking classes — one class per month all summer. Check REC Room on Facebook for updates.
Lead On Homer — graffiti arts group held on Mondays.
Rainbow Army —LGBTQ+ support group held on Tuesdays.
Youth On Record Alaska — digital music production and recording held on Fridays.
Stop in to check all this out or just to hang out on a summer day. All programs are free to youth and their families. The R.E.C. Room is located at 3957 Nielsen Circle or just behind Kachemak Bay Family Planning Center and next to the swing set on Ben Walters Lane.
South Peninsula Behavioral Health
Outdoor Action Club
South Peninsula Behavioral Health and The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies is putting on a group for 7-12 year olds. Outdoor Action Club will meet Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Homer Middle School Field. Two five-week sessions are offered June 11 through July 9, and July 16 through Aug. 13 at $60 per session, per child. Individuals must register with Coastal Studies on their website in order to attend. www.AKcoastalstudies.org
Contact Rudy Multz for more information at (907)235-9248.
Homer Public Library
Summer@HPL, the Homer Public Library’s all ages reading and learning challenge, includes 40 free programs and events for kids, teens and their families that run through August. Check out all of the details here: https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/summerhpl-2018
Contact Youth Services Librarian Claudia Haines, MLIS at 235-3180 (main), or 435-3176 (direct).
Harbor School of Music and Dance
Private music instruction and music intensives music lessons are available to new and returning students. Register for piano, violin, flute or voice lessons for a fun and music-filled summer.
Mailing address is:
Harbor School of Music &Dance
3691 Ben Walters Lane
Suite 2
Homer, AK 99603
