Summer Activities For Thurston County’s Teens and Tweens

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Summer break is almost here, and every parent in town knows that the novelty of staying up late and sleeping in ‘til noon will wear off after only a day or two.  ThurstonTalk recently posted a summary of local summer camps.  You can find it here.  While some of the camps and programs mentioned in that article may appeal to 5th and 6th graders, oftentimes older children require more high-octane activities.

When your tweens and teenagers look at you on June 25th and say, “I’m bored” here is a quick list of options.  If none these appeal to your middle school and high school aged kids, you can always farm them out to your neighbors for adventures in grass mowing and car washing!

Rowing

Olympia Area Rowing (OAR) offers a Junior Crew summer session for students entering grades 8 through 12.  Both experienced and novice rowers are welcome.   New rowers can try it out for a few days to see if they like the sport before making a commitment to the team. The focus is on physical and mental strength and skills, teamwork, and competition. 

Cycling

The Capital Bike Club (CBC) will be offering youth rides on Wednesday nights this summer.   Participants will learn bike handling skills and safe biking practices.  If a child is advanced enough, they may be permitted to participate in other CBC rides.  For older teens and those with a higher fitness level, a beginner ride of between 15 and 20 miles leaves at 6 p.m. every Monday from Joy Ride Bikes in Lacey.  Other rides of varying lengths and speed are held nearly every day during the summer.  A one year family membership in the CBC is only $25 and covers insurance for participation in all club activities.  Helmets are required on all rides. 

Sailing

The Olympia Yacht Club will once again be offering summer instruction to children ages 8-18.  Lil Luffers (8-12) meet in the mornings and Junior Jibers (13-18) meet in the afternoons for one week sessions.  Those entering 8th through 12th grade may also be interested in the High School Sailing Program offered in the fall.

Theater

In addition to Kids at Play and Creative Theater Experience, programs mentioned in our first article, Harlequin Productions will be offering two summer workshops designed for students ages 13-19.

The first is “The Shakespeare Experience” which focuses on monologue and scene work.  Students will refine physical acting skills, practice vocal production and diction, analyze verse structure, and learn to interpret text and character.

The second Harlequin workshop is “Improv Intensive,” a performance-based improvisation class.  Students will learn to “raise the stakes” when developing a character, apply improv skills to all drama, develop comic timing, and avoid improv pitfalls.

Both workshops culminate with a community performance.

Sewing

(re)fabulous you offers summer learn to sew programs for both tweens and teens.  Students will learn how a sewing machine works and to use it with confidence, how to follow a simple pattern, and how to make a bag and a skirt or a pair of pants.

Vocational Education

New Market Skills Center offers vocational and technical education for high school aged students in Thurston County.  There are two summer sessions featuring intensive three week courses.  Programs include Automotive Service Technology, Auto Refinishing, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Internetworking, Digipen, and others.   Many of the classes are free and students can earn high school credit for successful completion.

Olympia Parks & Rec

Oly Parks & Rec offers a number of camps and programs specifically designed for teens. Activities include mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and river rafting.

Lacey Parks & Rec

In Lacey, teens can join one-week themed camps and special day and overnight programs that include trips to Silverwood, Wildwaves, and other destinations.

Tumwater Parks & Rec

Tumwater Parks & Rec is also offering special one day programs including Mariners’ Games, Sky High Trampoline, and Paint Ball.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering adds high marks to college applications, and there are plenty of opportunities for teens to chalk up volunteer hours in Olympia during the summer.

*LOTT’s WET Science Center is currently growing its Water Squad volunteer crew.  With a minimum commitment of two volunteer hours per month, it’s a great way for high school seniors to get experience and work on their culminating project.

*The Hands On Children’s Museum actively recruits volunteers year round.

*The South Sound YMCA’s Leaders Club offers 7th-12th graders the opportunity to develop leadership skills through service, team building, and fun.

*The Thurston County Food Bank needs volunteers for regular shifts and special projects.  Youth aged 12 and up can volunteer without parental supervision.

Do you know of any programs or opportunities that should be added to our list?  Drop us a line at submit@thurstontalk.com.

 

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