If you are looking for something for your young child or children to do with school out the next few months, are summer camps in play?

Summer camps not only provide your child with an opportunity to get out of the home and exercise, they can also be great for bonding with other kids and more.

That said, La Mesa Courier recently caught up with City of La Mesa Recreation Supervisor Joshua Gomez to talk about all that is offered this summer.

La Mesa Courier: About how many camps are offered over the summer and what are some of the more popular ones?

Gomez: This summer we have 74 different camps scheduled. The most popular camp was the “Swiftie” Dance Camp that sold out within an hour of opening. Our Yoga camps also sold out within the first few weeks of registration. The Traditional Day Camp has the highest volume of all of our camps since we can accommodate up to 65 campers per week. New Camp Highlight: We are offering two new camps, skateboarding and sewing, this summer.

LMC: Are the camps only for kids in the La Mesa area or outside residents can sign up too?

Gomez: Camps are available to everyone, including La Mesa residents and non-residents. There is an additional fee of $10 per class for non-residents.

LMC: What are the age ranges for the camps?

Gomez: We have camps that range from 4 to 16 years old, depending on the specific camp.

LMC: About how many instructors work the camps and are they city staff or volunteers?

Gomez: The internally operated program, La Mesa Day camp, has 15 camp leaders and aides, as well as two camp coordinators (recreation specialists). All other camps are operated by contracted instructors. We have more than 10 different camp contractors this summer.

LMC: For parents thinking of sending their child to one of these camps, what are some of the benefits they get from attending as far as learning, bonding with other kids etc.?

Gomez: Our camps provide great opportunities for children to learn how to live an active and healthy lifestyle, learn new and creative skills through fun activities, and create long-lasting friendships.

LMC: Anything parents should know in regards to registration etc.?

Gomez: The best way to register is through our online system at: www.cityoflamesa.us/register.

Photo courtesy of City of La Mesa