Kids’ Corner

Rye Nature Center’s Summer Ecology Camp, run by naturalist Nancy Carlson, is offered in seven weekly sessions. The camp is not just a fun place to play, but also a truly educational experience for pre-K through 8th grade students. Campers will explore 47 acres of woods, learn about insects, earthworms, reptiles, tadpoles and frogs, and engage in fun activities from water slides to crafts.
Scholarships are available for families with financial or other hardships. For more information, contact 967-5150 or info@ryenaturecenter.org.
Polka Dot Penguin Pottery is holding a Claymagination Camp in six weekly sessions for ages 4 to 10. Each week, campers will work with clay and create their own pieces to paint. Children will work on storyboards, character making, and shooting the animation frames. They’ll learn the use of different techniques such as sponging, stamping and fingerprinting during pottery projects.
Each session also includes beading, wood art or paper art projects allowing participants to discover unique ways of expressing their ideas and creativity. To register, call 925-6793.
There's still time to sign up for Summer Music Camp at Rock Island Sound, 619 Milton Road. Ages 5-17 will participate in an intensive two-week jamming workshop. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered July 7-18 and July 21 through August 1.
Musicians will be placed according to talent and experience. Professional music instructors will give these future rock stars all the theory, techniques and band tips they need to play individually or in groups. Call 417-2541 for more information or to register.
“Follow Your Art” to an array of summer activities at The Rye Arts Center. Summer at the Movies is an intermediate level music ensemble workshop held July 14 -17, 4:30 to 6 p.m. This four-day workshop is open to students with two years playing experience. It will feature music from popular film series such as “Harry Potter”, “Lord of the Rings” and “Indiana Jones”.
Clay Workshops will be held July 7 through August 29, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to noon, for ages 8 and up. Students will learn the basics of working in clay, pottery wheel techniques and focus on independent projects. They’ll work at their own pace with individual attention in a small class environment. Afternoon clay classes are also available for ages 5 to 7, Monday through Friday, July 7 through August 1, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Ages 12 and up are invited to take part in a variety of programs during Teen Night on Thursdays July 10, 17, 24 and 31 and Saturdays in the Summer July 12, 19, 26 and August 2.
Visit www.ryeartscenter.org or call 967-0700 for further information.
The Summer Reading Game kicks off at the library Friday, June 27, at 2 p.m. when youngsters in pre-school through fifth grade Catch the Reading Bug. The insect-themed program, which encourages kids to be busy as bees this summer while sharpening their reading skills, will be introduced in a fun-filled magic show.
Join Magic Jim and his sidekick, Benny the Book Bug, as they explore bugs and books through magic, humor and puppetry. At 3 p.m., when the magic fades, children will learn about and can sign up for the Summer Reading Game, and hop, buzz or fly to the shelves to begin a season of reading.
Ages 4 and up are invited to an Up Close and Personal Bug Encounter at the library Thursday, July 17, 7 p.m. The Rye Nature Center will bring a variety of insects and other tiny critters for your little ones to meet.
The Rye Free Reading Room is going on a Bug Hunt Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m. to find the insects hiding in the library. This program is geared for ages 4 to 6. Everyone will get a prize.
Don’t miss “The Bee Movie” Friday, July11, 3:30 to 5 p.m. and “A Bug’s Life” Friday, July 25, 3:30 to 5 p.m. during Catch the Reading Bug Film Fest at the Rye Free Reading Room.
Catch the Reading Bug events include Family Fun Nights Thursdays at 7 p.m., July 10 through August 28. The first event is a Scavenger Hunt where children and their grown-ups will search the library to trap answers and net prizes. Check www.ryelibrary.org for age recommendations and details. Registration is required for all except the August 28 film, “The Spiderwick Chronicles.” Register for the other Family Fun Nights at 231-3262.
Children can also enjoy the Bug Film Fest on Fridays, July 11 and 25, August 8 and 22, at 3:30 p.m. These films are appropriate for children 5 and up.
The Bug-on-Over Fun Club, featuring crafts and stories for children 5 and up, will be held Mondays, July 7 through August 25, at 10 a.m. The fun will culminate at the Ice Cream Sundae Grand Finale Thursday, August 21, at 7 p.m. Register at 231-3162.
Teens, put your game face on and head down to the Rye Free Reading Room for a summer gaming series Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
In addition to “Guitar Hero”, players can opt for other great Playstation 2 games from the library’s collection, including “Call of Duty 3”, “Final Fantasy XII”, “God of War 2”, “Kingdom Hearts 2” and “WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw”. You’ll be playing on the big screen with the sound system cranked in the Community Meeting Room.
Calligraphy Calling, a decorative lettering class for kids, will be offered at the Rye Free Reading Room on Mondays in July at 4 p.m. Students 8 and older will learn this stylized way of writing from Mary Jackson, a calligraphy expert and teacher. Snacks and supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Call 231-3161 to reserve a place.
The Rye Historical Society is now taking sign-ups for Summer 2008 Hands-on-History Colonial Camp, July 8 through 18, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Square House.
For more information, call educator Jennifer Plick, at 967-7588.
The popular children’s entertainer, Graham Clarke, will appear in a summer series from June 24 to August 12 on Tuesdays, from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., on the Wainwright House lawn. The program is recommended for children up to age 6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $170 for members, $175 non-members.