Winter break options abound

Looking for something the kids can do during winter break?If so, the local area offers several camps on most days school is closed.

The Camas Community Center is hosting two holiday-themed camps on Dec. 23 and 24 and Jan. 30 and 31.

“There are always so many last minute things for parents to get done before Christmas so our first session of camp is great for that,” said Tammy Connolly, recreation coordinator. “Get the rest of your shopping and wrapping done, clean house or just enjoy some quiet time. And then you always need a few days to clean up afterward, so the second session comes in handy there.”

During the first session, campers will make several gifts, and create holiday treats in the kitchen. The second session will feature winter-themed crafts and snacks such as snowflake biscuits and hot cocoa from scratch. Movies and indoor/outdoor playtime is also included.

In Washougal, Camp Windy Hill attendees get to make sock puppets, stuffed animals, and treats for family and friends. Camps run Saturday and Monday, Dec. 21 and 23, and Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 30 and 31.

Kathy Mary, director, enjoys the opportunity to offer unique camps to the community.

“I asked two of my campers who will be coming for their third year why they like winter camps so much,” she said. “They said they really like being with a small group of kids that is almost like family, making cool decorations and gifts, and decorating cookies and eating them. Their mom said she appreciates that Camp Windy Hill is small and local, her kids come home excited about the unique handmade gifts, stuffed animals, and puppets they create, and that we encourage imagination and originality.”

Whatever your preference, there is most likely a camp to meet it:

Camps include the following:

Camas Community Education winter break camps: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23, 26 and 27; and Monday, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 30, Jan. 2 and 3. Students can participate in a variety of activities including Wii, air hockey, billiards, ping pong, basketball shootout, wall ball and board games. Camas Community Education is located at 841 N.E. 22nd Ave. The cost is $45 for a full day, and $30 for a half day. To register, visit www.camascommunityed.org. Camps will be cancelled if there is not enough enrollment.

Camas Parks and Recreation winter break camps: Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 23 and 24, and Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 30 and 31.

Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee for each camp is $60 in-city and $75 for out-of-city. Those who sign up for both sessions pay $100 in-city and $130 out-of-city. To register, call 834-5307.

Camp Windy Hill: A holiday camp will be offered Saturday and Monday, Dec. 21 and 23, and a crafts camp will be held Dec. 30 and 31. Camps run from 1 to 5 p.m. The cost is $65 for each two-day camp. To register, visit www.campwindyhill.com or call 977-8032. If there is inclement weather, camps will be cancelled and all fees refunded.

Jack, Will and Rob Boys & Girls Club: The club will be open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Dec. 16-20, closed Dec. 23-27, and Dec. 30 to Jan. 3, except New Year’s Day, when it is closed. The cost is $5 with a family membership. For more information, call 817-9966.

Southwest Washington Child Care Consortium: Childcare will be offered at Hathaway Elementary in Washougal, 630 24th Ave., on all days of break except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when childcare closes at 4 p.m.

The cost is $30 per day. To register, call 954-3889 or e-mail www.cc.hathaway@esd.org.“>www.cc.hathaway@esd.org.”>www.cc.hathaway@esd.org.