Copperview Rec has big plans for children this summer

Copperview Recreation Center is the place to send bored youth this summer.

"Our summer sports and activities are so much fun," said Jennifer Carpenter, Copperview program coordinator. "They get the kids moving and active. It is much better than sitting there all summer watching TV."

There are several day camps, along with individual classes to choose from at the center.

"Our biggest thing is the summer day camp - 'Five Days of Fun,'" said Ryan Roghaar, Copperview program coordinator. "It's a life-changing experience for the kids to come. They are learning something but still having fun."

The "Five Days of Fun" camp starts June 13 and goes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff members do arts, crafts and sports with the children. Every Wednesday is a field trip; Friday is swimming at a Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation pool along the Wasatch. Cost is $85 per week, or $65 during holiday weeks. Fees are due the Tuesday before the week begins; a $55 deposit is due before the beginning of the program to reserve a spot.

"The camp gives adults an opportunity to take their kids over the summer when they are still working instead of having to find babysitters or other family members to take care of them," Roghaar said.

There is also a "Field Trip Frenzy" option where children can go on four field trips a week, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Cost is $45 per week.

"Super Summer Blast" is a Monday, Wednesday and Friday camp, mornings or afternoons, for $45, as well. There are activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and cooking projects.

There are also plenty of individual classes offered.

A six-week cooking course called "Kids in the Kitchen" is for boys and girls, ages 7 to 13, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 7 to July 14, for $30. Youth, ages 7 to 9, are at 5:30 p.m. and children, ages 10 to 13, are at 7 p.m.

"They get cooking lessons, they get to work with food and they get a cookbook," Carpenter said. "Our instructor is actually in culinary school right now."

Summer classes include outdoor soccer for children, ages 3 to 8, in June; and Junior Bees T-ball and coach pitch program for children, ages 3 to 12, in June.

Tennis lessons areMonday through Thursday, June 13 through Aug. 12, for $15 a week.

Soccer for children who are pre-kindergarten to pre-fourth grade is $26. It comes with a T-shirt and participation award. They play in Midvale City Park Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a "Challenge Soccer" British soccer camp, Aug. 15 through 19. A group from England teaches the little athletes important soccer skills.

Thai Chi for people 12 years and older is 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Tuesdays for $35 per month. Kung Fu for ages 4 and up, is 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Tuesdays. It is $60 per month for a family of four, plus $5 for any extra family members.

Ballet/jazz mix classes for youth, ages 3 to 6, are Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. for children, ages 7 to 11.

CAPTION: There are several day camps, along with individual classes to choose from this summer, at the Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 South Harrison St, Midvale. The center offers everything from karate to gymnastics.