By Lauren Thomaselli

Summer is fast approaching and the school bell has only a few more rings before school is out for summer. If you are local or a visiting family with children between the ages of 5 and 16, the city of South Lake Tahoe Recreation Programs offer a unique and memorable experience.

Authentic Tahoe adventure is the theme of STAR Camp — South Tahoe Adventure Recreation. The newly designed STAR Camp programs provide an active, healthy, and safe environment for youth to learn and play at an affordable price.

The unique Tahoe adventure recreation concept represents why most residents live here and why most visitors vacation here. The recreation department has embraced this concept through STAR Camp. For 10 weeks from June 12-Aug. 23, STAR Camp will be guiding kids on new adventures daily. The camp motto is “no child left inside.”

Every week the youth program aligns with an adventure theme such as “Wild West,” “Outdoor Fun/Survival” and “Junior Olympics.” STAR Teen Camp is reserved for a higher level of adventure that satisfies the teen-age appetite for excitement. Teen themes encourage learning, adventure, and nature through activities such as orienteering, hiking, parasailing, and standup paddling.

STAR Camp is made possible through recreation partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to jointly plan, finance, and coordinate shared services to provide a quality experience at an affordable price. STAR Camp is a drop-in program for K-8 priced at $25 per day or $100 per week. STAR Teen Camp is a multiday program scheduled Monday through Wednesday and prices vary from $125 to $225 for all three days depending on the activity planned.

Safety and quality of camper experience is ensured through maintaining a ratio of one leader for every 10 campers. Additionally, STAR Camp leaders are experienced in outdoor education and leadership. Learn more about STAR staff by viewing a short bio and photo online. Reservations are recommended by calling (530) 542.6056.

STAR Camp aligns with our commitment to the California Parks and Recreation Society pledge “Parks Make Life Better.” The pledge is a promise to offer recreation programs that provide access to the serenity and inspiration of nature, spaces and places for play and exercise, opportunities for directed and organized recreation, positive alternatives for youth and activities that support social connections, and human development.

Stop by the Recreation and Swim Complex at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd., to meet our staff and learn more about how STAR Camp can enrich your child’s life this summer.

Lauren Thomaselli is the South Lake Tahoe recreation manager.