Turlock schools are almost out for the summer, which means kids will have plenty of time to participate in the countless activities that the City of Turlock’s Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities department has planned for them.

Weekly activities, like ballet, soccer and t-ball, and weeks-long summer camps are made possible by the City during hotter months, allowing local youth to stay active while on vacation.

“It gives them an opportunity to get out and be active, instead of just sitting at home behind a phone, tablet or TV,” recreation department staff services analyst Juan Vargas said. “It gets them to get up, get out, get active and hopefully foster a healthy lifestyle at a young age.”

Youth activities over the summer include ballet and tap classes for ages 2-8, held at the Turlock Community Theatre, sports clinics teaching the basics of baseball, soccer, golf, track and basketball, self defense classes and non-competitive t-ball. 

The City also offers swim lessons at three pools throughout Turlock: Columbia Pool and, thanks to a partnership with Turlock Unified School District, the pools at both Turlock and Pitman high schools. The lessons, which are available in different levels for infants to adults, are by far the City’s most-popular summer program, Vargas said, with nearly 700 people signing up for classes in the first week of registration.

“I think it speaks highly to not just our program, but the staff that run it,” Vargas said.

He added that the partnership with TUSD allows the City to more than double the number of participants in swim lessons, ensuring that even more community members practice safety this summer. Lifeguard courses are also held over the summer, as well as water polo lessons for those who are able to swim across a pool without assistance.

Two large summer camps are also held in conjunction at Pitman and Turlock high schools beginning in June, giving youth the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities, educational games, arts, crafts, sports and swimming in safe and supervised environment. Parents can also apply for a low-income summer camp at Columbia Park.

“The schools even utilize the nearby parks and shops, taking day trips to Lulu’s Ice Cream Parlor or Crane Park at Turlock High, and going to Taco Bell or Brad Bates Park over at Pitman,” Vargas said.

Parents have the option of signing their child up for whole days or half days at the summer camps, or, a punch card can be purchased for attendees who wish to come and go as they please.

“There are full-day punch cards for parents who might need it here and there,” Vargas said.

Registration for summer camps began May 1 and is open through June 7. For a complete list of summer activities and sign up dates, visit www.cityofturlock.org/recreation/ and click on the activity guide. For more information, contact the City of Turlock’s Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities department at 668-5594.