Many around here are just on the other side of spring break, but summer is peeking around the corner. We know it was with love when Babble's mother would pull the tab on a Tab, look at her two darlings, and ask "what will I do with you two this summer?"  For any mom or dad in need of a summer strategy, the City of Dripping Springs Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department offers a variety of summer recreational programs from summer camp to water activities for families, children and youth of all ages and abilities.
 
Starting May 23, Founders Memorial Park Pool will open to the public. Daily pool entry is $2 for children, $2.50 for youth and $3 for adults. Many families will be pleased to learn that the season swim passes have decreased in price for Summer 2009. Season swim passes are available at $45 per child, $50 for youth, $75 for adults, $120 for families of four or less and only $135 for families of 5 or more.
 
As swimming is a vital skill that all kids should know, 4 eight-day sessions of swimming lessons will be available beginning June 1 for ages 3 years and up. Lessons have been set for Mondays through Thursdays,  Session 1, June 1 -11, Session 2, June 15 – 25, Session 3, July 6- 16, Session 4, July 20-31. Make up classes have been scheduled for Fridays during the sessions in case of inclement weather or instructor cancellations. If the weekend is a better option for planned activities, a Saturday program has also been scheduled for eight consecutive Saturdays. Session fees for residents residing within the Dripping Springs Independent School District are $65 and $70 for non-residents.
 
If your child requires individual attention, private and semi-private lessons are offered during scheduled swim lessons and open swim times. These private and semi-private lessons ensure children are given the proper attention based on age and ability.
 
For the more confident swimmers, Swim Team tryouts will be held at Founders Memorial Park Pool May 2.  Aquatics Director Debra Dankwardt said this is a fun summer league that is sanctioned by Texas Amateur Athletic Federation. Participants are between ages five to high school and must be able to capably swim a minimum of 25 yards with their face in the water.  
 
Two sessions of Lifeguard Certification classes will be held this summer with the first session starting May 6 and the second session beginning June 19. The course is American Red Cross certified and training includes CPR for the professional rescuer, AED training and oxygen administration. Participants must be at least 15 years old and able to competently swim 300 yards non-stop. The fee is $170 and participants must attend all classes in the same session to receive their certification.
 
For children who love to enjoy the wonders of nature through games, arts and crafts and exploration, Dripping Springs Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is hosting a ten-week day camp, Camp Lasso, Learning Adventures and Surviving the Summer Outdoors, at Harrison Ranch Park.  Located just north of Dripping Springs on Ranch Road 12 across from Dripping Springs Elementary School, Harrison Ranch Park consists of 64 rolling acres and provides a magnificent environment for a rewarding camp experience.
 
The weeks are packed full with activities from hiking and sports to educational guest speakers to movie time and arts and crafts. The camp meets the American Camping Association standards and has no more than 10 campers to each counselor.
 
Campers, ages 5-12, and counselors in training, ages 12-16, may choose either full or half day camps and attend a one week session or all ten. Each week has a different theme with exciting activities planned. Only 30 kids may participate in each session, so pre-register early or your kids may miss out on a memorable opportunity to have fun and make lifelong friends.
 
Camp sessions include:
Session 1- June 8-12 Howdy Week                Session 6 – July 13-17 Holiday Extravaganza Week
Session 2 – June 15-19 Safari Week               Session 7 – July 20-24 Wet-n-Wild Week
Session 3 – June 22-26 Fashion Week            Session 8 – July 27-31 Hawaiian Week
Session 4 – June 29 – July 2 Patriotic Week   Session 9 – Aug 3-7 Pig Out Week
Session 5 – July 6 -10 Survivor Week             Session 10 – Aug 10-14 Renaissance Week
 
Full day camps begin at 7:30 a.m. and run until 5:30 p.m. and cost $100 per week for campers and $75 per week for counselors in training. Participants can also choose to participate in half day camps from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for only $65 per week for campers and $40 per week for counselors in training.
 
For more information on each of the camp sessions or any park programs, please call Ashley Seay at 512-858-4725 at the City of Dripping Springs. For questions regarding swimming lessons or swim team, please call Aquatics Director Debra Dankwardt at 512-858-0000.