AHA/AHG Update: Getting the Crowd Warmed up for the Los Angeles Start! Heart Walk 2008

On Saturday September 27th, the West Coast Boot Camp/Fitness Club for Kids program got the party started for more than 10,000 runners/walkers who attended one of the biggest fundraisers for the American Heart Association each year.

Adrian Pietrariu, head of the West Coast Boot Camp and one of the founders of the Fitness Club for Kids joined KCBS News Anchor Paul Majors and led the crowd through a brisk 5 minute series of warm up and stretching activities that got the crowd pumped up and ready to start the 5K course which traveled around the LA Memorial Coliseum under overcast skies.

Joining Adrian from the West Coast Boot Camp were fitness trainers Natasha, Jenica, Jackie, Gil and Jose.

Similar Start Heart Walk events were held in numerous cities around the county that same day.



Fitness Club for Kids Helps Kids Get Fit After School at Hoover Elementary School near downtown Los Angeles

On Friday October 17th, trainers from the Fitness Club for Kids spent part of the afternoon working with more than 65 elementary school students at Hoover Elementary near downtown Los Angeles. Group of students were given opportunities to run, jump, and engage in fun and recreational fitness activities as well as take part in a nutrition seminar hosted by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation - a joint initiative between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation.

The Fitness Club for Kids is "Go Healthy" Champion of the AHG and volunteers its time to support events like this whenever possible.


Fitness Club for Kids Joins LA County Department of Parks and Recreation and AHG to participate in the Back to School Health Fair on August 23rd at El Cariso Park in Sylmar, California.

More than 200 children from the local communities of Sylmar, Pacoima, and San Fernando took part in health screening and testing, received free dental services, picked up free books and goodies, and received a free backpack full of supplies for the upcoming school year.

The Fitness Club for Kids set up an fun and challenging obstacle course that each child had to participate in to receive their free backpack. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation handed out valuable information about healthy foods and coloring books for the kids.

Fitness Club for Kids to Sponsor the 15th Annual Run For the Hungry 5K/Kids Mile hosted by the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge, CA

The Fitness Club for Kids has joined the Community Center of La Canada-Flintrige to be a primary sponsor of the 15th annual Run for Hungry Kids Mile to be held on Thanksgiving Morning.

As part of the event, the Fitness Club for Kids has been offering a fitness and conditioning camp for kids each Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. for kids hoping to get ready for the event or just have fun and get in shape.

The class is taught by Jenica Robinson, Program Manager for the Fitness Club for Kids, and includes track and field activities, strength and conditioning, and fun and games for kids of all ages.

A T-shirt and registration for the Kids Mile Run are included in the cost of the camp. For more information call 818-952-1333.

Fitness Club for Kids joins forces with Youth Policy Institute to provide physical fitness classes to LA area kids

Fitness Club for Kids joins forces with Youth Policy Institute (YPIUSA.org) in effort to provide quality physical fitness and nutrition education services to students in Los Angeles.


Since mid-September the Fitness Club for Kids has volunteered its staff to provide day long Physical Education classes for more than 150 students at Bert Corona Charter School in Pacoima and more than 100 students at Monsignor Romero Charter School in the Pico Union district near downtown Los Angeles.

On Saturday October 25th, the Fitness Club for Kids hosted a workshop for more than 10 PE Site Coordinators and Administrators from YPI where they were introduced to the Fitness Club For Kids program and took part in a fitness training session led by Adrian Pietrariu, founder of the Fitness Club for Kids.

Through its support of YPI the Fitness Club for Kids recently began offering Physical Education classes for more than 150 students at Pacoima Elementary School one day per week. The students have enjoyed a wide range of fitness and sports activities, and have all participated in nutrition seminars helping them understand how to make better food choices earlier in life.

The YPI organization and the Fitness Club for Kids will be working closely in the coming months to provide quality fitness and nutrition activities to the students and parents in the schools and communities that YPI's programs and services support.

Through its affiliation with YPI the Fitness Club for Kids has made great strides in having an impact in communities where some of the greatest need exists for fun, engaging and educational fitness and nutrition activities for kids.

Fitness Club for Kids and Community Center of La Canada-Flintridge Announce Fall Schedule - Classes for Moms and Seniors Featured in 2008

(click on image to view a larger version)

Seniors Classes will be offered every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Contact the Community Center of La Canada-Flintridge for more information on classes for seniors.

Fitness Instructor Matt Quintero helps Arroyo Seco Saints Place 2nd in California State Babe Ruth Baseball Championships

Matt Quintero and the rest of the Pasadena-based Arroyo Seco Saints finished second to Modesto in the recently completed Babe Ruth State Championship tournament. Quintero, a catcher who will start his second year at the University of San Franciso, played a pivotal role in helping the Saints reach the finals. Matt's clutch hitting and timely walks enabled the Saints to win close games early in the tournament.

Quintero, who graduated from St. Francis will return to USF in the fall where he will compete for the starting job behind the plate next spring.

Congratulations to Matt - a great coach for the Fitness Club for Kids, and an even better baseball player!

Jenica Robinson Named Program Manager of Fitness Club for Kids

For Immediate Release July 30, 2008
The Fitness Club for Kids Promotes Jenica Robinson to Program Manager


Jenica Robinson has been named Program Manager for the Fitness Club for Kids, a La Canada, California based non-profit organization dedicated to fighting childhood and adult obesity through interactive fitness and nutrition activities.

Jenica is a AFAA Certified personal trainer who loves to bring the best out of everyone at any age and fitness level. With two years of competitive boxing she knows how to push her clients to help them achieve their goals both physically and mentally.

"Jenica is a perfect fit to help our program mature to the next level. It is a sign of success that we can add such a talented person who can help the Fitness Club for Kids become even more popular among kids and their parents," said Skip McNevin, co-founder and Executive Director of the two year old organization.

"Jenica's passion for fitness and her ability to make exercise fun will be a tremendous advantage in our ability to create exciting new classes to fight childhood and adult obesity, in promoting our very popular after school and family fitness classes, and most importantly in growing the club's visibility among potential donors and strategic partners," noted McNevin.

Robinson has served as a personal fitness trainer for the West Coast Boot Camp for a year and has been an instructor in the Fitness Club for Kids program since 2007.

Jenica is a natural when it comes to working with kids. She has assisted kids in weight loss in a fun and enriching way. She is able to pull the best out of every child and motivate them to better themselves.

Her ability to customize a workout that makes them laugh and have fun while exercising sets her above the rest. Her training includes but not limited to special needs and overweight kids.

"Jenica's unique skills and tremendous attitude will allow more children throughout Los Angeles County to enjoy after school recreation opportunities that are not available on campus or in their local parks at this time," said Adrian Pietrariu, co-founder of the Fitness Club for Kids and owner of the West Coast Boot Camp Fitness Studios.

Jenica’s background in gymnastic, competitive boxing, basketball, track, volleyball, softball and cheer allows her to be flexible in designing the perfect program for her clients.

The mission of the Fitness Club for Kids is to fight the growth of childhood obesity through interactive education and awareness programs focusing on physical fitness and nutrition.

The Fitness Club for Kids provides after-school classes, fitness classes for adults, educational seminars for students K-8, and can design customized fitness sessions designed to teach children of all ages how to get fit and make healthy nutritional choices early in life.

For more information contact The Fitness Club for Kids at 818-952-1333 or email at info@fitnessclubforkids.com. Class schedules are available at http://www.fitnessclubforkids.org

Fitness Club for Kids Summer 2008 Registration Form Now Available On-Line

Here are our Summer 2008 Registration forms. Registration forms can me e-mailed to info@fitnessclubforkids.com or faxed to 818-279-0598. Walk up registration is now available at the La Canada Community Center and the West Coast Boot Camp Fitness Studios.

2008 Summer Sports Schedule

Check out our action packed summer schedule!



Two Strike Park, 5107 Rosemont Ave, La Crescenta, CA 91214

8:00 a.m. Senior Stretching, Strength, and Walking Classes

9:00 a.m. My Parents and Me Fitness Classes for the entire family

10 a.m to 12 p.m. Kids Summer Sports and Fitness Camps
Mon/Wed - Baseball Camp
Monday - Dance, Pilates, Yoga Classes
Tue/Thurs - Basketball Skills and Games
Friday - Flag Football Fridays
For Kids Ages 6 - 13




La Canada Community Center 4469 Chevy Chase Dr. La Canada, CA 91011

8:00 a.m. Senior Stretching, Strength, and Walking Classes

9:00 a.m. My Parents and Me Fitness Classes for the entire family

10 a.m to 12 p.m. Kids Summer Sports and Fitness Camps
Monday - Obstacle Course Races and Water Play
Tue/Thurs - Soccer Skills and Scrimmages
Wednesday - Flag Football Fun
Friday - Olympic Sports Training and Competition
For Ages 6 - 13

Complete Schedule is located at http://calendar.yahoo.com/fitnessclubforkids

Fitness Club for Kids Visit to Gratts Elementary School near downtown Los Angeles kicks of our status as "Go Healthy Champions" for AHA

There are days when starting a non-profit organization and struggling to make a difference in the community really pays off. Our recent morning training session at Gratts Elementary School was one of them.

Nestled beneath the towering skyline of downtown Los Angeles sits Gratts Elementary School, home to more than 500 students who live in and around central Los Angeles. The event was sponsored by the American Heart Association.

For more than 5 hours on the morning of Friday April 18, 2008, fitness trainers Adrian Pietrariu, Gil Uriarte, and Natasha Ventura led students from Kindergarten through 5th grade through a series of fitness games and activities. Program Nutritionist Jon Weber spent the morning presenting brief nutritional seminars to each class of students, spending 10 minute talking about healthy eating, nutritional basics, and the importance of hydration.

The event marked the first opportunity for the Fitness Club for Kids to serve in the role of a Go Healthy Champion on behalf of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

The Fitness Club for Kids is soon to be designated an official and proud "Go Healthy Champion" of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation - a joint initiative between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation.

In that role, the Fitness Club for Kids will participate and organize events and work in conjunction with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in promoting children's fitness and nutrition and fighting the spread of childhood obesity.

Gearing Up for Spring and Summer with the Fitness Club for Kids

Hey everyone, its Skip McNevin, Program Director and co-founder of the Fitness Club for Kids. As you can see from our site, 2007 was a busy year for our fitness and nutrition awareness program and the coming year promises to be even more busy as our after-school program continues to expand throughout Southern California.

In April of 2007, Adrian at the West Coast Boot Camp and I decided that enough was enough and someone had to pro-actively tackle the rising epidemic of childhood obesity. In forming the non-profit organization known as the Fitness Club for Kids, we have created an organization that actively works to raise awareness of the problem and work with local government agencies and companies to sponsor programs and classes to help kids get in shape earlier in life.

In January we started teaching after-school classes at Mountain Avenue Elementary in La Crescenta, CA., where more than 25 kids participate in a one-hour fitness workout and nutrition seminar one day per week.

We expect to add another school in the city of La Crescenta in February, and we are expanding to serve schools in the Pasadena area coming in March and early April. So far we are thrilled with the managed growth of the program and the excitement our program has created among the parents and the students where we offer classes.

We also formalized our relationship with Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and will offering customized fitness and nutrition classes to the LACPR after-school program. We will also be coordinating quarterly Health and Fitness Fairs in LA County Parks to promote healthy eating and fitness.

We have also implemented a development strategy to help fund our programs and support our low-income scholarship program designed to help kids take after-school classes even if their families can't afford the cost.

Please take a moment to learn more about the Fitness Club For Kids and if you are interested in participating or sponsoring one of our classes in a local park or on campus, please do not hesitate to e-mail or call us.

Sept. 2007 Issue of Pasadena Magazine Features Fitness Club for Kids After-School Program

September 2007 Issue

click on images to view and read article.

Thanks to the wonderful Charlie Spradling for her support of the Fitness Club for Kids Program.

Mt. Ave Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser Follow Up

Joggers cash in

By Mary O’Keefe, Crescenta Valley Sun

Mountain Avenue Elementary students ran to a “rock-n-roll” beat as they raced around the school’s upper field playground. They were running to have fun and raise money to support their school in the very first Mountain Avenue Elementary Jog-A-Thon.

The run took place all day on Nov. 9 and involved all students from kindergarten to sixth. The fundraising began a few weeks earlier where kids asked family and friends to donate either an amount for each lap ran or one general total. The money will support Mountain Avenue Committed to Kids, the school’s foundation.

“It was so well organized,” said Rebeca Witt, Mountain Avenue principal.

She added that although it was the first time for the event, everything from beginning to end ran smoothly.

Most students ran anywhere from 13 to 24 laps around the field with teachers and family members cheering them on. The starting line was an arch of blue and yellow balloons, the school’s colors, and there were signs of encouragement like “You Rock” posted around the track

Some of the students took advantage of advanced training by West Coast Boot Camp trainers.

Led by Adrian Pietrariu, students stayed after school on selected days before the race and stretched, did push ups and ran laps. The training paid off as they leaped into the air to high five Pietrariu as they rounded a curve on the track.

“We don’t know how much money we raised yet,” Witt said.

Students are to turn in their donations by today. “But if it was successful I am sure we will do it again. The kids loved it.”

Crescenta Valley Sun, November 16, 2007

November 10, 2007

Dear Friend of Mountain Avenue Elementary,

For the past 40 years Mountain Avenue Elementary School in La Crescenta has been educating our children in a tradition of excellence! Our school was a proud recipient of the 2005 National Blur Ribbon Award. The support we receive from our parents and the community has been the key to our achieving this level of excellence.

For the past 15 years, M.A.C.K. (Mountain Avenue Committed to Kids)- a parent-lead non-profit foundation, has been committed to enhancing the educational opportunities for the children of Mountain Avenue Elementary School.

We are writing you today to thank you for your generous support of our 1^st Annual Jog-a-thon Fundraiser that was held on November 9^th, 2007.

The money raised from this year’s event is earmarked to upgrade technology and to support continuing programs such as the library and computer lab.

Thank you for supporting us at Mountain Avenue Elementary and making a difference for our children.

Sincerely,

Christine Pehar

M.A.C.K. Jog-a-thon Chairperson

Fitness Club for Kids Summer Camp Report #4 - These "Tough Kids" can take the heat!

Monday August 13th - The forgiving weather of early August gave way to humidity and 90+ degree temperatures, but the campers at the 2007 Fitness Club for Kids Sports and Fitness Academy hardly gave notice as Adrian Pietrariu started the week with a hearty workout.

Sprints, crawls, push ups, ab work and leg strengthening drills got the campers ready for a snack of hard boiled eggs, fruits and vegetables, crackers, rice cakes, and lots of cold water.

Following the snack, Kasey Alfonso taught a Pilates class under a large shady oak tree and helped the campers stretch and loosen up from the morning workout.

Visits by reporters from the Glendale News Press and the La Canada Valley Sun highlighted the day, and the campers closed out the day with a passionate series of capture the flag games.

Here is a link to the Glendale News Press article

Here is a link to the La Canada Valley Sun article

Tuesday August 14th - Coach Jonathan took the kids on a cross country jog through the park and then set the campers to work with a series of leg lifts, step ups, and a challenging series of drills designed to build speed and conditioning.

Following snack, the campers played flag football.

After the football game and a nice cool down with a snack, more than 80 campers ages 6 through 15 visited from the Crescenta Canada YMCA summer camp, and took part in nutrition education seminars, ran a challenging obstacle course and enjoyed a healthy snack from the Fitness Club for Kids Program.

Wednesday August 15th - With instructors holding padded bags and kids grunting and screaming as they punch, kick and smack away at them, Wednesdays were proclaimed the official Self-Defense and Personal Safety Awareness Day in the Camp.

Coach Gil treated the campers to another self-defense and martial arts workout and training program - a clear favorite activity among all campers.

Following snack, the campers took part in another flag football game, and closed out the day with a frisbee golf tournament.

Thursday August 16th - Coach Jonathan pushed the campers through an exciting and challenging morning workout.

Following snack the campers participated in a Yoga session taught by Yoga specialist Mary Francis Spencer.

Following the second snack session, the campers were taught a dance routine by dance instructor Kasey Alfonso.

Friday August 17th - Planned activities include: Fitness Workout from Adrian, Whiffle Ball and Kick Ball on the basketball court, Nature Hike, Nutrition Education, and end of week camp awards.

Fitness Camp Report #3 - These "Tough Kids" Are Getting Ready to Go Back to School In Style

Monday August 6th - A new week kicked off and the Sports and Fitness Academy for Kids and the activities moved right into high gear for the week's group of campers.

On Monday, Coach Adrian ran the new campers through a series of fitness activities and a hurdle course that got the group warmed up and ready for more.

Following the workout, the campers were ready for a water break and nutritional snack with Nutrition Specialist Jon who walked the new campers through basic nutrition concepts while they snacked on turkey, watermelon, rice cakes, and assorted fruit.

After a good cool down, the campers made their way to the basketball court where a spirited game of kickball broke out. After the game the group enjoyed another round of snack and nutrition education.

A special visit from Pasadena Magazine gave the campers a chance to participate in a photo shoot with West Coast Boot Camp's Adrian Pietrariu.

To close out the day, campers participated in rolling, tumbling, and sprinting drills with Coach Mike.

Tuesday August 7th - Coach Johnathan woke the campers up with a cross country jog through Two Strike Park, followed by a series of fitness activities that gave the campers a vigirous early morning work out.

The group then took time to cool off with water, nutritious food and the first of two snack and nutrition education seminars from Jon Weber, West Coast Boot Camp's Nutrition Specialist.

Following the break, the group took part in a group Pilates class in the park. Kasey Alfonso showed the students basic Pilates stretching and conditioning movements.

The day was completed with a Nature Hike through the mountain trails at the park.

Wednesday August 8th - Coach Gil gave the campers a lesson in self-defense and the campers took part in a mock boxing workout session in the park.

Non contact sparring focusing on footwork, positioning and reaction gave many of the campers their first opportunity to understand basic self defense techniques.

Following snack, the group squared off in a game of soccer between the campers and the counselors. On two late goals by Ali and Ashley, the campers beat the Counselors and forced them to do 25 pushups on the spot.

Thursday August 9th - A perfect morning gave Coach Jon a chance to put the campers through a spirited workout, complete with hill climbs, wind sprints, crawls, and more.

Following the snack break the campers participated in a Dance Aerobics class in the park at Two Strike Park, featuring Kasey Alfonso as dance instructor.

After a second snack, the campers took part in a obstacle course that challenged and rewarded the campers for their hard work.

Relay teams completed the 5 sections of the course one section at a time, building teamwork and endurance skills.

Fitness Club for Kids Camp Report #2

The 2007 Sports and Fitness Academy for Kids ended week one with two outstanding days of action packed fitness games and activities.

Thursday August 2 - Coach Jonathan led the campers through the park on a cross country run that took them up and down sloping hills, through bike paths and across the lawns of Two Strike Park. Jonathan then led the team through a series of speed development drills, helping the campers develop better footwork and foot speed. After series of push ups, pull ups and sit ups, the campers took in a snack of grilled turkey patties, celery, watermelon, and carrots, along with crackers, O's and rice cakes.

Nutritionist Jon Weber grouped the students into teams and held a game of "Know your nutrition" to reinforce the lessons taught throughout the week.

The day ended with a huge water balloon and water fight at the request of the campers, who were deservedly rewarded for the great effort and work they had done during the week.

Friday August 3rd - It was hard to believe we had made it through week one. Each kid was a bit slower, and gladly the weather was a bit cooler. Coach Mike and Coach Skip led the class through a stretching session and then the campers walked and ran laps around the playground to get warmed up.

Following that, the campers worked on drills designed to improve balance, footwork, speed, and agility. Having completed an active first session, the campers were served up a healthy snack of chicken sausages, apples, rice cakes, whole wheat crackers, and an assortment of fruits.

Nutrition Specialist Jon Weber reviewed the week's nutrition lessons, and quizzed the students and awarded them for correct responses.

A grand obstacle course was set up following the first snack and the campers took to the challenges with a vigor.

Running, crawling, hopping, climbing steep slopes, running down hills through play structures, across monkey bars, and over hurdles gave each camper a run for their money.

Campers completed the course twice as individuals, and once as a team, learning to run and work with a group instead of as individuals.

After a final snack, Coach Mike led some of the campers in a greco-roman wrestling session where the campers learned how to set up and wrestle in a safe and competitive way. Other campers enjoyed a nature walk, played basketball or talked nutrition with Jon Weber.

The day and week was completed with an awards ceremony where two campers were recognized as Jr. Nutrition Specialists by Jon Weber, and each camper was given a commemorative Medal, a special West Coast Boot Camp Dog Tag, and a camp t-shirt.

Fitness Club for Kids Camp Report #1

Monday July 31st - The fitness camp started off with a strong day of running, push ups, squats/lunges, and exercises designed to strengthen and build endurance.

The campers did a tremendous job of keeping a busy pace set by Coach Adrian, and were rewarded with lots cold water and a fresh snack consisting of lean turkey patties, watermelon, fuji apples, and whole wheat crackers.

During their snack, Camp Nutritionist Jon Weber introduced the campers to foods that are high in protein and explained to them why foods that are high in protein are an essential part of any healthy diet.

After snack, Coach Skip broke out the basketballs and following a brief warmup, held a full court five on five basketball game. Following a second snack and nutrition session, the camp closed the day with a fierce series of games of capture the flag.

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Tuesday July 31st - Well rested from their first day of fitness camp, the campers participated in a series of crawling, running and endurance exercises with Coach Jonathan early Tuesday morning. Running up and down grassy hillsides, crab walking, wind sprints, touchies, and other cardio activities gave the campers a great early morning challenge.

During snack Camp Nutritionist Jon Weber served celery, apples, carrots, peanut butter (low fat/low sugar), watermelon and crackers while talking about high performance foods, and what foods were good to eat before and after participating in sports or other high energy activities.

After snack session #1, the campers split up - with one group taking a nature hike and another playing a game of soccer after a series of skill development training exercises. Snack session #2 followed and the day was completed with a spirited game of kick-ball.

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Wednesday August 1st - Martial Arts specialist Gil gave the campers an introduction to martial arts fitness during the first session.

A cross country jog through the park capped off the first session and set the campers up for a nutritious snack consisting of lean turkey, green beans, cucumber slices, carrots, apples, rice cakes and cheerios.

Camp Nutritionist Jon Weber introduced the campers to food packaging labels and taught each camper how to read labels and determine which packaged foods are healthier than others.

The campers then wrote down food ingredients and worked with each other as teams to determine which foods were the
healthiest.

Following snack, the students participated in an outdoor obstacle course that took them through the play structures, and up and down the signature hillsides at Two Strike Park.

After a second snack session and continued work on reading and understanding food labels, the campers participated in a brief volleyball skills workshop and closed out the day with a 45 minute volleyball game.

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Thursday - Football skills, Wrestling conditioning, Nature Hike, and, Whiffle Ball game.

Friday - Track and Field, Obstacle Course, "Name Your Nutrition" Game, and Week One Closing Ceremonies.

Fitness Club for Kids Summer Camp Now Open at Two Strike Park in La Crescenta, CA

Summer Sports and Fitness Academy for Kids Now Open!

Where:

Two Strike Park
La Crescenta, CA

When:

July 30th thru August 31st
9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday

For kids ages 6 – Up

$125 per week per child

$35 per day per child*

*Group Discounts Available for Youth Summer Camps and Daycare providers

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This camp includes a daily nutritious snack, lots of water, and an opportunity to learn about nutrition directly from fitness and nutrition specialists.

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Students participating in the Sports and Fitness Academy will have an opportunity to select from a wide range of fitness games and activities each day.

Sports, nutrition, and fitness experts will provide students with an introduction to a wide range of exercise and fitness games and activities.

Other activities include: Martial arts and wrestling fitness, football, basketball, soccer, baseball, dance classes, capture the flag, lots of water fights, challenging outdoor obstacle courses, “Parents and Me” fitness day, Track and Field events, and more…..

Don’t miss out on one the funnest and most beneficial summer camps your child will ever attend!

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Simply show up by 8:45 a.m. to sign up or call 818-952-1333 and sign up today!