By Dianne Anderson

No need for parents to panic just because school’s out for the summer.

Kids who just want to have fun can get out of the house, and it won’t cost a small fortune to keep them fully fed, off the streets, and out of trouble.

Outside of the classroom, nature rules.

Megan Brousseau said she is getting set for another busy season of outdoor programming.

“As we head into our 13th summer of connecting children with nature, we are more excited than ever to break down the barriers that keep children from playing outdoors and connecting with nature. With scholarships, multiple locations, and community support, every child has a chance to make magical memories with us this summer,” said Brousseau, Executive Director and Board President of Inland Empire Kids Outdoors.

It’s all about getting children outside and into natural spaces, including scholarships to make those experiences more accessible.

This year’s programming kicks off with the Wild About Animals Camp at Ameal Moore Nature Center from June 8–10, followed by the Wildlife Encounters Camp at California Citrus State Historic Park from June 15–17. Both run from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Families can also explore River Camp at the Santa Ana River from July 13–16, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., before the final session, Camp Riverside, returns to California Citrus State Historic Park from July 20–22, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Camps serve children ages 3 through 12 and also offer a junior counselor leadership track, and families who want to register must move quickly. Most camps have capacity for 36 children, but River Camp can accommodate up to 60 participants.

Throughout the summer, Brousseau said the organization hosts free family hikes and nature pop-up events in local parks.

“Whether the outings/programs are completely free, or if there are scholarships available for gear, registration, or park fees, camps have a budget-friendly price, but we also offer scholarships that are donated from local organizations, businesses, and community members,” she said.

Money for food is always a challenge. Parents who need $120 extra for food per child can turn to San Bernardino County’s SUN Bucks & Free Summer Meals Program. Qualifying families can get $40 monthly payments on an EBT-style card for groceries.

That program works alongside the Free Summer Meals Program, which provides weekday breakfast and lunch for youth without requiring enrollment. Students whose families receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal are automatically enrolled.

For younger children, preschool is free if their household income falls within state guidelines. San Bernardino City Unified School District’s Child Development Programs offers full- and part-time preschool.

First 5 San Bernardino Preschool Services also brings State Preschool and Head Start programming together, connecting families with health screenings and resources for physical, social, emotional, and learning growth.

Parents can access the agency’s enrollment portal and participate in one of the biggest summer events: First 5’s annual Kid Safe Summer campaign, with free swimming lessons and CPR classes.

“From outdoor play to water safety, we want parents and caregivers to see how easy it can be to build safe summer habits, and our Splish Splash Water Safety Fun Day on June 12 will bring those lessons to life through live water safety demonstrations,” said Cindy Faulkner, Interim Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino.

That event will host water-safety demonstrations, games, activities, lake swim access, giveaways, and a live DJ at Lake Gregory Regional Park. Advance registration is required while supplies last, and the event is free for families with children ages 0–5.

For early education without the big tuition bill, San Bernardino County’s Preschool Services Department provides free preschool, health screenings, and family-support services for qualifying families.

Parents juggling work and child-care costs can also turn to the Child Care Resource Center’s San Bernardino office, which helps cover licensed care through CalWORKs and other subsidy programs.

The City of San Bernardino’s Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department offers a broad summer lineup featuring youth camps, swimming, movie nights, and concerts. This year, the Delmann Heights Community Center Summer Day Camp serves children ages 5 through 12 from July 27–31.

Jeff Kraus, with the department, said scholarships are available for camps and swim lessons for those with demonstrated need.

Most camps run weekly throughout June and July for $100 per week. Facilities generally operate Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Summer Day Camps at Rudy Hernandez, Lytle Creek, and Delmann Heights parks typically run from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a separate Robotics Camp at Verdemont Park from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At Jerry Lewis Swim Center, youth swim lessons are available for $40. At Delmann Heights and Hernandez pools, lessons cost $5 per class from June through August.

“The camp scholarship is a maximum of $100 and can be applied for one week or over the course of multiple weeks. Swim lesson discounts take the cost from $40 per class to $5 per class. The Delmann and Hernandez lessons are pre-subsidized at $5 per class, so no additional discount is available,” he said.

Camp participants also receive lunch and a daily snack.

Vanessa Carder, director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, said the city’s programs are accessible, engaging, and full of positive experiences for residents.

“Our Parks, Recreation, and Community Services team works incredibly hard to provide safe, welcoming, and enriching activities throughout the summer. These programs make a real difference for our kids and help create a stronger San Bernardino,” she said.

FOR MORE RESOURCES, SEE

– SUN Bucks, California Summer EBT at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks

– USDA Summer Meals Site Finder at https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder

– Inland Empire Kids Outdoors camps at https://www.iekidsoutdoors.org

– First 5 San Bernardino preschool enrollment at https://psd.sbcounty.gov/enrollment/programs/

– Splish Splash Water Safety Fun Day registration at https://first5sanbernardino.org/water-safety/

– San Bernardino City Unified Child Development preschool at https://www.sbcusd.com/departments/student-services-division/child-development-programs

– Subsidized childcare assistance at Child Care Resource Center at https://www.ccrcca.org/providers/subsidized-child-care-providers/

– City of San Bernardino Parks & Recreation for camps at https://www.sanbernardino.gov/158/Parks-Recreation

– More local programs and resources at https://ConnectIE.org