Parents: Have you started thinking about your children’s summer activities? We can help you get started on two fronts: Campus Recreation Youth Programs and UC Davis Extension’s Pre-College Program.

Campus Rec Youth Programs

For the first time, Campus Rec is offering a registration head start for faculty, staff and students. The advance sign-up period will begin at noon Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The 2018 schedule has been cut back due to the Activities and Recreation Center expansion project and the Rec Pool replacement project, but there are still plenty of offerings:

• All ages — Early Check-In and Afternoon Adventures
• Ages 3 and up — Swim lessons and other aquatics programs (Hickey Pool), starting at the Batray level (recommended for children ages 3-5)
• Ages 6-7 — Aggie Camp, Craft Camp, Dance Camp
• Ages 8-10 — Aggie Camp, Bowling Camp, Craft Camp, Dance Camp and Vet Med Camp
• Ages 11-13 — Aggie Camp (Aggie University), Bio Boot Camp, Bowling Camp, Craft Camp and Junior Lifeguarding
• Teen Programs (ages 12-18)— Bio Boot Camp and Junior Lifeguarding

“Programs do have a tendency to sell out quickly, so don’t forget to mark your calendar to increase your chance of securing desired sessions,” a spokesman said.

Regular registration will open at noon March 7 for swim lessons and noon March 12 for all other summer programs.

Look for program listings and more information here.

UC Davis Extension Pre-College Program

Back after a successful inaugural run last year, this summer residential program offers high school students the opportunity to explore majors, and collaborate with UC Davis academic and research staff, all while living on campus. Children of UC Davis staff and faculty are eligible for a 20 percent discount (not including housing).

“We were exceedingly pleased with the program’s inaugural year,” said Paul M. McNeil, dean of UC Davis Extension. “Our goal now is to grow the program by adding new areas of study and giving even more exceptional, diverse high school students the chance to experience UC Davis.”

This year’s program comprises six fields of study, in sessions lasting from 19 to 25 days:

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship — June 23-July 14
• Language and the Mind (new) — June 23-July 14
• Food and Agriculture Technology (new) — July 21-Aug. 11
• Veterinary Genetics — July 21-Aug. 14
• Veterinary Medicine (new) — July 21-Aug. 14
• Coastal and Marine Sciences — Aug. 3-21

“By adding these new programs, I think we’re showcasing the breadth of academic opportunities UC Davis offers,” said Jessica Loudermilk, director of the UC Davis Pre-College Program. “There’s a remarkable diversity to our undergraduate majors that we’d like to reflect in the Pre-College Program.”

McNeil described the program’s mission: to provide high school students with a fun yet rigorous academic experience that will help them grow as people and enable them to make more informed decisions about their academic future.

Besides their academic activities — working with top professors, conducting research and going on career-based field trips — students can participate in a variety social activities, for example, a carnival on the Quad, movie night in the arboretum or bowling at the Memorial Union, to experience campus life.

The program also features dedicated college admissions advising to help guide students through the process of selecting universities and majors.

Applications are now being accepted. Look for complete information here.

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