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# Summertime fun a phone call away
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/summertime-fun-a-phone-call-away/
- Published: 2005-07-12T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:21:03.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Malibu, #archive-import

Dear Dorie, I have a preschooler and a first-grader. I’m wondering about summer camps and activities. I’m not looking for all day programs, just some fun. Any ideas? — Summer Mommy Dear Mommy, You are in the right place for summer fun. Your starting point is the city of Santa Monica for information on a variety of camps, classes and swimming activities. Call 458-8540 for a brochure or enroll on-line at http://recen-roll.smgov.net.

You don’t mention the age of your preschooler, but remember that drop-off scenarios aren’t really appropriate until 5 years old. Classes with other little ones (with you nearby) are your main options.

For your first-grader, the city programs are fine and there’s another program through the school district that might interest you. For information on this camp, call SMMUSD Child Development Services at 399-5865\. She’ll walk you through their summer camps, including some awesome field trips to places like Knott’s Soak City.

I’ve met a lot of parents this year who have learned from experience not to overschedule their children during summer. If you’ve got the time, enjoy some late pajama mornings, beach days and park stays. In just a few years, they’ll be planning their own summer activities sans grown-ups. Stay cool and have fun. — Dorie (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 12, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/071205.pdf?ref=smdp.com)