As boring as school may be for many kids, summer vacation can be even more boring with nothing to do, but CREAR offered the children of Samara and El Torito fun (and educational) activities during free two-week summer camps in January.

"It's good because during vacations really they don't have much to do. In addition, it is diversion for them as well as learning," commented Sonia Castillo, who brought her grandson to the camp.

This year's camps included activities such as eco-walks, a sandcastle-making competition at the beach and the creation of cardboard box sleds to sled down the grassy hills of the Mango Farm in Carrillo with transportation provided by Carrillo Adventures.

"This was an amazing trip with beautiful rolling hills and a breathtaking view of the pacific ocean," related Johannah Waite, co-coordinator of CREAR.

About 30 children participated in each of the camps this year, many participating for the second or third year. Mariecleare Orias, 10 years old, was participating for the second time and said that she loves creating things during the camps. On the other hand, 10-year-old Nadia Scheidback, who has participated in the camp for three years, said her favorite part of the camps are the trips, such as going to the forest because it's fun.

The camp was held in El Torito during the first two weeks of January and in Samara during the next two weeks. The CREAR association is supported entirely by donations.

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