AcroSports, which hosts gymnastics classes year round, transforms its equipment - swinging ropes, balance beams, and tumbling mats - into circus props every summer. The children practice all week for the finale (performed for a parent audience) of tumbling, juggling, and swinging on the trapeze. They also create props and scenery for the show.

Parents get to watch the really big show, and kids get to clown around all week. Doesn't get much better than that.

The camp also operates during spring and winter break.

Adventure Out, a Billabong Surf Camp, is one of the only surf schools that is fully insured and licensed by the city and state authorities at local beaches. The camp presents surfing as a lifestyle - covering water safety, ocean science, environmental awareness, surf etiquette, and cultural heritage.

Surf Camps and clinics range from 2-5 days and are taught by expert surfers who are C.P.R. and First-Aid certified.

Adventure Out offers outdoor rock climbing camps, clinics, and lessons in the San Francisco Bay Area. Events are led by licensed and certified guides with a minimum of ten years experience in the field.

American Gymnastics touts itself as "San Francisco's finest gymnastics club offering a comprehensive blend of recreational and competitive instruction." And many parents and children do like the program.

Classes for all skill levels are available, beginning with the Preschool Program for ages 2-to-5 (2 year-old's need a parent), Tumblers for ages 4 1/2-5 1/2, Beginner, age 5 and above, and Intermediate classes emphasize tumbling, flexibility, and basic gymnastics skills. Advanced training incorporates preparation for US Gymnastics Association compulsory routines.

Preschool Open Gym Unstructured but supervised time on the equipment on Wednesdays 11am-1pm. $10 drop-in rate for members.

Gymnastics Camps (ages five and up) Camp counselors offer gymnastics instruction, organized games and art projects, field trips and more during school breaks. D

Parties: The facility can be rented out for parties. An instructor takes partiers through their paces on various pieces of equipment, paying special attention to the birthday child. It's a highly structured event, but most kids seem to appreciate the guidance.

Berkeley Tennis Club offers a summer program for children. The club employs all USPTA certified teaching professionals and membership is not required for summer programs.

This massive sports complex has an equally impressive youth program that emphasizes in-line hockey and soccer. Its 2 1/2 acre site boasts two professional indoor hockey rinks complete with bleachers and scoreboard and a state-of-the-art soccer arena. But it also has a fitness center, basketball and volleyball courts, and a place to learn martial arts. Also on site are a pro shop, lockers and showers, and restaurants.

Classes: Skaters can sign up for lessons in stick-handling, shooting, and basic skating. Pick-up games are available, as are skating clinics. Kids can choose to compete in leagues and tournaments both. Kids can also take martial arts classes.

Parties: Bladium offers parties to fit just about every young athlete's wishes with a choice of any sport activity. Each party runs 2 hours, costs $230 (for 15 people, $15 for each additional child), and includes pizza, soda, chips, and a sports attendant.

Summer Camps: Activities include soccer, volleyball, hockey, lacrosse, flag football and basketball for kids ages 8 to 16.

Tomales Bay, located just one hour from San Francisco, is is a large pristine waterway in the Bay Area and an outstanding area for recreation and wildlife viewing.

Blue Waters Kayaking offers day paddles for children over six years of age accompanied with an adult.

Weeklong summer camps for ages 9-17 are also available during Jul-Aug (5-days $585; click on link for updated camp fees).

Equipment rentals are available at Marshall and Inverness sites; rates start at $30 and include kayaks, equipment, and an introductory lesson.

Tomales Bay, located just one hour from San Francisco, is is a large pristine waterway in the Bay Area and an outstanding area for recreation and wildlife viewing.

Blue Waters Kayaking offers day paddles for children over six years of age accompanied with an adult.

Weeklong summer camps for ages 9-17 are also available during Jul-Aug (5-days $585; click on link for updated camp fees).

Equipment rentals are available at Marshall and Inverness sites; rates start at $30 and include kayaks, equipment, and an introductory lesson.

Boardsports School offers windsurfing & kiteboarding lessons and rentals at "The Shack" on Crown Beach Park in Alameda from March through September.

A University of California recreational sports program that features fitness and sports camps for kids five to 16 years old.

Camp Rollerblade offers a two-day camp that teaches the basics of inline skating skills. No experience is necessary! See the website for city locations, details, and to register.

A summer sports camp in Pacifica that includes softball/baseball and lacrosse, as well as theme days that include indoor basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

Cardinal Fencing Club a facility that features ten full-length fencing strips, which meet USFA and FIE guidlines for length.

The club offers beginner camps, seasonal training camps, birthday parties, group classes for beginners, recreational fencing, private lessons for competitors of all ages, and open fencing.

Beginner Fencing Camp is a five-day session designed to introduce youngsters to the sport of fencing. Kids get specific training with games, footwork, and partner drills. All equipment is provided.

International All-Star Camp is a summer baseball camp held at San Francisco State University. Participants receive over 40 hours of professional instruction. The camp session includes a meet 'n greet with current and ex-MLB players and college and professional scout exposure.

A basketball camp designed to help children maximize their potential in the game of basketball. Cross-Over Elite Basketball Camp executive director, Kevin Blunt, played professional basketball in Europe for five years, coached the women's basketball team at San Jose State University, and now coaches the boys' varsity basketball team at Gunderson High School in San Jose.

Skills taught include hand-eye coordination, ball handling, offensive and defensive footwork, proper shooting techniques, various defensive/offensive plays, picks and setting screens, close-outs, rebounding, boxing-out, and communication skills.

The camp offers a high-energy sports environment that is primarily recreational - not a high-powered coaching camp. Campers participate with their single-sex group in a wide variety of sports and traditional camp activities. The staff/child ratio is one adult for every seven kids.

Check the website for other local Decathlon Clubs near you.

Open to children in grades K-12, the Embarcadero YMCA sets out to offer campers a variety of experiences intended to challenge them physically and creatively. The day camp programs are offered in summer, winter, and spring. Activities include Bay Area field trips, swimming, sports, arts, cooking, and more.

Pioneers for grades K-1st offer a blend of traditional camping activities. The counselor to camper ratio is 1:8.

Adventurers for grades 2nd-3rd participate in swimming, sports, games, and have daily field trips. The counselor to camper ratio is 1:10

Explorers for grades 4th-5th participate in swimming, sports, games, and daily field trips. The counselor to camper ratio is 1:10.

Movin' On for grades 6th-8th offers a blend of activities - swimming, sports, and drama - along with daily field trips. Once a week campers get to choose their own field trips and activities.

C.I.T. (Counselor In Training) for grades 9th-12th offer teens special training in leadership skills. C.I.T.'s assist camp counselors and participate in activities. To apply for the position, participants must fill out a YMCA of SF application and interview with camp staff.

Note: You have to register for camp in person or through the mail. Call for an application.

Terry Tenzing, owner of Friendly Pony Parties, offers farm camps, pony camps, and private day camp opportunities at Pastorino's Farm in Half Moon Bay.

G & C Stables offers horse riding day camps for children. During the week-long day camp, children learn about horses, play games, and make new friends.

San Francisco State University Gator Sports Camp offers a six-week camp program that features swimming, tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and yoga. Please visit the website for more information.

Girl Ventures strives to empower adolescent girls to develop and express their strengths via outdoor adventure, creative arts, and group experiences. Its programs include Summer Outdoor Adventure Programs, School-Year Programs, Leadership Development Program, and Community Courses.

Glenoaks Equestrian Center offers camps to students at all levels, with continuous supervision by experienced, professional coaches.

Students are matched to age and experience. The groups, of about five students each, receive extended riding instruction, basic horsemanship training, equestrian gymnastics, arts and crafts, and other activities.

Go Go Tennis is a tennis summer camp for all skill levels.

Your children get a chance to learn how to fence - or sharpen fencing skills - at Golden Gate Fencing Center which offers ongoing instruction and classes as well as three one week, half-day fencing camps for children ages 7-9 and 10-12.
All camps and classes are coed, require no equipment or previous fencing experience, and are broken into age groups.

Golden Gate Park Golf Course offers year-round instructional programs and competitions for kids and adults. Summer, winter, and spring camps - as well as afterschool and weekend programs - are also available.

Birthday parties can be held at the Golf Course, and are led by a trained Junior Golf coach. The $35/child fee includes 90 minutes of instruction, hot food, and drinks.

The Golden Gateway Tennis & Swim Club offers swimming and tennis lessons year-round, as well as an afterschool program, Pre Team & Stroke School Program, and summer and holiday day camps. All of the children's programs are open to the public.

Swim lessons: Offered on a year-round basis in a warm outdoor pool (heated to 86 F). One of the two pools on the premises is dedicated to children's use and therefore doesn't compete with lap swimming. Private or semi-private lessons are offered for children beginning at age three. Cost: Single lessons $38 (members) and $42 (guests). Parent tot group $20 (members) and $25 (guests). Discounted multi-class cards are available for private, semi-private, and group classes.

Tennis lessons: Private and group lessons taught by the Club's tennis pros are open to the public year-round. Group lessons consist of five 2-hour sessions with a maximum of seven students per class.

Summer camp/Afterschool program: The Club offers an afterschool program during the school year and a Summer Camp, which runs on a week-to-week basis for kids ages five to 12. The camp includes group tennis and swimming, arts & crafts, sports & games, and drama. Fees include all supplies, activities, a T-shirt, and admission to the Friday BBQ. Summer camp runs $375/week for members, $475/non-members. Lunch is included in the price.

GTennis Academy the only indoor/outdoor tennis academy in the city, offers tennis lessons, after school programs, and summer and holiday sports camps year-round.

GTennis offers three locations: SOMA, Presidio, and SF State/Lake Merced.

Junior Lifeguards is an active program, run by California State Park Lifeguards, that emphasizes ocean safety,team work and Fun!

Head Over Heels Gymnastics & Circus offers gymnastics, circus theatre, dance, and capoeira classes.

The facility features a new foam pit, two spring floors, six trampolines, a trapeze, uneven and parallel bars, balance beams, a large dance floor, and plenty of colorful and soft preschool equipment.

Check the website for information about parties, Parents Night Out, and Summer/School break camps.

Kids can learn leadership traits while engaged in various sports at Honu Family Sports Camp. Children focus on one trait daily and learn to apply it. The camp offers swimming, soccer, flag football, basketball, field trips, and more.

The JCCSF is a community center, known for its programs for children and families. All are welcome - one need not be Jewish to participate in the programs. Programs are fee based, with financial assistance available for most programs. The JCCSF boasts three preschool sites, after-school child care, day camp and specialty camps, swim lessons, sports classes, and teams, plus classes in art, ceramics, dance, yoga, gymnastics, academic enrichment, languages, and more.

Classes are held on a "semester" basis. For more information, please visit the website or call the office.

Art & Ceramics: For children ages two and above. Subjects include painting, drawing, cartooning, hand-building and wheel-throwing ceramics, and parent-child classes.

Aquatics: Parent-child classes begin at six months. Red Cross Levels I - VII begin at age three. Swim team is also available.

Dance: For children ages three and above. All types of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, creative, and more.

Gymnastics & Movement: They begin with babies in their Kindergym and Kindercrawl programs. Then it's on to parent-child classes, including Gym Buddies, Gym & Swim Buddies, Tumbler Express, Yoga Garden, and more. Older children can participate in classes that include gymnastics, capoeira, or yoga.

Sports: Classes and teams offered for children ages three and above. Sports include baseball, soccer, futsal, basketball, flag football, volleyball, and lacrosse. They offer several "girls only" classes. Teams include basketball (team and JCCSF league), baseball/tball, swim team, soccer, and micro-soccer.

Music: For babies through adults. They offer parent-child classes, beginning music appreciation, guitar, piano, and violin.

Birthday Parties: The JCCSF offers to help people throw a birthday party. Themes include swimming pool parties, dance (you pick the style), art, and ceramics. Party space is also available for rent.

Academic Enrichment: Language, SAT prep, math, essay writing, and chess are just some of the many academic enrichment courses offered.

Summer Camps:The JCCSF Rabin Summer Camps offer fun and diverse programs for children grades K-9. Families can choose from the traditional Camp Kochav day camp, sports clinics, and a variety of specialty camps including Teen Adventures, Visual and Performing Arts, Sail & Swim, GADS Camp for girls, Nature Navigators, and more. Visit the summer camp website for more information.

"Fitness must be fun," is the motto of Junior Gym, a San Mateo children's fitness center that is much-loved by Peninsula parents looking for a way to wear out their kids. Besides gymnastics classes, it offers a range of drop-off programs, birthday parties, and open gym play time.

Classes: Kids six-36 months can launch their active lifestyle with parent/toddler movement classes while kids three and older can take non-competitive gymnastics. Young athletes over four years old enjoy sport skills class, learning the fundamental skills of baseball, soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, and golf.

Drop-off Programs: Junior Gym also has a number of programs that let parents take a break while their tikes tumble. Terrific Tots is a year-round, half-day program for three to five-year-olds that features a fitness class, along with music, circle time, free play, crafts, and stories. To participate in Terrific Tots, your family must be a member of Junior Gym (annual membership of $50). Instructors are Pediatric First Aid and CPR certified. The gym also offers summer day camps. Call for more information.

Birthday Parties: Reserve all 4,600 square feet of Junior Gym for your guests and let the staff take care of everything from music and gymnastics to games and cake.

Open Gym Come by and play on a drop-in basis Mon-Fri 12n-1pm. Free for members, $5 for guests.

Le Soccer Camps are powered by Bobby Charlton Soccer and Sports Academy from England and Bolton Wanderers Football Club International Academy from England.

Please visit the website for details and registration information.

Legarza Basketball Camp was voted Bay Areas "Best Camp" by Parent Magazine. Professionally-trained and certified coaches teach the children and direct the camp. Participants sign up for half-day or full-days of basketball, during which they learn to improve their skills. Professional instruction, positive encouragement, and measured improvement in their fundamental skills are trademarks of the camp, as well as players learning to work together while playing games and tournaments.

Lincoln Golf Course Kids Camp offers after school lessons and summer camps (half or all day) at Lincoln Golf Course.

Make Me A Pro Soccer Camps takes the time to understand a child's personality in order to educate and share techniques and skills in a fun enviroment. The camp offers soccer as well as flag football sessions.

Mar Vista offers pony rides, trail rides, pony parties, and lessons in both English and Western style. The stable also hosts a school break and summer camp for kids ages seven and older.

If you're climbing the walls anyway, head downtown to this indoor-rock climbing gym. All 14,000 square feet of artificial granite are there for the conquering. Making it manageable for kids are the many hand- and footholds.

Climbers are also secured by a harness and rope. You can
back up your child if you take a Belay Safety Class, which entails learning how to put on a harness, tie a figure eight knot, and belay safely. Or you can rely on a staff member for help. Climbing classes are also available on a drop-in basis all day on weekends.

Mission Cliffs provides harness and shoes for a rental fee (adults and children). Most climbers find it most comfortable to wear shorts. Showers are on the premises if you want to wash up afterwards.

Classes: If your child (ages 4 to 17) is new to climbing you might want to sign up for a lesson with one of the instructors. Sessions last an hour and cost $35 for one child, $60 for two. Call in advance to book a lesson.

Ten-week afterschool sessions are also available for ages 6 to 14. Students cover belaying, basic movement technique, bouldering, spotting, route-reading, climbing games and exercises that improve technique.

Summer camps: Non-members $250/week; Members $200/week

Parties: You'll get two hours of climbing and a half hour use of the party room. For the first five kids
the cost is $100; it's $20 for each additional child; $4 optional shoe rental. Price includes supervision: six kids per staff member. Registration two weeks in advance required.