Thursday, April 27, 2006

The California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights

The California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights

Every child should have the opportunity to participate in the following activities by the age of 14:

1. Discover California’s past: The color and flavors of LA’s rich Mexican heritage are found on Olvera Street in El Puebla de Los Angeles off of Main Street. This is the site of 27 historic building that date back to the city’s origins in 1781. In 1930, Olvera Street became a vibrant Mexican marketplace. Visit the El Pueblo Visitors Center located in the Sepulveda house on Olvera Street for a self-guided tour brochure. Free. Olvera and Main Streets, LA, 213-628-1274, http://www.cityofla.org/.
2. Splash in the water: California = beaches, beaches, and more beaches. When you’ve visited every beach, there are water parks galore.
3. Play in a safe place: More than enough local and state parks, indoor playgrounds and backyards.
4. Camp under the stars: Leo Carillo State Park in Malibu is a jewel. There is a sandy beach (for right #2) with tide pools, great trails (#8), rocks to climb and even a family-friendly beach where dogs are allowed. The campground is a short walk from the beach, and it is heavily shaded by sycamore trees. It even has picnic areas and warm showers. Camping fee is $25 peak season, $20 off-season. 35000 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; 818-880-0350, http://www.parks.ca.gov/.
Tip: make reservations early in the season, since the park often fills up quickly.
5. Explore nature: The new Children’s Garden at the Huntington Botanical Gardens near Pasadena was inspired by the curiosity of children and the wonders of the natural world. The environment invites children (and adults) to use their senses as they walk under a rainbow of mist, disappear into a cloud of fog, see the effects of sound waves moving through water, hear pebbles tumble and feel the energy of magnetic sand. Admission: $15 for adults, $6 children ages 5-11, free for children under 5.
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino; 626-405-2100, www.huntington.org
6. Learn to swim: Check your local pool, parks, YMCA and swimming schools
7. Play on a team: Check your local parks, YMCA, etc.
8. Follow a trail: The child-friendly Temescal Canyon trail offers shady groves, a waterfall, streams, wildflowers and an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean. A footbridge crosses the canyon. Free entrance. Temescal Canyon Road, Pacific Palisades; http://www.gorp.away.com/.
9. Catch a fish: Self-explanatoryCelebrate their heritage: Can be as simple Family reunions, local cultural museums and fairs.
10. Celebrate their heritage: Attend a family reunion, visit cultural museums and fairs.

Boeing Summer Science Camp

Summer Science Camp (SSC) is a six-day learning adventure for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12, including elements of creativity, mentoring, community, and learning. The program focuses on communicating the joy and excitement of learning math, science, and technology in new ways. Students experience a unique opportunity to gain confidence in their own ability to work as "scientists and mathematicians" in a workshop setting.

Online Registration Open to All
Online registration is now available for students and volunteers. Registration will be available until June 2, 2006 or until all spaces are filled. SSC will be held at McPherson Magnet School in Orange, CA, the last three Fridays and Saturdays in July. McPherson Magnet School is located at 333 S Prospect St., Orange, CA 92869.

Summer Science Camp
2201 Seal Beach Blvd.
Seal Beach, CA 90740-1515
M/C 110-SK77
Phone: 562-797-1769
Fax: 562-797-1287
E-mail: teamscience@boeing.com

Monday, April 17, 2006

Jet Propulsion Laboratory Open House

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is pleased to announce that the next Open House will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 20th and 21st, 2006 from 9am to 5pm both days.

The Open House is a fun and educational experience for children too, with special hands-on activities designed for kids. Food and beverages will be available, along with space souvenirs and NASA and JPL merchandise.Admission and parking is free. No backpacks or ice chests are allowed, with the exception of small purses and diaper bags. Visitors, vehicles and personal belongings are subject to inspection.

JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, off the 210 (Foothill) Freeway at the Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit. Parking is available near the Oak Grove main gate and the eastern boundary of JPL, accessible from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway. Buses will move people between several locations around the facility. Walking is required to some locations. So make plans now to visit JPL and experience the thrill of space exploration!

For more information, please call (818) 354-0112, www.jpl.nasa.gov/pso/oh.cfm