Adventures

A castle is coming to the kingdom of Midway. Ice Castles, LLC will bring a one-of-a-kind to Midway, as it unveils a massive castle made entirely of ice. This ice castle will feature lofty ice towers, shimmering archways, glowing tunnels and glossy walls—all made completely of ice.

Ice architect Brent Christensen started Ice Castles by building small ice structures in his Alpine yard in 2008. Now, his work has been seen by over 300,000 visitors, and he’s built castles in Colorado and Minnesota.

Christensen comes back to his roots this year with his first large-scale Ice Castle at Midway’s town square, next to the ice rink. Christensen patterned his design for Midway’s castle after well-known geological features across the state, like slot canyons, arches and cave-like tunnels. Guests are invited to not only view the beauty of the structures but to squeeze and crawl through parts of the stunning display.

Each castle is created by hand using only icicles and water. Millions of icicles sparkle a glacial blue by day and glow multi-colored at night with help of thousands of LED lights embedded in the ice. “Ice Castles really are one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth,” Christensen says. “Every visitor gets a distinctive experience since the ice is constantly melting, freezing and being reshaped. It’s an amazing, continuously evolving experience.”

Midway’s ice castle began construction in late November and will be open to the public in late December and possibly through March 2014, weather permitting. The Ice Castle will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Check out their website to learn more. See all our our outoors coverage here.

Read our feature story on summer camps, Geek Out, in our May/June 2013 issue. Here are the ones we wanted to include, but just couldn’t fit in the print edition (scroll all the way down for special needs camps):

Photo Provided by Deer Valley Resort

MUSIC

Find Your Wild Side 

Kids ages 7-18 can take part in this unique chance to learn Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, song and culture. Kids get to bring home a T-shirt and homemade percussion instrument. A performance is held on the final day of the camp for friends and family members. June 17-21: Ages 7-12, June 24-28: Ages 13-18, SLC Arts Hub, 663 West 100 South, $60 per student scholarships are available, sambafogo.com

With the band

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean band class has to be. In “Da” Band with Al Badham, kids will learn new skills and even be in a 4th of July parade and concert. June 10–July 4, must have at least one year of jr. high-level concert band experience, $85. Imagination Place, 1155 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-463-9067, imaginationplace.com 

Find Rhythm 

In partnership with the Utah Arts Alliance, Rhythms of Life Summer Camp gives kids a chance to participate in workshops, including drama, African and hip hop dance, drumming, painting, photography, frisbee, gardening, puppetry, sculpture, soccer, circus arts and more. June 10-14 through July 29-August 2, ages 8-12 $165 per week/ $1150 for all 8 weeks. 801-649-4420 Scholarships are available, drumbus.com

An early start

Jump start your kid’s musical education with a beginner’s exploration of music theory using the piano, along with fun rhythm and tonal activities, at Imagination Place’s Musical Bridge. June 17–Aug. 15, ages 4.5–7, $130. Imagination Place, 1155 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-463-9067, imaginationplace.com

ART

Artwork up North

Cache Valley Center for the Arts is worth a trip north for its amazing productions. It’s also worth checking out for this year’s art camps, focusing on Polynesian, Latin American and African cultures. June 10–Aug. 8, ages 5–11, $90. Cache Valley Center for the Arts, 43 S. Main Street, Logan, 435-753-6518, centerforthearts.us

FANTASY/IMAGINATION

Potter Meets Holmes

With camps for Harry Potter, Angry Birds and Sherlock Holmes fans, Thanksgiving Point has offerings for just about anything your kid is into. June 3–Aug. 19, registration open until full, ages 4–18, single day $20–$175, multi-day $75–$175. Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, 801-768-2300, thanksgivingpoint.org

Mythical Creatures and Fantastic Fantasy 

Explore ancient artifacts and search for mythical and magical creatures. Children in grades 4–6 will explore forests, animals, potions, mythical creatures and write in invisible ink to keep their secrets hidden at one of this summer’s Salt Lake County 4-H camps. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. July 15-19, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org 

SCIENCE/EDUCATION

Get slimy, gooey and gross

Kids can explore slimy, gooey and gross science while conducting experiments and getting your hands dirty at this Salt Lake County 4-H camp. Grades 1–3, Entheos Academy, 4710 W 6200 S, Kearns. July 15-19, $75 per child 801-417-5444, saltlakecounty4-h.org

CSI Spy 

Learn how detectives use science to uncover crimes by solving the mystery of “The Murder of Professor Half Track” at one of this summer’s Salt Lake County 4-H camps. Use clues and attend Super Spy School to learn how to be a expert spy. Grades 4–6, Murray Park, 296 E Vine St, Murray, 801-284-4200, Aug. 12–16, saltlakecounty4-h.org 

Mayan Robo-Dig

Kids are called to help a team of scientist who have just discovered a Mayan pyramid at this Salt Lake County 4-H camp. The junior robotics experts help unlock the secrets of the pyramid and learn how to use robotic sensors and advanced programing, using the Lego Mindstrom. Previous robot experience required. Ages 12–15, $75, Aug. 14–16, Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center, 12830 S 1830 W in Riverton, saltlakecounty4-h.org 

Go, Dog. Go!

Okay, this one’s not technically a camp, but going every month makes it feel like one. Kids who struggle with reading can practice by reading to service dogs at Anderson-Foothill Library. First Saturday of every month, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Anderson-Foothill Library, 1135 S. 2100 East, SLC, 801-594-8611, slcpl.lib.ut.us (call ahead to sign up)

Peek of Park City

The Peek Program has everything to keep a kid’s mind active all summer, from science and history to sports and Dr. Seuss—field trips and swimming included. June 17–Aug. 16, ages 3–8, $35–$65 per day. 10 Pinebrook Road, Park City, 435-649-9188, thepeekprogram.com

Cook up Science

This Salt Lake County 4-H camp teaches kids grades 3-4th about basic biology, chemistry and physics using common items from the kitchen. Kids will get to make rock candy, goo and learn how to extract iron from their morning cereal. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. July 8-12, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org

Mini-Edisons

Kids solve big problems at Camp Invention, like how to reassemble a crashed spacecraft with everyday objects. The camp focuses on science, technology, engineering and math. June 10–14 or June 17–21, grades 1–6, $220. Schools in Sandy, Draper, Woods Cross, Cedar Hills, Park City, Layton, Provo and Price, campinvention.org

Rollercoaster, baby 

You might not learn much at an amusement park beyond gut-level physics, but designing those rides is another story. At Bricks 4 Kidz, campers will use math and science skills to engineer LEGO rides that roll, spin and rock. June 27, July 11, 18, Aug. 1, 8, 15, ages 5–8, $96 per day ($15 for each additional day). Holladay Lions Recreation Center, 1661 Murray Holladay Rd., Holladay, 801-898-3000, bricks4kidz.com

Wet and Wild Science

Salt Lake County 4-H keeps the kids active this summer while exploring a local watershed and learning about life beneath the surface of streams and lakes in your community. They will collect and study underwater insects and learn about water quality. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. June 24-27, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org 

Forces of Nature

Kids in grades 3–5 learn about earthquakes, floods, fire and the extreme weather we see on earth, along with basic science principles while participating in hands-on activities like building bridges and making weather instruments, thanks to Salt Lake County 4-H. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. June 10-14, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org

A BIT OF EVERYTHING

Camp at the J

Kids in grades one through six of all religions can take advantage of the Jewish Community Center’s rock wall, swimming pool and more, while older kids can take a week-long nature trip. June 10–Aug. 16, registration open until full, age 2–8th grade, $250–$420, Jewish Community Center, 2 N. Medical Drive, SLC, 801-581-0098 ext. 135, slcjcc.org

Join the Club 

Is your kid a super sleuth, eager to crack a great mystery? Or maybe she’s ready to learn some sleight of hand to become a famous magician. Club U has camps for these and more. June 5–Aug. 16, registration open until the Friday before each camp, ages 5–14, $199 per week. University of Utah, SLC, 801-581-6984, continue.utah.edu

Hit the Road

Field trip after field trip—Wasatch Kids Camps take kids to Utah’s iconic destinations, from Thanksgiving Point’s Museum to Franklin Covey Stadium. June 10–Aug. 23, registration open until full, ages 5–13, $190. Various locations around SLC, 801-263-2267, wasatchkidscamps.com

OUTDOORS

Not just for skiing

Based out of the Snow Park Lodge, Deer Valley’s Summer Adventure Camp offers unique activities like kiteboarding, where kids are pulled across a lake by a giant kite, all while surrounded by Park City’s mountains. June 10–Aug. 16, ages 2 months–12 years, $65 (daily), $300 (weekly), $2,500 (seasonal), Snow Park Lodge, 2250 Deer Valley Drive, Park City, 435-645-6648, academy.deervalley.com

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

Nobody’s left out. With a strong belief summer camps should be accessible to all kids, these local camps are looking out for kids with disabilities and special needs.

Dietary needs met

Camp UTADA offers all the traditional stuff, like sports and campfires, while watching diets and supervising care, set in beautiful Camp Red Cliffe above Pineview Reservoir. Day and week-long camps, June 15–Aug. 16, grades 1–11, $240 (price may vary), no camper is turned away due to financial concerns. Camp Red Cliff, outside Huntsville, 801-566-6913, click here for more info.

Bring bro and sis

Camp Hobé is for kids with cancer and their siblings, who are often overlooked during treatment. Set out west at Camp Wapiti, kids enjoy archery, hikes, biking and swimming. June 10–21, ages 4–19, $15–$35, fee waivers available. Camp Wapiti, near Tooele, 801-631-2742, camphobekids.org

Hold your horses 

National Ability Center has plenty of great camps for kids with disabilities, but we’re partial to Camp Giddy Up, where campers ride trails with the horses and build on skills each year. June 10–Aug. 16, ages 8–18, $120–$190 (2–3 days), $290–$550 (5 days), discount for registering before May 17.  National Ability Center, 1000 Ability Way, Park City, 435-649-3991 x609, discovernac.org

Cooking, canoeing and braille

The Utah School for the Blind and the Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired teamed up to give blind kids outdoor, sports and braille reading camps this summer. June 9–Aug. 10, ages 8–16 (summer work program available for ages 16 and older), $40–$125 (fee waivers available). Most camps held at Utah School for the Deaf and Blind Ogden campus, 742 Harrison Blvd., 801-209-8492, ufbvi.org

Getting social

Along with social coaching and treatment, Camp Takoda gives kids with ADHD a chance to swim, go on field trips and grow their self-esteems while making new friends. June 11–Aug. 2. Camp Takoda is in SLC. Call 801-467-8553 or visituafc.org for info on ages, prices, registration deadlines and more.

Camp for all abilities

Camp Kostopulos strives to include all kids of all abilities who could benefit from a summer riding horses, fishing, swimming and taking on the ropes course. They also offer a travel camp, which takes kids to destinations across the Intermountain West. June 1–Aug. 2, ages 7 and up, $405, scholarships available for low-income families, families registered with Division of Services for People with Disabilites may have respite funds available, register by mid-May. Camp Kostopulos, 4180 Emigration Canyon Road, SLC, 801-582-0700,campk.org 

Doubling up

Two camps with all the traditional camp activities for kids with disabilities: Camp Valor for kids with hemophilia and Camp Hawkins for kids with heart disease. Siblings are welcome to both. Camp Valor: July 29–Aug. 2, ages 5–17, $65, hemophiliautah.org. Camp Hawkins: June 24–27, ages 4–17, $20–$65,camphawkins.org

They call it “standup paddle boarding’’ and it is said to be the fastest growing water sport in the country.

It started as standup paddle surfing. Surfers, on calm days, stood on their boards and paddled, “just to stay in shape,’’ as the story goes. Standup paddle boarding is similar in that participants stand, or sit, on look-alike surf boards and paddle, but do it on lakes or rivers, away from the oceans.

It’s relatively easy. The main issue is balance. Standing on a board, even a stable board that’s 12 feet long and 31 inches wide, can be a bit challenging on the water.

New students, says Alisha Niswander, owner/guide of Mountain Vista Touring in Park City, who also offers boarding instruction at Jordanelle, usually begin with a brief introduction on land showing foot placement, how to stand and paddling techniques.

“On the water we take baby steps, starting with students sitting on the back of their heels, then moving from there to kneeling and then standing.

People like (standup boarding) because it’s such a nice change to get off land and on the water, with all the open views. It’s just a really peaceful sport,’’ she adds.

One of the most popular paddling waters is Jordanelle Reservoir. It’s scenic, accessible and offers good water, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when breezes calm down.
Paddle boarding is a sport even the younger ones can pick up.

The boards used are similar to the long surf boards used back in the 1950s and 1960s, but very different from the new high-performance surf boards used today. The cost of good boards is around $1,500.

Jordanelle Rentals and Marina have boards to rent.

It helps that the marina is somewhat protected from the wind, and boats around the marina are required to drive at wakeless speeds, so waters are typically smoother. Rentals start at $20 for one hour and go to $35 for two hours and $55 for four hours.

“Most rentals are for an hour. An hour is about all most people can do. It’s  a physically challenging sport,’’ notes Brinton Passey.

The concessionaire started offering boards two years ago. This year it added to its stock of boards simply because “it’s becoming very popular,’’ he says. Rentals come with board, life vest and paddle.

Proof of the growth can be seen in the Outdoor Retailers’ report that in 2005 there was but one standup board company registered and in 2012 there were more than 35 makers of standup products.

Lincoln Clark, assistant manager at REI, says, “Without a doubt, for us, this is the number one popular growth sport. This is the first big surge in a sport we’ve seen in years.’’

REI not only sells boards, but offers daily rentals at $35 a day, “and where most of our rentals go out on weekend, all of our boards are going out almost daily,’’ he says.

There are three levels of boards — beginner, intermediate and advanced. Beginner boards are longer, wider and more stable; intermediate boards are a little longer and easier to maneuver; and advanced boards are fiberglass, longer and not as stable, but very maneuverable.

As for when to board, Niswander says, “The best suggestion I can give anyone is to (paddle board) in the early morning or late afternoon, when the water is calm. Afternoon winds can be a challenge.’’

For information visit www,parkcityhiking.com, rei.com, jordanellerentals.comand colesport.com.
Facts:
Choosing a board is based on skill level. Beginner boards are wider, flatter and more stable. More experienced boarders can choose narrower, longer and less stable boards.

Paddles have a small bend in the shaft for more efficiency.

Personal flotation devices (life vests) are required onboard.

Feet should be parallel and about hip-width apart, with knees bent and back straight.

Keep eyes looking forward and not down at the board.

As forward momentum increases, stability increases.

Plant the paddle blade completely under the surface. then pull back even with the body and then pull the blade out and plant it forward.

Start with short, smooth paddle strokes.

Paddle boarding is physically challenging, so pace yourself.

Always wear sun protection.