Summer vacation is just around the corner. And, before you know it, the kids will be uttering those dreaded phrases, “;I'm bored”; or, “;There's nothing to do.”; Before they enter this realm of discontent, check out some summer offerings that may keep them busy and provide an opportunity to learn new things in the process.

The camps listed below offer an array of activities that may suit your child's personality and rid them of the boredom blues.

Art
Honolulu Academy of Arts
Classes offered explore two- and three-dimensional art; drawing and painting; cartooning; ceramics; and mixed-media sculpture. Classes meet at various times, Tuesdays to Fridays, June 16 to July 22. Cost is $210, which includes supplies. Scholarships are available. Call 532-8741 or submit your request by e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

On Stage
Summer Drama Adventure
Children ages 7 to 12 are introduced to creative movement, theater games, dramatic exploration and acting. Students will put on an original play at HTY's Tenney Theatre. Lessons led by Lily Brennick and Junior Tesoro. At Honolulu Theatre for Youth, St. Andrew's Cathedral, weekdays, June 9 to 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $450. Call Courtney at 457-4255 to register. Visit www.htyweb.org/education.htm#summer.

Animal Encounters
Vacation Adventures
Daily activities include tours of the zoo, journal writing, arts and crafts, games and discussions, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 8 to Aug. 14 at the Honolulu Zoo. Keiki participants may do behavioral observations and visit areas off limits to the general public. Cost is $195 per week; $185 for members. After care is available from 2:30 to 5:30 daily for an additional fee. Visit www.honoluluzoo.org, call 971-7195 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Helping Hands
Camp Kokua, Ho'ala School
Children engage in an array of community service learning projects such as beach cleanups, wetlands restoration and more, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 13 to 24 at Ho'ala School. Students, in grades 4 to 12, must show a commitment to service through an interview and essay. The program was created in partnership with UH's Service Learning Program. Space is very limited. Cost is $350. Additional optional fees include a Maui trip for $175 and a zoo encounter for $40. Call Darlene at 621-1898 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Taking Charge!
Hawaii Leadership Academy
Designed for youth, ages 12 to 16, Winners Camp encourages teens to reach for their highest potential while facing their fears and self-doubts.

The seven-day residential accelerated learning program will be held at Kamehame Ridge (the ridge between Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo) from July 19 to 25.

Participants learn to create a positive sense of self-identity through a safe, supportive environment where they break through self-imposed limitations. By conquering challenging outdoor events, teens learn to recognize their own courage and self-confidence. By repeatedly going beyond what they thought they could do, they learn the joy of reaching their highest potential.

Teamwork, team-building, learning to trust and instruction in conflict-resolution are among the covered topics, along with the five “;R's”; of Life: respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, restraint and resilience. Cost is $980, meals and lodging included. Visit www.hawaiileadershipacademy.com or call 306-8008.

Lights ... Camera ... Action!
'Kids on Camera' Sessions
This is another fun yet focused five-week course teaching children and teens from 7 to 17 basic on-camera acting techniques, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, June 15 to July 17 at the Academy of Film & Television. No acting experience is required. Cost is $595.

Participants learn improvisation; script study; character building; introduction to the camera; how to audition; and advanced on-camera techniques for commercials, sitcoms, soap operas and film acting.

Students also get to serve as crew members on shoots and learn the art of filmmaking in a hands-on fashion, understanding the differences in text for commercials, sit-coms, soap operas and film and active listening. Visit americanfilmactor.com or call 596-8300.

Go Green
The Green House
Students entering grades K through 12 can attend environmental awareness programs at various locations this summer. Topics covered include organic gardening, composting, vermicomposting (with worms), renewable energy, recycle art, waste reduction, cooking and other creative activities including papermaking and making natural dyes. Visit The Green House Web site at www.thegreenhousehawaii.com for more information, call 524-8427 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Great Outdoors
SNAP ... Summer Nature Adventure Program
Educators lead children in a variety of Hawaii Nature Center activities, including forest hikes, fishing, nature crafts, insect safaris, Hawaiiana activities and off-site field trips. Sessions are 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, June 15 to Aug. 14. Cost is $250 for members, $350 for nonmembers per week. Extended care also available from 3 to 5 p.m. for an additional fee. Call 955-0100, ext. 14.

Music
Hawaii Youth Symphony Association
“;Summer Strings”; offers instruction on the violin, viola, cello or bass for students 8 and older. Two daily classes are available, Monday to Friday from June 15 to July 17. Beginning classes are from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and no experience is necessary. Intermediate classes for students with one year of string instrument experience is held from 3 to 4 p.m. Cost is $195 and affordable instrument rentals available. The “;Pacific Music Institute”; is an intensive nine-day workshop from July 18 to 26 and is designed for serious music students. The immersion program, under the direction of Henry Miyamura, includes symphony orchestra, concert band, string orchestra, chamber groups, jazz band and instrument sectionals. The week-long program culminates with a series of free concerts. Students must be in grades 8 to 12 and have at least two years of instrumental experience. Cost is $290. Call 941-9706 or visit www.HiYouthSymphony.org.

Ocean Adventures
Surf Camp
Surf lessons with Sunset Suzy, during day camps, June 8 to Aug. 29. Camp highlights include three hours of surfing instruction daily; surf training techniques like paddling pop-ups, turning, timing and more; ocean safety training; and swimming and surfing with sea turtles. All surfboard equipment is provided. Cost is $350 per week. Call 780-6963 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).