Patch Picks: Five Sizzling Summer Camps!

1. The Crescenta-Cañada YMCA will be hosting their annual summer camp sign up day/carnival on March 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. They feature a wide variety camp options from day camps at the "Y" to "away" camps like  Surf Camp in San Diego, Camp Fox in Catalina and the new Camp Oaks in Big Bear. Camps are available for children from preschool age all the way through 10th grade. Some camps offer weekly fieldtrips to local amusements parks. 1930 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, 91011, 818-790-0123.

2. Center for Children at the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church offers "flexible" summer day camp options. You can attend daily or weekly, simply make reservations one week ahead of the session. Activities include crafts, swimming, music, and fieldstrips. 2902 Montrose Ave., 818-249-8124.

 3. The La Cañada Community Center features several half-day camps for hildren such as Camp Runamuk, Arts and Crafts from around the World Camp,  Kindergarten Camp, Summer Theatre Camp, and various sport camps. Destination Science and Camp Lango (Spanish language camp) will also be offering their courses at the Community Center. 4469 Chevy Chase Dr., La Cañada, 91011, 818-790-4353.

4. Tom Sawyer Camps will be celebrating their 85th year of offering adventuresome camps for children ages three through the seventh grade. They have two locations to choose from, one at the Hahamonga Watershed Park (formerly known as Oak Grove Park) on the border of La Cañada and Altadena, and Arcadia County Park. Tom Sawyer Camps are accredited through the American Camp Association. Camps include fieldtrips, horseback riding, and age appropriate ropes courses. Signups have already begun and can be done online or at their office. 707 West Woodbury Ave. #F, Altadena, 91001, 626-794-1156.

5. In nearby Tujunga, the Verdugo Hills YMCA will also be hosting their annual summer camp sign up/carnival day on March 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Many of the same camps that are available at the Crescenta Cañada YMCA will also be available at this location and they will be featuring a free camp t-shirt with every sign up. 6840 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, 91042, 818-352-3255.