The Art Explosion, that is. No, it's not some sort of cheesy performance art where some French dude uses his body to paint a giant canvas (no, that guy opened for Gallagher). This is a bona-fide art experience for little ones, ages 2 to 5. The Family Center Parenting Place at Nova Southeastern University (3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale) holds a seven-week session on Thursdays and Saturdays for kids who want to learn more about art. So, what's so explosive about this class? Well, children take an active role in creating and designing their own multimedia art pieces, from finger paintings to sculptures. And parents can also participate to give kids a helping hand. Isn't that exciting? Explosively exciting? Classes start at 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Cost is $105 for seven weeks. Call 954-262-6900. -- Audra Schroeder
MON 6/16
Get an Early Start
The newly constructed Jim and Jan Moran Family Center Village (3301 College Ave., Davie) is open and ready to dish out some summer fun for the youngsters. The Preschool Summer Fun Camp offers kids ages 2 to 5 a chance to enjoy an outdoor art studio; interactive water fountain; four playgrounds; new classrooms for a variety of science, nature, cooking, art, and music classes; and special storytelling and magic events. Each week, kids get involved in age-appropriate activities with weekly themes. And it's all air-conditioned! The camp runs from June 16 to July 11. Classes run in four-week sessions, five days a week. Costs vary. Call 954-262-6900. -- Audra Schroeder
MON 6/16
Dramarama
Camps! Camps! And more camps! Yes, that's what summer is all about. And if you're not interested in the I'm-lost-in-the-woods-and-I-think-I-might-have-poison-ivy type of camp, Camp Little Palm for the Performing Arts may be for you. The musical-theater camp is open to aspiring thespians ages 7 to 14. The two-week crash course includes interactive workshops in acting, singing, choreography, stage combat, improvisation, costuming, makeup, and movement, and it wraps up with a theatrical production in the Little Palm Theatre. Now, you skeptics out there, jaded by the entertainment industry, may be thinking an "actors camp" sounds quite pretentious. You may worry that your children will return with a fast-talking agent named Sy who likes to say "Let's make it happen" and a spot in that new "hilarious" Adam Sandler movie. Not at all! The Little Palm Theatre is committed to quality and professionalism. This is still just South Florida. Classes take place at the Little Palm Theatre Studio (154 NW 16th St., Boca Raton) and run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 561-394-0206, or visit www.littlepalm.org. -- Audra Schroeder
