Animal Planet Recap

We have just wrapped up an amazing summer here at Via West, and we went out with a roar during Animal Planet. We made cream cheese penguins, watermelon hedgehogs, sparkle turtles, 3D bird pictures, zebra puppets, rainforests, birds' nests, and bobble head pigs.

We took field trips to the San Francisco Zoo and the McLellan Ranch to get up close and personal with our wildlife friends. Back on campus we enjoyed a relaxing movie night with Madagascar 3.

We went on an animal safari and a scavenger hunt, played the animal name game, animal bingo, and an animal memory game.

We also learned with iPads, had a visit from Bay Area Wild, rode horses, and we splashed around in the Via West pool. To see more pictures from this session, please visit our Facebook page.

Nickelodeon Days Recap

Are you ready to get slimed? Our participants for Nickelodeon Days certainly were! We made our own Nickelodeon slime, take home Dora brownies, and Dora microphones.

We took a field trip to Golfland where we put our mini golf skills to the test and we also enjoyed the arcade and water park.

We went on a hike around Campus to find things using Spanish words that Dora taught us, and we also made our own iCarly videos. We had a Power Rangers competition, played some Spongebob games, and we ran through a Double Dare obstacle course.

We also learned with iPads, had a visit from some creepy crawlers, and partied it up at the Via West Choice Awards. To see more pictures from this week, please visit our Facebook page.

Disney for All Ages Recap

Bibbity Bobbity Boo! We had a magical time during Disney for All Ages at Via West Campus. We made magic carpet coasters, fruit flower bouquets, Pooh's honey drinks, Camp Rock guitars, Brave storybooks, and Snow White mini pies.

We took two fun-filled field trips to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and to the movies.

 We went on a scavenger hunt through the 100 Acre Woods, put our skills to the test with a rigorous training session with Mulan, learned the art of cartooning, and had a blast eating breakfast with all of our favorite Disney friends.

We also learned with iPads, had a ball at Cinderella's Ball, rocked out during Camp Rock Night, and spent some quality time in the Via West pool. To see more pictures from this session, please visit our Facebook page.

Career Week Recap

Career Week is over at Via West, and we had a blast! We made PC Board models, vegetarian lasagna, and maps of the United States and California. We learned about all of the various jobs at Via West, and we set up and ran our very own Via West Diner and a Via West Carnival.

We also learned about the food and space industries with field trips to Mariani's Hotel and to NASA.

We spent some time learning proper interviewing techniques and how to dress for success, and we tested our knowledge about the working world with Career Week Jeopardy.

We also learned with iPads, met some local firefighters, and got in shape with water aerobics in the Via West pool. To see more pictures from this session, please visit our Facebook page.

Sun, Sand, and Sea Recap

Sun, Sand, and Sea has just wrapped up at Via West, and we had an amazing time learning all about the different bodies of water and ecosystems.

We made sand dollar necklaces, sea bird sand art, and nature prints. We also rode horses, had a water balloon fight, and decorated the Via West parking lot with some awesome chalk drawings.

We had the best time ever on our field trips to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, laser tag arena, and the Surf Museum.

We also learned with iPads, danced the night away at King Triton's Ball, and, of course, we spent some time by the pool. To see more pictures from this week, please visit our Facebook page.

80s Week Recap

We have just returned from a wild and crazy trip back in time to the 80s! We made Care Bears, Pac Man cake, Star Wars cupcakes, computer models, Orange Julius, and 80s album covers.

We did some Madonna karaoke, played a live Pac Man game and a rousing round of Family Feud, watched E.T. under the stars, and took some moonwalk lessons to prepare us for our Michael Jackson dance and improv.

We took amazing field trips to the Intel Museum, Nickel City Arcade, and Blue Light Cinemas.

We also rode horses, learned with iPads, hung out by the pool, and impressed each other at the talent show. To see more pictures from this weekend, please visit our Facebook page.

Cheer and Sports Recap

We just finished with our first children's session of the summer at Via West, and it was a blast! We reconnected with our old pals and made some lasting new friendships.

We practiced playing baseball, basketball, and football, and we learned some cheer routines. Boy, do we have some serious sports skills!

We made baseball caps, megaphones, and t-shirts, hung out by the pool, and we ended the weekend with a rally and baseball game. Go Via West!

 

To see more pictures from the weekend, please visit our Facebook page.

New Orleans Square Recap

Bonjour from the French Quarter! Via West just wrapped up an exciting Mardi Gras themed week with New Orleans Square. We made and ate scrumptious King cake, beignets, and red beans & rice.

We learned all of the different Mardi Gras traditions, took some jazz lessons, and we made some amazing beaded masks for our Mardi Gras festival and dance, as well as shoe box floats to bring home.

We took a field trip to the Poor House Bistro, learned with iPads, enjoyed the talent show, and spent some time relaxing by the Via West pool.

 

To see more pictures from this weekend, please visit our Facebook page.

All American Extravaganza Recap

Via West kicked off the summer the patriotic way with our All American Extravaganza! We learned and sang some good old fashioned patriotic songs like America the Beautiful and This Land is Your Land.

We made Native American headdresses, catch-it cones, and American flags. We also had a visit from local firefighters and participated in our nation's pastime: baseball!

After a rousing tailgate BBQ at Kelley Park, we watched the San Jose Giants baseball team take out the Lancaster Jethawks with a 7 to 0 win!

We also rode horses, re-enacted the signing of the Constitution, learned with iPads, and enjoyed the talent show.

To see more pictures from this week, please visit our Facebook page.

Is it Time to Clean your Closet?

Via West is looking for some items to jazz up our dress-up closet for dances, talent shows, and performances during weekend and summer programs. We can use any kind of dress-up clothes for children, teens, and adults. We welcome, in particular, prom gowns, cocktail dresses, cheerleading uniforms, square dance attire, and Halloween costumes.

We greatly appreciate any and all contributions! Please bring your dress-up clothes to the main office at 2851 Park Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. You may also send clothes with your participant to weekend programs and we will collect them at check in.