Did you know that Microsoft retail stores nationwide offer several free technology summer camp for kids called YouthSpark?  YouthSpark Camps get kids of all ages coding, creating games and apps, and having a blast in the process.

Participants learn the latest technology from Microsoft while making new friends, completing creative projects, and gaining new skills that prepare them for the future.

The camps are appropriate for children ages 6 and up.   Each store hosts a different camp depending upon the age and interest level of your child.  Every camp participant under 17 years of age must also provide a signed Participation Agreement and remain in the Microsoft Store for the duration of the event.

Here is a list of YouthSpark Summer Camps for 2018.

2018 Microsoft YouthSpark Camps For Kids

Each camp – from programming robots to speak to filming, editing and premiering a movie – was developed by experts in the field and with input from Microsoft store associates, all dedicated to equipping students with the digital skills they need to succeed when they pursue any career.

Make Your Own Movie With 3D & Mixed Reality

This camp provides students with access to Microsoft’s latest 3D drawing and movie-making technology.  From character development and storyboarding to shooting and editing, students learn how to create their own movie and are encouraged to invite friends and family to their Microsoft Store hosted movie premiere at the end of the camp.

• Ages: 8+
• Duration: Four 2-hour sessions

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Last April, I shared with you 4 Grocery Store Field Trips For Kids in Southern California.  In 2015, I also led a field trip for 12 kids and their parents to Bristol Farms in Newport Beach, California.  We received an exclusive tour of the store and learned about the inner workings of how a grocery store is run and operated.   It was fascinating, even for this mom who has been grocery shopping for her family for years.

Upon arrival, we were kindly greeted by Assistant Store Manager, Suzanne.  Suzanne gave us a brief history of Bristol Farms and how the upscale grocery store chain opened its first store location in Rolling Hills Estates, California, in 1982.  Their vision of combining the service and food quality of a corner grocer, butcher and baker together was a huge success.  Now Bristol Farms operates fifteen stores, twelve in Southern California, and one in San Francisco.  The fourteenth and fifteenth stores operate as Lazy Acres Market in Santa Barbara and Long Beach.

The first stop on our tour was a visit to the quick meal counter.  Here you can order Chinese food, pizza, sushi, sandwiches and many other items to go.

At this department, each child got to sample a piece of pepperoni pizza.  Delicious!

Next, we moved onto my favorite part of the store – the bakery!  Cookies, cake, and muffins galore!!!  My children were especially enamored with the cherry cheesecake.  Thankfully, Mr. SoCal Field Trips wasn’t with us or we would have gone home with the Espresso Chocolate Truffle Cake!

At the bakery, the kids received a free sugar cookie from one of the resident bakers.

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