SOAK UP THE CULTURE AT MYANMAR FESTIVAL

Hawaii’s Burmese community invites you to celebrate Thingyan, the Myanmar New Year Festival, at Wilson Elementary School on Sunday. Just be sure to bring some dry clothes.

“The most significant way of enjoying the year is throwing water to each other,” said Than Aye, secretary of the Myanmar Association of Hawaii. “Water means purity, water means clean, so we wash away the things of the old year, and we welcome the new year by wishing for health.”

The culture of Myanmar, also known as Burma, is based on Buddhism, and so the new year will be highlighted by offerings to Buddha and the monks, Aye said. It is also a day in which respects are paid to elders and other traditions of Myanmar are observed.

The festival begins at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies, followed by song and dance performances.

There will be a presentation of Myanmar Thangyat, a traditional form of poetry that often provides social commentary on events of the day. Food booths, product sales and activities such as Burmese face painting start at 11 a.m.

Entrance to the festival is $10 per person with children under 14 admitted free. Entrance includes an opportunity to enjoy mohinga, the noodle-fish soup that is considered the national dish of Myanmar. Shweyinaye, a dessert made of gelatin and coconut, will also be available.

Water throwing begins at noon — and expect a good soaking. “People enjoy it during the whole day, so as they go by one station to station, many people will be throwing much water,” Aye said. “Potentially you will get very wet. At least we believe that this water will not make you sick. We believe it will make you stronger.”

Wilson Elementary School is at 4945 Kilauea Ave.

A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AWAITS KIDS OF ALL AGES

Summer Smiles Program: May 25 to July 20, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Moiliili Community Center. Cost is $720 for six weeks and $880 for eight weeks. Half-day packages available to students attending Kuhio and Wilson elementary schools. Keiki ages 5 to 13 will enjoy arts and crafts, science experiments, kite flying, games, swimming, food activities, excursions and more. Registration deadline is May 11; late registration fee is $15. Call 955-1555.

Kama‘aina Kids’ summer day camps: Weekly sessions, May 29 to July 27 at various sites (Keoneula, Waikele, Waimalu, Ben Parker, Enchanted Lake, Hahaione and Liholiho elementary schools, Voyager and Mililani Tech Park). For keiki who completed grades K-6. Activities include swimming, sailing, kayaking, "Weird Science," an overnighter at Camp Timberline and more. Registration deadline is May 11. Sessions run from 6 a.m. to 2:30 or 6 p.m. Costs range from $115 to $170 per week; $1,000 to $1,185 for entire summer; lunch extra. Call 262-4538 or visit goo.gl/5xfvN. » Additional specialty camps include Bishop Museum’s Camp Ed-venture, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, Sea Life Park Junior Animal Trainer Program, SPIRIT Adventures Day Camp, Surf Camp Hawaii and Summer Plus. For details, visit goo.gl/e6V8x.

Hawai‘i Nature Center: Summer SNAP (Sensational Nature Adventure Program) June 4 to Aug. 17 in Makiki Valley and various field sites. Series of weeklong programs for ages 6 to 11 filled with nature activities, forest hikes, stream investigations, nature crafts, insect safaris, beach explorations, field trips and more. Sessions are from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended care ($100 per week or $25 per day) available until 5 p.m. Cost: $350 per week ($275 for members). Enroll in three or more sessions and receive a $25 discount per session. Register 10 days in advance of each session. Call 955-0100, ext. 114, or visit goo.gl/agTjD.

University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Curriculum Research & Development Group: Five-week session June 4 to July 6, University Laboratory School. Hands-on learning for students entering grades 3 to 12 in theater, robotics, languages, arts, environmental studies and more. Enroll in half-day programs ($575) from 8 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:30 to 3:15 p.m., or a full-day program ($1,150). After-school program available from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. ($35 per week). Bring lunch and snacks. Call 956-8176 or visit goo.gl/7tcLA. » Additional programs include driver’s education, 8:30 a.m. to noon June 12 to 22 ($425); and options for Summer Fun from May 1 to June 1 and Summer Adventure from July 9 to 27 ($180 per week).

Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s summer drama programs:

» "Summer Drama Adventure" (for ages 7 to 9) and "The ‘Tween Scene" (for ages 10 to 13) offer "dramatic adventure" through movement, games, creative exploration and stories, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays from June 4 to 29, Tenney Theatre, The Cathedral of St. Andrew. Tuition: $575, $500 for siblings. Scholarships available. Register by May 21. Call 839-9885, ext. 704, or visit www.htyweb.org.

» "The Priory’s Summer Sizzler" session, 1 to 5:30 p.m. June 12 to 29, held in partnership with St. Andrew’s Priory for ages 7 to 13. Includes games, cooking, arts and crafts, board games, movies and Friday water play. Students are escorted from Tenney Theatre to the neighboring priory location. Tuition: $350. Call 532-2444 or visit www.priory.net.

Oahu Club’s summer sports camp: May 29 to July 27, 6800 Hawaii Kai Drive. Activities include tennis, swimming, water polo, tae kwon do, volleyball, soccer, yoga and sports conditioning from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for ages 7 to 12. Cost: $225 per week ($175 members), plus a one-time $15 fee. Optional lunch: $25 per week. Call 395-3300 or visit www.theoahuclub.com.

» A Junior Sports Camp is available for ages 6 to 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers the same sports and activities. Cost is $150 per week ($125 members).

Na‘au Learning Center’s Summer Writing Institute: Weekly courses May 29 to Aug. 16 with two different daily sessions, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, 1365 Nuuanu Ave., Suite 4. Students in grades 1 to 12 hone their writing skills through expository writing programs with weekly themes (directions, persuasion, biography, research, vocabulary, analysis, and comparison and contrast), led by Lois-Ann Yamanaka and Melvin E. Spencer III. Costs range from $200 to $325 per session; discounts available for multiple sessions. Call 548-NAAU (6228) or visit www.yamanakanaau.com.

Honolulu Zoo: Reservations required. Call 971-7195 or visit goo.gl/lC2nI.

» "Vacation Adventures: Day Camp": 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekly from June 4 to Aug. 17. Children ages 6 to 11 go on a "safari" to learn about animals, talk with zookeepers, create animal arts and crafts, and play lawn games. Costs range from $172 to $215 per week. After-care available until 5:30 p.m. for $50 to $60 per week.

» "Pre-Vacation Adventures": 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18 to Aug. 3. Preschoolers ages 4 and 5 explore the zoo using their senses and enjoy games, walking tours, crafts and talks by a zookeeper. Costs range from $156 to $195 per week.

Waterman’s Academy with Hawaii Canoe & Kayak Team: Students ages 8 to 15 who know how to swim receive an introduction to paddle sports (kayak, surf ski, paddleboard, outrigger), water safety and fun paddling techniques. Level 1 programs will be held June 4-8, 11-15 and 18-22 at Maunalua Bay, Hawaii Kai Halau; Level 2 programs (requires Level 1 graduation and an invitation by coaches) are July 23-27 and July 30 to Aug. 3 at Ala Wai Community Park, Ala Wai Halau. All classes run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $100 per week. Call 388-3207 or visit www.hckt.org/v2.

Junior Lifeguard Program: Ocean awareness and safety program offers physical training; ocean skills for rescues; beach and hazard assessment; and personal care topics such as skin cancer awareness, eye safety, lifesaving techniques and more. For teens ages 13 to 17 (must be 13 by June 1) who are capable of swimming at least 500 yards. Choose from seven five-day sessions, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays from June 4 to July 20, at Ala Moana, Kalama, Ehukai and Makaha beach parks. Presented by the city Department of Emergency Services Ocean Safety Division and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association. Register online at www.myjuniorguards.com by May 28; limit one session per child. On-site registration for available slots, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Quiksilver (across from Hawai‘i Convention Center) at 1714 Kapiolani Blvd. and Kalama Beach Park; and April 28 at Foodland in Pupukea and Hale Nalu Surf & Bike in Waianae. Suggested donation: $45. Call 723-7864 or visit goo.gl/IUfYA.

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center: "Discovery Camp" June 4 to Aug. 10, at the center, 111 Ohe St., Kakaako. Weekly camp sessions explore different themes and include daily visits to the center galleries, outdoor play and a snack; for ages 5 to 8. Camps are offered in the morning (9 a.m. to noon), afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.) or as a full-day session. Fees range from $120 to $255 per week; register for six sessions and receive the members’ discount. After-camp care available until 4:30 p.m. for $10 per week; free if enrolling in six weeks of full-day camps. Registration deadline is May 18. For schedule and cost breakdown, visit goo.gl/kTBlB. Call 524-5437.

Adventures in Art’s summer art day camps: Various one-day workshops June 5 through July 27 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays except July 4 and 20), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 94-1388 Moaniani St. (Waipio Business Center). Bring lunch. Call 223-7946 or visit goo.gl/ds3kx.

» Children ages 5 and older can engage in workshop sessions including "Mouse House," "Big Cats," "Mermaid," "Darth Vader," "Turtle Tiles," "Knighthood," "Dolphin Dreams" and "Monkey Marionette." Cost: $55 per class.

» "Bronze Ring" is for ages 10 and older. Cost: $60.

Scott Rogers Studios’ acting classes: "Kids on Camera" for ages 7 to 11 (9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and "Teens on Camera" for ages 12 to 18 (1:30 to 5 p.m.), Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays June 11 to July 13, 1174 Waimanu St., Suite A. Learn basic on-camera acting techniques in a kid-friendly and pressure-free environment. Cost: $595 (plus tax). Call 596-8300 or visit goo.gl/kN01k.

Variety School of Hawaii’s summer enrichment program: June 11 to July 20, 710 Palekaua St. Six-week program provides services to children (kindergartners through high school students) with and without learning differences, including high-functioning autism. The morning session runs from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with an emphasis on language arts and mathematics. The afternoon program runs from 12:15 to 5:30 p.m. and offers hands-on activities, experiences and field trips. Half-day and full-day options are available. Costs vary. Call 732-2835 or visit www.varietyschool.org.

Hawaii Council on Economic Education’s Summer Economics Academy: Application deadline is May 20 for six-week session June 12 to July 19, 8 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Maryknoll School. Nationally recognized economics teacher Lance Suzuki teaches high school students fundamental economic concepts and financial planning for college and career, and includes field trips to local businesses. Tuition: $350; requires a minimum 2.0 grade-point average. Scholarships available. Call 536-6304 or visit www.hcee.org.

City and County of Honolulu’s Parks & Recreation summer fun programs: June 12 to July 25 (may vary by location), 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays at more than 60 sites; extended hours available at some locations. Seven-week program for children ages 5 (must have turned 5 by Dec. 31) through incoming seventh-graders is filled with activities, arts and crafts, sports, games, excursions and special events. Registration fee: $25; additional fees (up to $75) may apply. For registration info, visit www.honoluluparks.com. Call 768-3040.

Camp BizSmart: "Real World Skills for Future Entrepreneurs": Two 10-day sessions, June 18-29 or July 23 to Aug. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, Punahou School. Students ages 11 to 15 work in teams and collaborate on business problems, design solutions and create inventions to be transformed into product renderings. This year’s students will work with the companies Hydrovolts and d.light design. Cost: $900. Call 800-475-0869 or visit www.campbizsmart.org.

Hawaiian Humane Society’s "Teens 4 Animals Summer Experience": Two-week program for high school students provides teens with an opportunity to learn about animal handling, training and care, community outreach proj­ects and animal-related careers while also becoming certified shelter volunteers. Choose from two weekday sessions, 8:30 a.m. to noon June 18-29 or 1:30 to 5 p.m. July 9-20. Cost: $195. Call 946-2187 or email education@hawaiianhumane.org.

Diamond Head Theatre: In "The Musical Theatre Experience," students receive training in acting, singing and dancing while learning about the history of musical theater through games, improvisations, vocal and physical exercises, dance styles and techniques and more. Registration deadline is May 15. Call 733-0277, ext. 306, or visit goo.gl/uS68x.

» "MTE": Focuses on singing and dancing with some acting, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, June 18 to July 27 (with a performance on July 28) for ages 12 to 16. Cost: $525.

» "MTE II": Focuses on acting with some singing and dancing, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays, Aug. 6 to 17 (with a performance on Aug. 18) for children ages 7 to 16 with previous experience. Cost: $400.

Hawaii Chinese Immersion School: Each program offers two weekday sessions (June 18 to July 20, and July 23 to Aug. 24) in Kahala and costs $1,250 (plus tax) each. Initial meeting required prior to enrollment. Call 779-0001 or visit www.hawaiichineseschool.org.

» "HCIS Summer Mandarin Immersion Camp": 8 to 10 a.m., for kindergartners and older. Suitable for beginners to listen, speak, read and write in a Mandarin-intensive environment.

» "Singapore Math": 10 a.m. to noon, for first-graders and older. World-renowned math curriculum and teaching methods place a strong emphasis on conceptual thinking and problem solving. Knowledge of multiplication tables is helpful.

» "Around the World in 24 Days": Noon to 2 p.m., for kindergartners and older. Experience fascinating cultures on a "journey" across the world. Culminates with an optional one-week field trip overseas at extra cost; parents welcome.

Ballet Hawaii’s Summer Intensive: Three-week courses weekdays July 23 to Aug. 12 for advanced and intermediate levels, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Pre-pointe (ages 8 to 11) from noon to 3:15 p.m.; rehearsals for all levels run until approximately 6:30 p.m., 777 S. Hotel St., Suite 101 (near the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall). Cost: $1,400 (or $500 per week) for advanced and intermediate levels; $700 ($250 per week) for Pre-pointe level. A $200 nonrefundable deposit required by June 1. Call 521-8600 or visit goo.gl/dVx90.

YMCA: Register by May 28. Late registration fee is $35. Visit www.ymcahonolulu.org or your local YMCA branch.

» Camp Erdman: Ten weekly sessions June 3 to Aug. 10, 69-385 Farrington Highway, Waialua. For ages 6 to 16. Choose from traditional camps or specialty camps for horsemanship, surfing, rock-climbing or English as a Second Language. Weekly camp rates begin at $550 per child; meals included. Call 637-4615 or visit www.camperdman.net.

» Day Camp: June 4 to July 27, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (times may vary) at the Central, Kaimuki-Waialae, Leeward, Mililani, Nuuanu and Windward branches; also offered in four-week or weekly sessions. Activities include crafts, sports, swimming, cooking, outdoor exploration and more for children in grades 1 to 6. Cost: $1,120, $600 for four weeks or $165 per week. Part-day options available at the Nuuanu and Windward branches from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $125 per week.

» Summer Time: June 4 to 27 at the Kalihi branch from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Offers the same weekly themes as Day Camp but modified with music and dance, nature fun, games and three excursions. For children entering grades 1 to 7. Cost: $800, $500 for four weeks or $125 per week. Part-day option available May 29 to July 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $20 per day.

» Club Mid Explorers: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 4-27 at Kaimuki-Waialae for grades 6 to 9, and Mililani and Nuuanu for grades 7 to 9. Includes excursions, sports, games, arts, computer time, service proj­ects and more. Cost: $1,120, $600 for four weeks or $165 per week. After-school program available until 6 p.m. at extra cost.

» "STRIVE" Leadership Programs: May 29 to July 27, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central, Kaimuki-Waialae, Kalihi, Leeward, Mililani, Nuuanu and Windward. For those entering grades 7 to 12. Leadership opportunities, excursions and functions with teens from other YMCA branches. Cost: $360; additional fees may apply for weekend activities.

» Specialty camps: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11 to Aug. 24, Central branch. Includes weekly "Outdoor Explorer" camps (hiking, kayaking and snorkeling) for those entering grades 4 to 9; and biweekly "Cooking and Crafts" and "Multi-Sports Clinic" camps for those entering grades 3 to 9. Cost: $240 to $260 per week.

Hawai‘i Academy’s 2012 Summer School: Nine-week curriculum for kindergartners to eighth-graders, May 29 to July 27, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 1314 Moonui St. Includes four hours of academic instruction in math, science/social studies and language arts; physical activities such as gymnastics and trampoline; and enrichment classes focusing on countries and cultures. Lunch offered for full-day students. Cost: $3,000 for full day; $1,463 for half-day; daily and weekly rates available; discounts for additional siblings. Call 842-5642 or visit www.hawaiiacademy.com.

Waikiki Aquarium’s "Summer by the Sea": Weeklong sessions June 4-8 and 18-22, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. For budding marine biologists ages 8 to 12 who are confident swimmers and enjoy snorkeling. Morning outdoor adventures include swimming and snorkeling along the coast from Waikiki to Diamond Head, followed by afternoon sessions learning about animals in exhibits and behind-the-scenes tours. Cost: $300 ($250 for members). Seatings have been filled, but you may be added to a wait list. Call 440-9011 or email reservations@waquarium.org.

The Performing Arts Center of Kapolei: June 4 to 22 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Kapolei High School Forum; culminates with a performance June 22 at 6:30 p.m. Summer musical theater program featuring Winnie the Pooh Kids teaches singing, dancing and acting; it is geared toward elementary-age students but is open to all ages. Cost: $250, $225 for siblings. Call 224-5314 or visit goo.gl/YZwmM.