The City of Riverbank offers a variety of day camps and for the first year, coaches Stephanie Argumedo and Jackie Hernandez had a group of 15 students that learned self-expression in the form of Hip Hop dance.

The Cardozo Gym on Santa Fe Street was filled with beats this past week for the Hip Hop minicamp from June 1 through 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, for boys and girls ages 6 to 12. Campers were issued a T-shirt and cap that was included with the camp fee.

Students started their day with some stretches and then a warm up. Then the dance lessons began with choreographed movements with counts. After practicing those movements and counts, the coaches added the music.

“The students learned really fast,” said Argumedo. “Most of the students knew the dance by the third day of camp. The boys that would get it would then help some of the girls.”

During a scheduled water break students would enjoy a snack and eat quickly to get back on the floor to dance, according to the coaches.

The final day of camp, Friday, June 5 included a performance for family and friends. The students were called one by one and they each demonstrated a signature move. As a group they performed to a song by Justin Bieber, displaying energetic dance moves and singing. After walking off and throwing their hats in the air, the girls took a seat while the boys performed their own number. The girls followed with a dance routine to the popular Mark Ronson song featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk,” which the boys joined in.

The coaches gave the students a treat inviting some hip hop dancers to perform a dance for them.

The final routine included the students grabbing a family member or friend and hitting the floor for a unified final dance of the Cha Cha Slide to give the audience a little taste of what their youngster has experienced all week long.

The students were presented a certificate of participation by the coaches on behalf of the City of Riverbank’s Parks and Recreation Department. With a successful week of Hip Hop minicamp, the city plans to offer it again next year.

The first session of Outdoor Adventure Camp is already under way and will end on Friday, June 12. The second session of the popular outdoor camp will begin on July 13 through 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Burney Pavilion at Jacob Myers Park for kids ages six to 12.

Beginning Skateboard camp at the Riverbank Skate Park will run from Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26 as well as Summer Fun and Science Camp running the same week at the Cardozo Gym and the Community Pool.

Cheerleading camp will be held from July 6 through 10 at the Cardozo Gym and many other camps are offered to help keep youngsters busy throughout the summer.

Check the City of Riverbank’s website for the Spring and Summer Activity Guide or call 209-863-7150.