Meet the quilters of Gee’s Bend and their beautiful quilts in Colorful Quilts! A Gee’s Bend Family Day, Sat., June 7, at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Become inspired, then design a colorful square for the museum’s clothesline of paper quilts ... then have your Gee’s Bend book signed by the quilters. Free admission for Colorado residents: pick up tickets on-site starting at 10a.m. – availability is limited. For details, e-mail familyprograms@denverartmuseum.org or call 720-913-0167.

Tall tales, pioneer craft workshops and summer camps thrive in the 12-acre rural oasis of Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St. The free Hay Bales & Tall Tales family storytime takes place first Saturdays (June 7, July 5) at 11a.m. Domestic crafts, blacksmithing and wood-stove cooking are featured 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays. Half-day, week-long Pioneer and Homesteading summer camps are offered June and July, and two full-day, week-long How the West Was Fun are set for June and August. For details, visit www.four milehistoricpark.org or call 720-865-0800.

Georgia Amar offers instruction in painting and laminated stained glass for boys & girls ages 7-14 this June at Habitat Gallery and Studio, 828 Santa Fe Dr. Sign up for one or both one-week sessions (June 9-13 & 16-20), held Mon.-Fri., 9a.m.-3p.m. Materials and lunch included in $295 fee. Sessions limited to 12
students. For registration, call 303-534-9740 or email habitatgallery@earthlink.net.

Try out dance, music and creative expression at the three-week Kids-N-Motion Summer Camp, June 9-27, offered by Motion Underground Dance Studio, 2162 S. Colorado Blvd, Unit C. Campers (7-13) create, develop and star in their own hip-hop, ballet, jazz or break-dancing show. Or, see and learn the true art of hip-hop in the Colorado Hip Hop Festival, June 12-15. For details and registration for either event, call 303-786-7660 or visit www.motionunderground.com.

Celebrate the legacy of Italians in Colorado and view the Italians of Denver exhibit in Italiano Colorado, the Colorado History Museum’s next family-friendly Let’s Make History program, Sat., June 7, 1p.m., at 1300 Broadway. Saturday activities feature a guided exhibit tour, 1p.m.; program at 2p.m. Cost: free with admission, ($7 adults, children 12 and under are free on Saturdays).
     Other Let’s Make History topics: Pueblo Pottery, 14; Things That Go!, 21; A Soldier’s Life, 28; and Colorado’s Japanese, July 5.
     Hit the Road Summer Camp offers day-long walking and road adventures at sites around Denver, and includes pre- and post-journey activities at the museum – tours, workshops, snacks and drinks. Register for July 14-18 or Aug. 4-8 sessions now at 303-866-4688.General info: 303-866-3682 or visit www.coloradohistory.org

Young artists learn the steps to create a landscape oil painting in Landscapes En Plein Air, Mon.-Thur., June 9-12, just one of the offerings this month at the Children’s Art School, 700 S. Franklin St. in St. John’s Lutheran School. Summer week-long and Saturday classes are offered in drawing, painting, sculpture and paper crafts, including: Princess and Princesses (portraiture, Sat.), Paper Works, June 16-19), and Sculpture Park (June 23-26). Call 720-319-3813 for details and complete schedule of courses.

Mullen High School can help girls and boys, 5-15, improve their basketball game at Mullen’s Basketball Camp, sessions available June 9-12 and 16-19, 9a.m.-3:30p.m. Taught by boys’ 5A championship coach Porter Cutrell, girls’ 4A championship coach Frank Cawley, and other top Denver players and coaches, players get individualized instruction and challenging age/skill level drills and competition.
     Full-day ($150), morning and afternoon ($90) sessions held at 3601 S. Lowell Blvd. Info and online registration at www.mullen.coloradosportscastnetwork.com/basketball/index.asp; or call coaches Cutrell, 303-877-3016, or Cawley, 303-523-3796.

Denver Academy, 4400 E. Iliff Ave., plans summer Open Houses for interested families: Tues., June 10, 5-7p.m.; Wed., July 9, 10a.m.-1p.m. & Tues., Aug. 5, 5-7p.m. DA’s mission is to be a center of excellence for students with learning differences, developing their intellectual, social, physical and moral potentials; it is the only coed, independent 1st-12th grade school in the Denver area. Individual tours are also available; call 303-777-5161 or visit www.denveracademy.org for information.

Free kids activities are on tap at the Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market, Sat. & Sun., June 14 &15, 10a.m.-5p.m., in the Kids Tent at 200 Grant St. Art projects include Picasso Faces, Eye of Good Fortune Necklaces, String Painting, Paper Me Dolls, King/Queen of the Day Crowns and Watercolor Butterflies.
     Classes and workshops for aspiring artists of all ages, in a wide variety of media, are held throughout the year at Art Students League. For information, call 303-778-6990 or visit www.ASLD.org.

Pick up a free Youth Summer Activities Guide and tap into education, employment & recreation opportunities, courtesy Denver City Councilman At-Large Doug Linkhart. Consider sports like tennis, gymnastics and river rafting, jobs in community-based service programs, and classes in GED, language and art appreciation. Available at schools, libraries, rec centers, and www.douglinkhart.org.

Join in the Jerusalem Marketplace Holy Land Adventure, a kids’ summer camp at Hope Community Church, 1801 S. Logan St., Mon.-Fri., June 16-20. For ages 3 through 5th grade. Contact Julie with questions and registration: call 303-744-1026, ext. 301, or email  juliep@hopefordenver.com.

Young campers – and volunteer teen buddies – are needed for Summer Magic, a day-trip program for disabled children sponsored by the Jewish Disability Network. Kids engage in horseback riding, arts & crafts, sing-alongs and basketball at Shwayder Camp (near Idaho Springs, Tues., July 8) or JCC Ranch Camp (in Elbert, July 31). Fee of $20 includes lunch and transportation. Training is provided for volunteers. For information, reservations or to volunteer, contact Rita Singer, 720-335-0854 or rocky2323@aol.com.

Remember the good old days when summer lasted forever? Treat your kids to some lazy, crazy days with Summerville weeklong camps, through August, at Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. Activities include: field trips, swimming, boat races and crawdad fishing, lemonade stands and car washes, arts, crafts, drama, and just plain fun! Sign up kids ages 6-11 by the week or for a three-day minimum per week ($170/week; $47/daily).
     WSCC also offers a full-time, play-based learning Qualistar preschool, emphasizing school readiness and the arts and the Discoveryland Enrichment Program, 9a.m.-1p.m.. Also: Kids Club before- and after-school and DPS Days Off programs. WSCC has served the community since 1967. Info: www.wscc-denver.org or 303-733-4643.

Family Free Day at Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Dr., is Sat., June 14, noon-4p.m. Free admission to current exhibits, and arts and crafts workshops, each second Saturday of the month. Info: 303-571-4401 or visit www.museo.org.

Calling all kid capitalists: Enter the Celebration for Young Entrepreneurs business competition and awards event, honoring Coloradans, 6-21, who have taken risks to start and run their own businesses. Winners and finalists in four age categories receive cash prizes and mentoring opportunities, and recognition at a fall dinner and ceremony. Application deadline is June 20; download forms at www.yacenter.org or call 303-321-2265.

Parents and young music buffs, ages 2-10, can sing, dance and finger-play in the next Children’s Sing-A-Long, Sat., June 21, 10:30-11:15a.m., at Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E. Yale Ave.  The casual, monthly gathering provides shakers, rhythm instruments and instructors. The Julie Davis Music School also offers instruction inguitar, recorder, music theatre and more. Info/registration: 303-777-1003 or www.swallowhill.com.

Register now for the last Imagine That! Summer Theatre Camp session, Aug. 11-15 at Grant Ave. Community Center, 216 S. Grant St. Visit www.imaginethat denver.com for detailed schedule, or call Stacey, 303-596-6812.

Story Hour in the Park – a Saturday morning smorgasbord of stories and snacks – returns to City Park June 7, 10a.m., behind the Bible House at E. 21st Ave. & York St. Every Saturday through July 5, kids 7 and younger enjoy stories read by special guests, book drawings, lemonade and animal crackers – all free. Presented by Tattered Cover, Denver Parks & Rec, and City Park Alliance – visit www.cityparkalliance.org for details.

Storytellers weave dramas of plants, animals and nature in Story Time in the Gardens, every Saturday at 10a.m. on the Children’s Secret Path of the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St. Free with DBG admission.
     Day camps for kids and family days are offered throughout the summer months: Junior Master Gardeners, Mon.-Fri., June 23-27; Plants We Eat From Around The World, Sat., June 21, or Sun., June 22; and Plant Olympics, Sat., June 28 or July 5, or Sun., July 6. For camp and class details, visit www.botanicgardens.org, or call 720-865-3500.

Mommy (or Daddy) and Me Yoga, Spanish and Creative Moment are fun family classes held at Rock the Cradle, a new kids clothing and accessory store at 18 S. Broadway. For more information or to sign up, call 303-733-3707 or email info@rockthecradlebaby.net.

There’s plenty to do for the kids (and you) at a nearby branch of the Denver Public Library, offering storytimes and activities for kids of all ages. Note: all locations closed Fri., July 4, for Independence Day.
     DPL’s free Summer of Reading program is in full swing, and open to infants through 12th graders through July 31. Complete program details are available at Central, any branch library, or www.summerofreading.org.
     Byers, 675 Santa Fe Dr. Summerafternoon programs, including crafts, theatre, stories and fun, on Tues. & Thur., 2-3p.m.: June 10, Road Map Scrapbook; 12, Brothers and Sisters: Musical Trip Around the World; 17, Magnetic Transportation Picture Frame; 19, Felt Creature Key Chain; 24, Road Trip Koozie; 26, Bottle Cap Magnets; July 1, Keep-the-Sun-Out-of-Your-Eyes Visor; 3, Tin Box Tote. Info: 303-571-1665.
     Eugene Field, 810 S. University Blvd. Storytime for all ages, Fridays, 10:15a.m. Super Saturdays for all ages, 10:30a.m.: June 7, Bubble Mania with Capt. Vic the Science Wizard; 14, Jumpin’ and Jammin’ with Mr. Shine; 21, Kactus Pete; 28, Science Matters’ Extreme Electricity. Info: 303-
777-2301.
     Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Weekday children’s activities, 10:30a.m.: Tuesdays, Bookbabies I (0-6 mo.); Wednesdays, Tales for Twos & Craft (24-35 mo.); Thursdays, Preschool Storytime & Craft (3-5 yrs.); Fridays, Bookbabies II (early walkers).
     Summer afternoon programs for all ages, Tues. & Thur., 2p.m.: June 10, Reading Road Trip with Mr. Shine; 12, Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Family Show; 17, Sail the Seven Seas; 19, Explore Dinosaurs with Mr. Bones & Friends; 24, Stone Soup with Merry-Andrew-Afoot; 26, Adventures in Reading; July 1, The Bunny & Birdie Magic Show with Connie & the Rabbit Co.; 3, The Big Balloony Show.
     Teen programs, Wed., 3-5p.m.: June 18, Teen Gaming: Dance-Dance Revolution Tournament; July 2, Jewelry Making Party.
     Saturdays at 2p.m. (all ages): June 7, Sunny and Cheri Show; 14, Adventures in Reading; 21, Balloon Stories with Suzalloonz; 28, Giggle-bone Workshop and Magic Show featuring Coconut the Clown. Info: www.denverlibrary.org or call 720-865-1306.
     Decker, 1501 S. Logan St., Bookbabies (0-24 mo.), Mondays, 12:30p.m. & Thursdays, 10:30a.m. Special summer programs: Wed., 10:30a.m.: Road Trip Koozie; 11, Bacon and Porkchop; 18, Keep-the-Sun-Out-of-Your-Eyes Visor; 25, Professor Klutzo; July 2, Bag Tag.
     Saturday programs (all ages), 10:30a.m.: June 7, Dr. Noize!; 14, Kactus Pete Puppet Show; 21, Patticake the Clown. Info: 303-733-7584.
     Schlessman, 100 Poplar St.: Bookbabies (3-24 mo.), Thursdays, 10:30 & 11:30a.m.; All-Ages Storytime (pre-K-5th grade), Tuesdays 10:30a.m. Info: 720-865-0000.
     Virginia Village, 1500 S. Dahlia St., hosts Tot Tales (2-3 yrs.), Mondays, 10:30 & 11:15a.m.; Bookbabies (6-24 mo.), Tuesdays, 10:30 & 11:30a.m.; Storytime (all ages), Fridays, 10:30a.m.
     Special performances: Around the World Magic & Juggling Show with Ann Lincoln, Tues., June 17, 2-3p.m.; Science Matters’ Creepy Crawlers, Mon., June 23, 2-3p.m.
     Super Saturdays, 11a.m.: June 7, World Drum Celebration; 14, Music and Stories; 21, Clown Makeup Show and Tell; 28, Bug People From Outer Space. Info: 303-757-6662.

Registration is being taken now for Fall 2008 at Emmanuel Methodist Preschool, 2700 S. Downing St. Emmanuel is celebrating its 35th year of service to the community. Classes include play, music, literacy, art, dramatics, science, cooking, outdoor play, special events, summer camp and global learning. Call to schedule a tour. Denver residents with 4-year-olds can apply for tuition credits through the Denver Preschool Program. For information, call director Jeanann Johnson at 303-758-1697.

Children do extraordinary things year-round at Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten and School-Age Summer camp. Visit students and teachers, Mon.-Fri., 9-10a.m., in the DC7 airplane classroom at 4140 E Iliff Ave.
     Founded in 1963, this alternative to traditional kindergarten caps class size at 15! Info: 303-757-3551. Download registration forms for the 2008-09 Kindergarten Class and the 2008 School-Age Summer Camp at www.iliff preschool.com.

The Grant Avenue Kids performing dance group is now holding open auditions for boys and girls, ages 8-12, at the Grant Ave. Community Center, 216 S. Grant. St. To schedule an appointment, call 303-722-2624.

Kids ages 3-12 can learn about God through music, crafts and story at Vacation Bible School, July 7-11, 6-9p.m., at Saint Mary’s Anglican Catholic Church, 2290 S. Clayton St. Call 303-758-7211 for details.

Vacation Bible School is set for weekday mornings, July 21-24, at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., on Mon.-Thur. Kids who’ve completed kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome, and 6th graders may join as helpers. Pre-K VBS for ages 3-5 is Aug. 5-7. Info: 303-758-2233.

There are fitness programs and camps for every kid through the Robert E. Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St. Challenge Fitness provides opportunities for children with special needs (mild to moderate disabilities). Advance registration required; info, contact Parmet at 303-316-6309, or sparmet@jccdenver.org.
     Also available, June-Aug.: Camp Shai, traditional and special day camps for children entering grades K-9; Youth Athletics, with soccer, basketball, floor hockey, Nerf baseball, track & field; Tennis Camp for kids entering grades 2-9; Group Swim Lessons – parent-tot through advanced; and Camp Shalom Early Childhood Center Camp for ages 2-5.
     Visit www.jccdenver.org for full summer camp schedule.

Kindermusik means musical fun and fellowship for kids 6 weeks to 3 years, at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Held Tues. & Wed., 9:45a.m. Caregiver must accompany children. Call Katy Fink-Johnson for details, 303-758-2233.

Improving moms’ lives through support, education and advocacy is the mission of Mothers & More, a secular, not-for-profit national organization. The Central Denver Chapter (#218) offers monthly activities like meetings, Margarita Club, play groups, family picnics, and provides email networks, newsletters and Care Committee Support. Visitors welcome at monthly moms-only events; email mothersandmoredenver@
yahoo.com for details.

No mom was ever meant to mother alone. That’s the philosophy of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). The Corona MOPS is a local chapter that meets at Corona Presbyterian Church at 8th Ave. & Downing St. Join in for brunch, meeting other moms and speakers on diverse topics. Children’s program provided.
     Corona MOPS meets first, third and fifth Fridays of each month, 9-11:30a.m. Motherhood is a journey of its own, and supporting each other is fundamental. For info, call 303-832-2297.

Are you a Mod Mom? Do you have kids under 5? Are you expecting a new little one? Mod Moms – Moms of Denver – offers monthly get-togethers, playgroups, Mod Moms Unplugged, Bunko, book clubs and more, to build lasting friendships, have fun and support both mothers and children. Info: www.modmoms.org.

The MOMS Club of Cherry Creek/ Washington Park invites stay-at-home moms to meet with other at-home mothers and their children. The Club offers events every week, including play groups, outings, Bunko, Mom’s Night Out, walking groups and family nights.
     Cherry Creek chapter info: www.momsclubofcherrycreek.com or email momsclub_cc@yahoo.com.
     Washington Park chapter: email wpmc_membership@yahoo.com or visit www.momsclubofwashpark.com.

For All Single Moms – Families First offers a free Circle of Parents support group just for you! Discover proven methods for cutting down on the frustration of being a single parent in today’s hectic world. Unlock the knowledge you already hold and share your wisdom, create a support network and rebuild your self-esteem. Group meets first, third and fifth Thursdays, 6:30-8p.m., at Evanston United Methodist Church, 2122 S. Lafayette St. Free children’s group provided.
            Come build upon your strengths in a safe and nurturing environment. Info: call the Family Support Line, 303-695-7996, or Families First, 303-745-0327.