Do you remember the time your child first wanted to do something on his own, or at least without your help? Recently, Jude insisted I no longer hold her up on the carousel horse where previously her regularly-placed death grip around my neck had me dizzily, but happily, bobbing up and down, going round and round. At home in the kitchen, her greatest joy and accomplishment is expertly working the salad spinner by herself until, to her liking, every last leaf is not just completely dry but also “pretty.” I knew the wretched day would come when I would have to confront budding independence, but at the wee age of three? Yes, that day has dawned. And yet as all parents know, this is just the beginning.

We’d like to wish you a Happy Independence Day by sharing a few programs that are not your standard arts and crafts day camp but are just quirky and cool enough to make any kid feel independent and very grown up. So after celebrating this Fourth of July with the customary fireworks and BBQs, consider something different by treating your child to some activities that will empower her, foster a sense of pride and ultimately independence.

Stage Time Los Angeles Pre Teen and Teen Acting Camps

Lyric Hyperion Theater Café
2106 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, 90027
July 20-24 (Pre Teen Camp)
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: 8-12
July 27-31 (Teen Camp)
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: 13-18
Cost: $350 (Mention L.A. Kid Stuff and you receive a 15% DISCOUNT!)

2009 FreshiFilm Camp – Advanced Film Camp

John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
2580 cahuenga Blvd. East, Los Angeles, 90068
July 27-July 31
9:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: 8-18
Cost: $525

Flying Trapeze Kids Camp

Trapeze School New York
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica , 90401; (310) 394-5800 Weekly Camps, Monday-Friday (July 20-24-only 3 spaces left; August 3-7 and 17-21)
Ages: 4-18
Cost: $223

Katie’s Cooking Camp

Katie’s Cooking School
16733 Ventura Blvd., Encino (818) 377-6200
Weekly Camps, Three days/week, Tuesday – Thursday
9 a.m. – noon or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: 5-14
Cost: From $255/week for 1-3 weeks, discount with more weeks of enrollment; daily fees are pro-rated $85. Members get discounts.

Manners Camp

Beverly Hills Manners
McCormick & Schmick’s
Monday, July 27 – Thursday, July 30
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages: 6-12
Cost: $375

Sports Broadcasting Camp

UCLA
One week in Los Angeles only, August 17-21
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: 10-18
Cost: $485 for the week; Overnight camp also available at $1060 for the week

Children’s Horseback Riding Camp

Traditional Equitation School
480 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles
Weekly Camps
Ages: 6-12
Cost: $395/week