Athena Camps, Now Enrolling at New Location in Scotts Valley!
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thena Camps, a Bay Area based all-girls summer camp, is excited to bring its confidence-building program to Scotts Valley for the first time in Summer 2026. Founded in 2011 by former professional tennis player and coach, Aby Ryan, Athena Camps was created to give girls a supportive, encouraging environment where they can grow stronger; physically, emotionally, and socially. A San Jose native, mentor, and mother, Ryan launched Athena Camps after seeing firsthand how sports and creative expression can transform girls’ confidence and sense of self. What began as a small summer program has grown into a trusted camp experience for thousands of Bay Area families, all while staying rooted in
its original mission: empowering girls through sports, art, community, and leadership. Athena Camps offers weeklong summer day camps for girls ages 5–17 throughout the Bay Area. Campers participate in a mix of athletic activities including soccer, basketball, tennis, pickleball, flag football, yoga, and running, alongside rotating weekly art and personal development themes that focus on communication, creativity, and self-expression. Each day also includes “circles” where girls build friendships, reflect, and practice using their voices in a safe, supportive setting. The new Scotts Valley location will run for three weeks in June, from June 1–18, and will be staffed entirely by trained female coun-
Calendar of Upcoming Community Events Saturday February 7
5:30–11 p.m. — Fallen Officer Foundation 20th Anniversary Ball The Grove 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz Tickets Required
Friday March 6 thru Sunday March 8 Various Times — The Alfred Hitchcock Festival
The Landing 251B Kings Village Road Tickets Required
Thursday March 12 selors. Many counselors are current or former athletes, educators, and college students passionate about youth development. Athena Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association and maintains small staff-to-camper ratios to ensure individualized attention and care.
Families can currently take advantage of Early Bird Registration, saving $25 per week through February 28, 2026. ••• For more information about Athena Camps and summer registration, visit athenacamps.com.
GALA Nominations, LAST Chance!
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HIS IS IT! Please help the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce recognize the people and businesses that make our community such a special place. Nominate in just one category or every category!
Criteria for Nomination
• Each nominee must have made a valuable contribution to Scotts Valley. • It may be in the previous year (2025) or over a period which you specify. • A business of the year nominee must be a current Scotts Valley Chamber member.
Location TBA Tickets Required
Thursday March 19
5:30–7 p.m. — Mission Springs Centennial Celebration & Ribbon Cutting Mission Springs 1050 Lockhart Gulch Rd
VOTE in the following categories:
Friday May 8
5–10 p.m. – Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala
MAN OF THE YEAR WOMAN OF THE YEAR YOUTH OF THE YEAR EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT OF SCOTTS VALLEY
Roaring Camp Railroads – Bret Harte Hall 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton Tickets Required
Saturday August 15 Sunday August 16
must be of High School age. • An individual may live or ••• work outside the city limits, Just point your phone camera at but their contribution must be the QR code on the Gala picture or within Scotts Valley. • Youth of the year nominee Vote at: scottsvalleychamber.com
Happy Valentine’s Day!
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. — Chamber Chat, Instagram: Post, Tag, Collaborate & Story Your Way to Real Results
Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. –5 p.m. Skypark 361 Kings Village Road
Call the Chamber Today or Visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2026 / 11