Take time to paddle, read, bike, relax with friends or your sweetheart while the kids have more fun than ever with Custom Learning Academy for one week or as many as eight weeks this summer.

No, this is not a sleep away camp, but a great day option for residents or anyone enjoying Tahoe vacation time. CLA offers 10 to 1 child to counselor ratio during each weekly themed camp! And the counselor? Not your typical high school or college student on break but one of CLA's teachers, an expert in outdoor fun infused with interesting topics. The camps combine traditional outdoor camp activities with educational adventures. Children can sign up for all eight weeks or just one session. Every summer Custom Learning Academy presents new and exciting camp themes.

K-2 - Options for children entering Kindergarten, first grade or second grade include Messy Art from June 24 to 28, Pirates from July 8 to 12, Story Time for young readers from July 15 to 19, Greek Myths from July 22 to 26, Rocks and Fossils from July 29 to Aug. 2, The Great Outdoors from Aug. 5 to 9, Creepy and Crawly from Aug. 12 to 16 and To the Moon and Stars from Aug. 19 to 23.

3-5 - The Young Artist from June 24 to 28, Hidden Treasures from July 8 to 12, Book Club and Creative Writing from July 15 to 19, Ancient Greece from July 22 to 26, Geologists from July 29 to Aug. 2, Outdoor Survival from Aug. 5 to 9, Bugs and Insects from Aug. 12 to 16 and The Solar System and Outer Space from Aug. 19 to 23.

Camps take place in Truckee from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include a 3 to 5 p.m. add–on option (frequently used by local working parents). All of the camps are led by credentialed teachers. The cost has not increased since last summer –  just $160 per child per week. Children do not have to be enrolled as full time 2013-'14 students but after a couple weeks with CLA's dynamic and educated teachers, your kids might want to enroll! Download the summer camp registration form at customlearning.org. Call (530) 587-5470 for more information.

Artists from Boston, Reno, LA, San Jose, Marin, Grass Valley, Truckee and Tahoe are participating in the Sept. 7 and 8  art hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail! Pick a time between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and join a handful of friends for an art hike like no other on Donner Summit this fall. A “sell out” event nearly since inception in 2004, this is one Tahoe Truckee fall event not to miss. And, September is a fabulous time to visit. Trails & Vistas’ art hikes blend world-class artistic expression - live music, dance performances, storytelling, sculpture and painting - with hiking.

More than 30 participating artists including musicians, dancers, poets, singers and visual artists will perform aside stunning alpine lakes and breathtaking vistas. In addition to the art hikes, a 10th anniversary concert will take place at the Truckee Regional Park Amphitheatre from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. The evening concert includes a tremendous opening act by Ann Licater, a world flutist from Los Angeles, double-neck guitarist Ian Ethan Case from Boston, MA, Reno Taiko Tsurunokai, a Japanese drum group from Reno, NV and the forty-piece San Jose State Symphony Orchestra!

WHAT:  Art in Nature: Trails & Vistas 10th anniversary art hikes AND special concert
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013
WHERE: Pacific Crest Trail on Donner Summit, Tahoe National Forest (near Boreal Ski Resort)
ADMISSION: Tickets are available online at TrailsandVistas.org.
Art Hike  $30 adults, $10 children
Concert Art hike attendees can take advantage of a 50% discount ($10) for the concert when purchasing art hike and concert ticket online. Non-hikers can experience the world music concert for $20 advance/$30 at the door.

Trails & Vistas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to create experiences of art in nature that inspires environmental awareness. Partnered with Truckee Donner Land Trust, Inner Rhythms Dance Theatre and the KidZone Children’s Museum, Trails & Vistas and the partnering organizations believe the annual art hikes strengthens the ties between the Land Trust and arts organizations in the Lake Tahoe Truckee region and also increases participants' commitment to building a stronger community and environmental stewardship through creative expression.

Incredible Lake Tahoe vistas, fabulous day hikes, waterfalls and magnificent rock formations await.
Official, in-person launch of the inaugural Trail Challenge is June 1.
Unofficially the adventure begins when online registration opens on May 15! Don't miss the fun with your friends this summer - Get in on the inaugural Challenge!

Tickets on sale on April 22!

Live performances and creativity reign during inspiring guided hikes with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. Trails & Vistas' 10th anniversary art hikes will take place on the Pacific Crest Trail on Donner Summit in the Tahoe National Forest on Sept. 7 and 8.

Art hikes include music, dance, storytelling, sculpture and painting with the natural environment to create one of a kind art hikes in the Sierra Nevada. The theme for the 10th anniversary art hikes presented by Trails & Vistas is “Reflections.” The hikes will be offered every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 and 8. Specialty hikes include family hikes for those with children, meditative hikes for those wanting an especially quiet and spiritual connection (adults only) and leisurely hikes for those seeking a slower pace. Advance purchase is highly recommended (the event sells out every year): $30 for adults and  $10 for children. The art-hike lasts approximately 3 hours. In addition to the guided hikes, Trails & Vistas 10th anniversary concert will take place at the Truckee Regional Park Amphitheatre from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. Gates open at 5 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m. Visit trailsandvistas.org.

Executive chef Jacob Burton nominated by Food & Wine for The People’s Best New Chef® award!

Burton, executive chef of Stella and The Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee, CA was nominated for The People’s Best New Chef® on March 11, 2013. Burton graduated from the California Culinary Academy and worked in San Francisco and North Tahoe before joining Stella in March 2010. He is passionate about creating memorable dishes and sharing his knowledge through an in-depth online culinary school that is offered at no cost to culinary enthusiasts worldwide (check out https://www.stellaculinary.com/chef-jacob-burton). Visit www.foodandwine.com/peoples-best-new-chef/california.

The media took note!
Before Food & Wine eliminated access to the live standings, Inside Scoop SF reported "In a huge upset over the city folk so far, the guy from Truckee is winning the vote in the early going."

Whether you visit for a single day or come for a lifetime, the allure of Olympic Valley is unmatched.
Most commonly referred to as Squaw Valley, the area has captured the hearts, minds and lives of people seeking everything from the best skiing and riding in North America to a greater awareness of how they fit into the world. Explore as much of the mountain as you possibly can, stay or dine at the Resort at Squaw Creek, discover gems in the Village at Squaw Valley, and above all else, soak in the natural beauty and spirit of the wonderfully magical place nestled between Lake Tahoe and Truckee.
We compiled this piece for The Weekly's Jan. 17 issue.

ON THE HILL

1. Ski steeps. Hike the Palisades, Mainline Pocket and Granite Peak. Want a challenge? Do them all in one day.
2. Ride up the Tram. See if you can spot the sleeping dog in the rock formation.
3. Ski Olympic Lady on a powder day.
4. First tracks on Chute 75.
5. Another powder day. Ski Heidi’s. Let the snow fill your tracks. Go back for more.
6. Ski the chutes off the Cornice II chair.
7. Point ‘em in Silverado.
8. Go on an adventure. Take Kitchen Wall into Sun Bowl.
9. Ride Smoothies on a spring day.
10. Explore the mountain from the Resort at Squaw Creek to Granite Peak.
11. Need some pointers? Squaw Valley offers Chutes & Hikes on Monday mornings.
12. Demo fat powder skis or a new board.
13. Never been in a terrain park? Start small with the jumps accessible from the Belmont chairlift.
14. Race the clock or a friend on the racecourse between the Gold Coast and Shirley Lake chairs.
15. Say “hi” to the person sitting next to you on the chairlift. You just might start a conversation with a world champion skier or rider, make a new friend or meet your future spouse.
16. Spend a few hours with the Ski and Snowboard School. There is something for everyone - toddlers to seniors, first timers to experienced and cautious to dare devil: Tuesday Tips (free), Women of Winter Wednesdays, Vintage Squaw Thursdays, Jibs & Jabs on Fridays plus daily group and private clinics.
17. Thank a ski patroller.
18. Go tubing.
19. Make snowballs.
20. Take the free shuttle to Alpine Meadows.

ARTS & (SKI) CULTURE

1. Get to know someone in the crowd over a few beers at Le Chamois.
2. Pick up a copy of “Squallywood,” the guide to Squaw Valley's most exposed lines by Robb Gaffney. Complete as much as you dare.
3. Get a picture of yourself on the podium in the small Olympic Heritage Museum at High Camp (free admission).
4. Learn more about Squaw Valley’s Olympic heritage during a free two-hour walking tour on Jan. 20 (meet at the information desk next to the Tram building at noon). Can’t make it? Pick up a copy of David Antonucci’s book “Snowball's Chance: The Story of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games.”
5. Get educated. Squaw Valley Ski Patrol offers free avalanche awareness and companion rescue workshops on the first and fifteenth of the month (5:30 to 7 p.m. through April at the Ski Patrol base).
6. Immerse yourself in the striking outdoor photography that graces the walls of Gallery Keoki. Also see the one of a kind Judy Klimek jewelry pieces.
7. Peruse the half-price used books (and full-price chocolate truffles) at Spirits of The Valley.
8. Explore the speaker series offered by Squaw Valley Institute (an example - Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms will speak at the Olympic Village Lodge on Feb. 13).
9. Hot tub at High Camp.
10. Lounge in the heated pools at the Resort at Squaw Creek.
11. Kick back and enjoy the tunes. Free, live après ski music in the Village.
12. Mingle over après ski at bar of choice: Take in the views from the KT Sun Deck and Bar One in the Olympic House.
13. Rent the movie “Hot Dog” and see how many places you recognize.
14. See the creative stained glass walls at the Squaw Valley Chapel, a tiny gem on Squaw Peak Road.
15. The Orchestra and Community Choral Artists of the Tahoe Area (TOCCATA) frequently perform at the Resort at Squaw Creek and Squaw Valley Chapel. Visit toccatatahoe.com for details.
16. Missed out or want to relive high school romance? Deck yourself out for the annual Squaw Valley Prom (Feb. 23). The theme is Spring Break 1999.

CULINARY TREATS

1. Warm yourself from the inside out at Soupa. With daily vegetarian and vegan options, everyone is welcome.
2. Try something, anything, from Wildflour Bakery Company in the Olympic House. Fresh baked cookies, tasty vegan chili, pizza bagels and more.
3. Taste the tacos at the Cornice Cantina and enjoy the great cilantro sauce with chips.
4. Enjoy a beer and hand roll at Mamasake for just five dollars (3 to 5 p.m. daily).
5. Pop into Dave’s Deli for a nourishing pocket snack or quick lunch to go.
6. Fire roasted corn in the Village. There is a good reason this local business has been around for more than a decade. The corn is yummy. Try an ear with butter.
7. Savor Cinderella Pumpkin Bisque with poached Dungeness Crab Cakes at PlumpJack Café. Don’t leave before dessert. PlumpJack’s Chocolate Mousse S’More featuring liquid fudge and delicious house made marshmallows is absolutely divine.
8. Have a slice or share a pie and make difference. For the entire year, Fireside Pizza is donating a portion of proceeds from pizza slice sales to SkiDucks, a completely volunteer run organization dedicated to sharing the joys of skiing and snowboarding with underprivileged children. Diners are also invited to add one dollar to their bill for SkiDucks.
9. Honor skiing legend Shane McConkey with a Seagram’s Vodka and Red Bull served in a commemorative glass at Rocker. Six dollars from each cocktail is donated to the McConkey Foundation.
10. Take your inner sommelier on an adventure. Discover wines from near (Sierra Foothills) and far at Uncorked Squaw Valley.
11. Open wide. The scrumptious made to order wraps from Mountain Nectar are humongous.
12. Bite into the Fish & Chips at the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant.
13. Savor a freshly made crepe with Nutella.
14. Split a sweet Belgian waffle from the Euro Snack shack near the large fire pit near the entrance to the Funitel.
15. Make fondue (ingredients are available at Alice’s Market).
16. Treat your eyes and taste buds. Madagascar Vanilla Buttercream on a vanilla bean cupcake, Red velvet cake with classic cream cheese frosting, vanilla cake with coconut cream filling, chocolate cake topped with marshmallow cream frosting, a light caramel drizzle and toffee candy bits… the mouth-watering choices go on at Batch Cupcakery in Olympic House.
17. Roast marshmallows at the Resort at Squaw Creek.
18. Sip any one of the signature cocktails at Six Peaks Grille.
19. Cocoa with a hint of schnapps. Imbibe at your bar of choice.
20. Hot Buttered Rum. Enjoy one at Bistro 22. While you’re there, try the Mac & Cheese.
21. Choose from more than 50 toppings to make your own frozen yogurt sundae at the Euro Sweets shop.
22. Consider yourself a carnivore or omnivore? Try the four-pounder Gnar Burger at Rocker.

SOUL PLEASING

1. Marvel at the remarkable cloud formations.
2. Breathe in the crisp mountain air. Exhale. Repeat.
3. Make snow angels.
4. Build a snowman.
5. Soak in every moment on blue bird days. Make that every day.
6. Gaze up at the stars in the night sky. Make a wish.
7. Rise for Dawn Patrol, Squaw Valley’s 7:40 a.m. Tram ride offering early access to Shirley Lake and Granite Chief skiing and riding.
8. Cross country ski in the meadow.
9. Listen to the sounds of nature.
10. Go night skiing.
11. Discover your favorite hot toddy. Experiment.
12. Take pictures of the beautiful, the zany, the heart-warming.
13. Take in the panoramic views. How many amazing views of Lake Tahoe can you see from 8,200’?
14. Study snowflakes. Each one really is different.
15. Ice skate under the stars at the Olympic Ice Pavilion.
16. Plan an evening snowshoe hike or sign up for a guided moonlight snowshoe tour (Jan. 25 and 26, Feb. 23).
17. Spend the early evening skiing and savoring bites with your sweetheart during Nachtspektakel, a traditional European-inspired touring event (meet at the Tram Building at 3 p.m. on Feb. 9).
18. Go sledding.
19. Cuddle by a fire.
20. Pick up a fun teaser, puzzle or game at Mind Play and spend the day or night entertaining your brain.
21. Let snowflakes kiss your cheeks (if it’s not snowing this week, plan your next trip).

DAYTRIPPER FUN, SHOPPING & PAMPERING

1. Enjoy a dog sled ride in the meadow (Insider’s tip: if you’re in front, keep your mouth shut).
2. Check out the funky tops, bottoms and knits at Edin Boutique.
3. Learn three ways to knot a tie (Atlas).
4. Support a locally owned business with the purchase of an Arcade stretchy belt (available at The Ledge).
5. Treat yourself or a woman you love to a pair of the irresistible BedHead pajamas (Lather & Fizz).
6. Let a masseuse at the Resort at Squaw Creek flush out impurities, stretch tight muscles and prepare your body for another day of action with an Olympic Sports Massage.
7. Indulge. Trilogy Spa’s Lehua Honey Rainbar includes a personal body treatment with sea salt exfoliation, Island Lehua Honey, ultra moisturizing coconut oil and a scalp massage.
8. The sun takes a toll. Beautify with one of the Resort at Squaw Creek Spas delicious treatments including an anti-aging aromatherapy or firming facial.
9. Make goofy faces, strike a pose and smile while capturing memories in the Photo Booth (Olympic House game room).
10. Take a horse drawn sleigh ride from the Resort at Squaw Creek.
11. Find a deal at Squaw Valley Outfitters.
12. Pop into the shops: Check out new gear. Get outfitted.
13. Support Squaw Valley Fire Department. T-shirts for sale.
14. Interested in making Olympic Valley your home or a home away from home? Check out the real estate for sale.

AND, WHEN THE SNOW MELTS…

1. Walk, cycle or run on the bike path.
2. Learn to play pickleball.
3. Jog with your dog.
4. Go country. Wild West Cowboy weekend.
5. Fly away. Kite Festival
6. Ground yourself. Wanderlust California (July 18 to 21)
7. Hike to Squaw Peak, 8,900’.
8. Go big. Extend your Shirley Canyon hike to the Palisades and on to KT-22.

Sold out four years in a row, Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour has raised more than $31,000 total for Trails & Vistas and the Truckee Donner Historical Society since 2009.

The Historical Haunted Tour began as an experiment by Sunshine Tahoe to support two nonprofit organizations and give an economic boost to historic Truckee during the traditionally slow month of October. It has proven to be a successful fundraising initiative and favorite annual activity. In 2009, 70 tickets were available - the tour sold out three weeks in advance. In 2010, 140 tickets were offered. Once again the tour sold out weeks in advance. In 2011, every resource was stretched to the max, and more than 290 tickets were sold. This year more than 400 people from near and far attended the guided walking tour and enjoyed wine at Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats!

2012 Highlights
• Raised $16,000 through cash sponsors, admission and raffle ticket sales
• Record 400 attendees
• Haunts:  downtown Mountain Home Center, CoffeeBar, MOBO Law, Scraps Dog Bakery, Old Jail Museum and The Pour House.

“We captivate a crowd with engaging stories about Truckee,” shares event producer Christina Stoever-Young of Sunshine Tahoe who attributes the tour’s success to the incredible talent and dedication offered by all of the volunteers and sponsors.

Pre event coverage contributed to another sold out event. Thank you to all of the Tour’s media partners - The Weekly, Moonshine Ink, Sierra Sun and Tahoe Truckee Radio - and everyone who found this news worth covering! Special thanks to Sac Bee, 7 x 7, Cap Radio, Tahoe Culture, www.LifestyleandCharity.com.

The Historical Haunted Tour, produced by Sunshine Tahoe, is an annual fundraiser that celebrates local history with a fun and spooky twist. The script skillfully weaves together previously untold stories from the past with dramatic twists and new haunts every year. Sunshine Tahoe attribute the Tour’s success and popularity to engaging storytelling and high quality performances plus generous community support. Sponsorship, ticket sales and raffle revenue offer the nonprofit beneficiaries operating revenue for field trips, arts and historic preservation. For more information visit truckeehistorytour.com or call Sunshine Tahoe at (775) 527-4485.

Save the dates for next year!
Trails & Vistas 10th year anniversary on Sept. 7 and 8, 2013 - Tickets on sale July 1
5th annual Historical Haunted Tour on Oct. 17 and 18, 2013 - Tickets on sale Sept. 6