It's time to send the kids off to summer camps. Haha TV, Shanghai's only children's TV channel, will organize a wide range of summer camps that are fun, healthy and educational.

Now in its fifth year, the camp offers programs in interactive games, military training, news gathering and editing, TV show hosting, drawing, languages, sports and theatrical arts.

Each session runs for five to six days during summer holidays, from today to August 22. They are held on campuses, parks or in the suburbs.

It's open to all children from four to 14 years old, including expat kids.

Registration is open through the end of July.

Fees range from 350 yuan (US$52) to 2,080 yuan, depending on the activities.

As the Beijing Olympics is coming, the programs offer sports like boating and swimming.

Campers can learn about banana boating, water polo and surfing at the Shanghai Aquatic Sports Center.

Well-known city TV hosts and theater experts from Taiwan will encourage children's creativity, imagination and team spirit. They will be able to make their own props and stage sets and stage a kids' musical comedy at Shanghai Grand Theater.

Kids who show leadership, independence and talent will be able to take part in the shooting of the channel's popular programs such as "Home Alone" and "Happy Scampering."

Meanwhile, at trendy Xintiandi, children and their families are invited to a new signature landscape, "Fountain of Blessings," in North Block Square. The 2-meter-high sculpture is based on a Western wishing well and traditional Chinese figures of fu (happiness), lu (wisdom), shou (longevity).

Dutch-Chinese sculptor Wu Ching-ju hopes visitors will touch the figures to convey their wishes for a better life.

For more details on Haha TV summer camps, log on www.hahatv.com.cn or call 021-6873-6161; to register, call 021-6256-4767 or 021-5881-8800.

(Shanghai Daily June 30, 2008)