A look at the creative options for area kids this summer.

The research is clear: Consistent participation in any form of the creative arts helps children succeed both academically and socially. What a tragedy that class time for substantive arts programs in K-12 public education has been replaced by time spent drilling children for the tests required by the Orwellian No Child Left Behind.

But let’s think happy thoughts. Summer. Fun. Children. Art.

It’s up to parents now, and thanks to some of Monterey County’s premiere arts organizations, there are some great opportunities for young people…and this list is only a sampling.

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL SUMMER JAZZ CAMP | June 18-29, 9am-5pm. Ages 12-18. Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., Monterey

Remarkably, young musicians don’t need to audition to work for two weeks with Grammy-winning musicians and jazz educators brought together annually by the Monterey Jazz Festival. Under the direction of trumpet magician Terence Blanchard, the MJF this year has assembled a star-studded faculty that includes major-league professionals accomplished on a variety of instruments—several saxophonists and trumpeters, a trombonist, drummer and bassist, a guitarist, two pianists and three vocalists. Kids work one-on-one with mentors in their own instrument and play in ensembles. The cost of this 10-day camp is $810, but 95 percent of participants receive a $500 scholarship. Contact Dr. Rob Klevan at 373-3366 or rob@montereyjazzfestival.org

ARIEL THEATRICAL INC. SUMMER CONSERVATORY PROGRAM | June 18-22, 25-29, July 9-13 and July 16-Aug. 3, 9am-3pm. Ages 4-17. Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main St., Salinas

After 21 years of putting kids on stage in its own theater in Salinas, Ariel must certainly be doing something right. They’re renovating the old theater to install raked seating and a balcony so that the culminating performance of the summer, the musical The Jungle Book, can be viewed comfortably. Each one-week workshop involves pantomime, story dramatization, creative movement and singing for the stage. Each session has a different theme; children may enroll in more than one workshop; each culminates in a recital on Friday evening. The three-week session that stages the musical The Jungle Book is geared towards older children and teens. One-week sessions are $175; three-week session is $400. For registration or information contact Ariel at 775-0976.

KALEIDOSCOPE SUMMER CAMP AT MMA | July 9-13, 9am-4pm. Ages 6-9. Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific St., Monterey

Kids learn about the exhibitions in both MMA locations and use the artworks as the basis for their own creations. Working with artist Anne Greene, the kids explore many media to make portraits inspired by an exhibit of American photographs, and also work with color inspired by the Matisse collection. The campers’ artwork is then exhibited at the Buck Education Gallery.

Tuition is $130 for museum members, $150 for non-members. Scholarships are available for 10 young residents of Monterey. To enroll, call 372-5477 or go to education@montereyart.org

PHOTOFOCUS: YOUNG ARTIST VISION AT CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC ART | Saturdays, July 14, 21 and 28 and Aug. 4, 10am-noon. Ages 15-18. Center for Photographic Art, Sunset Cultural Center, San Carlos and Ninth, Carmel

This free series is offered to 20 young Monterey County photographers, who are mentored by professionals and show in a juried exhibition at the Sunset Center. Ted Orland leads participants in experimentation with a Helga camera and film; Greg Mettler gives advice about getting into galleries and opening a studio; others talk about the business of photography. Applications are due by June 15. Contact CPA at 625-5181 or info@photography.org

YOUTH ARTS COLLECTIVE | Ongoing. Tue-Fri, 3-7pm; Sat, noon-4pm. Ages 14-22. Youth Arts Collective, 550 Hartnell St., Monterey

There are openings for this extraordinary program for serious young artists who seek individual mentorships, exhibitions and a shot at getting part-time work doing art. The application process involves showing at least three recent works and a sketchbook or journal.

Youth work with guidance but at their own pace doing two- or three-dimensional works. Many have gone from Youth Arts Collective to college or university art programs or arts institutes. The cost is a $40/month; no committed young artist is turned away for lack of funds. Call 375-9922.

LYCEUM OF MONTEREY COUNTY ARTS CLASSES |Part- and full-day, week and two-week sessions all summer long, for all ages. Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth St., Monterey

Classes include the Five Day Art Extravaganza for grades 2-5, teaching kids a new skill every day. It’s 1-3pm, Monday through Friday, and costs $93.

The Summer Nature Walk and Art Workshop for grades 3-6 takes place at the Santa Lucia Conservancy in Carmel where kids hike and gather materials to make such treasures as bird feeders. This workshop is from 9:30am-noon on Wednesday, June 27, and costs $10.

In Fashion Illustration for grades 5-8, participants study Hollywood costume designs and draw their own using pencil, ink and mixed media. The class meets 1:30-3:30pm Monday through Friday, July 30-Aug. 3, and costs $83. Scholarships are available. To register call 372-6098 or go to lyceum.org