If there's a child in your family, aged 6-11, with a burning desire to act with the professionals, then this is the opportunity you're waiting for. "We are specifically giving them some theater skills," says Melissa Chin, associate managing artistic director for The Western Stage, which is presenting this theater camp in conjunction with the Lyceum of Monterey. But, adds Chin, "I believe it's for all kids. Our bias is we believe performing arts are a part of everyday. Getting experience moving, dancing or even playing is really important." You*th Theater will specifically explore elements of physical and vocal creation as it pertains to character and story. The sessions will be conducted in a low-pressure ambiance, intended for both beginners and more advanced theater students. The session will end with a low-key show-and-tell for parents and family. Tuesday-Friday, 7/28-8/14, 1-4pm. Cabaret Theater, 215 Lincoln St., Salinas, 372-6098. $90/session.

Loving

Children ages 5-18 who love the natural world and can express that love artistically are invited to participate in the Big Sur Land Trust's first-ever children's art contest. Winners in each category and age group division will receive cash prizes ($100/first, $75/second, $50/third). Their work will also appear on the Land Trust's "True Nature" cards, a series of greeting cards sold to raise money for the preservation group. "This originated from our highly successful 'Nature's Journal,' our in-classroom program where we combine art and writing about nature," says Maggie Hardy, the trust's director of development. Contest categories will consist of prose/poetry (50 words or less), original artwork (in crayon, water color, acrylic, oil, limited to 8x10 inches), and photography (color prints only, maximum 8x10 inches). Each category will be divided into three age-groups for kids 5-8, 9-13, and 14-18. All submissions must be by Monterey County residents and include entrant's name, age and phone number. Entries are due into the Land Trust no later than Aug. 1. Entries must be sent to: PO Box 221864, Carmel, CA 93922 (625-5523 for more info). P.S. Proceeds from the sale of the cards will directly benefit The Big Sur Land Trust's popular Environmental Day Camp, a free three-and-a-half day camp session focusing on general knowledge of nature, plus hands-on habitat restoration. The deadline for applying for this year's camp is July 1. Camp sessions take place the first two weeks of July. Call 625-5523 to receive an application.

Teens.

West Coast Swing. Ongoing. Wednesdays, 7-9pm. Join the hot and happening West Coast Swing with Pat Eodice, competitor, choreographer and teacher. New and experienced dancers age 16 and older pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Couples rates available. Monterey Youth Center, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $30/resident; $39/non-resident. 646-3866.

Poetry Nights. Ongoing. Monday, 7pm. "Teen Voices" features high school poet Andrew Nielsen followed by an open mike poetry reading for teens in a coffeehouse setting. Held the second Monday of each month. Adults may attend but only teens may read their original poetry. Monterey Public Library Community Room, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 646-3949.

Boys Volleyball. 6/9 through 7/23. Tuesdays, Thursdays. Boys in grades 6-12 are grouped by age to learn techniques in offensive and defensive play, drills, positioning, proper serving, hitting and game rules. For beginners and those seeking to improve their skills. Game times vary by age group. Pre-register at Monterey Sports Center. 301 E. Franklin St., Monterey. $42/residents; $50/non-residents. 646-3739.

Girls Sports Camps. 7/6 through 8/14. The Wellness, Recreation & Sport Institute at California State University Monterey Bay sponsors Girls Summer Sports Camps to begin in July. CSUMB coaches lead the camps, teaching skills in field hockey, soccer, basketball and volleyball. For girls 11-18 years old, of all skill levels. Call for information. 100 Campus Center, Seaside. 582-3785.

Teens on TV. 7/9 through 7/10. 9am-noon. Learn about acting in TV commercials in this class, which will give participants the chance for learning video reading skills and picking up tips on how to get started in the business. Hartnell College, 156 Homestead Ave, Salinas. $55. 755-6841.

Dance Dynamics. 7/10 through 7/31. Fridays, 4-5pm. In this exploration of lyrical modern dance, 12-16 year olds learn dance sequences and choreography as well as proper body alignment and spatial awareness. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Monterey Youth Center Dance Studio, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $30/residents; $39/non-residents. 646-3866.

Sea Dog Schools. 7/20 through 7/25. Mon-Sat, 9am-4pm. Teens in grades 9-12 can enjoy one of two classes designed to teach skills necessary to be a valuable crew member on a research boat. Includes a half-day excursion on a sea kayak and an excursion on a research boat. (A later class takes place in Pacific Grove from 7/27-8/1, from 9am-4pm daily at the PG Museum of Natural history.). Buena Vista Middle School, 18250 Tara Dr., Salinas. $140. 372-6098.

Tots.

Twenty Toes "Gym." 7/9 through 8/6. Thursdays, 6-6:45pm. Parents and tots explore and develop physical skills. Children are introduced to elementary gymnastics skills and gain self-confidence through the use of parachute games, creative dance and rhythm sticks. Four week sessions begin July 9. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. or call Monterey Youth Center, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $32/residents; $41/non-residents. 646-3866.

Mother-Daughter Dance Class. 7/6 through 7/27. Mondays, 10-10:45am. Moms and daughters ages 3-4 enjoy dance activities together, have fun and develop fitness. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Development Dept., 546 Dutra St. Cost includes mom and daughter. Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St., Monterey. $30/resident; $39/non-resident. 646-3866.

Stories & Adventures. 7/6 through 7/27. Mondays, 10am-1pm. This delightful program combines children's literature with arts, crafts, music and movement to provide a unique creative experience for children 3-5 (must be "potty" trained). Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St., Monterey. $20/residents; $26/non-residents. 646-3866.

Creative Dance. 7/6 through 7/27. Mondays, 11-11:45am. Run like a mouse, fly like a bird, stretch like a cat, and jump over rainbows to all kinds of music in this great class for 3-4 year old boys and girls. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St., Monterey. $20/residents; $26/non-residents. 646-3866.

Tots N Tights. 7/6 through 7/27. Mondays, 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am. This 30-minute class lets 2-year-olds dance up a storm as they develop gross motor skills, movement creativity and body awareness. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Monterey Youth Center Dance Studio, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $22/residents; $29/non-residents. 646-3866.

Little Critters. 7/6 through 7/27. Mondays, Wednesdays, 10-11am. This one's for kids too young for pre-school to participate in activities that help develop balance, coordination, awareness and self-confidence. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Development Services, Dept., 546 Dutra St. Monterey Youth Center, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $26/residents; $34/non-residents. 646-3866.

Puppet Fun. 7/8 through 7/29. Wednesdays, 3-4pm. Bring your imagination and create a cast of characters and creatures for hours of puppetry pleasure. An assortment of materials are used to cut, sew and decorate puppet playhouses. For ages 4-6, pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St., Monterey. $18/residents; $24/non-residents. 646-3866.

Tot Athletic Club. 7/21 through 8/13. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3-4pm. Fun and games designed to improve hand-eye coordination, balance, agility and flexibility in children 3-5 years include balloon tennis, catch & bump volleyball, jump rope, tee-ball, hula hoops, running and more. Children make their own "TAC" T-shirt. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St., Monterey. $24/residents; $31/non-residents. 6466-3866.

Tweens.

To Sea The Future. The Monterey Peninsula Underwater Photographers Educational Outreach program is for school children of all ages. The program, designed to awaken children's awareness of and interest in environmental problems, deals with topics such as endangered wildlife, pollution and conservation and uses the marine environment as a major teaching tool. Contact Gary Waddell, 638-0598.

Summer Reading Club. It's not too late to join this Salinas Public Library program for children of all ages and reading levels. John Steinbeck Library at 758-7311, El Gabilan Library at 758-7302 or Cesar Chavez Library at 758-7345, Salinas. Free. 758-7311.

Summer Playland. Through 7/31. 1-5:30pm. Games, sports activities, swimming, excursions and special events are free for children ages 5-11 in this playground program sponsored by the city of Seaside. Register at Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave. or Del Rey Woods School, 1281 Plumas Ave., Seaside. Free. 899-6270.

Summer Madness Day Camp. Through 7/31. 7:45am-5:30pm. Sea Otters, Sea Horses and Sea Dolphins Day Camp program for children ages 5-14 offers week-long age-group camps for crafts, swimming, outdoor games, weekly excursions and special events. Sign up for as many weeks as you like. Register at Oldemeyer Center. Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside. $50/wk/residents; $60/wk/non-residents. 899-6270.

Sports Camp. 6/15 through 8/7. 9am-5pm. Eight one-week sessions let kids in grades 3-6 participate in a variety of sports activities, including basketball, football, soccer, floor hockey, inner tube water polo and more. Parents can drop off kids as early as 7:30am and pick them up as late as 5:30pm. Pre-register at Monterey Sports Center. 301 E. Franklin St., Monterey. $80/residents; $95/non-residents. 646-3739.

Summer-by-the-Sea. Through 8/14. Daily. Sign up for as many weeks as you like. This summer activity camp offers special activities and outings for kids ages 7-12. Fees are $70 for a full week, $15 for a full day drop-in or $10 for a half day drop-in. Offered by City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Recreation Division, the program is open to anyone. Harriette Rowntree Cottage at Sunset Center, San Carlos Street, Carmel. 626-1255.

Yoga for Kids. 7/6 through 7/31 . Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 4:30-5:30pm. Kids ages 10-15 can learn yoga for free at the Yoga Center in Carmel. Yoga Center, Cottage 17, Sunset Center, San Carlos Street between 8th and 9th avenues, Carmel. Free. 625-1221.

Drawing Delightfully. 7/6 through 7/10. 2:30-4:30pm. Lyceum of Monterey County offers kids in grades 2-6 a basic drawing class at the Buena Vista Middle School in Salinas, focusing on line, shape, form, shading, medium and color. 18250 Tara Dr., Salinas. $45. 372-6098.

Kitchen Creations. 7/7 through 7/28. Tuesdays, 2:30-4pm. Youngsters aged 6-10 get to experiment as they cook up both edible projects and take-home arts and crafts to a new theme each week. Lots of fun. Pre-register at Monterey Recreation & Community Services Dept., 546 Dutra St. Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, 735 Ramona Ave., Monterey. $20/residents; $26/non-residents. 646-5665.

Meet the Vet. 7/9. Kids in grades 5-8 get a chance to see what a real veterinarian does and glean tips on animal care at Animal Hospital of Salinas. 1114 S. Main St., Salinas. $8. 372-6098.

SPCA Animals Camp. 7/13 through 7/17. 9am-3pm. Children ages 9-12 will get "hands-on" experiences with animals, from pets to livestock to patients in the Wildlife Center and learn about animal care, native wildlife and the important role animals play in the world. Also offered July 27-31. Bring own lunch each day. Limited scholarships available. Enrollment limited. SPCA, Highway 68 across from Laguna Seca, Monterey. $100. 422-4721 or 373-2631 ext. 222.

Safe Sitting. 7/15. 9am-1pm. Learn the tips needed to start a safe and sane baby-sitting business. This class includes hands-on demonstrations, first-aid skills and more. Participants get a certificate and Safe Sitter Information Pad. (A second class is offered 7/18 from 1-4pm at the Los Laureles Grade Fire Station.) Mid Carmel Valley Fire Station, Carmel Valley. $15. 372-6098.

Model Sailboats. 7/25. 11am-1:30pm. Kids in grades 2-6 can spend a few hours maneuvering model sailboats at Lake El Estero in Monterey. Bring a lunch and meet by the North Bridge. Lake El Estero, Monterey. $10. 372-6098.