A Desert Oasis Your Kids Will Adore

XTREME Grandparents

by Rubin Carson & Marilynn Record

Just about every resort hotel says they're family-friendly but some go above and beyond to make it a way of life. So please meet Tim Pine, Marketing Manager of the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in the desert playground of Indian Wells. In addition to championship golf, a state-of-the-art spa that makes stress go "POOF!," award-winning restaurants, and postcard views of the Santa Rosa mountains from every guest room, Tim oversees Camp Oasis, the resort's children's recreation program.

The youthful 41-year-old proclaims the one truth about The Great American Family Vacation is: "If one kid is bored, kiss your holiday good-bye." Enter Mona De Los Reyes, Lead Counselor of Camp Oasis. Her mission? Make the resort as fun for kids as it is for the grown-ups.

Mona has 11 years of experience working with children in a highly regarded local private school, from which she personally selected her crew of Assistant Counselors for the Camp Oasis program. The camp's headquarters are a colorful playroom with a Camp Oasis flag fluttering over it, just up the steps from the beach. That's right, the beach. Although Esmeralda is surrounded by lakes, sand was hauled into the shallow side of its gigantic pool to create a gentle approach into the water. Another kid friendly touch? Disney movies are projected onto a poolside screen.

Camp Oasis' primary mission is to make the desert fun for kids. Little artists will enjoy everything from painting on palm bark and rocks, to nature hikes, to crafting natural wind chimes. Sporty kids will enjoy pitching and putting challenges, tennis courts, and even a resident "croquet counselor" to teach them croquet. Each day is different and features a short hike to feed the resident Desert Catfish and meet Pat, the tortoise.

The Renaissance Esmeralda is the only 4-Star luxury hotel in the US that offers dinner complimentary to children dining with their family. Parents also have the opportunity to enjoy a romantic dinner while kids have a blast at Kid's Night Out. From 6pm to 9pm nightly, Camp Oasis counselors organize activities like Glow-in-the-Dark Kickball, Desert Pirate, Pajama Night, Desert Luau and Science Night. The evening ends with dancing and games such as Limbo and Walking the Plank. According to Mona, "Kids never get tired. Parents have to drag them away!"

For more info, visit, www.indianwells.org.