Summer diversions from kitesurfing basics to an educational camp the kids will like….really!

By Evan Monroe

BANDSHELL BENEFIT
As part of a fundraising effort to keep both the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival of music and culture and our indispensable Prospect Park Band shell going strong, BK darlings The National and UK indie wonder Courtney Barnett will hold benefit concerts at the band shell on June 12 and 13. Every ticket includes a digital download of The National’s May 17 released album, I Am Easy to Find, and an additional $1 from tickets sold on its new tour will go towards protecting women’s reproductive rights. June 13 seats still available at time of press. $59, eventbrite.com

WIND & WATER
New York Kiteboarding Lessons offers beginner to seasoned boarders further glories of this incredibly fun sport. Two hour private instruction ($200) covers location analysis, establishing wind effects, and emergency releases, among other skills. Lessons happen at Plumb Beach (Take Q or B train to Sheeps head Bay Station, then a quick car service ride). nykiteboarding.com

HUSTLE AND GRIND
The 15th annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, brings more to the table than just music. Past installments of the weeklong series included conversations with prominent hip hop personalities like Rakim, a film festival, and a “Juice Hip Hop” exhibition. It’s also brought headliners DMX and The Lox, along with performances from DJ Rob Swift, Earth Gang, Mister Cee, and Posdnuos of De La Soul (seen here). Festival founder Wes Jackson explained that this year’s will “cast a wider net, with a focus on highlighting more artists of all sizes as well as a reinvigorated commitment to education, professional development, and community engagement.” Visit the website for updates on this year’s lineup, which was still in progress at time of press. July 8 to 13, bkhiphopfestival.com

C’EST SIMPLE COMME BONJOUR!
Vive la difference between this and the typical stultifying camp spent fighting mosquitos in wet burlap. Whether your child is a native French speaker or just curious about the language, Nevins Street based Language and Laughter Studio’s French Summer Camp teachers find novel ways of making learning engaging. Kids aged 4 to 10 absorb vocabulary and syntax via play based engagement with songs, movement games, and art projects fueled by individual interests and preferences. They may build a circus out of blocks, use papier mâché to make a planet, even learn stop motion animation. French is taught naturally in an immersive environment over the course of five days (and you’ll be amazed how much is picked up during that time). July 1 through July 26, Monday through Friday, 9:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. $550 for the week, thelanguageandlaughterstudio.com

HOUSE OF BOUNCE
The Big Bounce America, officially the world’s largest bounce house, is ready to blow up from July 26 to 28 at Aviator Sports. The 900 foot long inflatable attraction includes a giant maze, obstacle course, ball pits, slides, climbing walls, and basketball hoops…all enjoyed while a DJ spins, confetti blasts, and beach balls fly! Outside food and drinks are allowed, but various vendors will also be available with beverages and treats. (There is a dedicated and enclosed “sneaker storage” area, too, where you can leave belongings.) All ages are welcome, and sessions are split based upon age groups: $16 for kids, $28 for those 16 and older for all experiences (less expensive options offered for select areas). 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Floyd Bennett Field, aviatorsports.com