Notes about your surroundings

Summer School--Learn to weave a basket, build a shelter and prepare food as Native Americans did during a workshop July 11-12 offered by Orange Coast College’s Community Education Office. Gene Foley, a botanist, naturalist and tracker, will teach participants to be self-sufficient outdoors and on wilderness outings. Activities include grinding flour, drying food and making and using a fire drill and bow drill. The workshop runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days in Room 110 of the Counseling and Admissions building. Cost is $59. Information: (714) 432-5880.

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Dare to Compare--Kids acting like wild animals during summer vacation? See how they really measure up during the Santa Ana Zoo’s annual Zoo Olympics on Saturday. Children will have the chance to jump like a kangaroo, run like a cheetah and ape the gymnastics of monkeys and sloths. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is included with zoo admission, which is $4 for adults and $2 for children 3-12 and senior citizens. Information: (714) 953-8555. The zoo is in Prentice Park, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.

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Hit the Trail--Teens can explore Orange County trails and learn about the habitat and environment during a program offered by Irvine Community Services. Stops will be made along the way to paint a watercolor or sketch the scenery. The class meets from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from July 11 to Aug. 1, starting out from the Irvine Youth Services Center at Heritage Park. Cost is $36. Information: (949) 724-6750. Registration: (949) 724-6610 (Class No. V646).