Are you still trying to figure out how to entertain your kids this summer? Did your child struggle with one or two subjects this past school year?
There’s a variety of summer camp options across the county this season hoping to help you out with both tasks, but they’re filling up fast.
“It is important for kids to participate in group activities because it helps form their abilities to connect with others, empathize and interact in a positive way,” says Ross McIntyre, director of community initiatives for Camp Couchiching.
If your child is struggling with social skills, summer camp might be a good way to get them to break out of their shell without the pressure of grades holding them back.
“Often we will get feedback from parents saying that at the end of a session their camper is ‘a whole different person’ or more mature, considerate or any combination of other new traits. It's pretty incredible to be a part of that development process for youth,” says McIntyre.
McIntyre also notes that Camp Couchiching is nearly 100% full for overnight camp, and about 80% full for day camp options.
Forrest Patenaude, education director at the Simcoe County Museum, has organized camp programming since 2004 for the museum, and has seen many kids come and go.
“Kids return year after year,” says Patenaude. “These are life-long connections they’re making here.”
MacKenna King, 19, started as an attendee of the Simcoe County Museum camps when she was six years old. Now she’s working as a summer student while on a break from university, assisting Patenaude with planning the camps for the incoming kids.
“As a day camper, I had so much fun. I remember so much,” she says. “I loved to participate in everything. When I see kids enjoy participating, I can relate.”
King is now attending school for sports management, with the goal of becoming a teacher.
“Participating in camps definitely contributed to me wanting to become a teacher,” says King.
Patenaude feels a sense of pride to see kids who attend the camp grow up and become successful.
“It’s neat to see growth and transition. There have been a few of these moments,” he says.
“They’re pretty amazing.”
Last week, the 2018 ParticipACTION report card on physical activity for children and youth was released.
The report card gave Canadian kids a score of D+ for overall physical activity.
“Camp is a great way to get the kids out of the house and away from their screens,” says Cam Norman, general manager of camp and outdoor education for the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.
“It’s important that kids get outside and are physically active.”
There are a variety of camps across the county with spots still available. Here are a few options.
Music/Drama/Art
National Music Camp: Hosted at Camp Wahanowin since 1965, the National Music Camp offers an overnight camp experience with musical arts curriculum for all skill levels. Campers will participate in many of the same traditional camp activities along with musical theory and instrumental discovery. Two camp dates are offered for both junior and senior division programs in August.
For more information, click here.
Melody in Me Musical Theatre Triple Threat Camp: Melody in Me runs both a junior and senior version of their five-day camp where they explore the three disciplines of musical theatre: singing, dancing and acting. The camp runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a final show at 3:30 p.m. on the Friday of the camp for friends and family members. Campers also help to make set decorations and props during daily craft time. Each week of camp offers a different theme, so you can register for more than one week.
For more information, click here.
MacLaren Art Centre: Budding artists aged three to 14 can express their talents at weekly day camps offered by the MacLaren Art Centre. In partnership with the YMCA of Barrie, some programs combine art with outdoor physical activity. Artists will practice various mediums including painting, drawing, print making, sculpture creation and more.
For more information, click here.
Physical education
Camp Couchiching: Camp Couchiching is located on 20 acres of fields and forest on the eastern shore of Lake Couchiching and has been providing kids with camping opportunities for over 70 years. Activities include swimming, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, archery, learning outdoor living skills, crafts and some new media skills including photography and filmmaking.
For more information, click here.
Barrie Soccer Camp: Hosted by the Barrie Soccer Club, campers aged six to 14 can participate in a week-long soccer camp that builds on existing skills. Optional elements include yoga, dance, speed and agility exercises. With three weeks to choose from, programs are offered for either half or full day participation and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with pre- and post-camp supervision available.
For more information, click here.
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka: The YMCA is offering a large number of day and overnight camps for kids of all ages across the county.
For more information, click here.
Science/Math
The STEAM Project: Kempenfelt Bay School is hosting The S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Project. This camp is intended for kids who are excited about inventing, building, space exploration and robotics and engineering. This year’s units include Inventioneering (July 3-6), SpaceX (July 9-13) and Spark (July 16-20).
For more information, click here.
Elephant Thoughts: Elephant Thoughts offers a base curriculum around science and biology. Three camps are offered for various age groups throughout July and August. In Barrie, the camp brings science learning to an interactive indoor environment for ages four to 10. Children will enjoy play time fun along with science activities and experiments. In Collingwood, the camp teams up with The Environment Network and the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. Children aged six to 10 will enjoy experiments and activities, exploring animals and nature and swimming.
For more information, click here.
Camp Tiffin: The Tiffin Centre for Conservation offers weekly programs where children from five to 12 participate in hands-on activities to discover species and spaces within Simcoe County. Activities include hiking, bird watching, canoeing, building shelters, wilderness sports and more. For older kids aged 13 to 15, the Junior Leadership Camp offers similar outdoor adventure with a focus on instructing and mentorship.
For more information, click here.
History
Simcoe County Museum: The museum runs day camps for kids throughout the summer from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is suitable for children from six to 12. This year, the three themes are Adventure Hunters (Be a superhero for a day, learn how to survive in the wild, explore a land before time and walk with the dinosaurs), Lazy Days of Summer (A week of old fashioned summer fun and games) and Hats Off to the Past (Discover the stories of Simcoe County through the magic of hats)
For more information, click here.
