Macaroni art, clay ashtrays giving way to Star Wars and superheroes
Special to The Okanagan Weekend
Forget what you’ve seen on those often-misguided — yet admittedly hilarious — 1980s teen comedies. Summer camp is not where you’ll find rabid raccoons plotting inside collapsing cabins, malicious lunch ladies or counsellors doing their best drill sergeant impersonations.
Camp today is more likely to give your kids lifelong skills — from babysitting to lifesaving — as it is a life of long-ago memories that get turned into Hollywood scripts.
“A lot of time and focus is spent on making sure children excel academically throughout the school year,” said Tina Bennett, child and youth senior manager at YMCA of Okanagan.
“But having children in day camps helps develop their social skills, which are equally — if not more — important.”
Parents in the Okanagan should know they have choices as to where skill-based camps are offered. Places like the YMCA — and the Boys and Girls Clubs and Okanagan College — each offer unique options for allowing their children to grow and develop while having a blast at the same time.
At the Y, the theme camps stand out. You can enrol your children in everything from babysitting and lifeguarding to Star Wars and Willy Wonka.
“We use fun activities and themes as a vehicle for slipping learning into our day camps,” Bennett said. “Children are gaining real life skills of collaborating with a group, expressing creativity and building imagination through open ended crafts and participating in active games that get their hearts pumping.”
And what are these camps? Take a look below and decide if your children wouldn’t mind spending a week this summer dressing up like Spider-Man or hanging out with their fellow Jedi Knights.
The following week-long, half-day camps run at both the Kelowna Family Y or the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre beginning in early July. Costs run between $7695 (for members) to $100-125 for non-members. These camps are for kids ages five to 10.
Superhero Camps
There’s a superhero in everyone during this “Marvel”ous camp. Your child can join forces with YMCA staffers for a week of adventure while getting to know their favorite superheroes from the Marvel Universe. Unbreakable bonds will be forged as your hero crafts an iconic shield and hammers in unforgettable memories.
In a Galaxy Far, Far Away
This week-long camp calls all Padawans to a galaxy far, far away. Once they land, they can explore the ever-expanding Star Wars universe through arts, crafts and games that enthrall fans of all ages. Staff at the YMCA will help your child build their very own lightsabers, craft a droid and play some Death Star dodgeball. It happens in early July at Kelowna Family Y or early August at the H2O centre.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Does your little genius ask you tough questions? Wonder about the actual science that’s powering a cool experiment? Look at a bridge and ponder how it was constructed? Let them join the next generation of leaders using hands-on projects to explore the fascinating world of science and discovery.
ART-rageous
Give your child the opportunity to express themselves as they explore all types of artistic mediums. Our trained instructors will lead your child in painting, sculpture and more to create beautiful masterpieces you’ll be excited to show off. Who knows, maybe your child is a Picasso just waiting to be discovered?
Wonka-fied
Holy snozzberries, you found the Golden Ticket: Lead your child into the world of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to create a unique Wonka Bar, investigate bubble gum science, concoct a fizzy lifting drink, transform into an Oompa Loompa or become their favorite Wonka character.
H2-WHOA
Do all things wet and wild: water limbo, balloon toss, ice painting, sponge tag, and — of course — swimming. Pack your kid’s swim suit as they prepare to get soaked and join us for all things cool on a hot summer day.
Build It! (featuring Bricks4Kidz!)
The sky’s the limit when it comes to a great idea: The Bricks4Kidz crew will show your little inventor how to build motorized LEGO projects. The YMCA staff will also challenge your child to create other innovative projects by collaborating, experimenting, playing, constructing and deconstructing.
The Great Outdoors
Remember the days of mud pies and rock collecting? They’re back at the YMCA. Your adventurer will get in touch with nature and learn the importance of keeping the community green while becoming re-connected to the treasures in our own backyard! This eco-friendly program will explore nature trails, helping wildlife and getting active — all while gaining an appreciation for the beautiful world around us through strong mentorship.
If your kids are a bit older (say, 12 to 14) they can also acquire their babysitting certificate or learn lifeguarding skills. For a full list of camps and programs offered at the Y, including schedules and costs, visit ymcaokanagan.ca.