Transform your kids into happy campers
Variety of camps, activities on offer for kids this summer as school year wraps up
Today is the last day of school for kids across the Central Okanagan, and it has been a successful year, says Central Okanagan Public Schools superintendent Kevin Kaardal.
“It’s been a wonderful year, and for many of our employees and students that are going to be getting a break over the summer, we wish them a really safe but fun break where they can restore themselves in the company of those they love,” said Kaardal.
“For others in the district, it means they will be ramping up to make sure our buildings remain safe and maintained . . . and that we’re ready for next year.”
Hundreds of camps and activities are being offered in the Central Okanagan to keep kids busy this summer.
The Kelowna Family YMCA is holding morning camps for children ages three to five, offering crafts, stories, imaginative play, games and swimming. Weekly themes include Pixar power, science, adventures in space and ocean life.
The YMCA is also hosting a little scholars camp at Okanagan College for children ages three to five. Activities include music, arts, crafts and field trips.
Morning swim and sport camps will be offered at the Kelowna Family Y for children ages five to 10, and morning aquatic camps will be offered at the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre for children ages six to 10.
Afternoon camps focused on crafts, games, outdoor group challenges and team-building activities will be offered at the H2O Centre for children ages five to 10.
To register for any YMCA summer camps, go online to ymcaokanagan.ca.
This summer, the Kelowna Art Gallery will be offering half-day and full-day art camps for kids ages three to 12.
The art gallery will also host Teen Fridays, an event at which teens can explore different subjects and art materials. Topics will include watercolour painting, screen printing, ink, graphic novels and comics, wildlife drawing and portraits.
A weeklong art camp will also be held for teens July 30 to Aug. 3. To register, go online to kelownaartgallery.com.
The regional is presenting summer storytimes at Mission Creek Regional Park at 10 a.m. Fridays in July and August. This free, drop-in program will include interactive stories followed by a mini nature walk. The group will meet under the tree near the playground.
A variety of nature camps will be offered throughout the summer for children ages three to 10. To register, call 250-469-6139 or go in person to the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan in Mission Creek Regional Park or at the park services office on the second floor at 1450 KLO Rd.
Okanagan College has 117 summer camps scheduled in Kelowna for kids in Grades 2 to 12.
Camps cover a variety of topics, including website design, Lego robotics, cooking, digital animation, engineering, fashion, acting, jewelry making, movie directing, 3D design and printing, writing, photography, debating, flight academy, electronic music production and babysitter training.
To register, go online to okanagan.bc.ca and search for summer camp.
UBC Okanagan is also hosting summer camps for students in Grades 1-7, focused on science, technology and engineering. To register, go to www.geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/ camps/kelowna/.
Kelowna SPCA is presenting summer camps for kids aged six to 13. Campers will be immersed in animal-themed activities and will learn about responsible animal care and animal facts.
Kids ages 12 and 13 can also apply to attend leadership camp at the Kelowna SPCA.
Selected participants will demonstrate passion, knowledge and a drive to help animals in their community, along with a desire to learn and educate others and develop leadership skills. Participants who successfully complete the camp may be considered to volunteer as a junior counsellor next summer or at other youth events.
To register, go online to spca.bc.ca and search Okanagan summer camp.
Canucks Autism Network is running several summer day camps for kids ages seven to 17. Activities include sports and biking, painting, paddle boarding, swimming and geocaching. To register, go online to canucksautism.ca/programs/kelownasummer-day-camp/.