What are your child’s plans for the summer?

Most children aren’t thinking about much beyond the excitement of “school’s out!” and the long, lazy days ahead. Parents often have other plans, though, as they balance the need for relaxation time with structure and routine. Summer should be a time to rest and regenerate, with some memorable experiences and events to highlight this special time off.

The Summer Holiday Programs at St. Michaels University School (SMUS) are designed to do both – give your child a much-needed break from the routine of school, while also providing some necessary structure. Research has found that children benefit from plenty of break times and supervised play, where they are able to make social connections, stretch their curiosity and test their physical limits. Based at the Junior School on Victoria Avenue in Oak Bay, SMUS’ licensed camps incorporate a philosophy of learning and exploring through fun activities.

The school is located within walking distance of beautiful parks and beaches. Each camp is centered around a different weekly theme, but the days follow a regular schedule: Monday mornings are reserved for special art projects, Tuesdays include some baking, and Wednesdays feature swimming at the Oak Bay Rec Centre. Games on the field or in the gym are a regular part of every day, and there are at least two field trips each week linked to the weekly theme. All instructors have extensive experience working with children, and receive training in riskmanagement and first aid.

Check out the specialty camps such as Passion Sports Fundamentals (developing basketball skills), Circus Circus (trapeze, juggling, stilts and more – with instruction in French and English), STEAM (experimenting with technology and math through an artistic lens), and Après-midi en ville (a camp to enhance French skills through stimulating cultural field trips).

Check out these and other great camps at smus.ca/summer, or call the office at: 250-370-6120 for details.