Global News teamed up with Calgary’s Child Magazine to explore summer camp options in and around Calgary, and answer some frequently-asked questions from parents.
How do I determine which camp my child will enjoy?
Calgary’s Child Magazine Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ellen Percival suggests looking into camps that align with your child’s interests.
Camps for active children
If you have an active child, you can check out programs offered at the Calgary Gymnastics Centre, where the philosophy is “gymnastics for all” and no prior gymnastics experience is necessary.
In addition, there are many sport-specific camps available in Calgary, as well as general day camps that offer some physical education time combined with crafts and field trips.
“We are so blessed in Calgary to have so many choices,” Percival said. “There’s swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo, surfing, fencing, martial arts, climbing, bouldering, football, basketball, volleyball, track and field.”
WATCH: Leslie Horton explores which Calgary summer camps parents can check out if they have active kids.
Camps for animal lovers
If your child is an animal lover, Percival suggests looking into the programs offered at Butterfield Acres, the Calgary Zoo and the Calgary Humane Society.
“If you want the farm experience there’s several farms around Calgary,” Percival said. “They do some mucking out of the stalls and looking after the animals.”
“There are some wonderful options in Calgary.”
WATCH: Leslie Horton explores which Calgary summer camps parents can check out if their kids are animal lovers.
How do you know if your kids are ready for sleepaway camp?
If your kids have had successful sleepovers with family or friends and are okay spending a few days away from mom and dad, Percival suggests you may consider a residential camp.
“For extra insurance, we always say take along a buddy. Lots of camps will let you do that,” Percival said.
There are many sleepaway camp options in the Calgary area, including Camp Chief Hector, which is run by the YMCA.
Heritage Park also runs weekly residential camps where kids get to leave the modern world behind and immerse themselves in a simpler time.
WATCH: Leslie Horton gets some tips on how to tell if your child is ready to try an overnight camp.
Complete Calgary camp listing
CLICK HERE to view the 2016 Summer Camp and Program Guide from Calgary’s Child Magazine.
– With files from Leslie Horton
- Judicial review filed in response to Calgary city council’s decision to forego rezoning plebiscite
- Calgary issues water reduction advisory ahead of possible restrictions
- Man charged with break and enter, rental fraud in Canmore, Alta.: RCMP
- Calgary Flames want to promote NHL club as desirable destination for players
Comments