Just think. In a few weeks, children across the region will be finished school.
It’s a harsh realization for many parents, but it’s true. June 28, the last day of school, will be here before you know it.
For people living in Oro-Medonte who want to ensure their offspring are kept busy this summer, the township’s recreation department is offering summer camp programs that were recommended by local residents.
“About a year ago, the township administered a community survey asking what the community was looking for as programs returned to the township,” said Jodi Grubb, supervisor of community recreation and special events for the municipality.
Grubb noted there were no summer camp programs from 2020 to 2022.
Based on the feedback the township received and current trends, Grubb and her colleagues put together a program that brings back old favourites and introduces new camps, focused on athletics.
“This summer, we’re bringing back our 'Kinder Fun Camp' for children four to six years old and our 'Ready, Set, Go' camp for children seven to 12 years old,” Grubb said.
“These are two general camps that offer water play and a special guest each week," she added. “These camps focus on fun, friendships, crafts, songs, games and activities."
Currently the two most popular camps in the township’s offering — Kinder Fun and Ready, Set, Go — may find some stiff competition in the future from the specialty camps.
New this year, the specialty camps are for young people aged seven to 12. There are three specialty camps to choose from, including basketball, multi-sports and pickleball.
The township is partnering with Elevation Athletics to offer the specialized camps and they will be held at Shanty Bay Public School.
“We have really adjusted the types of camps we are offering and expanded our offerings when we partnered with Elevation to offer some specialized options for families to mix things up,” Grubb said.
“These camps have staff specialized in basketball, pickleball and multiple sports. These camps have the equipment to offer programming geared to the title each week and really focus on fun, skill development and friendships.”
The basketball camp will help kids further develop their basketball skills in a competitive and engaging environment. The coaches have set up a unique curriculum, where each day will be centred around practicing a specific skill set.
The multi-sport camp will introduce the youngsters to multiple sports including fundamental athletics movement, basketball, soccer, volleyball, racket sports and baseball. The program will focus on developing athletes’ hand-eye co-ordination, balance, agility, footwork and strength.
The pickleball camp will focus on instructional drills, fun games and interactive activities. The camp is designed for participants to learn the fundamentals of pickleball including the rules of the game, the different parts of the court, serving, scoring and the basic forehand shot.
While the most popular camps are for children aged four to six, the township has a unique course for youth aged 14 and 15 who may want to work at a summer camp in the future.
“We offer a 'counsellor-in-training' program, which encourages youth to participate in a free training session that equips them with the tools to participate as a volunteer in camp throughout the summer,” Grubb said.
“Volunteers will assist the camp staff with program facilitation, secondary supervision, setting up, leading games and activities," she added. “This is a great opportunity for youth hoping to work as a camp staff as they get older."
For complete details and to register for Oro-Medonte’s summer camp programs, click here.
