Orangeville's Summer Camp program is gearing up for another season, with six to eight camp programs running each week for nine weeks.

The various day camps, geared towards children 5- 13 years of age, with a leadership development program for ages 11-13, starts next Monday, June 29, and ends August 28. The camps run each week day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with before and after care available.

There are three age divisions: 5-7, 7-10, and 11-13.

Camps are offered at Orangeville's two recreation centres, at Island Lake Conservation Area, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, and Lynbrook Golf. Some camps that have proven popular this year include Bugs, Slugs & Goo (a camp that had to be expanded to accommodate the demand); Mad Science, Hike It, Olympic Trials (non-competitive sports); Xtreme Sports (skateboarding and biking), and Leadership.

The all-time favourites are back and include play camp, cooking camps, art and drama, photography and golf.

More than 600 slots have been filled in the day camp program and there are still openings in some camps. Xtreme Sports II and Leadership I run July 6-10 and have the option of a trip to Wild Water Kingdom on July 9.

Art Expression and Leadership III camps run July 20-24 and have an option to go to a Blue Jay game.

Leadership II and Survivor run August 10- 14, with an option to go to Ontario Place.

Further information is available on the Town's website at www. orangeville.ca or via an email to summercamp @orangeville.ca. Registration is in person at the Alder Street Recreation Centre.

Given that Orangeville has been chosen as a Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration site and that the Olympics take place this coming winter, this year's summer camps will have an Olympic theme, with an opening and closing ceremony each week for each camp program.

Children's Recreation Programmer Tracy Kelly says the focus of the camps is building healthy and active children, providing them with a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day in a safe and supervised environment.

She has recently attended seminars on the future trends in child development and has 16 years of experience in programming at two other municipalities.

"The key component is physical literacy - run, skip, jump - all similar initiatives to the in motion campaign."

Ms. Kelly says many of the summer camp staff has returned from last year and she's looking forward to another successful summer camp program.

Senior camp counsellors have been working in June to create and prepare activities for the various camps.

Erin Myers of Shelburne is the assistant co-ordinator this summer. She has just graduated from Brock University, earning an Honours B.A. in child and youth studies. She will be attending the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario in the fall.

Erin has been a camp counsellor for the last four years in Shelburne.

Sarah Laughton, of Caledon, is a graduate of Brock University in kinesiology and her future goal is to become a teacher. This is Sarah's second year with the Orangeville summer camp program. She has worked with the Town for six years in aquatics, as a lifeguard and instructor.

Mandy Bradberry, of Grand Valley, attends Nipissing University in North Bay where she is going into her fifth year in the concurrent education program. Upon graduating, she will earn a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in psychology. This is Mandy's second year with the summer camp program in Orangeville and she plans to become a teacher in future.

Adam Arcuri, of Orangeville, will enter his third year at Ryerson this fall, in business administration. His future goal is to become an entrepreneur. This is Adam's second year with Orangeville's summer camp program.

Holley Shaw, of Grand Valley, attends Nipissing University. She will enter her fourth year this fall, on her way to earn a B.A. in psychology and geography, and to eventually become a teacher. She has worked with Orangeville's aquatics as a lifeguard and instructor for five years. This is Holley's second year with the summer camp program.

Katie Papple, of Orangeville, will enter her third year at Nipissing University in September and she is in the concurrent education program, with an honours in English and a minor in religion. Her goal is to become a teacher in future and this is her second year with the summer camp program.

In September, Sydney Duncan, of Orangeville, will enter her second year at the University of Western Ontario where she is studying health sciences and French. Her goal is to have a career in education or health sciences. This is Sydney's second year with the summer camp program.

The junior camp counsellors start work next week, preparing for Monday's start of the day camps.

Conservatory adds to current staff

The Ontario Conservatory of Music in Orangeville has welcomed two new senior teachers.

Jacob Whately and Maureen Klassen have joined the conservatory's team of professional teachers and are accepting new students for summer and fall programs.

Mr. Whately has completed his Grade 9 R.C.M. Practical Piano as well as Grade 3 History and Harmony. Ms. Klassen has completed grade 9 R.C.M. Practical Piano and Advanced Rudiments of theory.

Both teachers have completed Basic Teacher Training and are currently working on the next course level. Both live in Orangeville and are teaching piano and theory courses.