Record demand for town’s summer day camps

Orangeville’s Summer Camp program opened this week with a record number of registrations.

While some camps still have availability, there are a few that are already fully booked. “I’ve never seen numbers like this,” Children’s Recreation Programmer Tracy Kelly says of day camp registration. “We will want to expand the day camps in future. We have been successful in adding community partnerships this year and we’re getting fantastic compliments from the community; it’s phenomenal.” The focus of the camps, she says, is building healthy and active children, providing them with a minimum of 90 minutes of physical activity every day in a safe and supervised environment.

The camps offer a variety of fun and exciting programs and activities for children aged 5-13, running until August 27, with

leadership development program for ages 10-13. Registration for the day camps is accepted until end of day on the Thursday preceding startup, however it’s advisable

book early given the increasing demand for the week-long adventures. This year’s big hit “Bugs Slugs and Goo” which is offered in August and is entirely full, even with an expansion of the program. Held at Island Lake Conservation Area, activities include hiking, survival techniques, leaf prints, sand castle building and meeting some bugs and critters. Second in demand is “Mad Science” which is primarily handson experiments, including finger printing, changing states of matter, rocket launches and pulley systems.

There are still openings in some camps, including Explorers, Young Chefs, TSN (“Try” Sports Network), Backstage Pass, 3D – Drama, Dance and Design, Snapshots, and Survival Essentials. For a full list of day camps pick up a program at the recreation centres or the Town Hall or visit www.orangeville.ca. Participants have an opportunity to swim each afternoon at the Alder Street Recreation Centre.

The Parks & Recreation Department has 16 counsellors for the day camp program, with most of them being senior university students planning careers in child and youth work or education.

The camps run each week day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with before and after care available. Registration can be completed online at www.orangeville.ca or in person at the Alder Street Recreation Centre.