June 2022
INSIDE: Activities and day camps to help create some great summer memories! SAVOUR PLAYTIME
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TIMES COLONIST | SUMMER FUN
2 | THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022
Christ Church Cathedral School Since 1996, Christ Church Cathedral School’s Lux Mundi Summer Program has been providing children in Victoria with an exciting summer day-camp experience.
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eld on the grounds of Cathedral School, children have access to a full-size gymnasium, classrooms for arts, crafts and games, a full outdoor playground, and our soccer pitch and basketball court—both new in 2022. Located on the outskirts of downtown, in the residential neighborhood of Rockland, our campers are close to Beacon Hill Park, the Royal BC Museum, the gardens of Government House, and many other local attractions. When adventure calls from further afield—to such locations as Butterfly Gardens, Fort Rodd Hill, or Goldstream Park—our school bus transports campers to the action. The program is run by Todd Fitzsimmons, who has been with us since the inception of our out-of-school care program 26 years ago. Most of the other camp leaders are
either Educational Assistants at the school or Alumni who have graduated from CCCS and are excited to share the joy and excitement that they experienced here in their youth, with a new generation. Kids love the variety of activities, special theme days, talent shows, and—most of all— the lasting friendships they build with other children. Many of our campers return year after year, reconnecting with their friends from previous camps. Our Summer, Spring Break and Christmas programs are open to all children in the community from age 5 - 10, not just Cathedral School students. Camp hours are from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Spaces are filling fast, so don’t delay in registering online for this popular day-camp. cathedralschool.ca/ programs-admission/ spring-summer-day-camps/
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Anti-Gravity Summer Camp Program Victoria just got a thrilling new outdoor adventure day camp for kids ages 10-14.
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his brand new program is not just another place to drop off your kiddos for a week. At WildPlay's Anti-Gravity Camp, your little ones will climb, zip, jump and swing through the treetops in Victoria's West Shore, learning about themselves and the world around them while making lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. While WildPlay's famous ziplines and adventure courses are all about fun and games in the trees, our mission with the
camp is to provide fertile ground for kids to focus on relationshipbuilding and developing interpersonal skills through activities designed to encourage and support internal growth. But don't just take it from us. Parent Testimonial, Spring Break 2022: "10/10! She was proud of herself, which doesn't come naturally. She became more outspoken, willing to express her concerns and successes, and able to share her experiences with me. These are huge leaps and bounds for my child who has autism and anxiety. Thank you WildPlay for bringing out the child in my child!”
If you're looking for a summer camp that is a place for your kids to learn and grow, WildPlay's Anti-Gravity Camp is the place for you. • LOCATION: WildPlay Victoria (#1757 Island Highway, Victoria BC) • DATES: 5-day programs all summer long, starting June 25th Space is filling up fast! Learn more & register online: wplay.info/agc REGISTER BY PHONE: +1-250-590-PLAY (7529) Take $25 off registration with code WPAGC25!
REGISTER NOW!
TIMES COLONIST | SUMMER FUN
4 | THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022
U-JAM
Summer Jazz Workshop
Victoria City Rowing Club (VCRC) is a not-for-profit, member-driven rowing club operating out of the boathouse on Elk Lake. We offer introductory, recreational, and competitive rowing programs for athletes of all ages (12-80+ yrs) and skill levels. We're a community that fosters a love of rowing and provides opportunities for all participants to strive for their personal and collective goals. Come join us for a beautiful summer on the lake in which you'll learn to row, make friends, build lifelong athletic and personal skills, and have a summer experience you won't forget! Youth summer camps and learn to rows run all summer long, ages 12-17. Contact us for more information, sign up online using the QR code, or through your local recreation center guide. vcrc.bc.ca
Summer Jazz Workshop For Vocalists and Instrumentalists of All Ages
Daytime classes and workshops Evening Concerts & Jam Sessions All-Star Faculty August 15th-19th • Salvation Army Victoria Citadel Reserve your spot at www/ujam.ca or email: ujamsummercamp@gmail.com $ 399 with family discounts and bursaries available
Join the Jam at U-JAM’s “Summer Jazz Workshop” August 15 - 19th at the Victoria Citadel!
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fter two years of isolation, we are ready to get” Back in the Saddle”. Our “Camp Dream” for 2022 - to enrich and enhance the understanding of jazz and improvised music, to connect the community around music, and to develop as individual musicians. We have an incredible line-up of talented professionals ready to guide you through your musical journey, set goals, and give you the tools to reach them. This promises to be a week filled with incredible training, camaraderie, and of course, FUN! The camp is designed to help students of all ages and skill levels gain instrumental/vocal experience in an environment of Encouragement and Fun. Students of ALL instruments can apply, particularly Vocalists, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Strings, Guitar, Bass (electric and/or acoustic) and Drums. The goal of the camp is to give students the opportunity
to make music together in small and large ensembles and improve their musical skills, including improvising and jamming with others. Taking place in the beautiful setting of the Salvation Army Victoria Citadel in Saanich, the week offers a memorable experience of musicianship and camaraderie. Classes are also offered in theory, arranging, song writing, chording, vocalizing, historical perspectives, technology, and many special areas of interest. A special program for vocalists plus masterclasses, performances, jam
LEARN TO ROW • 5 days • 2 hrs a day • ages 12-17 • $250 • fun & friends
clubadmin@vcrc.ca
SUMMER CAMPS • 5 days a week • 9am-3pm • ages 12-17 • $350 • bring a friend... • and make friends!
vcrc.bc.ca
sessions, and more. Play or sing in a band, meet other musicians, make music, and generally have fun - the evening concert series includes a nightly jam session with the pros! Camp cost is $399.00 for the week. Billeting and hotel information is available on request. Bursaries and scholarships also available for deserving students. U-JAM is a registered not for profit society with a goal of supporting and encouraging live music interactions in jazz, rock, blues, and other improvised styles. u-jam.ca
ROWING • friends • community • healthy sport • everything welcome • build lifelong skills
5100 Patricia Bay Highway
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Adventure is Calling at Camp Qwanoes
Scott Bayley, Executive Director, Camp Qwanoes
“C
amp is going to be more exciting than ever this summer!” according to Bayley. With Dr. Bonnie Henry removing COVID restrictions for overnight camps, they can’t wait to welcome children and youth to full capacity camps. “Now our goal is to make summer 2022 the best summer ever! It’s time to come back together for some amazing adventures, new friendships and all the wonder and discovery that is part of camp,” says Bayley. Whether they’re exploring a giant floating Aqua-Park, racing a friend down a spectacular ocean zip line called the Jet Stream to the beach, or skateboarding on a world-class concrete skate park, there is something for everyone. Since 1966 kids have been experiencing these kind of adventures and a whole lot more at Qwanoes, nestled beside Maple Mountain on a quiet bay in Crofton about one hour north of Victoria. “Our staff can’t wait to welcome everyone back!” Speaking of the impact camp clearly has on kids, Bayley says, “What really makes a week at Qwanoes so special is that we love kids. Qwanoes is a safe place where kids are not only accepted
but valued. Kids can just be kids here and enjoy an escape from our fast-paced, plugged-in world. Campers can gain not just newfound confidence, but also a newfound hope for their future.” In the words of a camper: “You know, Qwanoes is amazing. Not just because of the activities or the beach or the soccer or the fun times. But because it gives us all the chance to meet amazing people and bond with amazing staff members. I have a group of close friends who I all met at this camp… it has been one of the highlights of my childhood. Qwanoes has changed my life forever." Qwanoes is a Christian camp, and an ideal place for fun-filled, life-changing adventure. All are welcome and there still is some space available for this summer. Check out their summer 2022 video at qwanoes.ca/ summer/media. For more info: qwanoes.ca
Qwanoes.ca 1-888-997-9266
TIMES COLONIST | SUMMER FUN
6 | THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022
Spend your summer with SKAM! Theatre SKAM’s annual SKAMpede festival is returning July 8-10.
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he SKAMpede festival is a professionally curated outdoor performance festival that is fun for the whole family. This year’s festival will consist of about a dozen new 10-minute short works presented by top performers and juried by professional theatre artists. Audiences of the festival can choose between different tours. They then depart from specific launch points in groups of twelve as either cyclists or pedestrians. Along the way they get to watch original comedy, music, dance, poetry, and many other forms of entertainment. Each of the shows will be presented continually over the weekend. Companies that will be featured in SKAMpede include locals arts groups such as Embrace Arts Foundation, Extended Space Theatre, Fear No Opera, and SNAFU Society of Unexpected Spectacles as well Cavanaugh, Becky Miner, and Zoe Salvin. Together, the troupe devises multiple short plays that they will then perform on the back of a flatbed pick-up truck (affectionately named Bob) at outdoor markets, festivals, and even in your driveway! The Pop-Up is open for bookings after they launch on July 1. More details to come! For more information, interviews, images contact: Janine Rzeplinski, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Theatre SKAM 250-386-7526 janine@skam.ca
UNSTOPPABLE FUN SINCE 2009
JULY 8-10 MORE DETAILS AT SKAM.CA/SKAMPEDE
as Montréal-based group, Baobab - Création multidisciplinaire. Tickets are pay-what-you-can and will be launching mid-June. The Pop-Up Home Delivery
theatre is also returning this summer. Lynnéa Chan (The Open Gate, It’ll Come to Me) is directing a team of emerging artists, Kaelean Bain, Kaylee
Visit skam.ca/ for more information. Facebook: facebook.com/ TheatreSKAM/ Instagram and Twitter: @theatreSKAM
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 | 7
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Fun, festivals, kids’ camps and kayaking at the Fairway Gorge Paddling Club When it comes to summer fun, think of sun, water and paddling along Victoria’s scenic Gorge waterway.
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ictoria’s Fairway Gorge Paddling Club has opportunities for youth and grown-ups, as well as families, schools and groups wanting to get on the water. For young paddlers (ages 6-12) our popular summer paddlesport camps help develop basic paddling and water skills in a fun and safe environment while exploring the Gorge waterway and
Victoria’s inner harbour in ocean and sprint kayaks, outrigger canoes, dragon boats and stand-up-paddleboards. For families and friends looking to kayak or SUP this summer, all you need is a Fairway Gorge Paddling Club Kayak/ SUP summer membership. After taking a one-hour safety orientation, members can reserve kayaks on-line for up to 90 minutes every day (paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult kayak member). Located at 2940 Jutland Road, FGPC also has outrigger paddling and dragon boat paddling programs, and we’re always looking for new members!
We host great racing, too. Be sure to visit the Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival, with day-long racing over the August 6-7 weekend. This fun, Gorgebased festival features the best race venue in Victoria, and a full line-up of entertainment, food, family activities and dragon boat cultural events. Spectators are also welcome at our annual Guts-&-Glory Championships on September 17, featuring dragon boats and outrigger canoes in exciting 1,000-metre and 1,500-metre sprints. Learn more and register for our programs at fgpaddle.com
n u F r e m m Su AT THE
FAIRWAY GORGE PADDLING CLUB
• Kids Paddlesports camps • Kayak and SUP memberships ideal for families • Great Local Festivals:
~ Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival, Aug. 6-7, featuring a full line up of racing, food, entertainment and cultural events. ~ FGPC Guts-&-Glory Dragon Boat and Outrigger Canoe Racing, Sept. 15, featuring 1,000-meter and 1,500-meter sprints
Visit fgpaddle.com to register or to learn more about our club, including our Waterfront Fitness Facility and our Waterfront Outfitters retail store. 2940 Jutland Rd.
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TIMES COLONIST | SUMMER FUN