Summer Fun Sampler

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TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2018

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ST. MICHAELS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

What are your child’s plans for the summer?

M

ost children aren’t thinking about much beyond the excitement of “school’s out!” and the long, lazy days ahead.

Parents often have other plans, though, as they balance the need for relaxation time with structure and routine. Summer should be a time to rest and regenerate, with some memorable experiences and events to highlight this special time off.

The Summer Holiday Programs at St. Michaels University School (SMUS) are designed to do both – give your child a much-needed break from the routine of school, while also providing some necessary structure. Research has found that children benefit from plenty of break times and supervised play, where they are able to make social connections, stretch their curiosity and test their physical limits.

Based at the Junior School on Victoria

0011567596 CAMP QWANOES Summer Fun 3 x 119 CMYK, ,

Avenue in Oak Bay, SMUS’ licensed camps incorporate a philosophy of learning and exploring through fun activities.

The school is located within walking distance of beautiful parks and beaches. Each camp is centered around a different weekly theme, but the days follow a regular schedule: Monday mornings are reserved for special art projects, Tuesdays include some baking, and Wednesdays

0011542710 ROYAL CITY SOCCER (RICHMOND) SUMMER FUN VTC 3 x 56 CMYK, ,

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feature swimming at the Oak Bay Rec Centre. Games on the field or in the gym are a regular part of every day, and there are at least two field trips each week linked to the weekly theme. All instructors have extensive experience working with children, and receive training in riskmanagement and first aid.

Check out the specialty camps such as Passion Sports FUNdamentals (developing basketball skills), Circus

Circus (trapeze, juggling, stilts and more – with instruction in French and English), STEAM (experimenting with technology and math through an artistic lens), and Après-midi en ville (a camp to enhance French skills through stimulating cultural field trips).

Check out these and other great camps at smus.ca/summer, or call the office at: 250-370-6120 for details.

CAMP QWANOES

Adventure calling!

A

dventure awaits! “At Qwanoes, there are always new adventures. No summer is ever the same,” says Scott Bayley, executive director.

“Last year, we added the Airwalk Village to our already-huge Challenge Course. This year, we’re going to expand it even more. The Aqua Park will add the Monkey Dome and giant Aqua Wall.”

At Qwanoes, kids have the opportunity to try activities they may never get to try anywhere else.

Whether they’re bouncing or climbing on a giant floating Aqua-Park, racing a friend down an ocean zip line to the beach, trying to hit the bullseye at the archery range, skateboarding on a world-class skate park, soaring on a giant swing, or sleeping out with their cabin group on a beach platform with a stunning view of the sunrise, 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.

“What really makes a week at Qwanoes so special is the staff. Each week there is a team of almost 200 carefully-screened staff who love kids and desire to provide the greatest week of a child’s life.” Qwanoes summer staff come from all over the world. “This summer, we expect at least 12 countries to be represented.”

Kids come to camp and learn that

we aren’t all so different after all.

Camp brings people together.

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 met at this camp… it has been one of the highlights of my childhood. Qwanoes has changed my life forever.”

Speaking of the impact camp 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 new-found confidence and a new-found hope for their future.”

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 the summer 2018 video at: qwanoes.ca/summer/media.

For more info, visit: qwanoes.ca “THE CAMP IS A MIX OF FRIENDSHIP, CONVERSATION, AND JUST HAPPINESS I GUESS – I LOVE IT HERE.” “I FEEL REALLY ACCEPTED HERE BY ALL MY LEADERS AND MY FRIENDS. I MADE SO MANY NEW ONES.” “I HAVE THIS CONFIDENCE IN ME NOW THAT I JUST CAN’T EXPLAIN.” – QWANOES CAMPERS

C6

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2018

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Victoria Conservatory of Music

Summer academy buzzing Summer Academy programs are filling up fast and registrations are being accepted. VCM offers a billeting program and bursary assistance to eligible participants.

W

e are often asked: “Do you shut down for the summer?” or “What do you do all summer with all of the students on break?” In fact, summer is one of our busiest times of year, when we host over 300 students who converge at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) for the annual Summer Academy.

Students from all over Canada and the US participate in one- and twoweek intensives in disciplines such as piano, strings, guitar, voice, choral and music theory. Programs range from emerging-professional training to just-for-fun music camps for children and amateur adult musicians. Our youngest summer students are under 10, while the oldest would probably be unhappy with us if we were to reveal their age.

In addition to receiving top-level instruction, summer students have ample opportunity to showcase just how much they can learn in a week or two through the many performances that make up the Summer Academy Concert Series. The Concert Series

Vocal Oratorio Program: Jul. 14 to 28. Variety of courses designed for emerging professionals and advanced students, intermediate singers, adult soloists and choral singers.

Piano: Jul. 2 to 13. Junior, intermediate, senior, young artist (by audition) and adult programs available.

Strings: Jul. 3 to 13 & Aug. 27 to 31.

Intensive program tailored to a variety of ages and levels. Junior and senior programs; one or two-week option.

Theory: Jul. 3 to Aug 3. Classes and lessons for all levels of theory and ear-training. Prepare for exams, post-secondary studies, etc. features inspiring faculty performances where both local and internationally renowned guest artists present ambitious programs and

crowd-pleasing favourites. Summer Academy Concerts are family-friendly and admission is by donation – an amazing opportunity to spend

summer evenings listening to great music without breaking the bank. (vcm.bc.ca/music-programs/vcmsummer-academy).

Guitar: Jul. 24 to 28. Relaxed, focused and engaging program where guitarists expand and refine their skills. vcm.bc.ca | Tel: 250-386-5311

Summer Music Academies at St. Michaels University School

For people who are passionate about music and theatre

T

he long, lazy days of summer are just around the corner. For adolescents, summer should be a magical time not only to rest and re-generate but also to connect with friends, try new things and explore creative pathways. This summer’s Music Academies at St. Michaels University School not only provide this, but also the chance to rehearse and perform in front of live audiences.

SMUS offers three unique summer academies for students who want to explore their passion for music.

SummerBand is a chance to go beyond the traditional band class, with three different options to choose from. Switch Band is a two-week program designed for students with at least one year of band experience who would like to try a new instrument. The Big Band Jazz workshop is for students who would like to

experience jazz as part of a big band. Senior Jazz Intensive and Combos consists of groups of 4 to 8 players who work in small ensembles that focus on improvisation, rhythm and small group arrangements.

SummerStrings is an exciting program that will give students a chance to take their skills to the next level through masterclasses and string ensembles.

Students enjoy a challenging and fun atmosphere with performance and collaboration and a focus on technique and ensemble experiences. These workshops are a great way to kick off the summer, with classes starting right after Canada Day on July 3.

Musical Theatre Academy offers everything an aspiring actor would want – a chance to learn firsthand about auditioning, rehearsing and performing.

Instruction is aimed at enhancing performance skill and learning

0011542710 ROYAL CITY SOCCER (RICHMOND)

about development of full-length musicals. Students are taken through the audition and casting process, assigned roles, and then focus on vocals, microphone use, character development, stage presence and movement. The outcome is a series of showcase performances as part of the Victoria Fringe Festival. Students will be perform Disaster!, a recent Broadway hit and parody of the 70s disaster film genre.

With expert instructors, small class sizes, and modern facilities, SMUS Summer Music Academies offer a fertile environment for youth to flex their creative muscles. Summer Music Academies are appropriate for students, grades 6 through 12. A limited number of bursaries are available.

For details on these and other programs, visit: smus.ca/academies. Call Education Extension at: 250-370-6120.

Victoria City Rowing Club

Row at Elk and Beaver Lakes

0011564708 VICTORIA CITY ROWING CLUB Summer Fun - Vic-

July 2 - August 31

SUMMER ACADEMY PIANO | STRINGS | VOCAL | GUITAR | THEORY

0011564846 VICTORIA CONREGISTER TODAY! SERVATORY OF MUSIC Victoria Conservator Whether you are a curious beginner, preparing for auditions or exams, or simply looking for a fun and creative way to liven up your summer, we have something for everyone.

0011560080 ST MICHAELS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Summer Fun 3 x 63

E

ver thought you would like to try rowing at Elk and Beaver Lake?

Here’s your opportunity! It’s not too late to get started.

Victoria City Rowing Club (VCRC) is a rower-centered community that fosters athlete, coach and citizen development. VCRC excels in providing high quality rowing opportunities for all members, ages 11 to 80+. The boathouse is located on the southeastern shore of Elk Lake.

Currently the building houses over 437 boat seats and is home to 1470 resident rowers, most of whom are included in the 5000 regatta participants who use the facility annually.

Tour the site of Olympic rowers, try out an erg (rowing) machine with proper technique, and get in a sculling shell. Enjoy the beauty of Elk Lake with its stunning sunrises and sunsets while you learn a new sport, being physically active or pushing your own physical and mental limits.

Start this new adventure individually or with a friend, and sign up for one of the programs. Have a look at one of the regattas on June 2, July 13 to 15 during the BC Championships, or try rowing at the Open House on June 24. vcrc.bc.ca

TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2018

C7

VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

Summer academy buzzing Summer Academy programs are filling up fast and registrations are being accepted. VCM offers a billeting program and bursary assistance to eligible participants.

W

e are often asked: “Do you shut down for the summer?” or “What do you do all summer with all of the students on break?” In fact, summer is one of our busiest times of year, when we host over 300 students who converge at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) for the annual Summer Academy.

Students from all over Canada and the US participate in one- and twoweek intensives in disciplines such as piano, strings, guitar, voice, choral and music theory. Programs range from emerging-professional training to just-for-fun music camps for children and amateur adult musicians. Our youngest summer students are under 10, while the oldest would probably be unhappy with us if we were to reveal their age.

In addition to receiving top-level instruction, summer students have ample opportunity to showcase just how much they can learn in a week or two through the many performances that make up the Summer Academy Concert Series. The Concert Series

Vocal Oratorio Program: Jul. 14 to 28. Variety of courses designed for emerging professionals and advanced students, intermediate singers, adult soloists and choral singers.

Piano: Jul. 2 to 13. Junior, intermediate, senior, young artist (by audition) and adult programs available.

Strings: Jul. 3 to 13 & Aug. 27 to 31.

Intensive program tailored to a variety of ages and levels. Junior and senior programs; one or two-week option.

Theory: Jul. 3 to Aug 3. Classes and lessons for all levels of theory and ear-training. Prepare for exams, post-secondary studies, etc.

features inspiring faculty performances where both local and internationally renowned guest artists present ambitious programs and crowd-

pleasing favourites. Summer Academy Concerts are family-friendly and admission is by donation – an amazing opportunity to spend summer

evenings listening to great music without breaking the bank. (vcm.bc.ca/music-programs/vcmsummer-academy).

Guitar: Jul. 24 to 28. Relaxed, focused and engaging program where guitarists expand and refine their skills. vcm.bc.ca | Tel: 250-386-5311

VICTORIA OPERATIC SOCIETY

SPOTLIGHT Musical Theatre Summer Camps

W

hether your child randomly bursts into song and dance, or is shy and needs to find his or her voice, the VOS SPOTLIGHT Musical Theatre Summer Camps are the perfect summer activity.

“Theatre is more about the process than the end production” says Camps Director Tara Britt. “Beyond the practical application in theatre, students learn to work in teams, solve problems, build self-confidence, gain respect for the talents and opinions of others, and explore their own creativity while making new friends.”

The VOS SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS Summer Camp (ages 7-11) is a fun week of Musical Theatre. Come sing, dance, and act all while playing games and working with professional instructors. Kids get a chance to work in a real rehearsal hall with props and costumes and perform numbers and scenes from various musicals.

VOS SPOTLIGHT ON TEENS Musical Theatre Intensive (ages 12-17) is a skill

building camp where teens get to work on voice, acting, dance, and audition technique in a fun, creative and supportive environment – a chance for teens to have a more in-depth and concentrated training experience including one-on-one time with instructors.

All VOS SPOTLIGHT camp sessions take place at the VOS Hall in Esquimalt. Both camps conclude with a performance for friends and family.

VOS is a non-profit organization established in 1945 with the purpose of bringing topquality live musical theatre to Victoria and giving aspiring singers and performers the opportunity to display their talents. The Society provides and encourages the training of young artists in all facets of musical theatre production through the provision of theatrical workshops and practical hands-on experience with annual productions and other events.

For more information on VOS SPOTLIGHT Camp registration and future show auditions, visit: vostheatre.ca, or call: 250-381-1021.

VOS SPOTLIGHT CAMP SESSIONS TAKE PLACE AT THE VOS HALL IN ESQUIMALT. BOTH CAMPS CONCLUDE WITH A PERFORMANCE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

VICTORIA CITY ROWING CLUB

Row at Elk and Beaver Lakes

0011564708 VICTORIA CITY ROWING CLUB Summer Fun - Vic-

E

ver thought you would like to try rowing at Elk and Beaver Lake?

Here’s your opportunity! It’s not too late to get started.

Victoria City Rowing Club (VCRC) is a rower-centered community that fosters athlete, coach and citizen development. VCRC excels in providing high quality rowing opportunities for all members, ages 11 to 80+. The boathouse is located on the southeastern shore of Elk Lake.

Currently the building houses over 437 boat seats and is home to 1470 resident rowers, most of whom are included in the 5000 regatta participants who use the facility annually.

Tour the site of Olympic rowers, try out an erg (rowing) machine with proper technique, and get in a sculling shell.

Enjoy the beauty of Elk Lake with its stunning sunrises and sunsets while you learn a new sport, being physically active or pushing your own physical and mental limits.

Start this new adventure individually or with a friend, and sign up for one of the programs. Have a look at one of the regattas on June 2, July 13 to 15 during the BC Championships, or try rowing at the Open House on June 24. vcrc.bc.ca

0011564849 July 2 - August 31 VICTORIA CONSUMMER ACADEMY SERVATORY OF PIANO | STRINGS | VOCAL | GUITAR | THEORY Whether you are a curious beginner, preparing MUSIC for auditions or exams, or simply looking for a fun and creative way to liven up your summer, Victoria we have something forConservaeveryone.

REGISTER TODAY! tor 3 x 63 CMYK, ,

0011562608 VICTORIA OPERATIC SOCIETY Victoria Operatic So 6 x 42 CMYK, ,