2011 Vancouver Island
Summer Activities and Programs For Kids
How do you keep your family engaged, inspired and active
over the summer holidays?
Kids have a great time together, doing things that stimulate their imagination and test the limits of their skills. Why not give them an opportunity to try something new this month? We've got a great list of summer camps and programs happening across Vancouver Island for the kids who are out of school...and the parents who are out of ideas.
Here are some great ideas to get you started with your planning:
SOUTH ISLAND:
Eco-Camp for Kids
Starting Mon. July 25th, 2011 Victoria
Explore the basics of garden-based botany, discover insects, create eco-friendly art projects, and learn about growing your own food! Click for More »
Youth Arts & Cultural Festival
Mon. July 25th, 2011 - Wed. August 10th, 2011 Sidney
Check out all the fanastic events coming through the Mary Winspear
Centre July 15 - August 10. Starting at workshops, moving to day camps
and ending in week-long courses - there's a little something for
everyone. Click for More »
The Forge Church Summer Camps
Mon. July 25th, 2011 - Fri. Aug19th, 2011 Langford
SUMMER CAMPS - FUN AND AFFORDABLE!
Sign up your kids for an awesome time. Click for More »
Beach Snoop at Low Tide (Guided Walk)-All Ages
Thu. July 28th, 2011 Victoria
When the tide goes out an exciting world comes into view. Discover
the creatures that make IVB their home. Be prepared to get your feet
wet. Click for More »
Raucous Raccoons (Drop-in Event) All Ages
Thu. July 28th, 2011 Saanich
These masked bandits are curious and interesting. Drop by with the
family to discover more about these fascinating creatures of the night.
Click for More »
Feeling Crabby (Drop–in Event)–All Ages
Sat. July 30th, 2011 Victoria
Red crabs, green crabs, smooth crabs, hairy crabs. This beach has
them all! Drop in and meet the crabs of IVB as well as some of their
crusty cousins. We’ll explore under rocks and have a crab race! Click for More »
Gorge Waterway Nature House
Sundays July 31st - August 28th, 2011 Esquimalt
Learn about protecting the Gorge Watershed through our Seaquarium
touch tank, which is full of interesting local creatures, our
interactive watershed model, and arts and crafts. Click for More »
Snake Day (Drop–in Event)–All ages
Thu. August 4th, 2011 Saanich
Snakes, snakes and more snakes! Watch snake shows, hold a snake, play a snake game and more.
Click for More »
Fire: Friend or Foe? (Drop–in Event)–All ages
Sat. August 6th, 2011 Victoria
Fire-it’s fascinated humans since time began. Drop by to check out displays; Learn more about fire’s pros and cons. Click for More »
Free Music Pups Classes
Mon. August 8th - Wed. August 10th 2011 Victoria
Free children's music classes, three days in a row! Enjoy singing, moving, playing rhythm instruments in a musical environment.. For newborns to four-year-olds and their parents. Click for More »
Early Evening Canoeing (Guided Paddle) 5 years+
Tue. August 9th, 2011 Saanich
Paddle in the evening searching for eagles, herons, turtles and other lake life.
Click for More »
Great Big Beach Explore (Guided Walk) All ages
Thu. August 11th, 2011 Victoria
When the tide is out…the table is set. Discover the diversity of
marine critters that can be found at this breathtaking beach. Dip nets,
field guides and lots of fun. Be prepared to get your feet wet! Click for More »
The Moon Walk (Guided Walk) 5 years+
Fri. August 12th, 2011 Victoria
When the moon is full and the tide is low, down to Coles Bay we’ll
go! Look for marine creatures like crabs, sea stars and the elusive moon
snail. Click for More »
Morning Mist Canoe Adventure (Guided Paddle) 5 years+
Sat. August 13th, 2011 Saanich
Paddle through early morning mist searching for eagles, herons,
turtles and other lake life. Canoe equipment and instruction are
provided; no experience necessary. Click for More »
What’s That? Ask a Nat! (Drop–in Event)–All ages
Sat. August 13th, 2011 Victoria
Come with your curiosity and explore the beach at low tide.Borrow
some dip nets to identify your discoveries. Be prepared to get your feet
wet. Look for the white tent on the beach by the shelter. Click for More »
High Seas Expedition! Kids Camp
Mon. August 15th - Friday, August 19th 2011 Colwood
It's all hands on deck for an amazing High Seas Expedition! A
week-long camp for kids ages 4-12 year at Westside Bible Church in
Colwood.
Click for More »
3–Parks–In–1 (Guided Hike) 8 years+
Sun. August 14th, 2011 Sooke
Enjoy a guided hike while exploring amazing stories about Matheson Lake, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and Roche Cove. Click for More »
Mystery Creature (Guided Walk) 5 years+
Tue. August 16th, 2011 Victoria
“Riddle me, riddle me through the park. Find answers before it gets
dark!” Solve riddles to find clues hidden along the trail. We’ll piece
the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is! Click for More »
Blood and Guts (Drop-in Event)–All ages
Thu. August 18th, 2011 Saanich
They’ve got pointy teeth and sharp claws, and they don’t eat tofu!
Learn more about animals that make their living by eating meat. Cougars
and owls and bears–oh my! Click for More »
An Evening Campfire at the Beach (Campfire Stories)–All ages
Fri. August 19th, 2011 Victoria
An evening beach walk followed by campfire stories at the Island
View Beach campground. Learn more about the animals that call Island
View Beach their home! Click for More »
Tree–mendous Trees (Drop–in Event) –All ages
Sat. August 20th, 2011 Victoria
They’re everywhere and they’re tremendous–discover more about our
local tree species. A guided walk to 500 year old trees begins at
1:30pm. Click for More »
Bountiful Berries (Guided Walk) 5 years+
Sat. August 20th, 2011 Sooke
Explore for blackberries, Oregon grape berries, salal berries, and
an opportunity to taste jams made from some of these natural delights. Click for More »
Stop, Look and Listen (Guided Walk)–All ages
Wed. August 24th, 2011 Saanich
Use all your senses to appreciate the wonders of the forest. Find
what’s hidden on the “unnature trail,” meet a tree and more. It's a
great way for children and adults to share nature together. Click for More »
Amazing Race (Drop–in Event)–5 years+
Thu. August 25th, 2011 Saanich
A nature–based race through the forest. Register at meeting place,
grab a race sheet and test your wits and powers of observation as you
tackle skill–testing questions throughout the park. Win prizes! Click for More »
Forest Feast (Drop–in Event)–5 years+
Fri. August 26th, 2011 Victoria
A celebration of wild plants and their many uses. Enjoy activities,
displays and guided walks in the park to celebrate the richness of our
West Coast forests. Click for More »
Talent Search! Join the Victoria Children's Choir
Fri. August 26th, 2011 Victoria
The VCC makes music accessible, helps kids learn life skills - and
has fun. Auditions help our Musical Directors find a starting point for
youth ages 8-15 in our Nationally renowned Choir. Join us! Click for More »
FringeKids Fest
Sat. August 27th, 2011 Victoria
This completely free one-day family festival in Market Square
introduces young children to the magic of theatre, with live
performances, puppet making, an inflatable bouncy bunny and fun crafts! Click for More »
Free Music Pups Classes at Con Brio Music
Mon. August 29th - Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 Victoria
Free 45-minute demonstration classes, three days in a row!
First-come, first-served. Space is limited to 10 families, so arrive
early. Classes may be added if needed. Bring a friend! Click for More »
Calls of the Wild (Guided Walk) 5 years+
Wed. August 31st, 2011 Metchosin
Come and explore with a CRD Regional Parks’ naturalist the why and
how of animal communication. Be prepared to have some fun as you learn
to hoot, sing and call your way through the forest. Click for More »
‘Bear’ Necessities (Guided Walk)–All ages
Thu. September 1st, 2011 Victoria
We can coexist with these magnificent forest dwellers. Join a CRD
Regional Parks’ naturalist to learn about the natural history of the
black bear.
Click for More »
Wild Crafting Walk (Guided Walk) 12 years+
Fri. September 2nd, 2011 Victoria
Bountiful berries, fragrant cedar trees, and slippery sea
weeds–look beyond the beauty and discover the many uses and functions of
these plants. Click for More »
Forest Tea Party (Guided Walk)–12 years+
Sat. September 10th, 2011 Victoria
You don’t have to take a trip to England to find a great cup of
tea! The forests around Victoria are full of plants that make delicious
teas year ’round. Short guided walk. Click for More »
Storyoga with Vanessa Braun
Starting Wed. September 28th, 2011 Sidney
A time to embrace their growing independence and need to be on their own!
Click for More »
COWICHAN:
First Ever BC SPCA Summer Camps at the Cowichan Valley SPCA
Starting Mon. July 25th and Monday, August 8th 2011 Cowichan
Make this summer one to remember!
Sign up for summer camp at the BC SPCA and you’ll get to spend a whole
week immersed in the world of animals. Learn about pet care, wildlife,
farm animals and more! Click for More »
BC Forest Discovery Centre's The Children's Performance Series
Mon. August 1st, Sunday, August 14th, Sunday, August 28th, 2011 Duncan
BC Forest Discovery Centre presents 4 outdoor children’s
performances this summer beginning July 24 with children's musician Rick
Scott, and ends Aug. 28 with Stuart Nemtin and 'The Story of Esther'. Click for More »
XploreSportZ Summer Camp - Ladysmith
Mon. August 8th, 2011 Ladysmith
XploreSportZ Camps encourage children ages 7 - 12 to explore a
variety of Sports in a fun and relaxed environment under the direction
of qualified coaches. Click for More »
Weeklong Kids Camps at the Bird of Prey Centre
Mon. August 8th-26th 2011 Duncan
Summer weeklong kids camps fill up fast at Pacific Northwest Raptors, so book well in advance! Click for More »
CENTRAL ISLAND:
Nanaimo Arts Alive SUMMER SCHOOL
Mon. July 25th, 2011 - Fri. July 29th, 2011 Nanaimo
Art, music, dance and drama courses, all at Nanaimo's longest running Summer School of the Fine Arts. Getting involved just couldn't be easier, and there is something for everyone, and for all ages. Click for More »
Active Star Summer Camp - Parksville
Starting Mon. July 25th, 2011 Parksville
ActiveStar is a NEW unique summer camp that provides an opportunity
for kids 4—6 years & their parents to discover & enjoy
different activities & sports that incorporate a variety of body
movements. Click for More »
Faerie Making with Tammi Hunters & Co.
Mon. July 25th, 2011 - Fri. July 29th, 2011 Qualicum
A week of faeries! Come make your own! Click for More »
VIU Sport Camps
Starting Mon. August 1st, 2011 Nanaimo
Get out and get active this summer with Mariners Summer Camps!
Our camps are open to all skill
levels and a variety of age groups. All camps are led by the VIU Head Coaches. Click for More »
Time Machine Mania
Wed. July 27th, Aug 3rd, Aug 10th, Aug 17th, Aug 24th, Aug 31st 2011 Nanaimo
Explore the Cottage and Locomotive in Piper’s Park, make butter, and create a souvenir with the staff of the Nanaimo Museum. Click for More »
Acting with Jay Doige
Mon. August 1st, 2011 - Fri. August 5th, 2011 Qualicum
Kids acting workshop with a Pirates theme! Click for More »
Exploring Art in a Fun Way
Mon. August 8th, 2011 - Fri. August 12th, 2011 Qualicum
Multidisciplinary kid's art class taught by Jasmine Sonier Click for More »
ArtRageous Saturday August 6
Sat. August 6th, 2011 Nanaimo
At the Nanaimo Art Gallery, ArtRageous Saturday, Drip Action Painting, Jackson Pollock and Splatter Monsters Click for More »
DRUM CLINIC with MURRAY CREED & JOHN LEE
Sat. August 6th, 2011 Nanaimo
HARBOUR CITY MUSIC PRESENTS - MURRAY CREED of Groove Studios,
Victoria & JOHN LEE, Nanaimo Based drummer from Burklee College DRUM
CLINIC. Click for More »
ArtRageous Saturday August 13
Sat. August 13th, 2011 Nanaimo
ArtRageous Saturday kids workshop. Que Seurat Seurat!!!
French artist Georges Seurat was famous for his dotty art style known as pointillism.
Click for More »
Kiwanis Sunrisers Bullhead Derby
Sun. August 14th, 2011 Nanaimo
The Sunrisers 24th Annual Bullhead Derby for kids 2 to 12. Free
event with prizes for the biggest bullhead, the smallest, the ugliest,
AND lucky entry prizes. All children must have adult supervision Click for More »
Kidfest
Sun. August 14th, 2011 Parksville
KIDFEST is a family day filled with fun and entertainment for children. Kidfest has been going on for 18 years, totally run by volunteers who give of their time throughout the year. Check it out!!! Click for More »
Fairwinds Family Golf Day
Sun. August 14th, 2011 Nanoose
A fun 9-hole scramble-style golf event for the whole family. Kids
play and eat for free! Or come out for Family Golf Nights every Friday,
Saturday or Sunday after 5pm until August 31, 2011. Click for More »
Afro-Mumanzi World Music Camp
Mon. August 15th, 2011 - Fri. August 19th, 2011 Errington
Young musicians interested in learning African marimba, drumming
and dance are invited to come to the second annual AFRO-MUMANZI WORLD
MUSIC CAMP at the Errington Hall. Fun, inspiring, and affordable! Click for More »
BC SPCA Summer Workshops for Kids
Thu. August 18th, Aug 26th 2011 Nanaimo
Join us for a day filled with animal themed games, crafts and guest speakers, plus a trip the SPCA to meet the animals there.
Click for More »
ArtRageous - August 20
Sat. August 20th, 2011 Nanaimo
ArtRageous workshop for kids, Saturdays. One Fish, Two Fish, Fun
fishy project creating fish characters inspried by Dr. Seuss. at the
downtown Nanaimo Art Gallery. Click for More »
ArtRageous Workshop for Kids
Sat. August 27th, 2011 Nanaimo
Koi Pond Collage In this Japanese themed ArtRageous, you will be making your very own Zen, contemplative, Koi pond. Click for More »
NORTH ISLAND:
"An Introduction to Fossils" (Morning Class)
Mon. July 25th, Fri, Aug 5th, Mon. Aug 8th, Fri. Aug 19th 2011 Courtenay
Has your child ever wondered what it would be like to be a real Paleontologist? This program will allow your child to spend some time at the museum learning all about fossils and Paleontology! Click for More »
A Fossil Collecting Trip to the Trent River
Mon. July 25th, Fri. Aug 5th, Mon. Aug 8th 2011 Courtenay
Does your child love Paleontology? Here is the chance for them to
dig up some real fossils! Using proper tools, kids can excavate 80
million year old sea creatures and keep the fossils that they find! Click for More »
Discovering Dinosaurs (Morning class)
Tue. July 26th, Aug. 9th, Aug. 16th 2011 Courtenay
What is every child's favorite monster? A dinosaur! Spend time
learning all about these fascinating prehistoric creatures. Make a mold
and cast of a dinosaur tooth and take part in a mock dino dig! Click for More »
Discovering Dinosaurs (Afternoon Class)
Tue. July 26th, Aug. 9th, Aug 16th 2011 Courtenay
What's every child's favorite monster? A dinosaur! Spend time
learning all about these fascinating prehistoric creatures. Make a mold
and cast of a dinosaur tooth and take part in a mock dino dig! Click for More »
Wacky Science!
Wed. July 27th, Aug 10th 2011 Courtenay
Experiments, experiments, experiments! This class is filled with
fun, educational science activities for the junior scientist! Bubbling
reactions, mysterious matter and LOTS of messy, messy projects! Click for More »
An Introduction to Earth Science
Thu. July 28th, Aug 4th, Aug. 18th 2011 Courtenay
Explore the exciting world of Earth science and discover the forces
that constantly change our planet! This hands-on program is a fun
introduction to Geology!
Click for More »
A Fossil Collecting Trip to the Browns River
Thu. July 28th, Aug 4th, Aug. 11th, Aug. 18th 2011 Courtenay
Does your child love Paleontology? Here is the chance for them to
dig up some real fossils! Using proper tools, kids can excavate 80
million year old sea creatures and keep the fossils that they find! Click for More »
A Fossil Collecting Trip to the Trent River
Fri. July 29th, Aug. 12th, Mon. Aug 15th, Fri. Aug 19th 2011 Courtenay
Does your child love Paleontology? Here is the chance for them to
dig up some real fossils! Using proper tools, kids can excavate 80
million year old sea creatures and keep the fossils that they find! Click for More »
"Explore the Seashore" (Marine Biology)
Fri. July 29th, Tues. Aug 2nd, Thurs. Aug 11th, Fri. Aug 12th, Mon. Aug 15th, 2011 Courtenay
Become an expert beachcomber! Learn how to identify the strange and
interesting creatures that inhabit the shorelines of Vancouver Island!
Click for More »
Creative Dance & Improv Theatre (Ages 5-7)
Tue. August 2nd, 2011 Courtenay
Dance, sing, act & play! Explore self confidence, body
awareness & balance...and learn movement games that you can play at
home. Click for More »
Creative Dance & Improv Theatre (Ages 8-12)
Tue. August 2nd, 2011 Courtenay
Dance, play, act, laugh & meet friends! Learn body awareness
& self confidence. Play theatre, dance & voice games you can
play at home! Click for More »
Wacky Science!
Wed. August 3rd, Aug. 17th 2011 Courtenay
Experiments, experiments, experiments! This class is filled with
fun, educational science activities for the junior scientist! Bubbling
reactions, mysterious matter and LOTS of messy, messy projects! Click for More »
Fun on Ice Kids Camp
Mon. August 8th - Friday, August 12th 2011 Campbell River
Enjoy playing a variety of games on the ice while developing your
skating skills. This program has the beginner skater in mind with the
emphasis on FUN!
Click for More »
Dynamite Detective VI
Mon. August 8th - Friday, August 12th 2011 Courtenay
Puzzles, code-breaking & a visit to the police station!
Dynamite Detectives will learn about different types of crime while
using language arts & math skills to interview "suspects" &
solve mysteries! Click for More »
Green 3D Animation Camp (Ages 9-13)
Mon. August 8th, 2011 Courtenay
Create your own 3D Animation. Learn about a Green topic...and use high-tech equipment & programs! Click for More »
Little Rascals Hockey Camp
Mon. August 8th - Friday, August 12th 2011 Campbell River
Learn basic hockey skills and play a real hockey game every day! On and off ice training. Click for More »
Camp Creativity! (Ages 7-12)
Mon. August 15th, 2011 Courtenay
Try everything visual art has to offer. Experience many different mediums...create, play, meet friends & get messy! Click for More »
Skating Shooting Scoring Hockey Camp
Mon. August 15th - Friday, August 19th 2011 Campbell River
Do you need to get your hockey legs and mind in shape for the
upcoming season? This is a specialty camp that focuses on conditioning,
individual skating skills and shooting techniques. Click for More »
Ice Quest Kids Skating Camp
Mon. August 22nd, 2011 Campbell River
Fun, skating and games is what this summer camp is all about. This
program provides an introduction into the world of ice-skating and is
ideal for beginner skaters that want to improve their skills. Click for More »
Dance Party on Ice
Fri. August 26th, 2011 Campbell River
Dance & skate the night away on the Leisure Ice underneath our disco ball.
Click for More »
Coolest Game on Earth Kids Hockey Intro Camp
Mon. August 29th - Friday, September 2nd 2011 Campbell River
If you have never played ice hockey this is the summer camp for you. Get ready to give Minor Hockey a try in the fall. Learn basic hockey skills and have fun completing on and off ice training. Click for More »
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