From chefs to film directors

Photo: Okanagan College.

Kids camps have come a long way from the days when they took a packed lunch and kicked a ball around the park.

Okanagan College campuses in Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm offer more than 100 camps – from Lego robotics to the culinary arts.

“We started offering Camp OC in Kelowna 12 years ago with about 10 camps and 70 kids,” said co-ordinator Helena Jordo. “This year, we are expecting close to 1,500 kids and teens to attend 100 camps during the eight weeks of summer.”

“One of the biggest differences compared to other camps is that the majority of our camps are taught by actual teachers with a passion and expertise in the subject they are teaching and obviously a background in teaching.”

Last week, 10-year-old Eden Froom attended the camp Movie Director – Lights, Camera, Action!

“I love Camp OC because I can make new friends and do stuff I’ve always wanted to do,” said Froom, adding that using the green screen was her favorite part.

Camp OC runs weeklong day-camps for children entering Grades 2-9 in the fall, throughout the summer. Space is still available in some camps. To find out more or register, go online.

Meanwhile, Kelowna's YMCA is also hosting some fun and educational summer camps for kids.

“It is important that kids don’t lose momentum during their summer down time,” said Tina Bennett, child and youth senior manager. “It is common for children who haven’t been engaged in active learning through the summer to struggle to catch up with their peers during the first couple months of the school year.

“Our goal is to eliminate this learning gap by offering programs that are fun, educational and just silly enough to capture and keep kids’ attention.”

The Y’s summer programs include morning outdoor kids camps, afternoon theme camps, aquatic camps, afternoon and evening programs and weekly full-day licensed child care options. 

The programs are located throughout the city including the Kelowna Family YMCA, H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, Mission Creek Alliance Church, and Little Scholars at Okanagan College.

More information about YMCA summer programs can be found online.

To register, call 250-491-9622 for the Kelowna Family Y, 250-491-9622 ext. 237 for Child Care or 250-764-4040 for the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre.