There’s something for every interest with the City of Ottawa

What’s your child’s passion? Get them involved in a camp that’s right up their alley

           

Whether your child likes computers, roller skating, BMX biking or chess, the City of Ottawa has camps for every interest and skill level. “I’m continually amazed at the variety of camps offered by the city,” says Christina Dell, recreation supervisor for the City of Ottawa. “And this year, we’ve added a few new and exciting camps that I think kids will love.” Select camps are offered through March Break and on a weekly basis during the summer. As Dell points out, the popular ones fill up quickly. There are literally hundreds of camps offered by the city, with the youngest starting at age of three. Also offered are half-day camps for children aged three to five years of age.

So what interests your child? Maybe it’s one of the newest camps, like Scooter Adventure. Instructors will provide expert advice on the basics like kickbacks, ramps, rails and more. Or for the agile, check out Gymnastics Ninja Obstacles Adventure and Be a Ninja Warrior. The budding thespian can experience performing Shakespeare with kid-friendly scripts and learn performance techniques, stage combat and even some useful Shakespearean insults. Participants will work towards a costumed open house performance. For the sports minded, check out the Field Hockey camp, the BMX & Swim camp, the Roller skate Adventure & Swim or get your youngster started with T-Ball Adventure.  

There are plenty of French camps as well for both March break and summer camps. The Aventure de chef cuisinier camp will not only enrich your child’s French skills but their cooking skills as well. Or check out Camp de poterie et danse or Camp de vétérinaire d’urgence – ideal for animal lovers. “Don’t forget our Signature Camp Ottawa series for the summer,” says Dell. “It’s a good place to start if your child is new to the camp experience.”  And with summer comes swimming. The city offers many certification swim courses, like Junior Lifeguard or Powerswim. Learning good aquatic skills could be the basis of a lifeguarding job with the city in the future.

There are 97 camp locations across the city, so there’s plenty of choice. You’ll find the summer camps recreation guide online on February 20, and summer camp registration opens online on March 6 at 9 p.m. Visit www.ottawa.ca/recreation to view the camp guides and register for a camp. You can also register by calling 613-580-2588 or visit a recreation facility near you.

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