Summer showed up in full force last weekend, and is going to be here a while. And with the summer heat, come the calls from children everywhere that "we're bored!"
But they don't have to be. There is still plenty of time to get the kids busy this summer.
Hope Recreation Centre is holding Summer Fun Day Camps right until the end of the break, each week with a focus on something different. They're open to kids ages six to 12, and run Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last week's program focused on Safety, while this week focused on the arts.
Still to come are Stories on Stage (July 16 to 20), Around the World in Five Days (July 23 to 27) Travel Back in Time (July 30 to August 3) Mad Scientists (August 7 to 10), Animal Adventures (August 13 to 17), Xplore Sportz (August 20 to 24) and Summer Wrap Up (August 27-31).
There is still room in many of the camps, say Hope Recreation staff.
The idea is to keep kids busy and active throughout the dog days of summer, while putting an emphasis on learning.
But full day camps aren't for everyone, and the District has plenty of options for kids that just want to dabble in a few activities.
They can take roller skating or blading lessons with Charlotte Freeman, a Level 2 certified roller skating coach. The next course begins July 19 and runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings until August 2.
Kids and their families can show off their new found skills at the roller skating nights in the Hope Arena. On Saturdays, skate from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays, skate from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
And because it's nice to just to spend a little time together, here are a few ideas to keep your summer vacation an active one.
Story Time in the Park
Meet up with friends at Story Time in the Park every Tuesday at 11 a.m. Kids are kept entertained with a story, songs and games, and a free snack or lunch is provided. Families can also look through the free books that are offered, and have a chance to meet other families while relaxing in the park.
Art Machine
If you've got a free Monday or Thursday, and an art-savvy child, then you want to contact the Art Machine.
Both days, Pamela McBride teaches children from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. All ages are welcome, but children under six must be accompanied by a parent. There is a drop-in fee of $2 per child. Call 604-869-3400 for more information.
Build your own adventure
Make it a learning day, and throw in a bit of fun, by visiting the Hope Museum. Learn more about the history of the area, and chat with the staff about the many other sites to visit locally, including the Yale Museum, the Christ Church Historic Site, and Othello Tunnels.
Put your feet into it
The Othello Tunnels are just a short drive away and are the perfect way to get healthy with your kids on the cheap. Take a flashlight, a camera and a picnic lunch, and cool off in the darkness of the caves or dip your toes in the river below.
Kawkawa Lake
All long-time residents know that Kawkawa Lake is the perfect place for families to while away a few summer hours. With a beach, playground, picnic tables, trails and shallow swimming waters, it's no wonder the small lake is popular.
Get Streetwise
There will be a Streetwise Cycling Skills Course at the Hope Skate Park behind the Hope Rec Centre (1005 Sixth Avenue) from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on July 21, for ages 15 and up. A fun, practical hands-on course for anyone who’d like to be more comfortable riding in traffic. Through classroom and on-road training you’ll learn about the safest place on the road to ride, how to maneuver your bikew effectively, communicate with other road users, handle riding at night and in the rain and more. You’ll gain skills and confidence you need to enjoy riding in the city. Register at www.bikehub.ca/streetwise. Cost is $10 per person.
Connect with Nature
Families in Nature is a program presented by Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. This is a free program for families of all ages to discover the nature that surrounds us.
The group meets at 10 a.m. on July 28 at the Hope Rec Centre (1005 Sixth Avenue). Bring water and snacks as nature walks are up to two hours in length. For the safety and comfort of others please leave your pets at home. Rain or shine. For more information, call 604-869-1274.