The Importance of Day Camps for Kids in Vernon
If you’ve found this article, chances are that you know that children need opportunities for stimulation, socialization, exercise and variety in their day-to-day life. School programs offer all of that for most kids, but what about the times when school isn’t in session? Of the 52 weeks in a year, there are at least 12 full weeks when parents are looking for ways to keep their kids safe, occupied and entertained while they work or manage other commitments. When you consider that most employers only offer 2 to 3 weeks of paid vacation, what are working families to do? Well, this is where day camps come in! Day camp programs provide critical childcare for kids when they aren’t in school as well as fun opportunities for learning and fun. We previously shared an in-depth overview of the day camp programs available in Vernon, but in this article we’ll focus on what it means for parents. Read on to enjoy our parent’s guide to day camp programs in Vernon!
Day Camps Available Throughout the School Year (September to June)
Parents of school-aged kids know that in addition to the two major breaks during the school year (Christmas break and spring break), there is usually one day a month when school isn’t in session. (These are known as “Pro-D” days, short for professional development days.) Luckily, parents have the choice of a few different day camps for kids in Vernon. Here we will highlight a few that are offered throughout the school year so you can plan ahead and take advantage.
Okanagan Science Centre (that’s us!): We offer a selection of Pro-D and spring break camps throughout the school year focused on fun science-related themes such as space, robotics, chemistry, dinosaurs and more.
City of Vernon Parks and Recreation: The city’s parks and recreation division offers a selection of spring break camps with fun themes that kids of all ages can enjoy! The camps operate at various civic locations around Vernon for added logistical convenience.
Vernon Community Arts Centre: Our neighbour in Polson Park offers week-long art camps during spring break. Participants can enjoy learning a variety of artistic techniques such as printmaking, drawing, sculpture and painting.
Day Camps Offered in the Summer
Ahhh, summer. The special time of year we dream of all year-round. But when those many weeks are stretching out in front of you on the calendar, and with busy kids you need to keep happy, day camps can be a true lifesaver! Here are just a few summer day camp programs for kids in Vernon. Please note that the day camp operators we listed above (Okanagan Science Centre, City of Vernon, and Vernon Community Arts Centre) also offer summer day camp programs.
North Okanagan Sailing Association: Give your kids the unique gift of feeling the wind in their sails this summer! NOSA offers programs to sailors of all levels, from true beginners to more advanced programs.
Center Stage Performing Arts Society: This organization offers musical theatre programs in the summer for kids who want to learn acting, dancing and singing. The registration fee includes costumes, crafts, and prizes. Parents enjoy a performance at the end of the week.
North Valley Gymnastics: For kids interested in moving their bodies while building strength and athleticism, check out these week-long camp programs offered by North Valley gymnastics. Children learn from certified gymnastics coaches and have a blast while they’re doing it!
Which Camp is Right For Your Kid?
It can feel daunting to explore the available options, select your schedule, successfully register, and then plan for a great week at camp for your child. Taking the time to consider which camp is the best fit for your child (or children) will help make sure everything goes smoothly. Think about what activities they enjoy, where they could benefit from some extra exposure or support, and how much stimulation they need to feel good at the end of the day. You could start by identifying local camps that align with their passions—whether it's sports, arts, STEM, or outdoor adventure. Consider the age range for the camp program, what hours it operates during the day, and the location. (Choosing a camp that’s further away from your home will add to the morning and afternoon commute!) Safety is a big priority, so consider the camper-to-counselor ratios and explore their policies on supervision. Reading reviews or speaking with parents you know can also provide valuable insights. At the end of the day, the best camp is one where your child feels excited, supported, and eager to participate.
Registration Tips
With everything that happens in a busy working family household, planning ahead for day camp registration can feel like a low priority. However, many specialty day camps have restrictions on the number of participants and can fill up very quickly. To avoid frustration, disappointment, or waiting lists, think about making your summer day camp plans in March or April. Trust us - a little bit of planning will go a long way! Do some preliminary research on which programs are most of interest to you or your kids (read our in-depth guide here), review their websites, and note in your calendar what day registration opens. Teaming up with a family friend can be valuable, both for accountability and for help with driving to and from the camp. (There’s strength in numbers!) It’s also important to review each camp operator’s cancellation policies and how that might impact your summer plans if they are up in the air.
Conclusion
There’s a wide variety of day camp programs available throughout the school year and in the summer for kids in Vernon. Our recommendation is to do your research, plan ahead, and talk to your kids about what programs interest them the most. Ideally, day camps should be an opportunity for fun, exercise, education, and making new friends. Finally, when planning your school year or summer break camps, don’t forget to note the registration dates in your calendar to avoid frustration or disappointment. Stay safe, have fun, and don’t check out the Okanagan Science Centre’s camp programs!