Summer camps offer a unique opportunity for kids to have a blast and enjoy their downtime while still learning and growing under the supervision of dedicated staff. Discover the top Calgary options and the amazing benefits of this summer getaway with icalgary.
Insights from the Founders
Stephen Fine, one of the co-founders of a prominent summer camp, dedicated his doctoral dissertation to exploring the interactive summer camp as a unique learning environment. In his view, camps are a truly special place for education. Research has even proven that children who struggle to thrive in other settings often find success precisely at camp.
Fine’s research identified that camp learning occurs across three key areas, skills which are later transferred to the school environment:
- The Personal Sphere: Kids get the chance to discover new interests and talents, from sports to the arts. Summer camp teaches children how to make independent decisions and take responsibility for them. By stepping outside their comfort zone, children overcome fears and build self-assurance.
- The Social Sphere: Summer camps are the ideal place to develop social skills. Children interact with peers, forge lasting friendships, resolve conflicts, and learn to work effectively as part of a team. They also collaborate with counsellors. Camps introduce kids to people from diverse countries and cultures, fostering tolerance and respect for others.
- The Physical Sphere: Summer camps incorporate physical activities that boost health, improve coordination, and build endurance. Children can try out new sports, spend time exploring nature, go on hikes, and engage in countless other activities.
All these competencies transition smoothly into school life. Children who attend summer camps are typically more self-confident and achieve greater academic success. They have higher self-esteem and are better equipped to handle schoolwork and stress.
The Hollows Camp: A Family Legacy
The Hollows Camp officially opened its doors in 1981, offering both day and overnight options. It was co-founded by Janet and Stephen Fine. Janet Fine, a former stage and television actress, shifted her focus entirely to camping. She treats every camper with special care, ensuring both fun and safety. Dr. Stephen Fine has dedicated most of his life to the development of organized camping, earning several accolades. These include the Canadian Camping Association Award of Excellence in 2008, and in 2019, he received the Ontario Camps Association’s highest honour, the Dorothy Walter Award.
As the camp director and an educator, Stephen Fine deeply understands the role of interaction and learning in the natural world. He consistently inspires and mentors both campers and staff at The Hollows Camp.
Top Calgary Camps: Finding the Perfect Fit Nearby
- Sports Camps Canada offers summer sports camps for children aged 4 to 17, catering to all skill levels and abilities. They offer both day and overnight camps, including engaging weekend programs. As the official provider of Nike Sports Camps in Canada, they partner with the country’s best coaches to run effective camps in over 50 locations across Canada, offering activities like soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, pickleball, and volleyball.
- Wildflower Community Farm allows children aged 5 to 18 to learn about growing vegetables, fruits, and berries, and enjoy playing in nature with animals. Located near Calgary, Cochrane, and Airdrie, the farm offers many traditional activities, including horseback riding programs.
- Pedalheads Bike Camp provides biking, swimming, and trail riding for families across Canada, with programs for children aged 2 to 12. This summer camp helps kids develop essential life skills, confidence, and independence. Day camps and weekend programs are available across Alberta.
- Pioneer Camp Alberta is a Christian summer camp with locations in Calgary and the Rocky Mountains (Sundre and Rocky Mountain House, Alberta). Children aged 5 to 19 can attend. The fun-filled program covers many traditional camp activities, nature exploration, challenging tasks, and lots of fun.
- Canada’s #1 Summer Soccer Day Camps welcome children aged 5 to 13, offering full-day and half-day activities in July and August.
- Paint ur Art Out Creative Summer Camp runs during spring and summer breaks. Camps are available at the Glendale Community Hall for children aged 5 to 13. Kids complete 4 to 5 projects per day while spending ample time outdoors.
- Camp Amicus is for children aged 8 to 23. This unique program is designed for children and youth with learning difficulties and ADHD, specifically those in grades 3-12. Camp Amicus provides a structured and supportive setting for interaction, social skill development, relationship building, and, of course, fun activities.
Getting Ready for Summer Camp
Parents often worry about how to prepare their child for summer camp, especially for their first time away. This preparation involves a number of practical and emotional considerations.
Let’s start with the practical side. Parents should review the details of the Calgary camps with their children. Look over schedules, lists of fun activities, and program details. This is the stage where you can openly discuss what your child likes and what they don’t.
You can also foster healthy organizational and leadership habits during the packing process. For instance, allow your child to pack their own backpack or duffel bag with essential items. To avoid mix-ups, make sure every bag and item is clearly labeled with your child’s name – a must-do for any camp.
It is also vital that your child has emergency contact information readily available.
The next part of preparation is emotional. Discuss with your child what a typical day at camp will look like, which activities they will participate in, and which they might opt out of. If your child expresses worries or fears about attending camp, perhaps about meeting new people, listen without judgment. It is perfectly normal to feel nervous! Focus on the positive aspects of camp, such as the fun activities, new experiences, and the opportunity to learn and relax in a whole new way.
By preparing your child practically and emotionally for summer camp in Calgary, you will help them set a positive mindset and get excited about new adventures.
How to Make the Right Choice
For many, choosing the right summer camp in Calgary can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time. A few simple recommendations can help ease your decision:
- Consider your child’s interests and the activities that appeal to them. Let your child have a say in the process!
- Talk to other parents and read reviews about different camps. This way, you can gather various perspectives and experiences.
- Before registering your child, you might be able to visit the camp to get a feel for the program and the learning environment.
Summer camps in Calgary offer kids unforgettable adventures. In today’s world, the experience of combining leisure with learning is incredibly beneficial and valuable. Even better, children can develop their talents, make new friends, and create lasting memories. The programs offered by Calgary’s summer camps are incredibly diverse. During their break, kids at camp can dedicate more time to sports, arts, science, and participate in a wide variety of workshops. This allows children to find activities they truly love and continue to develop in that direction long after camp ends.