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The Best Calgary Summer Day Camps
While we love all things spring, it's also the season to get ready for all things summer. With many camps already accepting registrations, now is the time to get your calendar out and set the kids up for a summer they won't forget. Register now, everyone will be happier (and less stressed) come July. From the arts to science, dance to martial arts, there's something here to suit every kid. Read on to see our picks for the best day camps in and around Calgary this summer.
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Spectacle Blue Circus Camps
Why not run away with the circus this summer? Located in Okotoks, Spectacle Blue offers a circus camp experience for kids ages 5 to 12. Future acrobats will get to experience the tightrope, aerial trapeze, swing on the hoop, and tie themselves up in the silks. Even more fun: the campers get to learn a few tricks from a professional magician. Budding actors also get to learn stage fighting skills in a ‘pirate play'. Before and after care is also available, and your campers get to come home with a customized video of their camp experience! Acting, magic and circus performance: this camp is a triple threat.
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YMCA
Why the Y? Because it offers a whole range of different camps at a great price. You don't even need to be a member to join in the fun this summer. While there are general day camps, you can also opt for the swim option (lessons included), the climbing option (for your monkeys aged 8 and up), the creative art option (ages 8-9), or basketball skill development (10 and up). Plus, the Y is growing. Camps are now available at the new Remington YMCA in Quarry Park! Most camps include a field trip during the middle of the week to various locations around Calgary—each week is different. We also love that for the week of August 14-18, campers will participate in a community food bank drive. Even more awesome: the Y also offers camps during spring and winter break, as well as during the teacher's convention in February. It's fun to play at the YMCA.
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Calgary Arts Summer School
Forget camp this summer: just go straight back to school. Calgary Arts Summer School camps are designed for kids who are serious about the arts. Options include musical theatre, exploring the arts, playwriting, piano camp and jazz keyboard camps. There's even an adult piano camp in July (for those parents who want to revisit their musical dreams). Camps only run in July, can range from ages 4 and up, and are located in the northeast. So if you have an actor or pianist who wants to either explore the arts, or hone their skills over the summer, be sure to head back to school.
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Camp Riveredge
A part of the YMCA, Camp Riveredge is an opportunity for kids to get that traditional ‘outdoor' camp experience right in the city. Located at Sandy Beach in the southwest, this ‘rain or shine' camp (note: be sure to check the weather daily and dress appropriately) includes classic activities such as archery, outdoor living skills, challenge courses and more. Bussing to the camp is available from YMCA locations (Gray Family Eau Claire, Melcor, Crowfoot and Shawnessy) at an extra cost, so be sure to share when registering if you need to include it. Even more exciting: this year, Riveredge is offering a bike camp for kids 8 and up! Kids will hit the trails, learn navigation and safety, bike repairs, riding techniques for different terrains and more (note: bussing for bike camps is not an option).
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Elev8 Lacrosse
Put away the hockey sticks and let the kids learn about Canada's other national sport: lacrosse. Perfect for both boys and girls, what we love is that the kids are learning skills from professional National Lacrosse League players. Campers get a serious workout while having serious fun and it's a great way to test out a new sport without jumping into a long-term commitment. While the summer camp is only in July, there's also the opportunity to explore the league field lacrosse in the evenings over the whole summer.
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Calgary Young People’s Theatre
Why put up with the theatrics at home? CYPT's camps are a great way for the kids to ‘act out' and this year, it's all about ‘ruling the stage' (read: medieval fun). We love that every summer has a different theme, making for a unique experience every year. Kids get to create their own play and perform for parents on the last day of camp. There are session in the north (July) and south (August), making it convenient for families all across the city. Lunches are also available for purchase. So let ‘em channel their inner drama Queens and Kings… by the end of the week, they'll say ‘you rule'!
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Heritage Park
Not only do the kids get to dress up in historical costumes for the week, they get a fun ‘no-tech' experience. Old-fashioned crafts, joining the Royal Mounted Police, churning ice cream—it's a chance for kids to live history. These camps are best for ages 6 and up, and before and after care is available at an extra cost. Overnight camps are available starting at 11 years of age. It's a blast in the past.
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TELUS Spark
From creating cities to exploring chemical reactions, kids ages 5 and up get to let their imaginations loose while exploring the world of science. Each age grouping (5-6, 6-7, 7-9, 8-10) gets to dive into two to three subfields of science, such as water worlds, engineering and art. There's even a Science Girls camp and Fashion Design camp for your future Marie Curie and Coco Chanel. Camps run all summer and before and after care is available.
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City of Calgary
If you're looking for local and low-cost, the City of Calgary offers a whole range of affordable summer options all across the four quadrants. Located at various centres, there's even a camp in Devonian Gardens. Camps also cover a range of interests from sports to dancing, animals, arts and crafts, computers, camping, dinosaurs and more. Good to know: before registering, be sure to read closely to see if your camp choice is half or full-day as they are all combined together in the guide.
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Leighton Art Centre
Budding artists will be inspired at this camp where art meets nature. Located in the south close to Millarville, bussing is available at different Calgary locations. Week long camps explore a variety of artistic mediums such as painting, fun with fabric, drawing and sculpture. Not sure which medium to choose? They have camps that offer ‘a little bit of everything.' Camps are for kids age 6 and up, and there's a discount if you're registering siblings. Celebrate their hard work at the Art Show at the end of the week!
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Calgary STARS
Looking for something with a little bounce? Up in the NW, Calgary STARS offers both gymnastic and cheerleading camps the kids will flip over. Aside from learning skills in each area, the kids also get to enjoy theme days, fun games, crafts and outdoor activities. There are ‘mini' half-day camps for kids starting at age 4 and pre- and post-care is available.
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MRU Kids
Give ‘em a collegiate experience this summer—Mount Royal University offers camps in areas including computers, theatre, field trip adventures, languages, music and more. There are also fun specialty sport camps for your young athletes. Camps are divided into Elementary (ages 5-9), Junior (ages 9-14) and Youth (ages 13-17). We love that they have a lunch program as an add-on to your camp (read: less work to do every morning) and that there is free before and after care (within a time frame).
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Mad Science Camps
These super popular camps are all about making your kids mad about science. Located all across the city, they start at age 5 and include half-day and full-day options. This year, half-day options include the Mini Mad Lab where they will explore everything from bugs to bubbling potions; and Little Inventors which explores science through history. Full-day options are Red Hot Robots (where campers build not one, but two robots) and Brixology LEGO Engineering camp—a brand new option for LEGO enthusiasts.
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Quickdraw Animation
Kids can't get enough of Pixar? Get them to test out their skills at animation. Exploring the various types of animation from drawing, to claymation, cut outs and even computer animation, it's a great introduction to the medium. Camps are divided into two sessions—ages 8-14 in July, and ages 13-18 in August. Campers will work on their own short animated film and come home with a DVD compilation of their work (their first artistic demo reel!).
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Absolute Dance
Get your groove on! Located in the NW, we love that there are camps available for kids as young as 3—a great introduction to both dance and camp for your young ones. Full day camps start at age 7 and explore a variety of dance genres including jazz, swing, hip hop, musical theatre and more. We love that snacks and drinks are provided (but remember to pack a lunch) and that the sessions end with a show!
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5Elements Martial Arts Camp
Kick it up a notch this summer—at 5Elements, kids get the opportunity to test out their martial arts skills both indoors and out. There's also a cultural trip to Chinatown and the opportunity to learn to make sushi! Other elements include self-defence training and teaching anti-bullying tips. Camps are available for kids as young as 3, and pre- and post-care is available.
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Calgary Humane Society
Animal lovers and budding vets will jump at the chance to work with the pets at the Calgary Humane Society. Campers not only have hands-on encounters with the animals, but learn more about proper pet care for a variety of different creatures. Crafts, games and other activities are also a part of camp. Older campers have more in-depth interaction with the animals. Registration is based on the grade your child is entering in September (with Grade 1 being the youngest).
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Breathe Parkour
If you can't get ‘em to stop bouncing off the walls, then at least let them learn how to do it properly! Parkour is all about moving rapidly through an area by climbing, jumping and running. Up in the NE, camps include parkour skill building games, outdoor training and more. Camps are for ages 6-13, and all skill levels are welcome. There is early drop-off at 8:30 am with camps running through both July and August.
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Horsin’ Around
Nothing says ‘west' like horses. Camps are divided into two groups—Pony Camp (ages 4-7) and Horse Camp (ages 7-16). Pony Camp includes a 45 minute riding lesson daily, a petting zoo to enjoy, bouncy houses and slides, and runs from 9 am-12 pm. Horse Camp includes two 45 minute riding lessons, as well as games, treasure hunts, and other fun activities. Both camps end with a horse show on the Friday to show off your equestrian's new skills.
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Pedalheads
Kids still in the cycle of learning to ride their bikes? Pedalheads is a great camp to help them hone their skills. All across the city, half day camps are either morning or afternoon, and full day options are also available. Camps start as young as 2 years of age, however after age 3, campers are split in groups based on their level of experience starting with Newbies (kids still using training wheels) up to Pedalheads (kids confident on their bicycles), where they will learn rules of the road and other important skills. Campers must supply their own bicycles and helmets.