Looking for something to keep your kids busy this summer with a bit of a different twist? Look no further.
The Sooke community has a wide variety of unique summer camps to ensure your child is never bored.
Elizabeth Tse, owner of Blooming Kids Yoga, is holding two kids yoga camps at the Sooke Yoga and Wellness studio in July and August.
“Summer was approaching and I thought ‘why not?’” said Tse.
This is the first year Tse has held the camp.
“We live in such a busy world and I think it’s important to teach kids coping skills like how to calm themselves down, take deep breaths and deal with conflict at an early age,” said Tse. “Yoga definitely helps with that.”
The kids will spend the day practicing yoga and breathing exercises, doing science experiments, and learning how to cook with wholesome, organic ingredients.
“I wanted to put a different spin on a summer camp and focus on the child’s wellness and show them how to take care of themselves, all while making meaningful friendships and having lots of fun.”
Morning classes, running from 9 to 11 a.m. are for younger kids around ages 3-6 and afternoon classes, running from 1 to 4 p.m. are for children approximately ages 7 and up.
Ten per cent of the proceeds from the camps will be donated to charity.
The YMCA also holds camps all throughout the summer at Camp Thunderbird in Sooke.
The camp allows children to get in touch with nature by participating in outdoor acivities such as rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, paddle boarding, archery, biking and more.
“It’s all human powered activities which is great because the kids are out getting physyically active,” said Luke Ferris, general manager at Camp Thunderbird.
“Living in small groups and having young adults as mentors is great as well because the kids learn to take care of themselves, make their own choices, and use their own individual voice.
“It’s very empowering for these kids.”
You can choose to stay anywhere from 5 to 19 days, and there is also an option for family camping.
Another great way to get out and enjoy the sunshine is to take your kids to the Sooke Sailing Assosiation at Cooper’s Cove, where they will be holding two five-day camps in July.
Children ages 6-14 can learn the basics of sailing as well as water safety.
“I think it’s important for kids to feel safe around the water,” said Gord Fulcher, president of Sooke Sailing.
The camp has been running for the past five years, and is great for beginners.
“It gives them something to do in the summer,” said Fulcher. “It helps with their confidence in the water and it’s great because they can take what they learn here and use it for the rest of their lives.”
