Nelson’s outdoor skatepark is open to the public. However, supervision doesn’t begin until the official summer break.

Nelson’s outdoor skatepark is open to the public. However, supervision doesn’t begin until the official summer break.

COLUMN: Early summer activities

School’s out early this year and it has left mixed feelings in its wake.

School’s out early this year and it has left mixed feelings in its wake. While the kids may be somewhat happy for the sleep–in, parents have been left scrambling for daycare options.

Thankfully the community is pulling together to help ease the scheduling challenges.

n The Nelson and District Community Complex is offering an interim program for children aged seven years and up. The Emergency Child Care program at the NDCC Arena and Aquatics Centre started yesterday and goes until June 27 (between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on a first come, first serve basis. There are up to 40 children per day. The cost is $18 per day/per child (the Leisure Access Program is $9 per day/ per child). Sign in and payment runs from 8 to 9 a.m. Games in the arena take place from 9 a.m. to noon. Lunch and transition to the pool is from noon to 1 p.m., and pool time is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Parents need to call the NDCC front desk to find out details about the Leisure Access Program, including a child’s CareCard number, emergency contact, liability release forms, allergy or special needs details, pick-up times and what to pack. For more information call 250-354-4386.

The Nelson and District Youth Centre is working to get additional programming together for these extra two weeks also to help with the day care issue. For details call 250-352-5656.

The outdoor skatepark is open of course, but please consider that there is no supervision until the official summer break, therefore, it may not be the best solution given appropriate parent/adult guidance is necessary for younger ages.

Further summer activities include various camps and activities. See below, but also check the summer leisure guide for a suitable camp and details.

Gymnastic summer camp registration is now open. Camps run weekly at a cost of $60 per week. Check out the schedule for themed camps for ages 4-6, camps for kids ages 6+, and the new trampoline camps for ages 9+. Visit glaciergymnastics.com for program information or to register, or contact info@glaciergymnastics.com or 250-352-2227.

Nelson has another competitive sport in developmental and competitive trampoline programs that will be offered by Glacier Gymnastics for the 2014-2015 season. Athletes will participate at the local and provincial level.

Tryout for boys and girls ages eight to 18 years is this Friday, June 20. Register by June 19.

A great way to stay cool while playing, is in the rink at Skate Nelson’s summer skating camp. The Nelson Figure Skating Club under the new name Skate Nelson will run a three week summer camp for advanced figure skaters that includes on ice group lessons, coupled with off-ice classes such as yoga, flexibility and dance.

For those wanting to learn to skate, or improve basic skating skills as a jumping off point for hockey, speed skating and figure skating, the club will offer a week-long CanSkate blast-off to give skaters a head start for the fall season.

The camp runs from August 5 to 22, with the CanSkate program running the final week August 18 to 22 at 9 a.m. each day.  For registration information please call Jane Macleod at 250-352-6510, or visit the club website: www.nelsonfigureskatingclub.ca.

Nelson Star