Registration is still open for the Summer Fun Day Camp, including the Mini Camper program.
“I went to day camps my whole life, and I loved it, it was the best part of my summer. So we want to do that for these kids as well,” said Jean Paterson, one of the two councillors who will be running the camp.
The Summer Fun program runs for eight weeks from July 9 to August 31, although campers can sign up for as few or as many weeks as they like.
It operates Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages five and up, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for the Mini Campers (three to five year olds).
“The whole focus on the camp is outdoors. We want to do as much stuff outside as possible, even if it’s raining we want to have activities where we can throw the kids in rain gear and take them out,” said Paterson, adding that with Canada’s short summers, it’s important to take advantage and spend as much time outside as you can.
Activities include swimming, playing, exploring Golden, having cookouts, and best of all having fun with their friends and staff councillors.
The two councillors (Paterson and Chelsea Lindley-Scott) will design the specifics of the program, and they are hoping that the kids will give them some input as well.
“There’s a lot of stuff out there that I’m excited to show the kids. Especially here in Golden, everyone has their own secret little places that no one else knows about, and the more people you talk to, the more you find. So I’m excited to explore more myself,” said Paterson.“I want the kids to be comfortable enough around me to come up and say ‘hey Jean I have a great idea for this game or activity.’ And we’d totally be willing to try stuff out, and let them have input as well.”
Paterson has worked as a camp councillor and canoe trip guide for several summers, and has learned some things about kids. Activities that work great with one group of kids, may work horribly with another group.
“You have to be flexible with kids, you have to be able to adapt, and not take offense if the kids don’t like what you’re doing,” she said. “Kids know what they want.”
The camp is put on by The College of the Rockies and the Early Childhood Development Coalition.
To register email goldensummerfun@gmail.com.
