Many parents are making arrangements now that a full-scale teachers strike has started. Other parents have taken to social media to proclaim that as far as their children are concerned, school’s out for summer even if the labour dispute is resolved before month’s end. To help parents out in case of either scenario, the Courier has complied a list of options to consider.
- So far 12 park board community centres are offering day camps with indoor and outdoor play beginning this week in response to the strike including: Britannia, Coal Harbour, Creekside, Dunbar, False Creek, Hastings, Kensington, Kerrisdale, Renfrew, Sunset, Trout Lake and West End. As well, McCleery and Fraserview golf courses are offering daily School’s Out Kids Golf Camps for children and youth of various ages. Parents, caregivers and children can also spend time at one of the city’s indoor or outdoor pools or, should the sun come out, at the splash park at Granville Island from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The city’s pitch and putt courses are also open. For more information call 311.
- The YMCA of Greater Vancouver is offering strike day camps at some of its locations, including the Langara Family YMCA at 282 West 49th Ave. Visit vanymca.org for more information.
- The Vancouver Aquarium is also responding to the teacher’s strike by offering day camp programs designed for students in kindergarten through Grade 7. Children are divided into age-appropriate groups and through hands-on exploration, games and crafts will learn about marine science, interact with ocean life and connect with the natural world. For more information visit vanaqua.org.
- Macsailing is offering day camps that teach sailing, skimboarding, stand-up paddling and windsurfing at Jericho Sailing Centre, 1300 Discovery St. Kids can sign up for one day or five at the camp, which offers courses designed to introduce participants to the basics of water sports, while maintaining a fun and safe atmosphere. For more information visit macsailing.com.
- For those of you vying for a parent-of-the-year award, Playland is open with the new Rock-N-Cars ride. This attraction allows riders to pick the bumper car of their dreams, whether it’s a Formula 1-themed racecar or a speedy sports car. This newly designed ride is now safe for even littler riders, so the whole family can strap in and have fun together. Visit pne.ca for a complete list of rides and attractions.
- Academie Duello is offering “No School Knight Camps” at its downtown studio. This day camp welcomes girls and boys of any athletic ability and features all the fun of their regularly scheduled summer camps, including practising knightly virtues, history lessons, playing medieval games and of course lots of swordplay. Since Academie Duello is running the camp as a school replacement, it’s also offering free before-care with doors open at 8:15 a.m. After camp care is also available from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for $5 plus GST. Curbside drop-off is available. Phone 604-568-9907 or register online at academieduello.com.
- Shoreline Actors Academy is offering acting day camps for kids and teens of all ages at its East Seventh studio. And while kids won’t be studying English or math, they will have an opportunity to build their self-confidence and self esteem through acting. For more information visit shorelineactorsacademy.com. The studio is located at 33 East Seventh Ave.
- The University of B.C. is offering a number of programs for children during this labour dispute, including the UBC Ropes Course Strike Camp for ages eight to 17 and pre-summer camp after-care.
- Pedalheads is also offering courses all this week in response to the labour dispute. Pedalheads is a program that teaches kids and adults of all ages bike skills and safety. This week Pedalheads instructors will be picking up participants at 4196 West Fourth Ave., which offers access to the beach, Duck Pond Trail and Pacific Spirit Park. Visit pedalheads.com for more information.