Ottawa Valley Summer Camp Guide 2015
Ottawa Valley summer camps are more plentiful than you might think once you start to scratch the surface. Local options abound, and the focus on the arts is very strong. The Humm's Ottawa Valley Summer Camp guide is an annual feature that is updated every spring. We highlight some of our top picks here, but every camp listed in the summaries of camps by type and by location can be found on our local directory.
Summer 2015
Welcome to summer! To help both kids and parents make the most of it, we offer theHumm's annual round-up of summer camp options in the area. From creating art to spying, from helping animals to canoeing, you're sure to find something of interest. Find full details for individual camps, contact information and location maps can all be found right here.
Read on to get a taste of some great Ottawa Valley camps for summer 2015.
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Ottawa Valley Day Camps - Details, Directions & More
Ottawa Valley Residential Camps - Details, Directions & More
Photo gallery for summer camps
Did You Know?
Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Kemptville puts on week-long camps in July only for kids 6 to 13. What a neat chance to help care for animals that were previously abused and unwanted.
Canoe Kids and Regatta Ready are day camps offered by the Carleton Place Canoe Club that allow kids to spend their week on the water.
COREYouth Camp in Carleton Place offers something for everyone over the nine weeks of the summer. Themes change every week, making camp a fresh place to be.
Can you imagine running amok in a retired Cold War bunker, playing spy games? Yes, you really can, at the summer spy camp run at Carp's Diefenbunker.
Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company offers 2- and 4-week sessions that give kids with a taste for performing the chance to sink their teeth into a particular play or musical.
Jackalope Farm & Eco-Art Studio (Perth)
Jackalope has been offering art classes and weekly summer art camps since 2008. Students learn real art and craft-making skills, producing both practical and beautiful art pieces using a variety of quality materials, in a working artist's studio. They also take breaks to walk or play hide and seek in the forest, play games, pet the bunnies, and enjoy the natural environment of the Hobby Farm. Camps are offered in July and August.
Details: Children 4 to 12.
Contact: 613-264-8388.
Maple Key Day Camp (Perth)
Maple Key offers both skill-based and self-guided arts instruction as part of their core program for campers aged 4 through 12. In addition, each week campers aged 9 to 12 choose a major, in which they will spend approximately half their day. Major selections include MishMash Arts (mixed-media instruction led by a guest artist), fibre arts, woodworking, cooking, percussion, Now & Zen (yoga, zumba, and stress relief techniques) and media & photography, as well as sports, outdoor adventure, and science & technology.
Details: $185/week; multi-week and sibling discounts. Children 4 to 12.
Contact: director@maplekeydaycamp.com, 613-464-2468.
Summer Fashion Camp for Youth (Almonte)
Costume designer Ingrid Harris and Marg Lee of Sew Much Fun will provide personal instruction during this unique camp in Ingrid's studio. Each week (July 27–30 or August 24–27, Mon–Thur from 9AM–2PM) includes a fashion show on Thursday. Confirm your spot with a $50 deposit.
Details: $230/week, including lunch, snacks and all materials. Children 10 and up.
Contact: Ingrid Harris at ingridharris14@gmail.com or 613-256-5577, or Marg at marglee@teksavvy.com or 613-256-3717.
The Academy for Musical Theatre (Perth, Ottawa)
Formerly the Perth Academy of Musical Theatre, the Academy provides high quality instruction in music, acting, dance and various aspects of technical theatre to youth of all ages, culminating in the performance of a full-scale Broadway musical. The Academy is a special community of non-judgmental and spirited individuals with positive attitudes, devoted to providing a fun and safe environment in which to experiment artistically without fear of negative feedback. Their primary mandate is to build confidence. One-week and two-week programs are available this summer, including Narnia, The Sound of Music, Glee, Academy Idol, and Into the Woods.
Details: For ages 5 to 19.
Contact: academy@storm.ca or 613-706–2287.
Big Sky Ranch Camp (Kemptville)
This year Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary is again offering week-long camps during the month of July. Youth enjoy exploring the Ranch and participating in activities such as pony rides, being responsible for the care of an animal, arts and crafts, games, the Great Race and much more!
Details: $200/week. Children 8 to 12.
Contact: Arlee and Diane Sheets at am.sheets@hotmail.com or 613-256-6117.
Wildlife Watchers Summer Day Camp (Almonte)
Children get to explore the natural world at one of the Valley's beautiful conservation areas, the Mill of Kintail. Each day of camp runs on a specific theme related to the natural environment. Campers have the opportunity to explore plants, wildlife, insects, habitats and water through games, activities, arts and crafts, songs, stories and more. This summer's programs are already full, but contact Sarah O'Grady for future programs.
Details: $160/week. Children ages 6 to 11.
Contact: Sarah O'Grady, Education Coordinator, sogrady@mvc.on.ca, 613-256-3620 ext. 1.
Almonte Potters Guild & Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
The Guild is partnering with local artist Cathy Blake and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum to deliver camps in which kids can create pottery in the morning and either visual arts or textile projects in the afternoon. There are four different programs, for various ages, running in July and August, as well as drop-in morning classes during the weeks that the camps are not running, so visit the guild's website for details.
Details: $250/week, including materials. Children 6 to 12.
Contact: Textile Museum 613-256-3754 or Potters' Guild 613-256-5556.
JB Arts Summer Art Club (Almonte)
With some 300 program options spread over nine weeks at JB Arts, your child could attend all summer and never do the same thing twice.
Details: Rates for half days, single days and full weeks available. Children 6 to 13.
Contact: Jeff Banks at jeff@jbarts.ca or 613- 220-3005.
All Day Camps
Click here for a full list of Ottawa Valley Day Camps
Residential camps offer a much more immersive experience and really allow kids to flourish and find their independence as they get older. Here are two great options in our area:
Camp Lau-Ren Residential Camp (10km west of Deep River)
This is a children’s residential summer camp of the United Church of Canada, accredited by the Ontario Camps Association (O.C.A.), that offers co-ed camps for ages 6 to 16 as well as a three-day Family Camp for all ages. Camaraderie and friendship are built in the camper's cabin with counsellors and continue throughout the day at morning watch, meals in the dining hall, and while eating tuck on the dining hall steps, then continue at Bible study, nature study, swimming, beach day, crafts, archery, games in the field, doing dishes by hand, campfire, skits, and bedtime snack. Find out more online, and come to their Open House on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 11AM–2PM for a tour, free BBQ, campfire, skits, s'mores and more.
Long Bay Camp - Arts by the Lake (Westport)
Long Bay Camp's summer program offers a variety of visual arts, drama, music and dance workshops. Campers also participate in sports, swimming, campfires, nature hikes, canoeing and many camp games, and hold their end-of-session performances/art gallery in a unique, redesigned barn space. Long Bay's small capacity allows campers to feel at home while learning, growing and making new friends. And for families with kids of all ages, Long Bay Family Week is the place to be! Join them for a fun-filled week of adventure and relaxation by beautiful Bobs Lake, August 3–7, 2015. Fun activities for the kids, music, campfires, and no need to worry about delicious food...they have it covered!
Click here for a full list of Ottawa Valley Residential Camps
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