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Aah summer — a time when the sun shines bright, the days are long, and the kids are always underfoot! Thankfully, summer camps are back in full swing this year.

From acting camps and stage management intensives, to trampoline skills and science exploration, area organizations are excited to host kids in person again. Take a look at some of the options for Kingston and area kids this summer:

The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) has a full summer of camps planned for area children. Their week-long summer camps feature diverse and educational activities, from sports to arts and science, for guaranteed fun!

With new locations in Amherstview, Bath, Harrowsmith, and the Kingston East End Community Centre, BGC camps will run across eight locations in KFL&A. BGC camps are loved by kids and parents alike:

“My daughter loved the camp. Every time we drive by she says ‘there’s my camp!’ [My daughter] had a blast, she was happy to make new friends, be active, and do crafts. We will definitely be back next year! Thank you to all staff for making it a huge success!” one parent shared of their 2021 experience.

The fun and educational summer camps begin July 4, 2022, for children ages 4 to 12. Camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and run until the week of August 22, 2022.

For more information, including where camps will take place this summer, or to register for camp, visit https://www.bgcsoutheast.ca/

Science Quest is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) based summer camp. Started in 1988 by two female engineering students out of the Queen’s University Engineering Society, Science Quest continues to deliver programming throughout the summer from their main location on the Queen’s University Campus.

“We provide STEM educational programming to youth from senior kindergarten to grade 9 in and around the Kingston community. Science Quest strives to engage and empower youth through our educational in-classroom workshops and summer camps, which work towards sparking an interest in STEM within the 5,000+ youth we reach annually,” said Vivian Tran, Director of Marketing and Materials. “Our 2022 Summer Camps include: Kinder, Junior, Science and Engineering, Girls Quest Engineering, Girls Quest Tech and Robotics, Tech, and Robotics.”

Camps run Monday to Friday between July 4 and September 2, 2022, with before and after care available for an additional fee. Email ScienceQuest or visit their website for more information. Ready to sign up? Register here! 

The sky is the limit at the Kingston Aeros Trampoline Club! With eight Olympic trampolines, two double-mini trampolines, and professional coaching staff, kids will have a great time learning trampoline skills, strengthening their muscles, and burning off that summer energy.

“Our summer camps are VERY popular and participants come back every year, sometimes for multiple weeks!” said Melinda Cockburn, Head Recreational Coach & Club Administrator. “Participants spend the mornings with Aeros coaches learning various skills in small groups. After lunch, games and other activities take place before spending more time on the trampolines until the end of the day! Coaches are adept at adjusting their coaching techniques to suit the learning styles and physical differences of everyone.”

Kingston Aeros day camps run Monday to Friday for participants 4 to 12 years old. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours available for a small fee. Half day camps are also available.

Learn more about the Aeros summer camp program on their website.

Anyone who has attended summer camp knows that the memories stay with us: the friends we made, the games we played, the skills we learned. Beyond happy memories, kids at YMCA summer camps learn skills like teamwork and leadership, and Y values of caring, honesty, responsibility, inclusion, and respect.

YMCA summer camps are inclusive and fun, and children earn value beads at the camp, which not only enforce great behaviours, but also give kids lots to talk about at suppertime, according to Colleen Gareau, director of marketing and communications, YMCA of Eastern Ontario.

“Parents love Y camps!” Gareau continued. “One parent said ‘The leaders were responsible, intuitive, and fun. Both of my children… got along well with their peers, enjoyed their day and seemed to make marked personal character growth. The beads are a unique and excellent motivator.’”

This year’s camps include: cycling, fitness, sports, arts, dance, and urban exploration. Camps run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extended care is available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m.

For information or to register, visit: https://eo.ymca.ca/onlineregistration or contact the YMCA at [email protected]  or 613-546-2647.

Blue Canoe’s Launchpoint Academy is offering an array of summer programs for youth ages 6 to 17. Their summer camp, for ages 6 to 12, emphasizes play and creativity while enjoying games, crafts, and the outdoors.

Launchpoint also offers educational programming for older kids looking to hone their skills in musical theatre through the summer:

Details on all summer camp and Intensive opportunities are available on the Launchpoint Academy website. Programming will take place at the Spire, 82 Sydenham Street. Questions? Email Cameron at [email protected]

Kingston STEAMworks summer camp is back this summer! A week at STEAMworks is filled with fun experiments, outdoor activities, and learning. Their summer camp is for children ages 8 to 12 and will be running from the week of July 4 to the week of August 8, 2022.

“If your child loves STEAM activities and wants to spend their summer learning more and making new friends with the same interests, STEAMworks summer camp is the place for them!” expressed Laura van der Plas, Camp Director. “Campers will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as making elephant toothpaste, escape rooms, and creating their very own lava lamps.”

Additionally, STEAMworks is looking for enthusiastic volunteers and counsellors. Any inquiries about the camp, or to send a resume and cover letter to be considered for a position, contact [email protected]

STEAMworks summer camp takes place at 4 Cataraqui Street. Learn more about Kingston STEAMworks on their website.

With so many camps running this year, how will you choose? With eight weeks of summer, maybe your kids can try a few. Each one is sure to be fun and educational — and get the kids out of the house!

This article is sponsored content. The businesses above paid a fee to be included in this article. If you would like to be featured in upcoming articles of this nature, email [email protected] .

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