How to entertain kids for the summer

No sooner are the kids out of school than their parents have to find somewhere new to send them. Fortunately, Jasper is home to a handful of options to appeal to a variety of interests.

A popular choice for youngsters is the Summer Fun day camp which has been updated with the name Camp Caledonia, and is open to children going into Grades 1 through 6.

Camp coordinator Jeff Perham said the children play sports, do crafts, and go on trips to the beach, the tramway, the icefields and the hot springs.

Last week the kids did activities based on an Olympics theme. “We’re going to do a craft and presentation where all the kids will get medals,” Perham said. Fees range from $55 per day to $900 for the entire summer.

Interested parents can call Jasper Community and Family Services at (780) 852-2100, or visit the Camp Caledonia tent outside the Aquatic Centre near the beach volleyball courts.

Bill Stainton sends twin daughters Caira and Cassidy, 9, to Camp Caledonia because they like the chance to be with their friends and because he and his wife appreciate having a safe place to send the kids.

“It gives us a little bit of a break,” Stainton said.

Jasper also plays host to a number of sport camps.

One of the first sports camps of the summer is already drawing to a close as the tennis clinic finishes July 4. The week-long clinic runs an hour daily, sponsored by the Jasper Park Tennis Club, it is primarily aimed at children in elementary school.

Coach Ann Thomas said it’s a great way to kick off the season. “It gives the kids something nice to do with their friends all summer,” she said.

For something cool in the hot summer months, Sylvan Lake Boys’ Hockey Camp runs for two sessions, from July 20-26 and from July 27 to Aug. 2 for kids aged six - 17 years.

Kids get two ice times per day plus dry-land training for $410 for a 7-day program. Visit www.jasperhockeycamp.com or call (403) 887-2575.

Or for a little diversity on ice, from July 13-18 kids can take part in a combined power skating and hockey skills camp for $350.

This program includes three hours of ice time and three hours of off-ice practice daily and is open to children of all ages. To sign up call (403) 888-6680 or stop into Source for Sports.

Don Horwood’s Basketball Camp runs from July 20-25 for kids aged 11-17 years old for $275 or $450 to stay overnight. Call (780) 717-5084 for information.

Wrestling camps are open to 13-18 year-olds, who can register for technique camp for $315 or for what’s called a technique and intensive camp for $525. Call Alberta Amateur Wrestling at (780) 415-0140.

Summer swimming lessons are available at the Aquatic Centre ranging from $27 to $50.65 per lesson, depending on the length of time and whether participants are members. Call (780) 852-3663.

On weekends, Freewheel hosts Freeskool, a non-competitive mountain biking club for kids. At 11 a.m. every Saturday, the group meets at the Freewheel bike shop before heading out to the trails.

A $60 fee for the summer includes insurance coverage and a t-shirt. Call Freewheel at (780) 852-3898 for information or to register.

For the bookworms, Jasper Municipal Library welcomes kids aged 3-12 to its free reading program on Tuesdays from July 8 to August 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Children will get a reading kit and listen to stories, and do crafts and activities. For more information call 852-3652.

Finally, though the summer has just begun, registration is closed for two Jasper camps.

The Alberta Volleyball Association’s first week of live-in summer camp is underway and is at full capacity for all three weeks. To sign up next year, visit www.albertavolleyball.com.

Jasper also hosts the Rocky Mountain Dance Camp for one week at the beginning of August, though the registration deadline was the middle of June. For next summer, visit www.showtimedancepromotions.com.