As the school year gradually comes to a close from an interesting second half of the calendar, Prince George organizations are preparing to host summer camps and activities.
Yes, that’s right!
There are still some events on the summer docket even as COVID-19 continues to change our way of life and the province continues its restart plan.
The City of Prince George has released some of those activities for summer break to keep kids busy and interactive while maintaining the public health guidelines and recommendations of Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer.
As of this publication, there are 66 COVID-19 cases that have tested positive in Northern Health since the virus hit the region, but 65 of those people have recovered.
Activities this summer are set to look a little different with most switching to an online format to keep up with social distancing measures.
Here are five activities we’ve taken note of for Prince George parents to consider getting kids involved, keep them engaged and staying safe while doing so.
CAMP KANANNAQ - YMCA OF NORTHERN BC
Camp Kanannaq plans to operate this summer, but the program will be located from the base of the Prince George Family Y Rec Room.
“We will still offer the same enthusiastic camper care and campers will be spending as much time as possible outdoors to provide a direct connection to nature,” reads a YMCA of Northern BC update.
“Campers will continue to enjoy all your favorite wilderness-based camp activities including archery, beading, wide games, fire building, katayuak, skill building like knots and orienteering, hiking, and closing campfire!”
The rate for the camp has also been reduced to $205 per session.
You can go to the YMCA of Northern BC website for more details.
SUMMER CREATIVITY CAMPS - TWO RIVERS GALLERY
There are several themes on the docket this summer for the Two Rivers Gallery Summer Creativity Camps, but only 10 participants will be allowed per session.
Themes include ‘Futuristic Fun,’ ‘Art of Imagineering,’ ‘Colour Play’ and ‘Superheroes.’
Classes are open to kids aged six to 13, running from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during each week of summer starting July 13.
There is a $212 fee for those wishing to sign up.
More information is available on the Two Rivers Gallery website.
ONLINE LEARNING AND FUN - EXPLORATION PLACE
Prince George’s premier museum and science centre, fresh off of receiving a national award for its Early Explorers Preschool program, is hosting a series of online engagement sessions.
‘Vault Convos’ offer a virtual tour guide through the Exploration Place’s collections vault, which is filled with artifacts from the city’s history.
‘Critter Convos’ will see kids, via a computer screen, get up close with the museum’s animal ambassadors
You can contact The Exploration Place and follow them on social media for more information.
SPANISH CONVERSATION CIRCLES - PRINCE GEORGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Hablas español?
This is a great way to get kids to explore another culture and learn how to have a conversation in another language.
The Prince George Public Library is hosting a virtual Conversation Circle via Zoom from the comfort of your own ‘casa’ (home).
The Library says ‘participants will need a basic foundation in Spanish to practice their conversation skills.’
Conversation Circle runs from 7 to 8 p.m. on June 23 and runs every second Tuesday.
Gracias, mi amigos y mi amigas!
EXPLORE THE TRAILS - CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE
We live in a city with several hundred kilometres of trails that run through parks and backcountry areas.
Make a challenge to yourself this summer by taking the family to visit every trail Prince George has to offer.
There are four ‘long trails’ that range from 11 to 30 km of walking paths and local vistas worthy of a new family photo.
If you’re not up for a long hike, there are others that keep you within range of your house, but still awesome enough to get the kids physically active outside.
However, the city asks if you’re feeling sick to please stay home and to respect physical-distancing signs placed along trails.
If Fido needs to get outside, there’s several pet-friendly trails you can visit as well.
More information and maps are available on the City of Prince George website.
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