It’s not too late to book some extra summer fun for kids

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

Whether children look forward to the summer break, or they miss their friends and routines, the holiday offers many opportunities for new experiences that broaden their horizons. Follow their interests or suggest something new and undiscovered among the variety of summer programs available in Tillsonburg and beyond.

Many of the summer camp programs are almost full, but it doesn't hurt to check in, and some programs offer single day registration.

The popular Town of Tillsonburg Summer Camp programs at the community center keep kids active, and include lots of time outdoors. Junior camp is known for fun themes like Wild West, Outer Space and Jungle Safari. Camp programs for older children include sports, explorations around town, and visits to the waterpark. They may have a few spaces left.

Annandale House still has space in all four weeks of their History Camp programs. The cost is $166.25 per week for five full days of camp. Activities are geared toward children ages 7 – 12, “with fun, hands-on experiences that bring history to life in exciting and engaging ways,” said Curator Kate Bakos. Themes include Canada Welcomes the World, Life on the Farm, Adventures Unlimited, and Ticket to Ride.

Sign up using your Connect2Rec account: https://townoftillsonburg.perfectmind.com

Or call the museum at 519-842-2294 for assistance.

“What makes our camp special is the balance we offer,” said Bakos. “We do include engaging historical content for those who enjoy learning and exploring the past, but we also make sure there’s plenty of time for unstructured play, games, and just having fun with friends. Our goal is to create an experience that feels both meaningful and enjoyable, so campers can learn something new while also simply being kids.”

The Station Arts Centre summer camps are almost full, but they still have openings in their younger craft camp program, and some select single day registrations ($45/day or $220/week). Featuring a variety of art projects, crafts, games, outdoor activities, and special themed experiences, their popular camps provide children with social, creative, and confidence-building opportunities.

“What makes our camps especially unique is that they're hosted right here at the Station Arts Centre, where campers are surrounded by inspiring galleries, local artwork and working artists,” said Curator Tabitha Verbyust. “It's a creative environment that encourages imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. If families are still looking for summer activities, we'd love to welcome them. Registration is available by contacting the Station Arts Centre at 519-842-6151 or visiting www.stationarts.ca.”

The Oxford County Library offers a wide range of programming at its various branches, and Tillsonburg residents can join in at our own library, or take a day trip to a nearby town to take part in progrms throughout the county.

Join the TD Summer Reading Club and Splash Into Stories, an all-ages program that runs until August 22. Logging your reading achievements and earning badges is a fun way to reinforce literacy skills over the summer break. Check out the program events calendar online, by location, to see what might be of interest.

“The Tillsonburg Branch of Oxford County Library has free summer programming for families with children of all ages,” Katelyn Bennett, Literacy Program Specialist said. “With many drop-in opportunities available throughout July and August, families can stop in anytime. Check out our program calendar at ocl.net for our full program line up, including Rainbow Fish Fun, Summer Santa Storytime, and Art in the Park held at Coronation Park – 19 Van Street in Tillsonburg. We look forward to seeing you!”

Food Literacy fun with a youth nutritionist, Gaming Club, Story Walks, SpongeBob SquarePants Terrariums, Ocean Crafts and Facts, Shark Friday, Splash Into Drawing, and the ever-popular Shake, Rattle and Read might jump-start a whole range of activities that you can follow up with at home.

At Theatre Tillsonburg, the summer camp programs are almost full, with access to updated information on their website. Camp Director Charlotte Van Roestel said that “Some parents put us on their calendar a year in advance because the kids love it so much!”

The specialty camp offers children the full theatre production experience, from learning lines, dance, choreography, and costumes to a Friday performance on the live stage under the lights for their friends and family.

“Everything we do, games, activities, crafts, has a theatrical or dramatic component,” Van Roestel said. “Each group has a play written for them, and they practice and then perform at the end of the week. The staff are very excited. We get to take what we enjoyed as children and teens and share that experience with them.”

From beach days to play at the park, visits to the gallery or museum, dropping in to programs or entire weeks of summer camp, a safe, enjoyable, and inspiring summer is yours to explore in Tillsonburg and throughout Oxford County.