The Ponoka Youth Centre has revamped its summer programs this year and is excited to offer week-long camps and day field trip options.
“We made some changes to it and it’s much more summer camp oriented,” said Morgen Chernick, program director.
“We’re really excited.”
The Youth Centre wanted the summer program to be more like an actual overnight camp experience so they made changes to the program to have “all of the excitement of an overnight camp brought to a daily or weekly basis,” said Chernick.
Each camper gets to pick their own camper name each day, they will be using a bead value program, and there is a brand new tuck shop this year where the kids can buy their own snacks and treats.
Each of the eight weeks of camp have a unique theme. They are: Zoology, Art Attack, Exploration and Adventure, Chef’s Table, Wet and Wild (at the Ponoka Aquaplex), Super Science, All Sorts of Sports and Dance and Drama.
The week-long camps include trips to Discovery Wildlife Park and the RCMP Police Dog Training Show in Zoology week, Vertically inclined and Laser City Laser Tag in Exploration and Adventure week , Telus SPARK during Super Science week and the Fringe Festival during Dance and Drama week.
The Ponoka Broncs football team will be on site to teach the kids about football during sports week.
Registration opened April 15 and spots tend to fill up quickly, said Chernick.
The Youth Centre is licensed and accredited, so parents who qualify can apply for subsidy.
Those who are approved for subsidy can receive $310 per month for Youth Centre programs.
The Youth Centre also offers a two-week payment plan.
Summer camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday from July 2 to Aug. 23.
All campers will receive a summer camp t-shirt.
Summer camp is open to youth aged five, who have completed kindergarten and are registered for Grade 1, to age 12.
Call the Youth Centre at 403-783-3112, or e-mail them at admin@ponokayouthcentre.com.
Complete summer camp information can be found online at www.ponokayouthcentre.com.
Brochures are also available at the Youth Centre.