What Makes Our March Break Camp Magical

We had a fabulous week at our 2014 Arts Explosion March Break Camp, but then again, we always have a great time at camp! We want to share with you why our counsellors, campers, and camper parents think our camp is so magical. 

Lynette Segal led the 4-5 year old campers in creative movement. Here they are waking up and stretching like bears coming out of hibernation. The theme of "spring awakening" helped to guide our activities throughout the week.

As one grandparent commented, our camp has a "good variety of activities, enthusiastic instructors, a great venue, and high quality art instruction". This does sound like a winning formula! It can also be the little things that make a difference. While we receive lots of compliments for being well-organized overall, having the coats, boots, snow pants, and backpacks lined up at the end of the day to make pick-up easier was an extra touch that did not go unnoticed. Special thanks to our counsellors for taking on even the unglamorous tasks!

Left: Campers' art work made it feel like spring had sprung even through the mid-March blizzard that we faced! Right: We are fortunate to be in the position of witnessing the campers develop their masterpieces, and the pride that goes along with art-making.

We love to hear that campers enjoyed their time with us. Some are already looking forward to summer camp:

"It was the best thing that my son has done over March Break. It was wonderful!"

"Wonderful job! It was interesting for both my girls and we would sign them up again!"

The camp is great at "keeping the kids active and looking forward to the next day. My daughter had a fantastic time and is already talking about coming back in the summer!"

"My daughter had a fabulous week and we'll be back!"

Left: The Blue Group learned shaping in contemporary dance with Jasmin McGraw. Right: They even got to use balloons to help them through the exploration of different body postures!

We had an amazing team of volunteer camp counsellors and art assistants, who the campers said they "LOVE". Turns out that the counsellors love camp too! In the words of one of our team leaders, "I love this camp! So much fun, an awesome atmosphere, and these kids are the best. I'd much rather spend my time here than at home on the computer."

Top: The Red Group worked on building their muscles and their confidence in hip hop with Carolyn Hebert. Bottom: The Blue Group sang "Here Comes the Sun" at the showcase on Friday afternoon, complete with guitar accompaniment and sunshine-y yellow scarves!

We would like to thank our energetic and creative instructors - Carolyn Hebert, Shannon Kingsbury, Jasmin McGraw, Janet Morton, and Lynette Segal - as well as our team of 20 volunteers for their amazing work. Camp would not be possible without them. In the words of a grateful parent, "Every child is happy and so engaged. It's lovely to see. The camp is run very well and all counsellors and teachers are so happy to be here. That speaks volumes."

Our campers and counsellors strike a pose at snack time in the River Run Centre lobby. Camp is a great place to re-connect with old friends and make new ones!

We are happy to say that with the help of our donors to the Monica Davis Camp Scholarship Fund we were able to provide 5 families with subsidized spaces for their child. It touches our hearts that many of you have made this possible and that we can witness the joy it brings to the children. One child hugged our staff on Friday and said "I am so sad, I do not want this camp to ever end".  We have a waiting list of children hoping to attend the Summer Camps at subsidized rates. Please donate today to help make this possible!

Like what you see? Registration for our 2014 Arts Explosion Summer Camps, July 7-11 & 14-18, is available now through the River Run Centre. We are also recruiting volunteer camp counsellors and art assistants. Contact Lindsay at info@guelphdance.ca for more information. We would love to have you join us!