December 5, 2023

Winter Break in YMM

By on February 12, 2020 0 831 Views

Winter Break is underway as educators prepare for the upcoming Alberta Teachers’ Convention, and there are opportunities available in the city to keep students active.

From day camps focused on sports, arts and adventure to special programs held throughout the week of February 24 to February 28 – there is a wide variety of listings. Registration costs and availability varies. Please contact the organization directly for any further information.

 

February Break Camp at Early Start

Early Start Learning Centre will take children on a week-long adventure of education and play in various activities throughout the week. The daily action begins with a trip on the Early Start Express to Fort City Play World where campers will be able to slide, climb and get plenty of time for play.

In the afternoons, children will be working on their gross motor skills and building friendships through play-based activities at their safe, licensed and learning centre. Guests also have the option of taking part in camp for full days or half days. Hot lunch can be included at an additional cost.

A Week Full of Adventure with Creating and Play

Early Start Learning Centre also offers programs throughout the year such as Kid’s Night Out, SaturPLAY, and MessyPLAY. Check out the full list of drop-in opportunities available. The Centre has plenty of on-site activities to explore including sensory and science tables and crafting areas. Click here to learn more online.

February Break Camp – Ages 4 to 9

Location: Early Start Learning Centre – 35-101 Signal Road

Date: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28

Time: Full Day – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Half Day – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Program Cost: $336.50 for Full Day, $207 for Half Day

Register Online: https://earlystart.ca/pages/february-break-camp-ages-4-9

 

Kaboom! Pow! Dance Camp at UpTown!

UpTown! at SECPA (Suncor Energy Centre of Performing Arts) is hosting dance camps for children between the ages three and ten during the Winter Break with UpTown! Dance Instructors Miss Rachele and Miss Noel. UpTown!’s dance programs take place regularly throughout the year from September to May. This particular dance camp is open to all children and requires no previous experience.

Embrace YMM’s Local Dance Scene

There will be two groups for children ages three to five in the morning from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for $65. The program for children ages six to ten will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a cost of $130. Appropriate dress requirements include loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and no outside shoes. A full list of instructions and information can be found online.

Kaboom! Pow! Dance Camp – Ages 3 to 10

Location: UpTown! at SECPA – 230 Powder Drive

Date: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28

Time: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 3-5; and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 6-10

Program Cost: Ages 3-5 is $65, and ages 6-10 is $130

Register Online: https://secpa.fmcschools.ca/dance/kaboom-pow-dance-camp/

 

No School Day Camps at Aim High

Aim High Park will be offering a full week of day camp programs at its facility for children and youth to spend the week playing inside the indoor playpark. The Camp Leaders will be assisting the groups through various themed-activities each day, which will include lots of room for play.

Photo by Aim High Park

Hit Aim High for an energic-packed week of excitement!

This drop-in day camp gives guests the opportunity to select as many days as your child/youth would like to attend. Parents and guardians who register a child or youth for four days will receive the fifth day at no extra charge. Lunch options and opportunities to add Virtual Reality experience available at additional costs.

No School Day Camp – All Ages

Location: Aim High Park – 8221 Manning Avenue

Date: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Early Drop-in 7:30 a.m. & Late Pick-up 5:30 p.m.)

Camp Cost: $50/per day with $10 extra for early drop-in and/or late pick-up

Register Online: https://aimhighpark.com/no-school-camps/

 

School Breaks at Westwood Family YMCA

YMCA of Northern Alberta knows day camps best as they’ve been offered Canadian-wide for decades and each camp available at the Westwood Family YMCA is designed to spark imagination and build confidence, independence and communication skills. It’s a place where campers can develop a love for physical activity and make ever-lasting friendships.

Photo by YMCA

Spark Imagination with Memorable Experiences

Day campers can expect plenty of hands-on learning and skills development play through games, craft activities, swimming and more during the full-day program. The program also offers free before and after camp care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

School Year Day Camps are offered throughout the year, including PD Days, Teachers’ Convention, Spring Break and Winter Break. Click here to learn more and to register online.

Teacher’s Convention Day Camp – Ages 6 to 12

Location: Westwood Family YMCA – 221 Tundra Drive

Date: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program Cost: $190 for members, $210 for non-members

Register Online: www.northernalberta.ymca.ca/register

 

Winter Break Camps at MacDonald Island

MacDonald Island Park is offering three program opportunities for day camp during the Winter Break focused on sports and dance. The Winter Sports Camp will allow children and youth to explore all that MacDonald Island has to offer with winter-themed activities, rock climbing, aquatics fun, scavenger hunts and plenty of more.

Photo MacDonald Island Park

The Dance Camps have two options available for beginners and more experienced dancers. Dance 101 will introduce the basic foundations with a mix of jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop and more.

Dance 201 will focus on technique, performance, and skills to the next level. Dancers must have a minimum of two years’ experience to register.

Escape to the Island for Winter Break

MacDonald Island will be operating as usual, during the break for families to take in all the action. Whether it be skating, swimming, rock climbing, running the track or checking out the art gallery, the list goes on. Check out the Winter 2020 Recreation Guide for the full list of programs and activities available online.

Winter Sports Camp – Ages 6 to 13

Location: MacDonald Island Park – 1 MacDonald Drive

Date: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program Cost: $195 for members, $215 for non-members

Register Online: https://www.macdonaldisland.ca/programs/sport

Photo by MacDonald Island Park

Dance 101 Camp – Ages 6 to 10

Location: MacDonald Island Park – 1 MacDonald Drive

Date: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program Cost: $249

Register Online: https://www.macdonaldisland.ca/programs/dance

 

Dance 201 Camp – Ages 6 to 10

Location: MacDonald Island Park – 1 MacDonald Drive

Date: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program Cost: $249

Register Online: https://www.macdonaldisland.ca/programs/dance

 

#GirlsToo Workshop at Girls Inc.

Girls ages 10 to 14 are invited by Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta to participate in a workshop focused on building confidence with themselves and the world that surrounds them. The workshop is a condensed version of the #GirlsToo program, which was developed on the flagship of their Project Bold and Media Smarts programs.

Encouraging Youth Leadership and Involvement in Change

Participants will learn about gender-based violence, consent, self-defence, media representation and end the day with artistic expression in a painting session. The programs delivered through Girls Inc. are designed for girls based on years of research and development.

The purpose of the programs is to inspire girls to be ‘Strong, Smart and Bold’ and to live healthy lifestyles and be physically active; navigate media messages, and develop an interest in science, math and technology.

#GirlsToo Workshop – Ages 10 to 14

Location: Girls’ Inc. of Northern Alberta – #17B-10019 MacDonald Avenue

Date: Wednesday, February 26

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Program Cost: TBA

Register Online: https://girlsincofnorthernalberta.org/after-school-seasonal/

About the author

Editor-in-Chief at | dawn@balsom.ca

Dawn Booth is the Editor-in-Chief of YMM Parent Magazine and Your McMurray Magazine. She has actively worked in the Wood Buffalo region's media industry since residing in Fort McMurray in 2007.

Her passion is writing poetry and puts it at the forefront of the community through her volunteer work as the President of NorthWord Magazine. Most important, Booth puts her family of five first, which includes her husband Ryan and their three children, Landon, Dawson and Tessa.