We have 3 summer programs, ranging in age from 4-13+! Please read below and select the program that fits with your child's age.
Outdoor Summer Camp Program Ages 4-10*: The Outdoor Summer Camp Program includes tons of outdoor play, hikes, a range of arts-based activities, hands-on science, cooperative games, songs, and more! Each week has a fun theme to tie in all of the fun outdoor events and activities campers will get up to! A more specific breakdown some of the week's activities will be sent to families a week ahead of time so they can get ready for ALL OF THE FUN!
*4 year olds must be independent in using the washroom, changing, and be able to stick with the groupLeaders in Training Program Age 11+: The Leaders in Training Program (LIT) covers the basics of being a youth leader in our community. Participants attend orientation and training sessions that introduce concepts like professionalism, confidentiality, and leadership, before learning hands-on skills like leading a variety of children’s activities in our Summer Camp and Summer Events. Participants will receive a LIT t-shirt at orientation. Upon successful completion of the LIT Passport, LIT Portfolio and a minimum of three (3) weeks in the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to register for the LEAD program next summer.
Leaders Exploring and Discovering Program: The Leaders Exploring and Discovering Program (LEAD) is the second level of Leaders in Training. To become LEAD, you must successfully complete the Leaders in Training program. LEAD participants are expected to take on additional duties, act as role models and peer mentors for the LIT’s, as well as completing additional training and workshops. LEAD participants, having already completed the Leaders in Training program, receive refresher courses and also play a role in training the LIT’s. Participants will receive a LEAD t-shirt at orientation. Upon successful maintenance of the LEAD Passport, LEAD Portfolio and a minimum of three (3) weeks of volunteering, participants will receive a reference letter at the end of the summer.
*LEAD Program pre-requisite includes needing to complete LIT program prior, regardless of age.*LEAD Program participants are invited to Staff Training the week before Summer Camp starts!
*LIT & LEAD Program minimum 3 weeks*LIT & LEAD behaviour expectations noted below
Our camp staff include experienced and trained VVA Camp Leaders, as well as mentored LEAD and LIT trained youth, and managed by VVA Teachers. Our Camp Leaders have completed both LIT and LEAD training, as well as detailed camp staff training and Emergency First Aid & CPR. Most of our Camp Leaders have also attended VVA, where they have undergone additional experiences and training to work with children and as a team.
Our program space includes play areas both inside and outside. Inside, we have a gymnasium with attached kitchen and classrooms, lobby/cubby area for backpack storage, washrooms and fountain. Outside, we have a backyard with play structures, field, gardens, apple trees, and meadows, our curated and ever expanding outdoor forest ‘classroom’, and our large secure and safe paved area for balls, scooters, chalk, etc.
We are a small women-owned organization and believe in working together, building a safe, nurturing and strong community for our participants. Our values are communication, dedication and transparency. We uphold these values in all of our programs. For all Camp participants, we will work closely and get to know each participant and their family, to ensure you are confident and comfortable with the care provided.
VVA’s vision is a culture empowered by community, compassion and wonder. In all of our programs, this vision holds true. We strive to bring the joy of connectedness, kindness and learning into all that we do. Join VVA’s March Break Camp - you’ll be happy you did!
