Kids looking to have a blast this summer at camp can sign up for four days of wacky fun in July.
Participants will experience everything from a World Cup-themed soccer match, to a super hero day of activities to showcase their strengths.
The new camp offered this year through the City of Nanaimo’s parks, recreation and culture department, Camp Blasty Blast, is July 3-6, and is for ages nine to 12 years old.
The creation of the camp was the result of the collaborative effort of instructors Steph Marriott and Ashley Swistchew.
Marriott said the camp, which combines sports and arts, is meant to build self-confidence and help kids tap into their imaginations.
A big component to the camp is team building and allowing the kids to form friendships so they emerge from the experience with new skills and friends.
“It gets them to interact with kids to be social and builds friends and confidence through sports,” she said.
Marriott, who also teaches soccer courses for parks and rec, said the World Cup soccer matches are going to be fun. She’s played soccer for 22 years and has coached the sport for 13 years.
“I love soccer because it’s been there to help me build confidence,” she said. “It got me through tough times in my life. That was my remedy for everything.”
Marriott said her favourite is teaching the three-year-olds about the sport.
“It’s the most rewarding feeling I can’t describe it,” she said. “They never give up. They work so hard to show you they can do it.”
Camp Blasty Blast emphasizes working together as a team. Marriott said no ball hogging is allowed and everyone will play the games. She draws on her soccer background to teach kids some fundamental skills such as dribbling, shooting and basic team play.
“It’s going to be a team effort. That’s what we’re trying to achieve so they are leaving as a group of friends,” she said. “It’s not an ‘all me’ thing. It’s just everyone plays and everyone wins.”
The camps start with exercise warm ups and games, then participants learn about the art project for the day which they create for the end-of-day team sports event. For the World Cup, kids get to create their costumes for the country they represent. On super hero day they design their capes.
For more information or to register please call 250-756-5200 or go to www.nanaimo.ca.