Spring break. For kids, those may be two of the most exciting words of the year. For parents, they’re more likely to just bring on a stress-induced headache.
For those still searching for ways to occupy their small folks this spring break (that’s March 14 to 24 this year in New West, by the way), never fear. I’ve been digging around (OK, I’ve been googling and asking friends on social media) and I’ve found this amazing array of spring break activities on offer in the city.
If you know of any others, feel free to email me ([email protected]). In the meantime, here are some ideas to get you started:
Vancouver Circus School
This New West hotspot on the second floor of River Market offers one-week camps during both weeks of spring break, with full-day and half-day options. They give kids aged six to 16 a chance to try out aerial silks, trampolines, juggling and more. See www.vancouvercircusschool.ca.
The Dance Matrix
A local favourite, the Dance Matrix runs an annual spring break dance camp, which runs the full two weeks. Kids aged six and up get involved in singing, dancing and acting, plus costumes, scenery, prop making and extras like trips to the park – with a showcase on the last day of camp. Previous dance experience is not needed. See www.thedancematrix.com.
The Stage New Westminster
Once again, this popular downtown studio is offering its one-week musical theatre day camps (which were filling up fast at the time of writing, so don’t delay). The program gives kids aged six to nine a chance to create a musical theatre production, with acting, dancing and singing alongside costume, set and props design and production. See www.thestagenewwest.ca.
Music Box New Westminster
Another popular local spot, this studio is offering a spring break camp March 14 to 18 at its River Market location (second floor). It has a full-day and half-day option, giving 4.5- to nine-year-olds a chance to try out piano, guitar/ukulele, drums, voice and violin, with games, park trips and more. From March 21 to 24, there’s also a rock band camp for ages 6.5 to 11, in which kids get to jam out on piano, guitar, drums, vocals and more. See www.musicboxnw.ca.
New Westminster Public Library
The library is offering a few special spring break programs, including drop-in crafting for ages three to eight. That runs Tuesdays and Thursdays during spring break at 10:30 a.m. at the main branch and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in Queensborough. It also has a Marshmallow Coding: Hour of Code program for ages nine to 12 at the main branch, with a different theme each day from March 14 to 18. See www.nwpl.ca for information or to sign up (note that you must register ahead for the coding sessions).
Magic day camp
The Arts Council of New Westminster is presenting a new magic day camp running March 14 to 18 at Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park, for kids aged eight to 11, 10 a.m. to noon each day. See www.magicwonderschool.com for information and to sign up.
Douglas College
Once again, Douglas College is offering a long list of spring break camps running March 14 to 18 and March 21 to 24 – with diverse options including sports, creative writing, dance, student leadership, entrepreneurship and art. For the full list, see www.tinyurl.com/DCSpringBreak2016. You can also call 604-527-5680 or email [email protected].
Hawkes Martial Arts
Kids aged six and up can take part in a spring karate camp from March 14 to 18, with activities including weapons training, self-defence and board breaking – plus outings to Science World, swimming, laser tag and more, with a pizza party on the final day. See www.hawkesmartialarts.com (look under the News tab).
New Westminster Parks, Recreation and Culture
The City of New Westminster is once again back on duty as the official Beat the Boredom squad, with a huge range of offerings from all ages from toddlers on up to adults. There’s a variety of registered and drop-in programs, plus special events and a series of day camps. There’s a family board game night, a fairy tale writing course, a Shakespeare Playground day camp, babysitter training, a coding camp, a sailing camp, a Mad Science course – oh, forget it, there are too many offerings to write them all here. See www.newwestpcr.ca to download the spring break brochure, or pick one up at city facilities. And whatever your family’s interests, you’re sure to find something to suit you all.
Do you know of any other spring break activities in New West? Send a message to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
