Youth: lots of summer activities

CHÂTEAUGUAY –During a press conference on April 25, the City announced the summer 2012 programme for its Activ’Été day camp.

There won’t be a shortage of activities for the 900 to 1,000 young people who are expected in the various day camps. In addition to enjoying the facilities and taking part in recreational activities offered in Châteauguay, children aged 5 to 13 will be able to join several excursions to Granby Zoo, aquatic park, Récréathèque, horseback riding centres, and the Cosmodôme; there will be activities to suit all tastes and interests. As the excursions are options, children who are not registered in the day camp can also join the excursions.

Youth aged 13 to 15 won’t be left behind since they will be entitled to about 20 outings – days in the beach, a trip to Quebec, an Impact Montreal match, and a visit to the Radio-Canada studios.

Six specialised camps will also be added to the list of camps this summer. On the agenda: dancing, soccer games, outdoor activities, environmental outings (with Héritage Saint-Bernard), robotics, and theatre. Not to forget the integration camps intended for children suffering from a physical or intellectual handicap.

As tradition would have it, bike paths will re-appear in the urban landscape once day camp season starts. Bike trips – a popular activity in Châteauguay – will enable kids to travel without danger since monitors will block traffic at intersections. “We’re asking drivers to be patient, even if it means missing a green light”, said Étienne Marcoux, coordinator of Activ’Été, who emphasised that there have been no problems or complaints at least in the last three years.

Sign of the times – the Facebook page of the day camp is back this year. Parents are invited to visit the page to learn about Activ’Été activities and to leave their comments and suggestions. Note, however, that online camp registrations are no longer possible. “It’s easier this way since a lot of online information is often missing”, Mr. Marcoux explained, giving the example of allergies requiring detailed information.

The coordinators of Activ’Été suggest however that parents come with forms already completed to the Vanier Cultural Centre where registrations are taking place. This form, together with numerous details can be found in the City’s web site: http://www.ville.chateauguay.qc.ca/Camp-de-jour-activ-ete

Registrations started Saturday, April 28 and will end on May 19. After this date, late fees will be charged.