John Oliver Community Schools Team Hosts Explorations Summer Camps

The John Oliver Community Schools Team received $23,000 in Explorations funding to offer 11 sport and recreation camps and two arts, sport and recreation camps to local children during the summer of 2005. Seven neighbouring elementary schools took part offering the program to 239 children. Camps provided general recreation activities with some sport-specific immersion opportunities such as basketball, track and field, Wushu martial arts, and wrestling. A dance class was also added by request. Also offered was a pre-teen leadership program, and a kindergarten recreation arts fun play program, along with trips to local parks, ice rinks and pools.

Children from across Vancouver attended, representing multiple cultural groups, some with differing abilities and needs. Due to the program's overwhelming success, the group developed additional programs in the years following.

Explorations provided students in kindergarten to Grade 7 with opportunities to explore arts, sport and recreation in summer camp settings. The program, which ran from 2005-2008, served students who were otherwise unable to attend summer camps due to location, local resources or financial limitations. Explorations was supported by the Province of British Columbia.