New Westminster School District Hosts Explorations Summer Camps

With $30,000 in Explorations funding, the New Westminster School District hosted six arts, sport and recreation camps for nearly 180 children aged 6-13. Three schools participated in camps that offered six different themes focused primarily on the arts, including Tour de France, Musical Theatre and Out of Africa. A recreational component was provided daily.

Activities included workshops on Greek mythology followed by clay sculpting and exploring techniques of Impressionist artists by creating landscape paintings in acrylics. Organizers say the camps gave opportunities for at-risk youth and ESL students to participate in an affordable program.

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.