As an arts camp, one question we are often asked by families is how we ensure campers remain physically active while they are at camp. Certainly if you are moving your child from a traditional camp – where campers are very active – to an arts camp – which fits with their interests more clearly, this may be a question you have. It’s something we’ve thought about a lot over the years.
Some of our programs (such as dance, stage combat and musical theatre) are extremely active. Others less so. However, we work hard to make sure that we promote an active lifestyle for all our campers and this is easier than you think. We offer sports electives every afternoon – so for campers who need variety, and love sports as much as the arts, opportunities exist to play sports. For campers who choose to focus only on the arts, here’s the other ways they stay active at camp:
- Our site is over 150 acres, with buildings spread out across the fields and meadows. Campers are continually on the move between different areas. The Burrows (our ‘retreat’ area) is located a 5-10 minute walk from the main camp area, and is often used by programs and dorm groups. The river, campfire and sports field are also a fair walk away.
- Physical activity is often offered during blocks of free time and in dorm hours. For example, water games, field games or a staff/camper soccer challenge. Dorm groups will often challenge each other to a friendly game of ‘Doop Ball’ on the volleyball court. Campers who see sports as unappealing at school because they identify more with the arts are likely to join right in at Centauri. We don’t play competitively… we play for fun.
- Basketballs are always available at free time, and the court is right next to the dorms. The pool is also available, and campers can swim most days.
- Evening programs – and even spirit suppers – are mostly active at Centauri. Imagine a murder mystery that takes place all over camp. Dorms have a fixed time period to find and interview all the witnesses. If you were to stand in the centre of camp during such an activity, you would see campers running together in all directions in an effort to beat the clock! This is fairly typical. Dinners can also be active, with dancing and physical challenges.
- Even our most ‘static’ programs are rarely as static as you would imagine. We take campers outdoors whenever possible – this isn’t school, after all! Our writers work down by the river, or under our fruit trees. Our film makers and photographers are on location all over camp, and sometimes even further afield. Most theatre programs include active games and all dance and musical theatre programs involve a component of fitness training. One of our instructors likes to begin the day with a run – inviting campers to memorize their lines while jogging!
For campers interested first and foremost in the arts, a special environment is necessary for them to feel totally at home with sports and physical activity: an atmosphere where competition is unimportant, and being ‘good at it’ does not matter. For this reason, at Centauri we can often encourage campers to a new level of physical activity, even if they tend to be fairly inactive during the school year.
Did you know residential camps are eligable for the Children’s fitness tax credit and children’s arts tax credit in Canada? Click here for more info
Julie
Director
www.centauriartscamp.com