Fo
r younger children, a first overnight camp experience is an exciting and important step: a chance to move beyond home and school, discovering a wider community, broadening perspectives, growing in independence and unlocking the limitless possibilities of everything they can be. At Centauri,we’ve had decades of experience making this thrilling step a successful one for kids, and here’s how we do it:
Centauri is a Home-Away-From-Home
Our counsellors offer younger campers plenty of nurturing and emotional support. For campers aged 9-12, there is always at least one counsellor living in the dorm, and a trusted adult on hand 24/7. The constant presence of a caring and inspiring counsellor means younger campers have all the help they need as they navigate the social aspects of overnight camp. Counsellors help each camper make friends, build bonds and find their valued place within the group.
Age Appropriate Activities and Fun!
Younger campers are part of the wider Centauri community – but they also have their unique dorm ‘family’, with counsellors who organise activities appropriate to their ages and needs. Last summer, our younger boys’ and girls’ dorms made movies, solved the ‘mystery’ of a missing counsellor, took part in scavenger hunts, enjoyed water games and pudding ‘fights’, learned how to play the ukulele, attended special campfires and painted T shirts for their secret friends. Youngest campers enjoy bedtime stories at bedtime, and often the last thing they hear before falling asleep is their counsellor, singing softly to them, accompanied by their guitar.
Creative Exploration
When children have the opportunity to explore the arts, they grow their imagination, deepen their sense of empathy and learn to identify and nurture their individuality. There is no better place than Centauri for children to develop creatively. Unique arts programs such as ‘Arts Quest’ and ‘The Curse of the Black Cat Theatre’ value the special contribution of each participant, so younger campers develop artistically, grow in confidence – and feel empowered, too.
Specially-Trained Counsellors
The counsellors who work with our younger campers are often our most experienced, and they receive special training for their role. They know how to remind children about practical things like brushing their teeth, wearing clean clothes and applying sunscreen, while still helping hem grow to 
a greater independence. They can assist a picky eater by showing them the many food options in the dining hall, and they understand the importance of advocating for the needs of children who are still learning to advocate for themselves. Our counsellors run fantastic bedtime programs – inspiring, relaxing and meditative. They can transition children from the excitement of evening program to the moment they fall asleep, with no time for homesickness in between.
We Know How to Help Parents, too!
Almost 100% of the time, new campers settle down quickly at Centauri, thriving in the creative atmosphere of camp and having the summer of their lives. We understand that sometimes the transition to overnight camp is harder on parents than on the camper! We’ll spend whatever time you need on the phone, on Skype or in-person as you make your decision about camp. As summer approaches, we have a detailed parent manual that will help you prepare your first-time camper, and once the summer is underway, we upload photos to our website almost daily – as well as regular journal entries – so you can follow your child’s summer camp adventures. Any time you want to call and see how they are doing, you can do that, too.
How to Find Out More!
If you would like to set up a time to chat with us about your child’s needs and to find out if Centauri is right for your child, call us at 416 766 7124 or email Julie@centauriartscamp.com. You can also find out more about us by visiting our website or checking reviews posted by our families on Facebook and on Google.
We hope to welcome your child to Centauri this summer!
Julie Hartley
Director
Centauri Arts