Child 1 Age 10 - 11 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Adventure (multi), Rock Climbing, Swimming
Child 2 Age 7 - 8 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Sport (multi), Taekwondo, Swimming
Child 3 Age 4 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Sport (multi), Taekwondo, Swimming
Child 4 Age 4 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Adventure (multi), Sport (multi), Taekwondo
(5) Overall experience
My four boys were extremely nervous about attending the PA Day camp. They are very familiar with the facility, but it was the first time I was leaving all four boys for the day in November, so naturally a bit anxious. As soon as we arrived, we were met with the wonderful camp leaders who greeted all the boys and ensured they were going to have such a great time. They were also reminded about the pizza lunch option for the day, which was a huge plus for my boys.
When I came back at the end of the day to pick them up, the four of them were in such a great mood, laughing, running around the gym area, playing, and interacting with the other kids. I was happy to receive a detailed account of their day from the camp leaders. My boys left in a great mood and were also quite tired. They each were excited to tell me about their day and all their favourite parts. Their day included swimming, wall climbing, taekwondo, pizza lunch, and a dance party. So it was really exciting for them, never a dull moment.
It has been over a month since their camp experience, and they still ask to this day when is the next time they will be going back to Variety Village Camp. So we will definitely be looking at other opportunities, including the summer camp options.
Of course, this feedback from my kids made me feel really good about the decision to give the PA Day camp a shot. The boys came out of there feeling confident and happy. I have a lot of respect and trust for the staff at Variety Village. They kept my kids safe, entertained, and happy.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
We are members at Variety Village, so seeing the camp options pop up in the summer was intriguing - I had put my oldest son in a one-week camp as a test. He absolutely loved it. So when I needed childcare for a PA Day in November, Variety Village was top of my list. I registered in advance, and it really worked out for us. A big plus for me regarding their camps is the early drop-off and late pick-up option, at no additional charge. As well, we are in the neighborhood, so the location is very convenient for us.
(5) Program quality and activities
The boys love going to the pool at Variety Village, and their PA Day camp includes swimming opportunities. So I knew they would enjoy that, but my expectations were exceeded when they told me about everything they did in the day. I was quite impressed. One of them had a blast at the dance party. My twins loved the swimming and wall climbing, and my other son said that his favorite part of the day (aside from Pizza lunch) was the Taekwondo class they did. I was so shocked that he was interested in a martial art and had so much fun with it. It was a great opportunity for the four of them to try new things and feel good about it.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
My boys stuck together as brothers, but also seemed to have a lot of fun with the other kids in the camp. The best news for me was to hear that they did not fight with each other while at camp, nor did they fight with anyone else. That tells me they were very busy and in a good mood, and that it was a very positive and safe environment for them.
(5) Skills and growth
The PA Day camp gave my sons a confidence boost and a sense of independence; being able to enjoy the day with other kids, trying new activities, without mom and dad.
Each of them had their challenges with the different activities, but felt safe enough to verbally express their discomfort, and their needs were definitely respected. An example is with wall climbing; one of my boys does a weekly climbing class, so he was very confident in this activity at camp. My oldest son is afraid of heights, so this was definitely out of his comfort zone, but he still participated and climbed only to a height he was comfortable with. My twins had never climbed before, but were very excited and challenged in this activity. With the varying skills and comfort levels, the camp leaders were able to foster an inclusive environment for all the kids in each activity.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The staff at Variety Village is so kind and helpful. They really make my boys feel part of the community. They really make the kids feel special; one of my boys absolutely lights up whenever one of the staff greets him by name.
The communication before camp was detailed, and the staff made time for me at the drop off to answer any questions I had for them about the day. At the end of the day, I got a very detailed report about each of my four boys, they seemed to really enjoy having them, as much as my boys enjoyed being there.
(5) Advice and tips
My advice to someone considering the camp is to check out the facility with your children - get a tour, and ask questions. It's a great place to be with your family, and the camp experience has been amazing for us. I think a big part of that success is that we attend Variety Village often and take part in a lot of programs there, so the camp was a really fun extension of that for my boys.
Our kids absolutely LOVE Variety Village. From the very first day, the camps have been incredibly well structured and offer a wide variety of activities that keep them busy, engaged, and happy. Before...
My son is on his second session of the “Social Explorers” program. He absolutely loves attending and asks about it throughout the week. The staff are warm and welcoming, and he seems very comforta...
