Whether it’s skill-building or just for fun, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this summer here in Victoria.
Summer camps for the kids, fitness classes at your closest rec centre, disc golf, lessons for young cyclists and much more are all happening all throughout the city.
All you have to do is plan ahead a bit, sign up and/or remember what’s going on!
So, mark up your calendars and don’t let the following opportunities pass you by this summer!
Free disc golf and mini golf at Royal Athletic Park
This summer, free disc golf and mini golf will be coming back to Royal Athletic Park!
There is a nine-hole disc golf course that gets set up on the field which is designed to be family friendly.
In addition to this there will be a six-hole mini golf course set up.
Victoria says this event is a free one, as the discs, putters and balls are available at no charge.
They also noted that the bar and concession will be open.
However, this free disc golf and mini golf will only be taking place Tuesdays and Thursdays; May 21st, 23rd, 30th, June 4th and the last one will be June 6th. On these dates the free activity will only be offered between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Kids Bike Smart courses
A new program is being introduced this year to “instill lifelong safety habits in young cyclists,” according to the City.
Kids Bike Smart is a program designed for cyclists aged seven to 9-years-old.
The City says this engaging three-hour course will focus on teaching essential bike handling and safety skills through games and activities.
This is done in an effort to ensure kids develop confidence and readiness for riding with traffic as they grow.
The course costs $50 and is held at Topaz Park on Saturday, May 11th and 12th from 12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
More information on Kids Bike Smart is available here.
Gentle Fit courses
This program is one that is low impact and designed to help improve strength, balance and mobility.
Anyone is welcome to sign up for these courses which involve gentle cardio exercises for accessible warm-ups, light weights, bands and bodyweight exercises.
The course fee is $90 and that will get you access to a weekly class every Friday from May 17th to June 21st between the hours of 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.
More information on signups can be found here.
Bronze Cross lifeguarding course
For proficient swimmers looking to achieve their goals of becoming a lifeguard, this course is for you.
The City says it will help to develop proficiency at assessing lifeguarding situations, dealing with aquatic injuries and preventing loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencie
In addition to these key skills, the course will also develop aspiring lifeguards’ endurance and fitness training skills.
This course costs $150 with an optional $40 add on for a AQ- Canadian Lifesaving Manual.
That sign up fee goes toward the four week course which meets every Saturday between May 26th and June 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information on the Bronze Cross course can be found here.
Standard first aid and CPR course
This is a comprehensive two-day course which will cover CPR, first aid and emergency procedures, including automated external defibrillator (AED) certification.
Participants in this course will gain hands-on experience in managing various medical emergencies and scenarios.
This two day first aid and CPR course costs $150 and takes place over the weekend of June 22nd and 23rd from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Find out how and where to sign up here.
Nature-inspired sketching in Beacon Hill Park
The City says this workshop offers participants experience in nature-inspired sketching with a professional, local artist, Amy Frank.
Participants will have the choice of their sketching location within a set area of the park land will receive personalized one-on-one guidance during the creative process.
The course costs $75 total and takes place on Sundays between June 2nd and 23rd, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
More information on the nature-inspired sketching course can be found here.
Learning on the Land with PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱
Through the City, participants can visit the SṈIDȻEȽ Resiliency Project, which is an Indigenous-led land and village restoration project in Tod Inlet, in Gowlland-Tod Provincial Park.
Those who attend will take part in healing work on the land and sharing in various teachings from the team at the PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation.
This program is only $15 and will take place on Thursday, June 13th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn more here.
Summer recreation registration
On June 10th registration will open up through the City of Victoria’s recreation site for all summer programming going into the fall.
These programs will be able to be viewed beginning on May 27th.
According to the City, spots in all of the classes involved fill quickly, so it is recommended that interested individuals sign on at 7 a.m. on June 10th after planning exactly what they’d like to partake in.
Come May 27th, all recreation registration will be able to be found here.
Summer camp spaces registration is active
If you want your kids to partake in some fun camps the time to register is now!
“From outdoor explorations to creative workshops, our camps offer a diverse range of activities designed to ignite imaginations, foster friendships and create lasting memories for your children,” said the City of Victoria in a media release.
“Immerse your little ones in a world of excitement as they embark on adventures led by experienced instructors who prioritize safety and fun.”
There are camps for claymation, skateboarding, Dungeons & Dragons, building robots, tennis, swimming, app building, survivalism and so much more for kids between the ages of three to 15-years-old.
Find the camp schedule here and register!
Do you think you’ll sign up for any of these courses? Which one is catching your eye? Let us know in the comments!
