Summer camps keep hundreds of Surrey students engaged and active
Students during one of this year's science camps. (Image: Surrey Schools)
Summer break may be underway, but more than 1,000 students are staying active and engaged through various Surrey Schools summer camps and programs through July.
Whether it’s the more than 600 students at L.A. Matheson Secondary for Safe Schools’ Camp Next or the hundreds of other students taking part in everything from music camps and soccer clinics to science workshops, kids and youth have had the chance to have fun this summer while learning valuable social and critical thinking skills.
The camps are organized by the district’s Safe Schools and Community Schools Partnership (CSP) departments, which provide learning and engagement opportunities to students who may not otherwise have those same opportunities outside of the school system.
“While we do host some of the programs on our own, many of our programs are only made possible thanks to our generous community partners,” said James Speidel, assistant manager for Community Schools Partnership.
Community partners include the BC Lions, the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Sarah McLachlin School of Music, Canada Scores and Game Ready, to name a few.
In addition to the camps, which typically run for all of July, CSP also arranges field trips to Playland and Cultus Lake Water Park for students and families.
“They might not have the chance to do this on their own for a variety of reasons, so we want to help reduce those barriers and give them a chance to enjoy some of the experiences that are so popular in Metro Vancouver,” said Speidel.
Over at Safe Schools, the Camp Next program takes place each summer at L.A. Matheson Secondary, providing elementary students with opportunities to learn from student mentors, while giving secondary students a chance to develop their leadership skills. The department’s WRAP program also keeps youth engaged and active through activities like camping, public art projects and more.
"For some of our youth, it's their first-ever camping trip and it offers them a unique opportunity to learn and grow," said Safe Schools outreach worker Michael Sosnowsky. "As they set up tents, work together to cook, swim, hike, and share meaningful dialogue around the campfire, they create positive memories that can serve as a source of strength and inspiration, both now and in the future."
Students and families taking part in the CSP and Safe Schools programs are referred to summer programs by their schools.
To learn more about Community Schools Partnership, click here. To learn more about Safe Schools, click here.
For more information on partnering or donating to Surrey Schools, click here.
