FUN 2025 “F
Falcon Gymnastics: FUN, FITNESS and FUNDAMENTALS
alcon Gymnastics offer weekly-Full or Half Day fun filled gymnastics camp with professionally trained staff. Jump on the trampoline, swing on the bars, rings, balance on the beam, tumble on the air truck and jump in the foam pit - we have it all! Our camps allow children off all levels to work and focus on the skills on all gymnastics apparatus and improve not only their physical development but
SMUS campus turns over for summer camps
As the school year approaches its end, SMUS Camps is gearing up for the start of another fun-filled summer with new day and overnight camp offerings.
Our Basketball Camps prioritize fun and skill-building throughout the summer, and offer individualized attention thanks to a high coach-to-player ratio. These camps have been met with tremendous enthusiasm by the community, with spaces already filling up.
We have a new Rugby Camp offered in both day and overnight options, from August 11-16, 2024.
Led by Scott Manning, Head Coach of the University of Victoria men’s varsity rugby team, this camp aims to help young athletes become better all-around players. Tailored for teenage boys aged 13-16 with prior rugby experience, this camp combines on-field training with off-field personal growth opportunities.
The Learn to Row camp is aimed at teaching the fundamentals of the sport. Additionally, our Intermediate camp caters to individuals seeking to advance their rowing skills.
In addition to sports, our STEM camps cater to 13–16-year-olds, providing both day and overnight options. This summer, our offerings include Engineering, Video Game Development, and our newest addition, Ethical Hackers, designed to challenge future cyber experts.
For younger campers, we’re thrilled to host camps at the Oak Bay-based Junior School campus, which will provide a
SKAMpede 2025 is rolling in July 11-13, and you’re invited to come along for the ride — literally! This one-ofa-kind, family-friendly outdoor performance festival transforms Victoria’s Galloping Goose Trail into a moving stage, where audiences walk, bike or roll between a series of short, sitespecific shows. From theatre and dance to clowning, music, and the delightfully unclassifiable, each performance is just 10 minutes long — so even the littlest audience members stay hooked. Produced by Theatre SKAM, one of Victoria’s most playful and inventive companies, SKAMpede features ten original works by local favourites and artists from across the country. You’ll see pieces curated by a professional jury that platforms bold, thoughtful, and innovative storytelling. Featured companies include Bragi Theatre, Iuvenis Productions, and more! How does it work?
also help boost their self-esteem and mental health.
You can register your child online from our website at www. falcongymnastics.com “
Here is an article for the Fall gymnastics classes:
“Falcon Gymnastics offers Beginner Recreational classes for the school age kids ( 5.5 --12y)
where the children are introduced to Can Gym program which is Gymnastics Canada National Skill Development and Evaluation program and it is design to tech the FUN, FITNESS and FUNDAMENTALS of gymnastics skills to children. This 19 week program, taught by Nationally Certified coaches, uses all the gymnastics equipment including foam pit, trampoline and tumble track. At the end of each session
new space for our camps to access. Among the diverse offerings held there are the Creative Minds and Movers Camp (ages 3-5), Discovery Camp (ages 6-7), and Adventure Camp (ages 8-11).
For a comprehensive list and schedule for our 2025 summer camp programs, please refer to our Summer Camp Calendar by visiting smus.ca/camps to register and learn more.
the participant receives a ribbon and a report card.
We also offer a Pre-School programs: Parent & Tot for ages 2 - 3 and Gymbugs program for ages 4-5. These programs run for 12 weeks, once a week for 45 minutes for Parent & Tot and for one hour for Gymbugs classes. The children are learning basic gymnastics skills with the focus on body control and
coordination. Through the use of obstacle courses and pre-school gymnastics equipment the child’s motor skills will improve. It’s fun and healthy play with purpose. Each participant will receive a ribbon at the end of each session.”
For more information on these programs , please visit our website at www. Falcongymnastics.com or call Falcon Gymnastics at 250-479-6424.
Adventure & Friendship are Calling at Camp
“Summer is such a magical time of year here,” says Scott Bayley, Qwanoes Executive Director.
“You have no idea how excited we are for summer! Staff are arriving from around the world, across Canada and throughout BC. Another amazing team is coming together and everyone can’t wait to meet our campers!”
Thousands of campers have already signed up for a week at Camp Qwanoes – and there’s still some space for a few more.
“Many have been counting down the start of their camp for months. We love how excited our campers are to come – and they can know we are just as excited!”
In the words of a camper: “You know, Qwanoes is amazing. Not
just because of the activities or the beach or the soccer or the fun times. But because it gives us all the chance to meet amazing people and bond with amazing staff members. I have a group of close friends who I all met at this camp… it has been one of the highlights of my childhood. Qwanoes has changed my life forever."
“At camp kids come out of the
city and live in the midst of God’s beautiful creation. They experience incredible adventure and fun, make new friendships and enjoy the wonder and discovery that is part of camp. Each one is accepted for who they are by people who really care,” says Bayley.
“Our goal is to make summer 2025 the best summer ever!”
Maple Mountain on a quiet bay in Crofton about one hour north of Victoria.
Bayley says, “What really makes a week at Qwanoes so special is that we love kids. Qwanoes is a safe place where kids are not only accepted but valued. Kids can just be kids here and enjoy an escape from our fast-paced, confusing, plugged-in world. Campers can gain not just new-found
Whether they’re exploring a giant floating Aqua-Park, racing a friend down a spectacular ocean zip line called the Jet Stream to the beach, or skateboarding on a world-class concrete skate park, there is something for everyone.
Since 1966 kids have been experiencing these kind of adventures and a whole lot more at Qwanoes, nestled beside
More Than Sandcastles… Experience Parksville Beach Festival!
Get ready for a summer of sun, sand, and entertainment at Parksville Beach Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Parksville Beach. Kicking off with the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition, the festival’s signature event runs July 10–13, with the incredible sand sculpture exhibition open until August 17. This year’s sculpting theme is “Circus by the Sea,” promising spectacular creations that blend the magic of the circus with the beauty of the ocean.
This world-class event brings together 30 international master sculptors for an intense 30-hour competition. Sculptors begin “pounding up” their creations on July 10, with the competition opening to the public at 2:00 pm on July 11. Solo sculptors work with 10 yards of sand, while doubles tackle 15 yards to create breathtaking masterpieces.
The sculptures are available for viewing July 14 to August 17 from 9:30am-8:30pm daily.
The exhibition welcomes visitors with a suggested $5 donation. Since 1999, Parksville Beach Festival Society has donated over $1.2 million from gate proceeds to local non-profits and community projects.
Affectionately known as “Beachfest”, this 5 ½ week-long family-oriented festival, not only includes the Quality Foods
Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition; the public can also learn to sculpt like a professional; enjoy weekend concerts and daily buskers; a weekend Artisan Market and two evenings where the sculptures are illuminated for late night viewing.
With the addition of the Parksville Outdoor Theatre, Beachfest now features three ticketed concerts for music lovers.
Opening weekend kicks off with the legendary band Chilliwack, followed by Beachfest ROCKS!, a three-day festival showcasing world-class tribute bands. The festival wraps up on August 17 with a special closing concert featuring the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. In addition to the ticketed events, Beachfest also offers eight free concerts over the five weeks of the festival, providing even more opportunities for the community to enjoy live music by the beach.
12 Years of Giving Back
By Tom Woods, Chairperson Esquimalt Ribfest Society
Who would have thought that sipping on a cold locally brewed beer in the sunshine, listening to awesome live music while feasting on World Class Ribs would be a hit in old Blue Collar Esquimalt? Well, our Ribfest Committee thought it might be a good idea and we have been overwhelmed by the positive response we have received over the last 12 years from our great sponsors and the many wonderful guests who have attended Ribfest. Esquimalt Ribfest is a community event driven by a dedicated team of 300 volunteers, led by a committee of 17. Since inception, we have raised over $1,400,000.00 for a wide variety of local charities. Many of these groups have a focus on children and those on the lower end or the socio-economic scale. We promote a very family-friendly atmosphere with a Kids Zone, six BBQ teams, many vendors, local breweries and 21 incredible musical acts over the course of the weekend. Guests are welcomed at the gate by members of the Esquimalt Firefighters’ Charitable Foundation and the event is heavily attended with as many as 40,000 people passing through the gates each year. Admission is free, but we encourage a donation to charity on your way out if you enjoyed your time.
At Ribfest you will see an army of local kids from sports teams in their jerseys working hard cleaning tables and emptying trash bins. These teams all get a donation for the team activities as a result of their efforts – even the awesome Esquimalt Atom Smashers robotics team plays a key role. This participation has become an integral part of Ribfest and these young people learn the importance of positive volunteer work in our community - one of the many benefits to the system we have almost inadvertently set up.
Our focus is on family, fun, safety and giving back. We are proud of the fact that our dance floor is filled with everyone from 5 years to 85 years of age and seeing grandkids dancing with their grandparents on Saturday night is a regular occurrence at our event and something we cherish. The atmosphere is truly one of fun, family and community –something we focus on and are extremely proud of as we enter our 13th year and we look forward to seeing you at Esquimalt Ribfest in Bullen Park September 5, 6, and 7.
Event details, visit www.parksvillebeachfest.ca
Celebrate our Community Togetherness
Summer fun is just around the corner in Saanich!
Celebrating our community and the spirit of togetherness, the District’s events schedule comes alive during July and August. It offers both residents and visitors plenty of chances to enjoy our beautiful parks and public spaces together!
The excitement starts on July 1st, as Saanich celebrates our nation’s birthday at the Gorge Canada Day Picnic, hosted by the Gorge Tillicum Community Association. Among the many fantastic attractions of the day, don’t miss the chance to explore Gorge on Art. Here, local artists proudly showcase and sell their beautiful creations against the stunning backdrop of the Gorge Waterway.
A summer tradition for many local families, the Saanich Strawberry Festival hits Beaver Beach on Sunday, July 6th. Originally a tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage, the Strawberry Festival has evolved into a spectacular event for everyone. Activities include live music on the main stage, a children’s stage, bouncy castles, and numerous local vendors. Naturally, the afternoon wouldn’t be complete without the classic offering of strawberries and ice cream from 2 to 4 p.m. for just $2!
On Sunday, August 10th, the much-loved Cadboro Bay Festival returns to Cadboro-Gyro Park. Come join your neighbours for a family-friendly celebration filled with hands-on activities, giant
lawn games, live music, arts and crafts stations, and fun for everyone!
While you're soaking up the fun at weekend events, why not swing by Saanich parks on Tuesday evenings in July and August for some live music?
Music in the Park is Saanich’s free outdoor concert series, showcasing popular, familyfriendly local acts spanning various musical decades and genres. It's a perfect way to unwind and enjoy great sounds in different parks and neighbourhoods!
This summer, make plans to celebrate your community by participating in one of these or other special events. For more details, visit saanich.ca/events.
The camp is designed to help students of all ages and skill levels gain instrumental/ vocal experience. Musicians of all stripes can apply – woodwinds, brass, strings, keyboards, vocalists, guitarists, bassists, and drummers.
The workshop will allow students to make music together in small and large ensembles and improve their knowledge and skills, including improvising, ear training, musical literacy, song writing, and jamming with others.
Campers are divided by interests and abilities to create a stimulating program for all instruments. The interplay of combining musicians of all ages gives all a chance to learn from different experiences and perspectives. A full range of classes and activities will keep you humming - meet other musicians, make music, and generally have fun. A special evening concert series includes a nightly jam session with the pros.
Piano Boot Camp – this year we are pleased add a special afternoon-only piano track for adults with Linda Gould. For Singers the Vocal Track has been expanded with classes
with Jennifer Scott, Emily Braden, and other talented mentors.
The total full camp cost is $649 for the week including all classes, sessions, and evening tickets
Bursaries and scholarships are also available for deserving students. For busy folks, a half day program plus a “Day Camper” option provides flexibility.
Attendance is limited and we are almost fully subscribed! Visit www.ujam.ca for more information and registration.
Calling all musicians - plan to join U-JAM for their 7th annual summer workshop - a whole week of inspired music-making and fun!
U-JAM is a registered not-forprofit society founded in 2006 to support and encourage musicians and music lovers who enjoy jazz and its many derivatives, including rock, blues, Latin, swing, and many other improvised musical styles.
Join the Jam at U-JAM’s “Summer Jazz Workshop” August 11 - 15th at UVic!
