Our Summer Camps are So Much Fun!

Summer Camps at Discovery Child Care Centres are all about FUN and LEARNING! We combine outdoor activities, field trips, with exciting themes for learning and play. Here's a slide show of a traditional camp activity - making SMORES!

Our weekly programs include: 

Computers

Creative arts & crafts

Dramatic play

Music & Movement

Cognitive & science activities

Cooperative games & sports

Organic gardening program

Field trips and/or visitors (may be an extra charge as needed)

1-3/4 acres at Harvie Road, 1-1/2 acres at Big Bay Point including; soccer, baseball, tether ball, gardening, art easel, sand box, dramatic play, and at Harvie Road - a wonderful sports court that includes opportunities for tennis, basketball, ball hockey, 4-square, and much, much more! 

Contact us today to enrol your child in a Summer Camp at either Harvie Road or Big Bay Point, Barrie.

Week #1 CREEPY CRAWLIES

June 30-July 4

Examining, exploring and learning about all of the tiny, slimy and sometimes beautiful little critters we find underground, in the sky and in our gardens. Let's discover what these things that 'bug' us mean to our planet and why they are important. We are in the planning stages of having a few quests visit us each week: A beekeeper and a Monarch Butterfly specialist. Stay tuned for dates/times.

Week #2 ENERGIZE THIS!

July 7-11

Taking a look at various means of eco-friendly/alternative energies such as: wind, solar & geo-thermal. We will be investigating how they work and finding ways to put them to use ourselves. Children will be involved in hands on activities and we are in the planning stages to take a trip to see geo-thermal in action!

Week #3 FROM FARM TO TABLE

July 14-18

Discovering how the products we consume make their way from farms & fields to our homes and dinner tables. We will be investigating the various procedures and hard work that is required for this to happen. We will take a trip to an organic farm in our community.

Week #4 FOREST ADVENTURES

July 21-25: We will be learning about the types of forests around us and how they, and the animals who inhabit them are in danger and most importantly, what we can do to help.  We are planning trips to a forest, arboretum and/or tree seed farm. Gwen Petreman, Author, Environmentalist and board member of Living Green Barrie, will kick off the week as a guest speaker on Monday.

Week #5

CLOSED July 28-Aug 1

Week #6

OCEAN KEEPERS with the David Suzuki Foundation

Aug 4-8

We will be hosting an OCEAN CELEBRATION using a kit provided by the David Suzuki Foundation. We will introduce the children to the magic and wonder of the ocean. Through many games, experiments, arts/crafts, stories, and even foods, we will explore how oceans contribute to all our lives and inspire the children to protect it.

Week #7 ROCK ON!

Aug 11-15:

Identifying all kinds of rocks, gems and minerals. We will learn where they came from and how they get to where we find them in our daily lives from household items to jewellery.

Week #8 SURVIVOR WEEK

Aug 18-22:

Children will learn about Canadian forests and how to survive in the Canadian wilderness. We will talk about how to make a fire, create shelter, the dangers and wonders of the forest and how to survive in different weather. Can you survive? We are in the planning stages for a trip to Tiffin Conservation area. (Note to parents: this will be taught in a fun, play-based, non-threatening manner!)

Week #9 NATURE ART WEEK

Aug 25-29

Children will use a variety of mediums to plan, construct and display artwork created from nature. Children will be using paints, dyes, tools, paper and other natural materials that they have found (or created) in nature. 

Discovery Child Care offers interesting and educational before and after school programs. Call us for a tour. We'd love to meet with you and your child! 705-733-2052

Overcoming First Day of School Jitters

Although I don't want to wish away the last few weeks of August, the start of elementary school is just around the corner for many young families. It should be a positive exciting time for everyone! Here are some tips to start off on the right foot.

1) Talk the Talk: Pick a time when your child is calm and well rested to sit down and have a conversation about the first day of school. Listen for any fears and talk about your own school experiences, or the first day memories from their siblings. Make sure you talk about the fun activities as well as explain some of the expectations around behaviour.

2) Visit the School: Take a field trip during August and visit the school playground. Have a look at the doors and look inside the windows. Point out things in the neighbourhood on the way.

3) Make it Easy: Plan the logistics for drop off and pick up so you don't have any unnecessary tense moments. Make sure your child is well aware of the plans and comfortable with the arrangements.

4) Assure Your Child: Give your child a strong sense of security by assuring them of the days schedule and how things works, such as lunches and play time. Children thrive on reassurances especially when starting something new.

5) Make it Special: If it makes starting school easier then splashing out on a new back-pack or pair of shoes can go along way. Having a special toy to return to after the big day could also be a pleasant event.

6) Security & Comfort: Think about including a special toy, picture, or book in your child's backpack to make them feel connected to home and secure. It might just make the difference between an okay experience and a great one.

7) Plan B: If your child is uncontrollably upset or stressed about the first day of school make sure you have a plan. Could you possibly stay with them for a short time in the classroom? Could you have a favourite toy at hand or a small gift for the teacher that your child can present to establish a connection? Is there a child in the classroom that you know and could be buddied up with yours?

Discovery Child Care offers interesting and educational before and after school programs. Call us for a tour. We'd love to meet with you and your child! 705-733-2052