COVID-19 sees Newmarket replace summer camps with activities for kids

Games, obstacle courses and scavenger hunts all part of the fun

Yorkregion.com
July 15, 2020

On the heels of the town’s 40 Days of Summer Camper Kit, Newmarket has announced it is offering pop-up recreation programming this summer.

While COVID-19 put an end to traditional day camps this year, the new at-home and in-person outdoor initiatives offer kids different programs running from July 25 to Aug. 28.

Outdoor programs are designed to ensure safe physical distancing measures can be practiced at all times.

The first program is called Kids on the Move for children aged six- to 12-years-old.

The pop-up park program features two hours of games, sports, arts and crafts and outdoor activities.

Pre-registration is required and participants are encouraged to register once per week. Programming will remain the same on a weekly basis to ensure as many children as possible are accommodated.

The program will run Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 16 to Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Monday sessions will take place at Paul Semple Park at 145 Savage Rd.

Wednesdays will take place at Ken Sturgeon Park at 1035 Lockwood Cir.

Thursdays will take place at George Richardson Park on Bayview Parkway.

The cost is $5 per child per session.

Register at play.newmarket.ca

As spots are limited, this program is only open to Newmarket residents at this time. Should this program be open to non-residents at a later date, the town will notify the public.

Parents will be required to stay onsite to support their children’s hands-on needs such as washroom breaks, first aid requirements, behavioural concerns etc.

It will be limited to nine participants and an instructor to follow COVID-19 guidelines.

Two groups will run per day, accommodating 18 participants.

As this program takes place outdoors, masks/face coverings are not required. However, participants are welcome to wear them as they feel comfortable.

Participants are also encouraged to bring necessities such as hand sanitizer, water bottle labelled with the child’s name, sunscreen, hat and appropriate footwear.

Screening protocols for staff and participants will be conducted every day.

The second program is called Wheeling through Summer for kids aged six- to 12-years-old.

The free drop-in cycling obstacle course is geared towards beginner and intermediate cyclists. This course will provide skill development and challenge riders to a variety of obstacles that will help improve balance, control, heads-up reaction riding and safety while having fun. The cycling course will take approximately five to 10 minutes to complete. Helmets are mandatory.

The program will run Tuesdays and Fridays from July 17 to Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The July dates will run in the south parking lot of the Magna Centre at 800 Mulock Dr.

The August dates will run in the northwest parking lot of the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex at 100 Eagle St. W.

No registration is required. Sign-in is required upon arrival to allow for contact tracing.

As this program takes place outdoors, masks/face coverings are not required. However, participants are welcome to wear them as they feel comfortable.

Participants are also encouraged to bring necessities such as hand sanitizer, water bottle labelled with the child’s name, sunscreen, hat and appropriate footwear.

The third program is a weekly Seek and Search Family Scavenger Hunt.

Taking place in each of the town’s seven wards, the scavenger hunt is a great way for families to come together to explore their neighbourhood. Families are encouraged to share their experiences on social media by using the #MyNewmarketSummer and tagging @TownofNewmarket.

The hunts will take place Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from July 15 to Aug. 26.

July 15 -- Magna Centre (800 Mulock Dr.) -- south parking lot (Ward 1)

July 22 -- College Manor Park (College Manor Drive) (Ward 2)

July 29 -- George Richardson Park (at Leslie Valley Drive) (Ward 3)

August 5 -- Marilyn Powell Park (435 London Road) (Ward 4)

August 12 -- Fairy Lake Park (Water Street) (Ward 5)

August 19 -- Paul Semple Park (Savage Road) (Ward 6)

August 26 -- Environmental Park (Woodspring Avenue) (Ward 7)

Suitable for families with kids of all ages

As this program takes place outdoors, masks/face coverings are not required. However, participants are welcome to wear them as they feel comfortable.

Participants are also encouraged to bring necessities such as hand sanitizer, water bottle labelled with the child’s name, sunscreen, hat and appropriate footwear.

Don’t feel like going out and mingling?

The town is also offering DIY Thursday Family Adventure Days

Each Thursday from July 16 to Aug. 27, the town will be updating its website at newmarket.ca/summerpopups with new adventures and activities that you can do at home.

Each weekly activity will be a new experience and families are encouraged to share their experiences on social media by using #MyNewmarketSummer and tagging @TownofNewmarket.

For more information, visit newmarket.ca/summerpopups.