XploreSportz camps promote active living
Close to 40 youngsters, ages 7 to 17, took advantage of B.C.’s first Family Day and SD 58’s Pro-D Day to participate in one of two XploreSportZ camps held locally.
The first camp, on Feb. 11, was a joint initiative of PacificSport Interior BC and Scw’exmx Community Health Service Society. It was held at the Cold-water Band School.
The camp kicked off with the youth learning the sport of bounceball — a very basic game that emphasizes teamwork and multiple thinking skills.
After a healthy snack, the children went on a wilderness hike where they learned about safe travel in the outdoors, and the various wildlfe and flora they could expect to encounter.
The morning activities wrapped up with an open bonfire and delicious roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.
In the afternoon, the campers made their way to the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre for a water polo session and a free swim.
The Feb. 15 group began their day with skating at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena and a bounceball session at the Civic Centre.
Following lunch, the participants were introduced to the sport of Taekwon-Do. Waterpolo and a free swim once again wrapped up a busy day of sporting activities.
PacificSport BC local co-ordinator Josée Warren was pleased with how the two XploreSportZ camps ran, stating that participation was up from previous camps that have been held.
PacificSport BC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting active, healthy living in communities.
Earlier XploreSportZ camps have included a variety of sports and recreational activities such as lacrosse, gymnastics, speed skating, handball, gung fu, diving and kayaking.
PacificSport BC provides all the equipment, and arranges for appropriate venues and trained camp leaders and instructors.
More XploreSportZ camps in Merritt are planned in the future.
“We’ve got a week-long camp planned for Spring Break that will include underwater hockey, volleyball and track and field.
“I’m also working on providing gymnastics, soccer and possibly rocks and rings — a modified type of curling,” Warren said. “Basically, we try to offer two different sports each day along with a swimming activity.”
Warren is also hoping to run week-long XploreSportZ camps in the months of July and August. Sports on the drawing board include rugby, Ultimate or disk golf and a bike rodeo.
Looking still further ahead, Warren is interested in the idea of after-school XploreSportZ camps aimed at those youngsters who don’t generally have the chance to be part of sports teams.
“It’s an opportunity for them to be active, and to learn skills,” she said.
Warren also has a number of ready-to-go programs and resources — like Atomic Volleyball and Run, Jump, Throw — that she would like to make available to community and school user groups.
For more information on XploreSportZ camps contact Warren at 250-315-1050, or jwarren@pacificsport.com.
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