School will let out for Spring Break on March 13, but that doesn't have to be the start of two weeks of boredom. There are plenty of activities and day camps available in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area to keep everyone happy until school re-start March 30.
The Ravensong Aquatic Centre is hosting its Spring Breakout swims Monday-Friday from 1:30-4 p.m. and there is the Tropical and Tasty Sno-cone Wednesday, March 18 from 6-8 p.m.
If you'd like to keep cool, Oceanside Place Arena has multiple skating opportunities for the public. Everyone Welcome skates are hosted on several weekday afternoons (see the arena's timetable) and on March 26 from 1-3 p.m., everyone is invited to dress up as their favourite Frozen character for an afternoon of skating, crafts and games. If you don't mind a smaller ice surface, the arena's pond is open from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on weekends and 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekdays.
The RDN also has a number of organized day camps available for students of all different interests.
For those interested in heading outdoors, there is this GO-Wild outdoor camp for kids aged 6-12 years at Moorecroft Regional Park in Nanoose from March 16-20. Campers will have the opportunity for seashore exploration, forest adventures, interactive crafts and nature-based games. Similarly, there is Camp Kowabunga. Based out of Qualicum Commons (the old Qualicum Beach Elementary School), this camp includes games, crafts and outdoor adventures for 6-10 year olds.
Junior golfers aged 7-12 years might be interested in the week-long camps at Morningstar Golf Club March 16-20 and 23-27.
The spring break express camp offers 11-14 year olds a variety of daily activities from March 16-20. Participants can sign up for one or more options, includes an amazing race and swim, disc golf and movie, mini golf and parkour, bowling and wave pool, and Monkido aerial at Wild Play.
Headed inside, there is the Tiny Tot and Kindergym at Qualicum Commons for younger children aged 3-5 years March 23-27. Children aged 5-11 years can also get into some gymnastics at the Qualicum Commons March 23-27.
For teens aged 15-18 years, Spring Break can also be a good time to start preparing for a summer job by getting some certifications. The RDN has facilitated several courses over the two week holiday, including a youth employment workshop, WorldHost customer service training, workplace safety, WHMIS and Red Cross emergency first aid with AED/CPR (available to ages 14+).
To learn more, check availability or to sign up for any RDN programs, visit rdn.bc.ca/recreation.
VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station is also getting in on the Spring Break fun with their marine biology camps on March 16-20. Children ages 6-10 are invited explore marine science with behind the scenes activities such as feeding marine animals in the touch tanks, as well as scavenger hunts and games. Call 250-740-6611 for more information.
Finally, there is a kids nature camp at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park March 23-27 where 6-11 can join park naturalists for a week of fun in nature. Contact 250-478-9414 or goldstream@naturehouse.ca for more information.