eNews 
RSS
Media Releases 2005
SUMMER CAMPS TO PROVIDE MORE ACCESS FOR CHILDREN IN ARTS, SPORT AND RECREATION
Vancouver, B.C. (March 1, 2005): Explorations, a contribution program announced today by 2010 LegaciesNow, will provide grants to schools and school districts to deliver summer camps around the province in the areas of arts, sport and recreation.
"Explorations will enhance opportunities for youth in B.C. to play and learn this summer through physical activity and creative endeavours," said Marion Lay, President and CEO, 2010 LegaciesNow. "2010 LegaciesNow is about creating sustainable sport and recreation, arts, literacy, volunteer and community legacies for all British Columbians. Creating life-long opportunities to be active and to express creativity is a fantastic legacy."
The Explorations program is designed to provide quality summer experiences for students in kindergarten through grade seven. "ExplorArts" focuses on dance, drama, music, and/or the visual arts while "Sport & Rec Explorations" emphasizes sport fitness and foundation movement instruction.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the arts and physical activity," said Education Minister Tom Christensen. "Through programs like Explorations, our government is helping to make music, arts, sports and recreation more accessible for all students."
The summer camps will pair camp coordinators with arts specialists or sport and recreation instructors in communities to complement and extend delivery of existing school curriculum and community initiatives. Additional leadership training and mentoring will be offered to camp assistants who may be secondary school students participating in a volunteer or work experience program.
"The BC Recreation and Parks Association is dedicated to building and sustaining healthy communities in B.C. and supports the goals of the Explorations program," said Sharon Meredith, Program Manager for the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). "BCRPA is confident that this program will enhance the delivery of quality, meaningful learning experiences for B.C. students in arts, sport & recreation."
"Summer camps for the arts are wonderful," said Geoff Burns, an English and Drama teacher at LV Rogers Secondary School (Kootenay Lake School District) and President of the Board of ArtStarts in Schools. "I've been working with our local theatre for the past nine summers putting on a camp and directing musicals. It's not just a great summer activity for the kids, but it’s instrumental in building and sustaining the drama program at my school."
To be eligible for the maximum grant of $5000 from the Explorations program, each camp must be a minimum of two weeks in length and run for the full day. Camps of one week and/or half day camps are also eligible for grants. Applications can be downloaded from the 2010 LegaciesNow website at www.2010LegaciesNow.com.
2010 LegaciesNow is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport & recreation, arts, literacy, and volunteerism. 2010 LegaciesNow actively assists communities discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, during and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.
-30-
Media Contacts:
Daniel Fontaine
Director, Communications
604-659-1379
Ian Buckley
Communications and Event Coordinator
604-659-1394
