Contributed by: Gabriela Torres, Communications Intern 

We know spring has just sprung but it’s always good to get a head start on summer camp registration. Since summer is right around the corner, we are offering summer camps – two social skills camps for youth and a summer blast camp for children.

Our social skills camps teach important social behaviours, help build friendships and enhance workplace readiness, while our summer blast camp is a great place to have some fun in the sun and meet new people. Registration is now open so make sure you secure a spot!

Connect with PEERS® Social Skills Camp
Hosted by Laurel Behaviour Support Services, Connect with PEERS® is an evidence-based social skills camp for youth who are interested in learning new ways to make friends and prepare for future employment.

A behaviour consultant from Laurel will teach youth important new ways to socialize with others and enhance their professional behaviour when the time comes to enter the working world.

One exciting camp activity includes role playing. This allows campers to put their skills to the test by applying what they have learned to real-life scenarios. For example, in the past, participants learned how to apply newly acquired social skills by practicing how to interact over the phone, how to be a good sport when playing games, and how to work well with others in a team.

Parent Testimonial
We spoke with Lily, mom to PEERS® camp graduate, Mark, who began struggling socially in his 11th year of high school.

“He suffered mood issues as he did not have the social skills necessary to try to talk to kids he didn’t know. He ended up withdrawing and isolating himself from his peers. Throughout his life, whenever Mark needed to learn something, we were able to break it down into steps for him to follow to achieve the skill he wanted. This was the first time we really couldn’t break things down for him to follow. That caused great frustration for both he and his parents.”

Lily says for Mark, “this camp did what we couldn’t, which was breaking each daily curriculum item down into easy to follow steps. The role plays in each session also gave the kids a bit of practice even though it was scripted most of the time. We now have something to work on that is tangible and teachable.”

* Names changed for confidentiality 

Camp Details

Age Range: 14-18

Maximum Number of Participants: 8

Sessions: Session 1: July 9-20 | Session 2: August 13-24

Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Classes: 10 x 1.5 hour classes, Monday – Friday

Cost: $550.00 per session/per camper

Location: Vancouver Employment Service #307 – 3680 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A9

For more information, see our poster and register online: www.laurelbc.ca

Head Start Employment Camp
Hosted by posAbilities Employment Service, Head Start is an innovative, fun, and engaging opportunity for youth interested in learning about employment after high school. The summer camp is run by Vocational Counselors who teach participants how to prepare for future jobs using fun camp activities including:

• The Teamwork and Be Friendly Exercise: This exercise allowed campers to partake in group work where they drew and designed a house. It led to campers learning new ways of designating duties, handling and taking ownership over one’s own responsibilities, and working together in a team -all of which are skills needed in the workplace!
• The Make Your Own Towel Animal Exercise: This fun activity enabled campers to put their creative minds to the test by folding towels into animals. This taught campers the importance of actively listening and not being afraid to ask questions for clarification when confused about specific tasks.

At Head Start, the saying “the early bird gets the worm” rings true. Every morning, campers learn important skills they may require in future jobs and get to participate in fun activities like the ones listed above!

Camp Details

Age Range: 14-18

Maximum Number of Participants: 8

Sessions: Session 1: (Week 1) July 9 -13, (Week 2) July 16 – 20 | Session 2: (Week 1) August 13 -17, (Week 2) August 20 – 24

Time: 9:15 am – 1:15 pm

Classes: 5 x 4 hour classes,  Monday – Friday

Cost: $220 per week/per camper. *Camper can enroll in one or both weeks

Location: Vancouver Employment Service #307 – 3680 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 2A9

For more information, see our poster and register online: www.pesworks.ca

Join the Summer Crew!

In addition to our social skills camps, we are also offering our summer blast camp for children. This is the perfect opportunity to make the most out of your summer, especially if you’re looking for plenty of sun and excitement! So join us for a fun-filled week where we will be visiting the magnificent Telus World of Science, BC Sports Hall of Fame, the Vancouver Aquarium and much more.

This summer camp will run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm with a 4:1 staffing ratio. The pick-up and drop off location is in North Burnaby. Children and siblings of all diversities and capabilities are welcome.

Dates:

• Camp 1: July 16-20
• Camp 2: August 13-17
• Details: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Ages:

• 8-11 years old, inclusive to all children, with or without special needs.
• Note: Please inquire about camp options for ages that are not within this scope

Cost:

• $400 per camp, including all activities and transit.

For more information, see our poster and register online: http://www.laurelbc.ca/summer-crew/.

REGISTER FOR OUR SUMMER CAMPS TO GUARANTEE A SPOT!

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