This summer, families in Sun Peaks will have a new option to keep their kids engaged, creative and active. ArtZone Sun Peaks is launching its first full-scale summer camp program, running weekly from June 30 to Aug. 29 in response to a growing need for child-friendly summer activities in the community.
“There is a gap in care and activities for school-aged children in Sun Peaks over the summer, and it’s something that we felt we could help fill,” said the president of ArtZone, Marj Knive.
The camp will feature rotating local artists and partnerships with organizations like Sun Peaks Fire Rescue, Bear Aware, Sun Peaks Academy of Dance, Sun Peaks Yoga and others. Each week will offer a mix of art, movement, environmental awareness and fun.
One of the camp’s themes, Dance, Design and Play will feature daily sessions by Karen Mallinson of Sun Peaks Academy of Dance, exploring rhythm, coordination and confidence. In the afternoons, artist Kristen Passmore will lead hands-on projects including air-dry clay pots, painted feathers, nature wall hangings and more. Kids will also enjoy team games and free art time daily.
The excitement around the program has already been building, especially with over 150 kids attending the local school. Organizers aim to make the camp accessible to as many families as possible.
To help make the camps more inclusive, ArtZone has launched a scholarship program supported by local businesses. This initiative aims to cover the cost of one week of camp for one child each week of the summer. Submit an application form by providing a short paragraph explaining your situation and how this scholarship would support your child, contact and family details, the child’s name and age and your preferred camp week. More information can be found on the website.
“Our heads are spinning trying to put it all together, but we’re so excited to bring these experiences to life for the community.”
The Hub
The summer program is part of a larger initiative: the debut of a new Art Hub located at the base of the Orient Chair. The Hub, ArtZone’s first dedicated space, will serve as a community venue for gallery exhibitions, live music, workshops and drop-in sessions for adults and children alike.
The Hub will officially open on June 20 with a community celebration featuring a local art gallery, live music and interactive art experiences. The space will also host a variety of community events throughout the season, including acoustic jams, weekend artisan booths and casual art socials where locals can work on personal projects in a group setting.
Workshops are also being planned, with a two-day wet felting session already on the calendar. From Wednesdays to Sundays, The Hub will be active with rotating events, making it a cultural cornerstone of the summer season.
The season will culminate in the third annual Create Festival, running from Sept. 5 to 7. The festival will feature hands-on art workshops, village-wide live music, and the return of the Traveling Fiber Art Show with a brand-new exhibit from the Western Canadian Fiber Arts Collective.
Correction notice: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified the president of ArtZone Sun Peaks. We have corrected this.
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