It feels like just yesterday that the Okanagan was covered in snow, the air was chilly, and 2024 was just beginning. Now, many of us are already making our busy summer plans! If you’ve got a creative young one at home, the RCA has just the thing to help their talents flourish. At RCA's Arts Blast Summer Camps, your child aged 5-10 will have the chance to explore the power of imagination in a fun, engaging setting. Featuring exciting themes and expert artist-instructors, our camps build confidence and self-esteem through art, music, dance, drama, and more.
Each week, our campers will explore a different activity theme. From Under the Sea Week (July 8-12) to Mad Science Week (August 6-9), there will be something for every child with every interest. Got a big superhero fan at home? Our Superhero Week (July 15-19) will have them flying high on stage. Are they more of an animal lover? No problem, Animal Planet Week (August 19-23) will ignite their wild side as they create their own animals in visual arts. Check out each week's theme and register today. Register for one week or try a few!
The RCA’s Educational Programs Coordinator, Kaylyn Hardstaff, knows just how important this summer enrichment is for youth.
“Expressing yourself through the arts at such a young age is critical,” says Kaylyn. “Our goal is to create a welcoming environment for each camper where they feel safe to be themselves. Our instructors are passionate about what they do, and they can’t wait to share that with the kids.”
“It’s amazing to see familiar faces at our Arts Blast camps – many campers return year after year. Seeing these children get creative and have fun is the highlight of our summer at the RCA.”
At the end of each week, the groups host a final performance for families and guests. Each camper takes the Mary Irwin Theatre stage in a performance put together themselves!
“The final performance is where we see each child shine. You can tell they’re proud to have been the ones who created each aspect of the show. We think it is important to let them take charge during this part of camp to help instill a sense of independence and creative freedom.”
Arts Blast Summer Camps offer the opportunity for children to engage with the arts where they can focus on creativity, build confidence, and make new friends in a fun and supportive setting. Camps run from July 2 to August 30 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with both 4 and 5-day camps available. We can’t wait to have an unforgettable imaginative summer with your little ones!
.png)
.png)
About our instructors
Brock is back for his eighth Arts Blast season! He's excited to see the returning familiar faces from previous Springs and Summers and new faces as well. Brock will be running visual arts and drama with the participants this summer!
Angela is an Artist/Educator who designed the “Rhythmic Art” program based on her educational training and performance experience! She tours across Western Canada offering artists in residency programs for schools and community centers as well as tours with her band Barefoot Caravan performing for schools and festivals! She traveled and worked in Central and South America. She is the Recipient of the Prime Minister Award of Excellence. Her first recording in 2010 is entitled; “Unity Child” her band released their EP 2015 self-titled “Echoes”. She has been an instructor with the RCA since 2022.
Kaylyn is a new member of the Kelowna arts community. Kaylyn is a visual artist who’s work feature’s themes of self-analysis/portraiture, interactions between light and shadow and phenomenology. Her primary mediums are drawing, painting, textiles and sculpture; she also works in printmaking and installation. She is also the Educational Programming Coordinator at the Rotary Centre for the Arts and hopes to make new connections as she settles into living in BC.
Tristan was born and raised in Kelowna, BC, and graduated from Kelowna Secondary School. He has been actively involved in the performing arts community in the Okanagan for over a decade, having performed many times with the Night Owl Theatre, Kelowna Actors Studio, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and more. Tristan is a recipient of the International Merit Award at the University of Hawai’i where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Certificate in Law Studies.
To story tell through movement is her passion, meet Aimee. A multidimensional entertainer, flow facilitator & fun instigator. She lives for engaging the community in the endless fun that is hoops and flow arts. Rooted in the Okanagan, she shares her gifts of movement art through stage entertainment, interactive characters and special events in BC and beyond. Find her teaching local & online classes to wonder seekers of all ages.
More instructors coming soon!
Testimonials
“My daughter recently attended 2 camps at the RCA, and I would like to share what a positive, skill building set of camps she experienced. The teachers, programming, and energy that this group of staff shared with so positive and enriching, and I highly recommend them for parents looking for a safe, positive, culturally rich camp activity for your kids!” - Danielle N.
"Thanks for running such a great camp! Both my kids come home happy and tired at the end of the day. Perfection!" - Lindsay D.
“[My granddaughter] had an absolute blast. Those young people you have working with the kids are very impressive. Top marks from me to you and your team!” – Alix M.
.png)