Sample Vaughan’s spring programming
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Kids can demo cooking, dance and sport programs for free – virtually
Are you thinking of registering your kids for one of the City’s virtual spring recreation programs, but aren’t sure which one to try? On Sunday, March 21 and Monday, March 22, the City of Vaughan will be offering free virtual recreation program demos for children, live through Zoom. Sample eight different programs together with your child to see which one piques their interest!
All sessions will include four back-to-back interactive demos led by recreation instructors and run for approximately 15 minutes per program. Activities will include baking, science, crafting, dance, STEM, life skills, fitness and sports. The full schedule is below.
Sunday, March 21 at 10 a.m.
- make homemade cake pops
- grow a rainbow in a glass
- craft a 3D caterpillar
- practice ballet and hip hop
Monday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m.
- build a balloon-powered LEGO car
- count coins and buy chocolate
- warm up with jumping jacks, squats and mountain climber circuits
- grow your basketball game with ball handling drills
Demos are for children three to 12 years old; however, all ages are welcome to participate. Pre-registration is required at vaughan.perfectmind.com to be able to interact with the instructors and ask questions. By registering for the day, you will have access to all four demos; separate registration is required for each session. Once you are signed up, an information package, Zoom link and a materials and supply list will be emailed to you. A parent or guardian may be required for assistance. All demos will also be livestreamed on @recvaughan Instagram live and Recreation Vaughan Facebook live.
The full list of upcoming virtual programs for spring is available in the City’s Recreation eGuide. Programming starts Monday, April 5 and sessions run once a week for up to 10 weeks, for 45 minutes to one hour. Program details and direct links to online registration are available at vaughan.ca/recreation.
The City is also offering aquatic leadership programs, modified in-person April break activities and in-person special needs programming.
Aquatic leadership programs: virtual and in-pool
Registration is open to residents interested in receiving training and certification to become a lifeguard or swim instructor through the City’s modified aquatic leadership programs. Programs feature online learning via Zoom, beginning in April, followed by an in-pool component in June.
A participant information package, supply list (if applicable) and Zoom link to the program will be emailed in advance. Times listed are for the online learning component, which occurs prior to the in-pool practical learning. The duration of in-pool times is longer; details will be provided by the instructor during the first class. For guidelines and more information on online learning, visit vaughan.ca/swim.
In-person April Break camps
The City is offering a modified in-person April Break Adventures Camp at select community centres to keep kids active, entertained and safe throughout the school break. In-person programming will feature daily activities geared towards children aged six to 12 years, including outdoor play (weather permitting), games, arts and crafts, and special-themed days. A Spring FUNtastic Camp, featuring indoor and outdoor activities, is available for individuals with different abilities and special needs.
With no more than eight campers, each group will be assigned its own space for defined activity periods and a designated camp counsellor who will remain with the same group of children all week. For more information on modified in-person programming or COVID-19 safety guidelines, visit vaughan.ca/camps.
In-person special needs programming
This spring, the City will also be providing in-person recreation special needs programming. As a result of the pandemic, some people living with disabilities and their families have experienced the effects of social isolation and lack of access to support services. Providing in-person recreation opportunities in a controlled group setting will help support individuals with special needs to lead inclusive, fulfilling lives. Several in-person special needs programs – delivered by the City’s integration staff under heightened precautionary procedures – are scheduled to run at Dufferin Clark Community Centre, North Thornhill Community Centre and Vellore Village Community Centre starting Saturday, April 17. The programs focus on life skills and social interaction with fun daily activities, including baking, scrapbooking, dancing, bocce, cards, games and sports.
For the health and safety of all participants, registrations must be screened according to COVID-19 public health safety guidelines. Participants will be waitlisted in the program upon registration. Integration staff will then contact the parent or guardian to assess the needs of their child and identify their eligibility for the program. They will then be asked to complete a COVID-19 Intake Assessment form and the enrollment process.
The in-person programming complements a robust schedule of virtual special needs programs, including an educational series, as well as fitness, music, dance and gymnastics programs. For more information, email specialneeds@vaughan.ca.
Registration is now open and ongoing until the start of programs. Recreation Services has temporarily transitioned to online registration only to eliminate paper touchpoints. Registration is available at vaughan.perfectmind.com.
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
To receive Vaughan’s latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
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