Kidding Around Vancouver Island

We got to spend a lot of time in the Cowichan Valley this past week as our eldest took part in a week-long day camp at Eagle Arts Academy. Now in it’s fifth summer, and located on the Maxwell School campus overlooking Shawnigan Lake, the Academy brings teachers from around the world to work with students aged 5 – 17. Video, dance, drama, music, pottery, painting … it’s all here.

Students over 8 actually live on campus and come from around the world. Our favourite part was seeing kids practicing tap, or bassoon, or their lines, while having lunch or hanging out between classes – the kids really take their arts seriously, while having a lot of fun. The message is “be creative” and our daughter got it loud and clear – she’s booked for next year – but there’s still time to sign up for programs this August.

Our daughter’s 5 – 8 group, called the Leaping Leonardo’s, put on a complete play at the end of their week, in addition to the pottery, paintings, etc. that they created in that time. As well, they did a field trip and went swimming at the Lake.

Now here’s a plan for those of you who aren’t within easy driving distance of Shawnigan lake and you want your youngster in the day camp: get a camping spot or a B&B or a hotel for a week, then the kids have their Arts Academy and you have your days to lounge, take in all the local artisans, or our favourite, head to Merridale Cider and their excellent restaurant.