For the keen, young athlete, the summer months don't have to mean a big break from sport.
The Richmond Olympic Oval sees to that with a variety of camp programs that offer youngsters the opportunity to try out a whole host of different physical challenges, plus the chance to get the building blocks of their coaching careers.
Kristina Macdonald, the oval's sport camp programmer, said the Get Outdoors (six-to nine-year-olds, and nine-to 12year-olds) and Outdoor Athletes (13-to 15-year-olds) camps are the perfect venues to try new things.
"There is a chance to go hiking on the North Shore, paddle boarding, and a chance to climb on our wall at the Oval and then an outdoor climb," she said.
"They can test their athleticism in some new, outdoor, adventurous activities and have some fun."
All of the day camps run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While most of the activities in the camps are geared to the outdoors, campers will also get a chance to experience the oval's facilities such as the climbing wall that stretches as high as 45 feet, plus the rowing tank that provides a realistic training environment.
Unlike using a rowing machine, the tank incorporates the need to have the correct rowing technique of positioning the oars' rowing blades in the water to achieve the greatest efficiency.
For those young athletes who want to go a step further than just participating, the oval offers a Sport Leadership program.
In its second year, it offers a unique opportunity for those 15 and up to undertake coaching workshops and then put what they have learned to practical use volunteering at the oval's camps.
"It's an awesome way for youth to get experience," Macdonald said. "It basically builds the same experience we're looking for those people applying to work here as an oval leader."
The program is also approved as one recognizing external credentials, meaning completion provides two high school credits.
For more information about the oval's summer camp activities, visit richmondoval.ca and click on the Progress Programs + Camps tab.
