Summer Playgrounds

Wondering how to make your children's summer vacation positive and rewarding? The City of Kitchener offers a dynamic, affordable opportunity for children to grow through the summer months -- the Kitchener Summer Playground Program.

Staff and neighbourhood based volunteer committees work together to deliver a community focused program. The goal is to provide an exciting daytime environment for three to 12 year olds throughout the city.

Each summer approximately 5,000 children attend the summer playground program where they enjoy creative crafts, sports and games while making friends, having fun and enhancing their interpersonal skills. Many children return to this program year after year while new participants join in large numbers each season as well.

With over 60 playground programs operating from neighbourhood parks, schools and community centres, there is bound to be a location near you.

For information on Summer Playground employment or leadership training, see:

• Hiring Now - Summer Employment with Kitchener Children and Youth Programs
• Hiring Now booklet
• BYLD registration package (building youth leadership development).

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Playground Sites
The Playground Sites offer programs for pre-schoolers (ages three to five) and juniors (ages six to nine).

These sites include activities like arts and crafts, games, swimming, special theme days, music and song and off-site visits to areas of interest.

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Adventure Sites
The Adventure Sites offer something for the older nine to 12 year old age group. The participants are encouraged to take ownership of the program and initiate the activities that they like best. Possibilities include nature, drama, sports, culture, the arts, theme days, swimming and off-site visits.

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Quick Facts

	All of the leaders are fully trained, screened through a police check and certified in Standard First Aid. If you are a student interested in working as a playground leader, download the Hiring Now Booklet and Application Form.
	Dates of operation: six week program starting immediately after Canada Day.
	Sites have different components - check Leisure Magazine for information specific to your site.
	If your child has a disability or special need and requires accommodation to participate, one-to-one assistance may be available through Inclusion Services and the Every Kid Counts program.
	Every child attending Summer Playgrounds must be toilet-trained prior to registration. No diapers or pull-ups are allowed.

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Registration
Registration is held throughout the City of Kitchener on various dates. Please see Leisure Magazine for times and locations. Fees, types of programs and session length are coordinated by neighbourhood volunteer committees.

In 2010, District 1 Summer Playground programs is testing online registration beginning February 22 at 9 am. Please see above for details.

You will need the following information when registering your child:

	Child's date of birth and proof of age.
	Phone number of parents or guardians (home and business)
	Phone number of an alternate contact (home and business)
	Family doctor's name and telephone number
	Any medical or allergy information.

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Playground Programs in Your District

District 1 Auditorium Area Mill-Courtland Area/ Highland-Stirling Area District 2 Breithaupt Park Area Bridgeport Area Highland West Area Victoria Hills Area District 3 Chicopee Area Fairview Area Heritage Park Area Stanley Park Area

District 4 Doon-Pioneer Park Area District 5 Country Hills Area Laurential Hills Area District 6 Forest Heights Area Forest Heights West Area Forest Hill Area Chandler Mowat Area

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Contact Information

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