If you’re a West Island Mom, you have likely already heard about the Dollard Fine Arts Day Camp ( also known as DDO Fine Arts) at the Civic Centre in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
My kids started going there years ago, and although not all have attended every year, as they have embraced upon other summer experiences as well, we’ve always been happy with their experience at DDO Fine Arts.
Usually by this time of year, there are hardly any spots ( if any at all) left at the camp. This year, there are still spots available. Given that, and the fact that so many of us have yet to make arrangements for summer, I thought I’d share with you a few reasons that DDO Fine Arts is a great choice.
(1) The staff and environment are fun & friendly – essential for a great camp experience
(2) The kids are exposed to a wide variety of arts– painting, sculpting, photography, music, drama and some art forms you’ve never heard of before.
(3) The swimming lessons are great and everyday but Fridays. I’m a believer that summer is a great time to brush up on swimming skills and although the lessons are indoors, they are taken quite seriously at DDO Fine Arts, and I always appreciated it!
(4) The camp is very AFFORDABLE. Compare if you dare…The value is absolutely there.
(5) The camp is super-accommodating to WORKING PARENTS. Both early drop off (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) & late pickup (3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m) are options and the charge is minimal. This feature has saved both my husband and I from frantically running out of meetings that were running a bit late in order to pick up the kids.
(6) Location, location, location! If you are in DDO, it is NOT a far drive and there is plenty of parking when you go to pick up your child(ren)
(7) The camp offers growth opportunities for campers, in that campers can become CITs at the age of 12. I know 1st hand that the camp takes the program very seriously and that the kids are taught to behave professionally from the onset of their relationship with the camp, if they are to become CITs. My eldest daughter has been a CIT at the camp twice already and cannot wait to return. My sons are excited to try it out ( I think they are excited to be treated as ‘seniors’ )
Worthy of mention is YES, they get outdoor time. This was my primary concern when I first enrolled my children years ago. I felt that they may not be getting enough outdoor time. On that, you should know that every lunch period is spent outdoors (weather permitting) and they try to have at least 1 sport period per day which also takes place outdoors. So they have time both indoors and out. Also, let’s not forget that on the very hot days of summer, we are sometimes grateful that they have at least part of the day indoors.
Should you wish to find out more about the camp, your best bet is to call them at 514-684-1012 ext 213.
If you have specific questions that you’d like to ask me, you can leave it in the comments section below 
Happy planning!
Tanya
