Summer holidays are just around the corner and a number of organizations have now published their day camp schedules. The information is included in my list on the dates the camps begin (most in early July) but if you want to include your children in these programs, you'll need to register soon. Most camp programs fill up quickly.
Here is some contact information for you:
- Camp Pringle - www.camppringle.com
- Royal BC Museum (Yes, they do have a summer camp program!) - royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
- Kerry Park Recreation - www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentView.aspx?DID=9747
- Retrix Outdoor Pursuits - vimorg.com/rectrix/
- Ladysmith Parks Recreation and Culture - http://www.ladysmith.ca/parks-recreation-culture/
- Cowichan Valley Regional District Parks, Recreation, and Culture - http://www.cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?nid=91
There's lots of other fun activity going on too, including Father's Day celebrations valley-wide. Get out there and have some fun!
- Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser for MS Support Group. Drop off your pennies at the MS Society office, Duncan
- Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser in support of four food banks, Wavaw, & The Salvation Army, News Leader Pictorial office, 2-5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan
- Ongoing – Frances Kelsey student art show, Whiskey Point Grill, Mill Bay
- April 29 - June 27, Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Learn to Row, Maple Bay Rowing Club. Info, 250-748-2052
- May 28 - June 21, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Transformations in Contemporary First Nations Art, PORTALS - The CVAC Community Centre of Arts, Culture, and Heritage, located next to the library in the Island Savings Centre. Info, cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/portals.php
- June 1 - June 30 - Lux Mundi Art Exhibition, oil landscapes by Soleil Mannion, Inspire! Shawnigan. Info, www.soleilmannion.ca
- June 1 - October 1 - Stage 1 sprinkling regulations are in place for all CVRD water systems. For more informaton on regulations contact the CVRD at 250-746-2513 or visit cvrd.bc.ca
- June 3 - 29, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Landscape paintings by Sharon Campbell and pottery by Vivian Campbell at Imagine That! Co-op, 25a Craig St., Duncan
- June 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Writers and illustrators iPad workshop for ages 8 to 14, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- June 11 - October 11 - The Chemainus River Bridge located on Chemainus River near Pinson's Corner (between Swallowfield Rd. and Ashcroft Road) will be closed to all traffic including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
- June 14 - August 6, various times - Singin' in the Rain, Chemainus Theatre. Info, www.chemainustheatre.ca
- June 14, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents The National Theatre Live, "The Audience" with Helen Mirren. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 14, 8:00 p.m. - David West, boogie woogie piano, Duncan Garage Showroom, 201-330 Duncan St.
- June 15 & 16 - Be a Home Town Tourist Weekend, Ladysmith. Info, www.take5.ca/hometowntourist
- June 15, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Beauty and the Feast flower and garden show, organized by Mill Bay Garden Club, 3550 Watson Ave., Cobble Hill. Info, 877-825-7414
- June 15, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays until Thanksgiving) - Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market, Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay
- June 15, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Jeepers Keepers Vintage Show, 2035 Herd Rd., Duncan. Info, 250-743-3263
- June 15, 12:00 noon – Literacy North Cowichan fundraising golf tournament, dinner, and silent auction, Cowichan Golf and Country Club. Tickets at LNC office, 213B Cowichan Merchants’ Building, corner of Station and Craig; or from any director; or at the Cowichan Golf Club.
- June 15, 12:00 noon - 4:30 p.m. - Tour of Ladysmith Area Accommodations. Info, www.ladysmith-bc-accommodations.com
- June 15, 12:30 p.m and 6:30 p.m. - Adage Studio presents "The Little Mermaid," Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 15, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Open house and garden party in celebration of Abbeyfield Week with musical enteratinment by the Cowichan Valley Youth Harp Ensemble, Abbeyfield Pennella Home, 5905 Indian Road (off Maple Bay Rd).
- June 15, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Louis Lawless, film director afternoon with VI Film Co-op, 2687 James St., Duncan. Info, 250-743-6780
- June 15, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays) - Open Mic, Duncan's Courts Sports Lounge
- June 15, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Forest to Table Dinner, Deerholme Farm, 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan. Info, www.deerholme.com
- June 15, 9:00 p.m. - David Gogo, Crofton Hotel Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton
- June 16, 10:00 a.m. - Mixed group training ride with Cycle Therapy, 295 Trunk Rd., Duncan. Info, 250-597-0097
- June 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Cowichan Father's Day Event, Duncan City Square. Info, 250-597-2801
- June 16 (and every Sunday through Oct. 6) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Farmers’ Market, 4485 Trans Canada Highway at Koksilah Rd.
- June 16, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Father's Day Tractor Show, Forest Discovery Centre. www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
- June 16, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Father's Day at Cherry Point Wines, 840 Cherry Point Rd, Cobble Hill. Special menu. Info, 250-743-1272
- June 16, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Music Teachers present "Struttin' Our Stuff," St. Michael's Church, Mill St., Chemainus. Info, 250-246-9883
- June 16, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Jazz singer Maureen Washington, Crofton Hotel Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton
- June 16, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Father's Day Pig Roast, Rocky Creek Winery, 1854 Myhrest Rd. Info, 250-748-5622
- June 16, 8:00 - 10:30 p.m. - Emily Spiller and Hannah Morten, Duncan Garage Showroom
- June 17, 5:15 p.m. - Mixed group road ride with Cycle Therapy, 295 Trunk Rd. Info, 250-597-0097
- June 17, 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. - Jazz showcase and Jam, Duncan Garage Showroom
- June 18 - Eat Local Challenge. Info, www.transitioncowichan.org
- June 18 - June 30 (Tuesday to Saturday, noon - 4:00 p.m) - Best of the Cowichan Valley Art Show, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery, 610 Oyster Bay Dr. Info, ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com
- June 18, 12:00 noon (weekly on Tuesdays) - Toastmasters Noon Hour Club, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Hwy.
- June 18 & 19, 1:15 - 7:15 p.m. - Blood Donor Clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre.
- June 18, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. (and every Tuesday until fall) - Ladysmith Make it, Bake It, Grow It Farmers Market, 1st Ave., Ladysmith
- June 18, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Speakeasy Cocktail Party, Merridale Ciderworks, 1230 Merridale Rd., Cobble Hill. Info, 250-743-4293
- June 18, 7:00 p.m. - 29th Annual Twighlight Shuffle 5K, Chemainus. Info, www.raceonline.ca/events/details/?id=394
- June 18, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Tuesdays) - Dads Make a Difference, 213 - 80 Station St., Duncan. Info, 250-597-2801
- June 18, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Cowichan Green Community AGM and local foods potluck dinner. Info, 250-715-1007
- June 19, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. (continuing weekly on Wednesdays) - Choir with Cari Burdett, all welcome, M'akola Centre, Ts'i'ts'uwatul'Lelum Assisted Living, 5755 Allenby Rd., Duncan. Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
- June 19, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (and every Wednesday) - Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Square, Chemainus. Info, 250-246-3944
- June 19, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Toastmasters Club 950, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan. Info, 250-743-1785
- June 19, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Men’s Circle, The Hub, Cowichan Station. Info, 250-597-2801
- June 20 - 23, various times - Urinetown, The Musical! Mercury Theatre, 331 Brae Rd., Duncan. Info, noisymime.net
- June 20, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month) - Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery and Handwork Group, 3696 Gardner Rd., Saltair
- June 20 (and every Thursday) - Free nature meditations with Dr. John Scull. Info, 250-746-6141
- June 20, 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. - Blood Donor Clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre.
- June 20, 2:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Chronic Pain Self Management Program, MS Society of Canada, 204-394 Duncan St., Duncan. Info, 1-866-902-3767 (toll free)
- June 20, 2:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Multicultural Leadership Group, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
- June 20, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Family Choir - 100 Voices for One World, Cari Burdett, 3228A Gibbins Rd., Duncan. Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
- June 20, 5:15 p.m. - Intermediate Mixed Group Road Ride with Cycle Therapy, 295 Trunk Rd., Duncan. Info, 250-597-0097
- June 20, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. - International Thursday Buffet: "A Taste of France," Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat. Info, 1-888-749-4252
- June 20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Triple P Preteen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan. Info, www.triplepvip.ca
- June 20, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Meditation, VIU Cowichan Campus. Info, 250-710-7594
- June 21 - 23, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Mad Hatters Studio Tour and Sale, Feat of Clay Studio, 8063 South Nimmo Rd., Westholme. Info, featofclaystudio.com
- June 21, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - "Monster University" Dive In Cinema and Swim, Frank Jameson Community Centre. Info, 250-245-6424
- June 22, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Wild Foods Walk #3; Wild Tea Walk, Wildwood in Cedar. Pre-registration required. Info, 250-748-8506
- June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and every Saturday until Thanksgiving) - Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market, Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay.
- June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master gardeners' clinic, Dinter Nursery. Info, 250-748-2023
- June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Women in Small Business Gala, Mt. Brenton Hall, 3850 South Oyster School Rd., Ladysmith (Saltair). Info, 250-715-7611
- June 22, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Growing Citrus in South-Coastal British Columbia, 1565 Baldy Mtn Rd., Shawnigan Lake. Info, 250-743-3067.
- June 22, 7:00 p.m. - midnight - Farm Dance Under the Stars, Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd., Duncan. Info, 250-746-4204
- June 22, 8:00 p.m. - Steve Barrie with Mary Egan, Duncan Garage Showroom.
- June 22, 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Movies in the Park, "How to Train Your Dragon," Crofton Old School Museum Field, corner of Queen St. and Joan Ave.). Admission by donation.
- June 23, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Big Bike Ride for Heart and Stroke. Info, 250-382-4035
- June 23, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Water Buffalo Farm Tour, Fairburn Farmstay and Guesthouse, 3310 Jackson Rd., Duncan. Info, 250-746-4637
- June 23, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Free Family Day at Camp Pringle, 2520 West Shawnigan Lake Rd. Info, 250-743-2189
- June 24, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Why I Love Canada 2. Artists of all genres take part in an exciting opportunity to produce 5 commissioned works for display and viewing.
- June 24, 7:00 p.m. - "The Quartet," a Reel Alternatives Film, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 26, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Chocolate Printmaking, Old Firehouse Wine Bar. Info, 250-746-9337
- June 27, 7:00 p.m. - Prostate Cancer Support Group, Board Room, Canadian Cancer Society Office, 100-394 Duncan St., Duncan.
- June 28 - August 5, all day - Duncan Summer Festival, Downtown Duncan. Info, cowichanfestival.com
- June 28, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (and every Friday) - Art Beat, a weekly art walk and street party, Willow St., Chemainus. Info, www.cvcas.com
- June 29, 8:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. - Benefit night for Eeva Hakala with Rev. Up and the Dead Beat Deacons, Crofton Hotel Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton.
- June 30, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Shawnigan Lake Show'n'Shine, Shawnigan Lake School. Info, 250-516-8533
- July 1 - Canada Day Celebrations, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424 or watch for details in the summer activity guide.
- July 1 - August 23 - Summer camp programs at Camp Pringle. Info, www.camppringle.com
- July 1, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Canada Day Family Picnic, Elsie Miles Field (Shawnigan Lake Community Center). Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=522
- July 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, various times - Canada Day Old-Time Penny Carnival, Royal BC Museum, Victoria. Info, royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
- July 1 - August 31 - Kids Outdoor Pursuit Camps organized by Rectrix Outdoor Pursuits. Info, vimorg.com/rectrix/
- July 2 - July 12, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Broadway Bound Children's Workshop, Ladysmith Little Theatre, 4895 Christie Rd., Ladysmith. Info, 250-924-0658
- July 2 - August 30 - Rascals Summer Camps by Kerry Park Recreation at Elsie Miles School. Info, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentView.aspx?DID=9747
- July 2 - August 30 - Summer Adventure Camps by Kerry Park Recreation, at Sylvan United Church. Info, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentView.aspx?DID=9747
- July 2 - August 30 - Kerry Park Recreation free parks programs for children aged 3 - 5 and 6 - 12 years. Info, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentView.aspx?DID=9747
- July 2 - August 30 - Seniors Summer Camps by Kerry Park Recreation for grades campers who have completed grades 3,4,5, and 6 this year. Info, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentView.aspx?DID=9747
- July 2, 4:00 p.m. Property tax payment deadline.
- July 4, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Wild Food Walk #4; Coastal Food Walk, Hecate Park, 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay. Pre-registration required. Info, 250-748-8506
- July 5 to 7, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Vision artists' studio tour. Info, www.visionartstudiotour.ca
- July 6 to July 7 - Grape Escape Bike Tour to End MS. Info, 250-748-7010
- July 7, 10:00 a.m. - Gut Buster Trail Run Series, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. Info, www.gutbustertrailrun.com
- July 8 - August 23 - Preschool Age Summer Camps by Kerry Park Recreation, at Elsie Miles School. Info, www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentView.aspx?DID=9747
- July 9, 7:30 p.m. - Pet Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- July 11, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - KidZone on the Road Literacy Initiative, Sherman Road Soccer Fields (by the soccer building). Info, www.newlifechurch.ca/kidzoneonroad
- July 12 - 14 - Couples Retreat, Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat. Info, 250-888-4319
- July 13 - August 18, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Bamberton's The Good Old Daze hosted by Mill Bay/Malahat Historical Society and the South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. Info, www.bambertonhistoricalsociety.org
- July 14, 8:00 a.m. - Cowichan Challenge Triathalon. Info, http://www.ceevacs.com/ceevacs-races/cowichan-challenge/
- July 14, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Brits on the Beach car show, Transfer Beach Park, Ladysmith. Info, oecc.ca/cib/brits_on_the_beach.htm
- July 17, 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. - 6th Annual Cowichan Valley Hospice Society Golf Tournament, Cowichan Golf and Country Club. Info, 250-701-4242
- June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master Gardeners Clinic, Dinter Nursery. Info, 250-748-2023
- June 23 - Ride Don't Hide, In Support of Women's Mental Health, 25 km ride from Glenora trailhead to Kinsoll Trestle and back. Info, cowichanvalley.cmha.bc.ca/get-involved/events/mental-health-week-2011
- July 15, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Wild Foods Walk #5; Wild Foods, Rocky Creek Winery, 1857 Myhrest Rd., Cowichan Bay. Pre-registration required.
- July 19, all day - Islands Folk Festival, Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan. Info, www.islandsfolkfestival.ca
- July 21, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Unsworth Vineyards Wine Release Party, 2915 Cameron-Taggart Rd., Cobble Hill. Info, 250-929-2292
- July 22, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - RBCM Base Camp, a week long camp for children aged 8 to 10, Royal BC Museum, 675 Bellville St., Victoria. Info, royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
- July 25, 7:00 p.m. - Prostate Cancer Support Group, Boardroom, Canadian Cancer Society Office, 100-394 Duncan St. Info, 250-743-6960
- July 26 - 28 - Ukee Days, 160 Seaplane Base Rd., Uclulet. Info, ukeedays.wordpress.com
- July 27, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Lavenderfest, Dimali Lavendar Farm, 3500 Telegraph Rd. Info, 250-743-4100
- July 28, 2:00 p.m. - Ian McDougall 12tet, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club
- August 2, 3, and 4 - Ladysmith Days. Info, www.ladysmithdays.com
- August 7, 7:00 p.m. - H'Sao Quintet from Chad, Africa, St. Peter's Church, Duncan
- August 11, 10:00 a.m. - 2013 BC Kidney Walks, Cowichan Valley Sportsplex. Info, cowichanvalleykidneywalk.ca
- August 11, 2:00 p.m. - Marie-Josee Lord, opera diva, St. Peter's Church, Duncan
- August 16 – RCMP Musical Ride, Avalon Equestrian Center. Info and tickets, 250-746-7529
- August 17 & 18 - Ladysmith Show and Shine, downtown Ladysmith. Info, members.shaw.ca/ladysmithsns/
- August 25 – Art on the Avenue artists’ show and sale, downtown Ladysmith
- August 25, 2:00 p.m. - Miles Black Little Big Band and singer Maureen Washington, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club
