THE SPECIALTY PROGRAM
FOR CAMPERS 6.5 TO 12.5 (finished Grade 1-6)Our popular Adventure Challenge, Cheerleading, Circus Arts, Court Sports, Culinary Arts, Creatures & Creativity, Dance, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Land Sports, Martial Arts, Magic, Multi Media, Performing Arts, Rock Star (formerly Pop Star), Rocks, Ropes & Ripsticksm Science & Rocketry, Scrapbooking, Swimming and Tennis Specialties will be back – and even better – for Summer 2012! The enthusiasm, feedback and support we received from campers, parents and staff about these programs and the professional and expert organizations/instructors/coaches who run them provide a fantastic foundation for Summer 2012! In responding to suggestions from campers, parents and staff, we are also thrilled to introduce new and exciting specialties in Extreme Biking, Fashion Arts, Science & Creatures, and Sports Media! THE SPECIALTY PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Exciting Free Camp Tamarack weekend overnight camp experience ADVENTURE CHALLENGEGETTING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL!
An incredibly popular program at Zodiac, this specialty presents a variety of exciting activities and features our popular Rocks & Ropes program, including the rock-climbing wall, high ropes facility, and bouldering elements under the supervision of Higher Learning. Campers will develop an even wider range of skills as they work together to accomplish team tasks, cooperative sports, and friendly competitive adventure races in this dynamic mix of Adventure Challenge activities. (available in Sessions 2 and 3). OUR FACILITIES:Adventure Challenge campers will enjoy the TFS indoor and outdoor facilities. Campers will participate on Zodiac’s rock-climbing wall located in the TFS main gym along with Higher Learning’s portable high ropes challenge course and bouldering elements, as well as enjoying TFS’ extensive outdoor and natural facilities. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Each Adventure Challenge specialty camper should bring his/her own well-fitted helmet, running shoes and a water bottle. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
CHEERLEADINGBRING IT ON!
OUR FACILITIES:Campers will enjoy use of the Toronto French School facilities with a proper matted floor for stunting and tumbling. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Campers will be required to wear athletic running shoes, preferably with adequate ankle support, shorts and a t-shirt. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
 
COURT SPORTSGO AFTER YOUR GOALS!
Our Court Sports Specialty is always a slam dunk! Our popular Court Sports Director, Jonathan Richmon (13 years at Zodiac), will again head up the Court Sports team in creating an awesome, multi-sport program! Campers get to enjoy and “strut their stuff” in great sports such as basketball, floor hockey, bordenball, dodgeball and benchball! So come on out, be a good sport and let the games begin (available in Sessions 1, 2 and 4)! OUR FACILITIES:The TFS state-of-the-art gymnasium and related facilities, together with top-notch equipment, give the campers a fun and challenging environment in which they can thrive! REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Court Sports specialty campers require proper running shoes, shorts, t-shirt and water bottle. All other extensive, top-notch sports equipment is provided by the Camp. A material fee of $50.00 applies for each camper and will be used towards medals/ trophies and other “extras” designed to enhance an already special experience for the campers. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
CREATURES & CREATIVITYANIMAL & ART ADVENTURES
The Creatures & Creativity programs are incredibly popular, providing campers with the opportunity to have fun and work with WHIMZ in“Creatures” (learning about and taking care of live animals) and the Zodiac Creativity Team in “Creativity” (exposure to a wide range of awesome creative arts). For Summer 2012, the amazing “Creatures & Creativity” combo specialty is offered in Sessions 1 and 3. OUR FACILITIES:Creatures & Creativity campers have full use of the beautiful, bright, state-of-the-art visual arts and related facilities at Toronto French School, as well as exposure to art and nature activities outdoors, as applicable. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Although extensive art supplies, equipment and related materials are provided by the Camp, each Creatures & Creativity specialty camper needs to purchase a supply kit ($50.00 for a 2-week session) for special take-home projects. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
OUR “CREATURES” PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
OUR “CREATIVITY” PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
CULINARY ARTSCOOK UP SOME FUN!
We are excited to be serving up a winning recipe in our extremely popular cooking program again in Summer 2012! We are excited to again be working directly with The Cookerydoo, a company that is passionate about teaching kids all of the benefits of being in the kitchen. Cooking not only produces tasty products, it teaches children an essential life skill, cooperation with others, math, science and, above all, it builds self-esteem through personal accomplishment. We are committed to shaping and encouraging the passion and curiousity of budding culinary artists. Our action-packed curriculum, specifically designed for your growing gourmet, is sure to spark your child's interest in the ingredients, techniques, recipes, and flavours from around the world. Each class incorporates nutrition, recipe reading, food prep, kitchen safety, manners, food presentation, cooperation with others, recipes and a delicious food item to take home. There's no better way to teach kids in the kitchen than through a camp program full of exciting, fun-filled foods and techniques to which they can relate (available in Sessions 1, 2 and 3) OUR FACILITIES:Zodiac and The Cookerydoo are excited to be operating the Culinary Arts program in our TFS cooking studio. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:While most of the materials, supplies and equipment are provided by The Cookerydoo, each camper will need to purchase a “supply/materials kit” ($80.00 for 9 or 10 day program), due to the wonderful and tasty take-home projects. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
DANCEMOVE & GROOVE!
We are thrilled not only that Angela Williams and her great Groove team will run our dance program again in Summer 2012 (both for our Performing Arts specialty and our non-specialty dance program), but that Groove Dance itself is also being offered again as a Session 4 specialty this summer! So many Zodiac campers already love dancing with Groove (at the dance school and/or Zodiactors, our year-round, extra-curricular performing arts program) ….. don’t miss out on an amazing chance to “move and groove”! OUR FACILITIES:Dance specialty campers have full use of the bright, beautiful dance studio and auditorium stage and facilities at our campsite. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Shorts or tights and t-shirt (dance outfit optional). OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
EXTREME BIKINGIT'S THE WHEEL THING!
We are thrilled to offer a challenging, safe and exciting new Extreme Biking specialty in conjunction with Joyride 150, Canada's only indoor all-season, multi-discipline bike park. Joyride 150's indoor biking facility is a dream venue for bike riders of all disciplines and skill levels. There is something for eveyone; beginner riders to pros will find challenges, new skills, fun and fitness. Joyride 150's excellent instructors, together with Zodiac staff, will provide Zodiac campers with a unique program that is truly and literally a great ride (available in sessions 2 and 3)! OUR FACILITIES:Joyride 150's 90,000 square foot indoor biking facility features clearly identified beginner/sport/expert sections, a foam pit/resi jump, rythms & jumplines, a BMX street park, pump race tracks, a cross-country loop with climbs and much more! REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Extreme Biking specialty campers will be provided with appropriate and quality bikes as well as all required protective equipment including helmets, all for a material fee of $50.00. For the purpose of consistency and safety, campers cannot use their own equipment. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
FASHION ARTSSEE IT, LOVE IT, MAKE IT, WEAR IT!
We will help unleash your creativity, develop your individual design sense, and build confidence. Encouraging each student's personal design input enables our teaching professionals to work with all skill levels, even if the camper has never threaded a needle before! We provide a hands-on experience in a professsional, friendly, and supportive environment. Expand your imagination, enhance creative thought, have fun, and make new friends! Our unique and forward-thinking approach helps students develop confidence in design, artistic ability and self-expression (available in Session 1). OUR FACILITIES:Sew Be It's professional instructors look forward to working in what will be our on-site TFS Fashion Studio, complete with sewing machines, patterns, material, creativity and imagination! REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:All materials, supplies and equipment will be supplied by Sew Be It, thereby requiring each camper to pay $50.00 for a supplies/materials kit due to the wonderful take-home projects. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
GYMNASTICSREADY TO ROLL
OUR FACILITIES:Gyros Gymnastics Club has a well-equipped facility with a diverse range of Olympic style gymnastics equipment, including in-ground trampolines, fully sprung competitive floor, adjustable balance beams, uneven bars, vaulting horses, rings, pommel horses and parallel bars, as well as a full range of safety/landing mats and related apparatus. Zodiac campers travel by safe and supervised private bus transportation (included in Camp fees) to Gyros' facility, approximately 15-20 minutes from our campsite. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Shorts and t-shirt (gymnastics outfit optional). All professional equipment and facilities are provided by the Camp through Gyros (one-time 2012 fee of $35.00 in connection with Ontario Gymnastics Federation (“OGF”) registration and related costs will be charged for each Gymnastics camper. The OGF registration can be used in connection with any gymnastics program during the 2012-2013 school year). OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
HORSEBACK RIDINGGALLOPING GOOD TIMES!
Zodiac campers will love the unique opportunity to enjoy horseback riding at Pause Awhile Equestrian Centre, conveniently located in Stouffville and situated on 34 beautiful acres. In order to minimize travel, Zodiac campers will enjoy a full Pause Awhile horseback riding experience every other day, spending the opposite days enjoying a complete day of activities a Zodiac’s campsite. Campers will travel by safe and supervised bus transportation (about 25 minutes from the TFS campsite). Pause Awhile is fully licensed and inspected by the Town of Stouffville. Experienced and qualified Pause Awhile instructors will ensure safety, development of skills and a whole lot of fun for Zodiac campers, whether they are beginner or more experienced riders (available in sessions 1 , 2 and 3). OUR FACILITIES:Pause Awhile has 3 indoor arenas, 2 fenced outdoor sand rings, herds of horses and lots of room for horsing around! Zodiac campers will also have access to Pause Awhile’s large club room to store their belongings. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Horseback riding specialty campers require boots with a 1 inch heel and comfortable loose clothing. A material fee of $50.00 for each camper will cover the rental cost of an approved riding helmet and any related equipment. For the purposes of consistency, campers cannot use their own equipment. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
LAND SPORTSOUTDOOR SPORTSTRAVAGANZA!
Jonathan Richmon, a TDSB teacher and professional coach and referee, returns to Zodiac for a thirteenth consecutive summer to lead our OUR FACILITIES:The state-of-the-art TFS outdoor sports fields (and indoor gymnasiums in the case of inclement weather) provide a terrific environment for exposure to a variety of sports. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Land Sports specialty campers require proper running shoes, shorts, t-shirt, baseball cap, water bottle and baseball glove. All other professional sports equipment is provided by the Camp. A material fee of $50.00 applies for each camper and will be used towards medals/trophies and other “extras” designed to enhance an already special experience for the campers.
OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
MAGICMESMERIZING AND MAGNIFICENT
Magic Mike Segal and Sorcerers' Safari have been enthralling audiences and teaching magic to children and adults for over 17 years. MagicMike has designed magic and illusions for television, movies, and live theatre and has performed live on television for many years. He is recognized as a leading figure in the Canadian magic community and, best of all for Zodiac campers, as one of the leading teachers of magic! We are delighted to be working with Magic Mike and his great Magic instructors again in Summer 2012 (available Session 4)! OUR FACILITIES:Magic specialty campers have full use of a terrific and well-equipped magic studio at our campsite. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Each Magic specialty camper needs a professional magic kit containing many of the basic and most important pieces of equipment in a magician’s “bag of tricks”. The magic kit will have some different components than the Summer 2011 kit and must be purchased by each Magic Camper at a cost of $50.00. The magic kit will be used extensively during the session and will be the camper’s property to take home to entertain and amaze family and friends! OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
MARTIAL ARTSIT’S A REAL KICK!
Sports With Jay will create a great introduction for campers new to Martial Arts, as well as an increasingly involved program that willchallenge, excite and empower more experienced martial artists (available in Session 4)! OUR FACILITIES:Martial Arts campers will have the use of the large bright studio and facilities at our campsite. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Other than a karate uniform and belt ( $50.00 material fee, unless the camper has a karate uniform), all other required professional equipment and supplies will be provided by the Camp. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
MULTI MEDIALIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
OUR FACILITIES:Multi Media Campers have full use of the state-of-the-art facilities in the Multi-Media Studio at the TFS. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:A material fee of $50.00 applies for each camper to offset the cost of extensive equipment such as Macbooks, cutting edge video cameras, tripods, software and peripherals, as well as a take-home DVD of the projects produced, which the Director’s Cut will provide. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Feature Film: Introduction to Scripting and Storyboard techniques. Instruction in camera and tripod use. Workshops in shot planning and story sequencing. Filming and acting tutorials. Supervised, hands-on editing in small groups. Post-production soundtrack and titles development. Animation: The opportunity to learn how to create short stop-motion sequences to be incorporated into the feature films which may be paper animation or claymation based. Soundtrack Music: Use of music software to create soundtrack music, theme songs and other sounds and adding the final touches to your movie with the perfect soundtrack.
PERFORMING ARTSA WORLD OF EXPRESSION
We are delighted to have Zodiactors (our year-round extra-curricular performing arts program) back for Summer 2012 to build on what is always a very popular, special, and successful Performing Arts program at Zodiac (offered in Sessions 1, 2 and 3). Our team’s extensive camping and teaching experience working with children and performing arts/drama background make them excellent leaders for our top-notch professional dance, music and drama program. Being able to strike a balance between teaching campers a wide range of performing arts skills, and focusing on each camper's individual needs and self-esteem, is what makes Zodiac’s Performing Arts team so amazingly effective and popular. While getting exposure to performing arts disciplines such as dance, vocal music, drama, film, and performance, campers also have an opportunity during each session to choose a “major” and receive additional exposure in areas such as dance and drama. OUR FACILITIES:Zodiac is excited to be operating its performing arts program in our TFS campsite's wonderful drama, music, dance and auditorium/theatre facilities for a material fee of $50.00 per camper. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:All equipment and supplies for the performing arts program are provided by the Camp (other than parental assistance with costumes, etc.). OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
ROCKS, ROPES & RIPSTICKSEXTREME ADVENTURES!
Higher Learning and Zodiac will work together in creating and delivering this exciting program combining the popular new technique of casterboarding, with the daring sport of rock climbing and the challenges and thrills of our high ropes course. (available in Sessions 1 and 4). OUR FACILITIES:Rocks, Ropes & Ripsticks Specialty campers enjoy the TFS indoor and outdoor facilities. Campers also use Zodiac’s state-of-the-art rock climbing wall at TFS, as well as Higher Learning’s fun, challenging state-of-the-art high ropes course / initiatives. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Each Rocks, Ropes & Ripsticks requires full protective equipment (knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and helmet). The Camp will provide Rip Stiks®, although each camper may bring his/her own caster board (optional). OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
ROCK STARZODIAC'S GOT TALENT
OUR FACILITIES:Pop Star Campers have full use of the state-of-the-art facilities at the TFS. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:None. Personal instruments optional. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
SCIENCE & CREATURESPOTIONS, PETS & MORE!
We are excited to offer a new Summer 2012 speciality, combining two of our most popular programs, Mad Sceince & WHIMZ Creatures. Campers will enjoy a mix of awesome science and discovery activities, and exposure to learning about and taking care of a variety of live animals. For Summer 2012, the "Science & Creatures" combo specialty is being offered in Session 2. OUR FACILITIES:Science & Creatures specialty campers have the full use of the well-equipped Mad Science lab and the WHIMZ Creatures Studio. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Although extensive supplies, equipment, and materials are provided by the camp, each Science & Creatures specialty camper needs to purchase a supply kit for $50.00 for special take-home projects. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
OUR "SCIENCE" PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
OUR "CREATURES" PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
SCIENCE & ROCKETRYIT’S A BLAST!
Zodiac is delighted to be working for a fifteenth consecutive summer with Mad Science, a leading educator and entertainer in awesomescience and discovery activities for children of all ages. In addition to interesting, innovative and exciting new Summer 2012 science experiences, campers get a unique opportunity to have a “blast” in a structured, yet creative program building and launching rockets (available in Sessions 1 and 3)! OUR FACILITIES:The Science & Rocketry specialty program takes place both in the well-equipped Mad Science lab, as well as in our TFS campsite's wonderful outdoor, natural setting. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:While equipment and supplies are provided by the Camp, a $50.00 material fee for special science and rocketry program equipment and take-home projects will apply for each Science & Rocketry specialty camper. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
SCRAPBOOKINGCREATE PERSONAL MEMORIES!
Under the creative direction of Jennifer Magnus and Urban Scrappers, Zodiac Scrapbooking specialty campers will again enjoy designing their personalized scrapbook while learning how to preserve and display their memories for a lifetime. Participants will learn how to create layouts, crop and resize pictures, emphasize focal points and balance colours and textures while using a variety of papers, chipboard, eyelets, brads, buttons, and ribbons. The fun and creativity is endless in this popular artistic pastime (available in session 4). OUR FACILITIES:Scrapbooking Campers have full use of the state-of-the-art facilities at the TFS. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Although extensive art supplies, computer equipment and related materials will be provided by the Camp, each Scrapbooking specialty camper will be required to purchase a scrapbooking kit which will include an album and basic scrapbook supplies which will be supplied at a cost of $50.00 and used extensively in the program. The album will be the camper’s property to take home at the end of the program. Campers will also need to provide a number of personal photos (eg. friends, family, pets and holidays) which will form the basis for the book. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
SPORTS MEDIAON THE AIR!
We are thrilled to be working with The College of Sports Media, Canada's first private college focasing on radio and television SportsBroadcasting. Campers will have the opportunity to work in a newsroom environment and prepare and perform live radio and television shows. They will receive hands-on professional training by the likes of Jim Van Horne (formerly of TSN), David Lanys (formerly of The Score) and Ray Williams (formerly of CFRB 1010). Instruction will be fun and light-hearted with a focus towrds on-air anchoring. Escape form the real world for a while and transform yourself into a sports broadcaster! OUR FACILITIES: The College of Sports Media's facility is truly unlike any other in the world! Featuring 11,000 square feet it is devided into two distinct areas. The facility is the only college in the county with two professional newsrooms for both television and radio. The radio-devoted section of the building features various professional-grade studios, a newsroom, a control room, and a lecture hall woth theatre style, confortable seating. The television side features a variety of professional studios, sets, and a newsroom, as well as editing suites and a control room. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:All equipment and supplies for the Sports Media program are supplied. A $50.00 material fee per camper will apply to offset the cost of using extensive equipment such as computers, cutting edge video cameras, tripods, telepromters, control panels, microphones and more plus a DVD of certain projects produced to keep! OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Radio:Learn how to write a radio script. Perform in the radio multi-microphone studios. Listen to play-backs and receive constructive feedback on intonation and annunciation. Host and be a panel member of a radio roundtable. Television: Learn how to write a television script. Perform in front of the camera in the multi-set television studio. Read scripts off the teleprompter and voice hightlight packages on camera. Watch footage of yourself on air and continue to improve!
SWIMMINGMAKE A SPLASH!
Under the supervision of Zodiac SwimSchool, our swimming specialty offers campers (who are swimming at the Swim Kids 3 level or higher)an opportunity not only to work on improving their strokes, but also to get an introduction to other aquatic activities. The swimming specialty allows campers a superb and unique opportunity to make a dramatic and noticeable improvement in their swimming skills and confidence by spending approximately half of their program time in the pool (available as a specialty in Summer 2012 only in Session 4). OUR FACILITIES:Swimming specialty campers will have full use of Zodiac’s beautiful, warm water, indoor (weather safe!) swim facilities at the TFS (complete with well equipped change rooms)! REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Bathing suit, towel and bathing cap OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
TENNISA SMASH HIT!
Zodiac is delighted to be returning to Mayfair West Racquet & Fitness Club to offer Tennis Specialty Campers an amazing program sure to bea smash hit! Mayfair's certified tennis professionals will bring a unique blend of fun, enjoyment and effective teaching to Zodiac's Tennis Specialty. Age and level-appropriate tennis instruction will be enhance and supplemented by fun and exciting components. Tennis is available in Sessions 1, 2 and 4. OUR FACILITIES:Mayfair West Racquet & Fitness Club has 12 state-of-the-art indoor tennis courts, gym and change areas. Campers will receive safe and supervised private bus transportation (included in fees) from our Campsite to Mayfair and back (approximately 15-20 minutes each way). REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:Tennis specialty campers require a proper tennis racquet, shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes. OUR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Tennis Instruction at all levels, including:
|
Our overwhelmingly popular Cheerleading specialty returns in Summer 2012! Our instructor, Jennifer Kurtz, is a professional teacher and cheerleading coach who has a wealth of experience coaching in this area. All of Jennifer's teams have had top Canadian placements at national level competitions and she loves bringing the excitement of cheerleading to Zodiac campers! This fun and challenging sport combines elements of dance, tumbling and stunting. Campers are introduced to the basics of competitive cheerleading and, by the end of the session, are able to perform a short competitive routine. No previous experience is necessary for campers in this program to have the time of their life and fly high (available in Session 3)!
We are pleased to continue a wonderful, long-term affiliation with Gyros Gymnastics Club, and to be able to continue to offer our campers a top-notch, professional and dynamic gymnastics specialty program (available in Sessions 1 and 2). Many Zodiac campers have already enjoyed Gyros' excellent program, qualified and caring instructors and well-equipped facilities, and are looking forward to high-quality, fun and age/level-appropriate gymnastics programs!
We are delighted to be working again with the Director’s Cut, a leader in the world of digital media literacy and fun. Campers will havetheopportunity to direct, create and act in their own feature film, develop claymation characters using stop motion technology and cutting edge video cameras, lap top computers, expert instruction and their imagination. After adding sound effects, voice overs, special effects, transitions and titles, Zodiac campers’ films will be a shoe in for an Academy Award! (available in sessions 1 and 3).
Zodiac is excited to be working again with Toronto’s popular children’s duo, Sonshine and Broccoli, in offering what was a an incrediably popular Songwriting and Recording Specialty (formerly called Pop Star) again in Summer 2012, but this time for a full two weeks! Zodiac’s future Rock Stars will be introduced to the basics of songwriting (melody, rhythm, chorus and verse), work together to develop lyrical themes and ideas, and collaborate with one another to create their own unique masterpieces. Each young pop star will go home with a CD of their song, and a group music video. (available in session 2)
Camper Photos and Email
 |
Log in Here |