PSA: Check your kids’ 2019-2020 school calendar. You may be as shocked as I was to learn that summer this year for many Montreal schools (both public and private) only start after Labour Day. That’s right, this summer you’ll have to entertain your kids for 10 whole weeks while school is out. Some savvy Montreal summer camps are helping tired parents out by extending their programming into week 9 (August 19) and week 10 (August 23).

1. MKR LAB – Week 9

This camp is geared to kids ages 11-14, with two themes available for the week of August 19 to 24. Skateboard making or silkscreen t-shirts are the options at this camp that runs daily from 9am to 4pm with a late pickup option. The camp costs $400/week.

MKR LAB, 5835 Sherbrooke St. W.

2. Visual Arts Centre

My kids participated in this Westmount camp last year and it even included a vernissage on the Friday afternoon to show off their works of art. The camp runs daily from 9am to 4:15pm and caters to kids ages 6-12. A week at camps costs $240, with extended daycare available. The theme of week 9 is “Artists & their Studios”.

Visual Arts Centre, 350 Victoria Ave.

3. Camp Laurus – Week 9

This general interest summer camp has locations in three parts of the city: downtown, Laval and Beaconsfield. Camp runs all summer for kids 5-11, including the week of August 19. Regular camp hours are 8:30am-4pm, with extended day options. Rates range between $250-$350, based on camp location and sibling discounts are offered.

Camp Laurus, various locations

4. Concordia Sports Camp – Week 9

This NDG-based all-sports camp extends into week 9 with university students and Stinger athletes as the counsellors. Kids aged 6-14 will be grouped according to ability for a week of fun. The camp runs daily from 9am to 4pm, with early and extended day options for $250/week.

Concordia Sports Camp, Loyola Campus, 7200 Sherbrooke St. W.

5. Montreal West Camp – Week 9 & 10

One of the most flexible Montreal summer camps for the last two weeks before school can be found at this community camp for kids 5-14. You can register for one or both weeks, and by the day as well. Camp runs 9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 3pm on Friday, with early/extended options. Camp is $225 per week or $80/day.

Montreal West Day Camp, Montreal West Arena

6. Bricks 4 Kids – Week 9 & 10

Kids can get building with Lego the last two weeks of the summer at this camp held in a church on the border of NDG and Westmount. Four different areas of focus are offered these weeks, with limited spots still available. Camp runs daily from 9am to 4pm for $290/week.

Bricks 4 Kids, Unitarian Church, 5035 de Maisonneuve W.

7. TK Academy Camp – Week 9 & 10

This Westmount-based camp is on a mission to teach kids wellness and mindfulness. Camp will include meditation, yoga, tennis, soccer, creative art, team building, music therapy and more. Campers can be between the ages of 5-16 for a fee of $350 per week.

The TK Academy, location TBC

8. Le R.E.C. Room Camp – Week 9 & 10

This TMR adjacent camp listened to parents and extended its camp into the end of August. The camp is for kids in pre-K to grade 2 only, with a focus on sports, art, dance and more. Camp hours are 9am to 4pm with an early drop off option. Spots can be booked by the day for $50/day.

Le R.E.C. Room, 5255 Ferrier