July 3, 2020 - Watch this space soon for Online Summer Class announcements!
June 17, 2020
We know many of you have been waiting anxiously for word from us after hearing that day camps could run. We apologize for the delay as we have been extensively researching guidelines to see if we can operate within the given parameters and unfortunately we have not been able to work it out either logistically or financially. This was a difficult decision to make, but as always we continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Information is vague, but we recently learned from Ontraio.ca that gyms, indoor sports facilities, fitness facilities and studios cannot open until the city they are in is in phase 3. Even with adapted programming, it is our understanding that we fall under this umbrella.
We have been actively collaborating with other circus organizations across Canada, to figure out how to safely offer circus programming, pandemic in mind. If the situation in Toronto sufficiently improves we would love to offer camp later in the summer, if possible. Some other summer camps may be able to run, unfortunately ours isn’t one of them at this time, even with the adapted programming we’ve created. Instead of keeping you on hold in hopes that we can operate, we prefer to free you up to join a camp that can more likely run (outdoors for example). If we are able to open camp later in the summer, we will contact present registrations first and you will have 48 hours to confirm if you want the spot you previously held.
Please watch for information about online classes that we will be offering. Coaches are missing seeing the kids too!
Take good care, enjoy the sunshine and we really hope to see you soon.
-- Jen and the team at Toronto Circus Centre
2020 FAQ for March Break and Summer Camps — CAMPS ARE CURRENTLY CANCELLED DUE TO COVID GUIDELINES
Ages 4½ to 13
We’ve rounded up the questions most often asked about March Break and Summer Circus Camp and have answered those below. Are we missing anything? Still have questions? Get in touch!
Phone: 416-433-7731
Email: info@torontocircuscentre.com
Ready to sign up? Register here!
Where is camp held?
TCC operates out of two locations:
– our Leaside school @ Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Ave, Toronto ON. Please use the NE entrance at Field Ave & McRae Drive. (See map at bottom of page.)
– our East End school @ The Redwood, 1300 Gerrard Street East. Use main double doors to enter. Location is at corner of Gerrard Street East & Redwood Avenue, one block east of Greenwood Avenue.
Where should I drop off my child & do I have to come in?
For our Leaside location (in Leaside United Church’s gymnasium, 822 Millwood Road), please use the NE entrance at Field Ave & McRae Drive. For the East End location, enter via the main double doors at The Redwood (1300 Gerrard Street East).
Parents are required to sign children in and out of camp. If you wish to give your child permission to sign themselves in and/or out, please note in the “Comments” section of the registration form or send Jen an email (jen@torontocircuscentre.com).
What are the hours? Do you have Early Drop-off or After-Camp Extended Hours?
Camp hours are 9am-4pm. Extended hours are 8-9am and/or 4-5pm available on request.
Can I stay and watch my child in camp?
Camp is drop off only – no parents at camp. We do have a parents’ show at 4pm on Friday where kids will demonstrate what they have learned!
Does my child need previous circus class experience to register for camp?
Not at all – everyone is welcome! We are able to adjust each child’s direction to their individual skill level. New students can learn the basics and more experienced junior acrobats can add onto their circus repertoire.
My child is not the most athletic - will they still have fun?
We do encourage kids to try everything. There is so much variety in circus that every child will find something they are good at and can focus on.
Who are the coaches?
TCC specialty coaches are professional circus artists from all disciplines of circus arts that share a joy of working with children and a passion for training up-and-coming circus stars!
What do kids do at camp?
There’s something for every junior circus star-in-training! Aerial trapeze, hoop, rope and silks as well as juggling, floor and partner acrobatics and clowning. Campers and coaches work toward building a show that parents are invited to @ 4pm on Friday!
What is the age range of campers?
4 ½ – 13 years. Kids need to be turning 5 at some time during 2020 to qualify.
How are the campers split into age groups?
All kids are in the same gymnasium. Children are grouped with peers closest to their age.
Can my child be grouped with their friend?
For sure! Just put that in the ‘Comments’ section of the registration form
Are they doing circus all day?
We do a lot of circus! Additionally, we also do a craft each day, have two snack breaks and a lunch break, and may go outside for games, weather permitting.
What should they wear? What should I pack?
Long pants (leggings or jogging) and a tighter/more-fitted top. Long hair should be tied back. Campers should not wear jewelry.
Labelled, refillable water bottle.
More food than kids take to school – we are quite physical. Kids get two snack breaks and a lunch break.
NUT FREE food only.
Can campers bring phones to camp?
Phones, tablets, and other such devices brought to camp will be stored by coaches and returned at the end of the day. (It is helpful to label these with your child’s name, if they will be bringing them to camp.)
When is the parents’ show & show much does it cost?
4pm on Friday! The show is free; friends and family are welcome.
Can my child come multiple weeks?
Absolutely! The structure repeats, but the tricks we can teach them are endless.
When do we need to register by? When is payment due?
Online registrations are due by 6pm the Friday before camp week starts. You can register after that cut-off, but please contact us directly to ensure space availability. Earlier is better as weeks may fill up fast!
Full payment is required to secure your child’s spot at camp.
Do you have a waitlist if a week is full?
Yes. If a student requests to register for a full camp on a waitlist, parent(s) will be notified when and if space becomes available. No waitlist deposit is required. We release spots in the order waitlist applications are received.
What is the cancellation policy?
Should you decide to voluntarily withdraw more than 14 days prior to the start date of camp, all but a non-refundable deposit/admin fee of $50 may be refunded. If cancelling 7-14 days before camp begins, a $100 deposit/admin fee applies. Any cancellations made less than 7 days before start date are not eligible for a refund without doctor‘s note. If you need to switch to a different week, we will do our best to accommodate that, provided there is space available.
In case of participation being cancelled for medical reasons, and when accompanied by a doctor’s note, pro-rated refund of all missed whole days will be processed minus a $25 admin fee. Cancellations during camp week for non-medical reasons will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for refund eligibility.
(No refund shall be provided in the event of dismissal for breach of the Conduct Policy, as lain out on the online registration form.)