“We want the children to have fun with history.” This enthusiastic statement by Dominique Trudeau is a succinct description of the mandate of the McCord Museum’s bilingual Day Camp for children. Using the museum as a home base, the bilingual counselors and children spend a lot of time outdoors, using nearby city parks to have lunch and play games. Wednesdays are reserved for outings. The one-block Victoria St. is closed to traffic during the summer, and will again be transformed into an Urban Forest with large potted trees; tables and (hopefully) the piano will again be available for passers-by to play. On fine days, it can also be an outdoor classroom.

The McCord Summer Day Camp is popular with both children and parents

The McCord Summer Day Camp is popular with both children and parents

This summer the McCord will offer two programs; Objects in the Limelight and Musical Museum. Dominique explains; “We use the objects in the Montreal – Points of View Exhibition to join the arts to history in the Objects in the Limelight program. The children are encouraged to imagine the people who used the museum’s objects. They’ll learn stories about neighbourhoods and the people who lived there.” Everyone will have a turn to choose an artifact to bring to life in a performance for the parents at the end of the week.

“The Musical Museum looks at music as a way of telling stories, disseminating culture – all at a kid’s level. We use games and percussion so that the children actively participate.” Through their discovery of the exhibitions Music and Wearing our Identity – The First People’s Collection; the day campers will participate in workshops that offer the opportunity to learn songs that reflect our history and identity.

“We want the children to get to know the museum, to make it their home and be comfortable.”
“We have two groups; ages 5 – 8 and 9 – 12. Each group is about 22 children, and we’re a bit flexible in trying to keep siblings together.” The McCord Day Camp is an accredited member of L’Association des camps certifiés. On Friday afternoons at 3pm, parents are invited to see what their children have been doing during the previous five days.

The McCord Day Camp has become immensely popular, and enrolment is now open. Each session is one week, from 9 am to 4pm; with extended daycare services available from 7:30 – 9am and 4 – 6pm. The eight weekly sessions begin on June 30 and conclude on August 30. Dominique notes that already moderate weekly rate is reduced for the four-day program that includes the July 1 Canada Day Holiday. Museum Members (families can join for a little as $75 a year) have nearly a 20% discount for the enrollment fee.

For more information about the McCord Museum summer day camp and to download a registration form,
please visit: www.musee-mccord.qc.ca or call: 514-398-7000 ext 222 or
by email: [email protected]