Rec Report Newsletter: June/July 2026

Rec Report newsletter graphic
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People paddling an Indigenous canoe at National Indigenous Peoples Day

WSPR staff and the board of directors chair participated in the Canoe Protocol Practice at the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on June 19, 2026, at Royal Roads University on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nations. The Canoe Protocol Practice refers to a traditional Indigenous cultural practice rooted in respect, relationship-building, and acknowledgment of Indigenous lands and laws. Photo: Bobbi Neal

Rec Report Newsletter - June/July 2026

Newsletter Spotlight


Play, Learn, Explore at Summer Camp

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Kids at engineering camp

Keep kids active, creative, and having fun all summer long. From music and art to sports and outdoor adventures, there’s a camp for every interest and energy level. Space in the following summer camps is still available:

Rock Band & Guitar Camp
Ages 7–12 | July 20–24
Learn rhythm, play together, and build guitar skills—from basic chords to reading music. Great for beginners and returning players.

Aspiring Artists – Salvador Dalí
Ages 9–12 | July 20–24
Get creative with fun art projects inspired by Dalí, plus outdoor games to keep things lively.

Padawan Training Camp
Weeks 2 & 3
Step into the adventure with themed activities, games, and skill-building fun for young explorers.

Trailblazers Camps
Various dates
Active days, outdoor fun, and new friendships—perfect for kids who love to explore.

Byte Camps
July & August
Turn tech interest into creativity with coding, digital projects, and outdoor play.

Film Camp in a Box: Feature Filmmaking
Ages 9–14 | June 29–July 3
Plan, shoot, and produce a feature film as part of a collaborative creative team.

Roller Skating Camp
Ages 7–12 | June 29–July 3
Build confidence on wheels with a fun, active week of skating.

Cedar Vista Horseback Riding Camp
Ages 6–13 | July & August
A great fit for animal lovers—enjoy hands-on horseback riding experiences.

Engineering for Kids
July & August
Hands-on STEM challenges that spark curiosity and creative problem-solving.

Girls Got Game Camp
Try new sports, build confidence, and have fun in a supportive, all-girls environment. No experience needed.

EcoQuest Kayaking Camps
Hit the water and learn paddling skills, safety, and technique. A fun outdoor adventure (weather dependent).

Soccertron Camps (Full-day, Half-day, Tot)
Skill-building meets fun with themed sessions and supportive coaching for all levels.

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camps (Full & Half-day)
Sharpen skills, learn teamwork, and enjoy the game—perfect for players of any level.

Sport-Palooza Camps (Full & Half-day)
A mix of sports, games, and activities to build skills and keep kids moving.

Helix Ultimate Frisbee Camps (Full & Half-day)
Fast-paced, fun games focused on teamwork and skill-building—plus take home your own Frisbee!


Summer Fitness Flow

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Outdoor yoga

Move, stretch, and feel your best this season. Explore a range of fitness and wellness options designed to build strength, reduce stress, and support your overall well-being. Space is still available in the following programs - register now!

Youth Weight Training
Build confidence in the weight room while learning proper technique, safety, and workout basics. Participants gain foundational skills and complete their Youth Orientation.

Summer Yoga Lineup
Find your flow with a range of relaxed, accessible classes designed to improve mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Options include:

  • Aqua Yoga
  • Chair Yoga (plus Metchosin location)
  • Relaxing & Gentle Yoga
  • Hatha Flow & Easy Yoga

Summer Happenings & Free Community Events

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Girl skipping rope at beach event

Soak up the best of summer with local events, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—many at no cost! Stay tuned for all the details.

  • Canada Day @ the Station (Langford) — July 1 | 11 AM–5 PM
  • Canada Day @ Victoria Scottish Community Centre (View Royal) — July 1 | 10 AM–4 PM 
  • Colwood Eats & Beats @ The Beachlands — July 25 | 1-7 PM

Save the Dates:

  • Movies on the Hill (WSPR) — Aug 13 | 8:30 PM
  • Movies on the Hill (WSPR) — Aug 27 | 8:00 PM

Ice Ice JDF: Summer Skating is Back!

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Girl skating and smiling

Stay cool this summer... like, literally, on the ice! Enjoy public skating sessions at JDF and beat the heat with a fun, refreshing activity for all ages. Whether you’re gliding for the first time or brushing up your skills, it’s the perfect way to mix a little winter into your summer.

Saturdays from July 4 to August 28:
Everyone Welcome: 
10:00-10:50AM
11:00-11:50AM

Family Stick & Puck:
12:00-12:50PM
1:00-1:50PM

19+ Duffer Hockey:
2:30-3:50PM


Regional Lifeguard Competition: Race, Rescue, Repeat

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2026 Vancouver Island Regional Lifeguard Competition graphic

Get ready for an action-packed day at the pool! On July 11, Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre will host the exciting 2026 Vancouver Island Regional Lifeguard Competition, bringing together skilled guards to showcase speed, teamwork, and lifesaving techniques. From timed rescue challenges to high-energy relays, the pool will be a true hub of activity all day long.

Whether you stop by to watch the action or sign up to volunteer, it’s a great chance to be part of a fun, community-focused event and see lifeguarding skills in action! 


Friday Youth Nights

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Youth playing basketball indoors

As we wrap up the final Youth Night of the 2025/26 school year, a big thank you to all the staff who help make Friday nights a success. From youth programming staff to aquatics, reception, and maintenance and everyone in between, these programs couldn't happen without you. A huge thank you also goes out to Peninsula Coop and Colwood Pizza - - your support truly makes a difference!

This year, we welcomed 4,767 youth to our Friday night programs—101 more than last year and over 1,100 more than in 2023/24. It’s incredible to see this kind of growth and to know how much young people value this space and the programs at JDF.

Looking ahead:
Youth swims will continue on Fridays throughout the summer. Our Youth team will be busy with summer camps, so for anything related to youth swims, please connect with Aquatics over the next couple of months.

We can’t wait to welcome you all back - Friday Youth Nights return September 18! 


You're Invited: Party in the Park

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Party in the Park graphic

Apply now to become a sponsor, volunteer or vendor! 
Sponsors are invited to support the event with in-kind donations and will be recognized throughout the event. 
Vendors provide food, activities, programs and entertainment.
And volunteers make it all happen! Volunteers will receive event day food and t-shirt

Join us on September 12, 2026 for a fun‑filled, one‑day community celebration marking 60 years of West Shore Parks & Recreation.

Bring the whole family and enjoy:

  • Family Fun Run - 1km & 3km distances
  • Live Performance Stage - Talented local musicians
  • Kids Zone - Bouncy castles, dunk tank, craft stations & more
  • Food Trucks - Tasty eats for everyone
  • Vendors & Demonstrations - Experience something new 
  • Throwback Pricing - Fitness, swimming & skating pricing

This special anniversary celebration is a chance to honour our past, enjoy the present, and look ahead to many more years of  West Shore Parks & Recreation Society supporting a healthy, active community.

Save the date:
Saturday, September 12, 2026

More details to come!


Rewind, Refresh, Recreate - Throwback to the 90s

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Rewind/Refresh/Recreate graphic
Continuing our celebration of 60 years of community recreation on the Westshore, this spring and summer we're throwing it back to the 1990s with a new CHEK TV commercial, activity guide theme and seasonal branding for that classic 90s nostalgia.
 
In the 90s, recreation evolved alongside growing communities. Programs expanded, team sports flourished and family-friendly activities became a cornerstone of everyday life. Street hockey, basketball leagues and after-school programs filled our centres with laughter and movement. The 90s were about participation and play, a decade where recreation became a place for everyone to show up, try something new and stay connected.
 
Share Your Stories!
We welcome any stories, memories, artifacts and images you may have that celebrate your history and relationship with West Shore Recreation. What activities did you participate in? Did you work here? Who did you play with? Do you have any blooper stories?? We'd love to hear it all - Share Your Stories & Photos Now! All contributors will be entered to win a grand prize of a WSPR 12-Month Membership, to be awarded in in Fall 2026 in conjunction with our 60th birthday celebration!
 
Over the course of the year, WSPR will be sharing your stories, so stay tuned and keep an eye out for moments you might remember. Wander the facilities, explore the tables of memorabilia, reminisce over photos on the walls, and join us for the fun events that celebrate the last 60 years.

Press Play: 2025 Video Review

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2025 Annual Report cover page

Curious about what we’ve been up to? Our latest Annual Report is now available, highlighting a year of growth, community impact, and memorable moments across our programs and services. Take a look to see the numbers, stories, and milestones that made this year one to celebrate.

Check out the video highlights here
Read the full report here
 


Upcoming Holiday Hours

HOLIDAY DATE HOURS
Canada Day Wednesday, July 1 6AM-3PM

Details on our website

© Copyright 2026 | West Shore Parks & Recreation. All Rights Reserved.
West Shore Parks & Recreation | 1767 Island Highway, Victoria, BC, Canada, V9B 1J1
Tel: 250-478-8384 | reception@wspr.ca