Centauri Summer Arts Camp

Centauri is magical. My two children started attending when they were 8 and 11, and returning to camp each summer has become a central part of their lives. The staff at Centauri are among the kindest, most talented, wackiest, and delightful humans you'll ever meet and the arts programming is remarkable in its sophistication. I can say without exaggeration that not a WEEK goes by in our house without at least one kid referring to some Centrauri moment, and I feel so lucky that we found this place which so nurtures their hearts and minds. It's the best.

Our kids have been going to Centauri for the past five years. They’ve had the chance to try out different arts experiences that they wouldn’t have done in other contexts: stage combat, film, quest. Last year my son (who is 13), kept talking about his experiences for weeks afterwards. He enjoyed an atmosphere where he felt comfortable in doing new things (on top of his stage combat program, which had a Shakespearean theme, he did dance classes, and performed in front of the whole camp.) He was in a place where he could do new things, and felt supported. My daughter did film last year. Her film program allowed her to try different roles, allowing her to recognize what she liked was creating stories and making them work. This year, our kids are back for a sixth summer. As parents, we love the supportive and non-competitive nature of the camp, and knowing that our kids have had a significant experience each year, including their relationships with staff, and the friendships they’ve made with other campers.

My son has attended Centauri for the past four summers and this year will be his last. When we were a little apprehensive the first year as he had never attended an overnight camp for a week before. He was nervous that first day when we dropped him off he was 13. He absolutely loved it. It was the best investment I have ever made for my son. He is extremely creative & very talented musically. At Centauri he go to meet loads of new friends that were creative also...at last he had found his tribe. I am only sorry we never found it sooner.

Excellent! The retreat to Costa Rica gave me inspiration. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a writing culture that lifts you.

I’m a returning camper at Centauri and every time I go I come back with great memories. First of all, the staff are amazingly friendly, caring and creative. All the program directors are experienced professionals in their fields and the campers really appreciate them. For example, I took the film program a few times and I really felt like part of a team and felt proud of the end result. Almost the entire movie was made by the campers (camera, audio, story, acting, directing, editing, soundtrack, set/costume/prop design etc.) and with great help from the staff and program director for guiding us. We had access to so many new tools and skills to make a camp movie that didn’t look like just a “camp movie.” The campers, staff and parents were so blown away by all the performances and displays at the end of the session. There are so many different kinds of people who come to Centauri and everyone is so welcoming and we become like a family. At this camp, you can get the opportunity to do so many things that you can’t do anywhere else and it is definitely a unique experience. On the first time a came there, I didn’t know anyone except my sister, but I instantly felt like I belonged from the first day, after meeting the other people there and participating in fun activities. This camp is especially for those who want to get out of their shell. After being at camp for a while, I started to think that the best way to describe the Centauri experience is weird but in a good way. For instance, each dorm group develops their own jokes and works together to come up with crazy ideas during spirit suppers, role calls, or just every day. Another thing that sets Centauri aside from other camps is the amazing theme days they have each session. The most recent for me were play in a day, where the camp was split into groups and each group was split into roles to create some kind of play or show in just one day, and a fantasy theme day set in the fictional, province of king with a totally original story created by the counselors who just, coincidentally happen to have the day off and a character from that story leads each dorm on an epic adventure spanning the whole day. If you like art, film, dance, writing, acting, stage combat, clowning, or just want to get away from normal life and have fun, this is the place for you.

First my daughter and then my son have been attending Centauri summer camp over the last 5 years - 2019 will be our 6th summer! It was our first experience of overnight camp...and it was obviously such a hit that we have continued to return year over year. Everything from the facilities, the food, the programs and of course the amazing staff have made this experience for my children one they look forward to every summer, and for my husband and myself...a time when we know they can stretch their independence in a place where their needs are well cared for. They have been involved in many different programs...photography, art, acting, musical theatre, and the list goes on. I am always amazed at the quality of programming during the finale show at the end of the 2 weeks. Our experience with Centauri has been fabulous...and I would highly recommend it to any parent or child interested in the arts. It is a incredible space to try new things and explore individual creativity.

My Daughter has been a returning camper at Centauri Summer Arts Camp for 3 years. We were initially attracted to the camp because of the location in the beautiful Niagara and offered arts choices. We were astounded at the excellent facilities; dining hall, dance theatre, dorms for younger and older kids, digital art labs, lots of green space to wander and have campfires, and much more. The camper initially chooses their Art program, but are also able to choose interesting daily electives. There is a good balance between engaging activities and free time. The staff from the Director to the Counsellors make everyone feel welcomed in a fun, caring environment. Friends are made at camp, but those friendship's remain long after camp ends. There are also a lot of repeat campers so for the kids, it is like coming together and reconnecting with family each year. The food is good quality and sourced locally. As well each session has a Banquet where campers experience different cultures depending on the theme. My daughter always has a great time immersed in her favourite arts activities where she gets to hone her skills, and learn new ones and as a parent I know she is in a safe environment.

Centauri is the most incredible and magical place on Earth! I have been a returning camper for many years and even had a summer where I attended all four sessions! The staff team is amazing - the counsellors are all kind, caring, talented people, and the program directors are knowledgeable, fun, and amazing teachers. I have learned so much about the arts even just in two weeks at camp. Not only is the art instruction wonderful, the other activities are amazing, too. There is never a dull moment at camp. Every day is filled with laughter, learning, and fun. All of the campers are such talented and kind people! I have never had a better camp experience!!