Creativity Blooms at FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton as Summer Camps Kick Off

By: Yubin Yeon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

With summer now underway, the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton has opened its doors to creativity, offering a vibrant lineup of art camps and cultural programs for children.

Designed to engage youth and families across the community, the camps feature hands-on painting workshops, theatrical performances, multimedia exploration and Indigenous storytelling. Aimed at children aged six to 14, the programs are led by local artists and educators.

“These camps help children discover their artistic passion,” said Tammy Townsend, manager of cultural services for the Town of Milton.

“We employ professional artists to teach the instructional components of our camps. Children have access to these instructors, which helps build a foundation for lifelong learning. It also showcases career opportunities in the arts.”

The summer camps are designed not only to expand artistic skills, but also to foster connection, confidence and cultural awareness in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Shawn Smith, whose seven-year-old son previously attended the program, said the experience was invaluable. “I thought it was important for my child to experience whatever it is while he’s still little,” he said.

“Art programs during the summer bring more experience to him and help him in the future.”

The Performing Arts Camp culminates in a live performance at the MinMaxx Theatre, while the Visual Arts Camp allows children to display their work in the Holcim Art Gallery.

This year’s gallery theme is “Together”—a collaborative art activation that invites community members, parents and guardians to contribute to the exhibit.

In addition to instruction in choreography, singing and theatre games, the camps help children develop public speaking skills and build confidence by presenting their work. Parents are encouraged to attend and observe their child’s growth.

All Town camps include physical activity. Based on parent and guardian feedback, the FirstOntario Arts Centre recently shortened its Performing Arts Camp from three weeks to two—with great success. The centre continues to evolve its programming year after year.