Tennis camp part of a busy summer for NOTL kids

A partnership between the town and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tennis Club has kept 50 kids busy all this week while learning some crucial tennis skills. 

Recreation program coordinator Emily Kujbida explained that the joint effort is one of many this summer that teams up local organizations with the town to offer experiences for the youth of NOTL this summer. 

“It benefits both the town and the tennis club,” she explained. “They wanted to expand their reach and we wanted to offer more theme-oriented activities with our camps this year. We’ve been at the arena for three days this week and one day at Memorial Park, where they got to experience the tennis courts and even went for a swim. We’ve received great feedback.”

When The Local dropped in Wednesday, the youngest age group (6 to 8) were utilizing the three makeshift tennis courts set up inside. Tennis club representatives Adam Wodz, Charlotte Hawkswell and Ed Roy, with the help of some summer staff members from the town, were leading the campers through a series of fun drills and skills. 

“They are learning the fundamentals,” explained Kijbida. “A lot of kids are at camp for child care specifically. Some of them have an interest in tennis so their parents register them because of that. Lots of beginner-type skills are going on this week.”

Meanwhile, the middle group (ages 8 and 9) were in the arena foyer enjoying a snack and doing some tennis-related activities, while the oldest group (ages 9 to 12) was in the Mary Snider Room working on crafts. The three groups rotated through each station every 45 minutes. 

Having the arena to use this summer is a big boost to the summer day camp program, she added.

“Being at the arena for day camp with the kids this year means we have a lot more space to utilize,” Kujdiba told The Local as the rain was pelting down outside the Memorial Arena. “It gives the children a good home base to come to. And when it rains like today, they can still enjoy the same programming they would get outside.” 

Other themed camps coming up this summer include an Olympics camp, a Mission Impossible Camp, and a partnership Paddle Niagara, Wacky Science camp and one based on NOTL’s Got Talent. Kujdiba says there are a number of children registered for every week this summer. 

“Each week is a different theme, and it keeps the kids on their toes, keeps the staff engaged, and the kids have something new each week too,” she said. 

For information about upcoming camps and registration,, visit the town’s website.