Top 5 momstown Oakville Blog Posts Of 2013

It's been a fabulous year in momstown Oakville! Our supportive community has nearly doubled in size, as has the number of people reading this blog. Each month thousands of individuals read our posts! That's amazing and makes us proud to know that we're providing you with content that you find valuable from both a parenting and a community perspective. Thank you for continuing to come back.

We look forward to continuing to provide this to you in the coming year. Watch for more parenting, crafts, activities and community events to be published here on the momstown Oakville blog.

Take a look at our most popular posts for 2013.

1) What To Do & Where To Go In Oakville Series:

Whether it's a long weekend, March Break, Easter or another occasion momstown Oakville is your source for local events. You can always look to us to be a resource for family friendly activities in Oakville and the Halton Region for you to enjoy. Our top blog of the year, "Places To Go For Mother's Day Brunch in Oakville" is just one of MANY of our holiday focused listings:
http://momstownoakville.blogspot.ca/2013/05/places-to-go-for-mothers-day-brunch-in.html




2) Family Fun With momstown Oakville

Information about our 6th Birthday celebration event was our second most popular blog for 2013.  We were thrilled to celebrate with so many Oakville families at this free, open to the public community event.  Mark your calendars for April 13, 2014 for our next big community celebration!  We couldn't wait until August 2014 to celebrate with all of you again so you'll only have to wait four more months!

If you didn't make it to our 6th Birthday event, check out our second most popular blog to read more.
http://momstownoakville.blogspot.ca/2013/06/momstown-oakvilles-6th-birthday-bash.html

3) Resources For Kids

Oakville families are looking to momstown Oakville to find out about the best programs and resources for their kids.  Our third spot was taken by our "2013 Summer Camps For Oakville Kids".  Half day and full day, sports or art - we had a long and comprehensive list of options.

Take a look here - http://momstownoakville.blogspot.ca/2013/04/2013-summer-camp-options-for-oakville.html






4)  Apple Wreath Craft

Crafting is right in the heart of momstown!  We made these apple wreaths at one of our Fall momstown Monet programs.  Crafting is such a fantastic way to get children to learn through play.  Did you know that momstown has a theme for each month as part of our teacher developed educational curriculum?

Find out how to make this wreath here - http://momstownoakville.blogspot.ca/2013/09/apple-wreath-craft-for-kids.html

Don't forget, momstown has activities almost everyday for moms with babies, toddlers and preschoolers to get out and find fun & friendship. Join us!



5)  How To Make A Race Car Birthday Cake

momstown.ca is an amazing source for birthday party ideas. Whether you are putting together a theme for baby's 1st birthday or stuck for ideas for the 5th, you'll find lots of party inspiration with us. This race car birthday cake has been very popular!

Here's how you can make this cake: http://momstownoakville.blogspot.ca/2013/01/how-to-make-race-car-birthday-cake.html

Oakville Small Business Spotlight - Little Rascals Place

Little Rascals Place has been a favourite spot for Oakville kids since it opened.  With lots of bright and welcoming decor, a mini trampoline, a ball pit and lots of blocks, Little Rascals is a great place to take your kids for some fun indoor play or a fabulous place to host a birthday party.

I asked the owner, Nilla, tell us a bit more about how Little Rascals Place came to be and what she loves about running a small business.

Tell us how you came to start your own business.

Well, I had just moved to the area and was looking to start something that would make a difference. I like to think my kids were my inspiration and I wanted to offer families a place where they could host children related events, but exclusively.  That’s how Little Rascals was born and I only hosted private events on the weekends and evening. As time went by I got inquiries about day time play and added that later on.

What do you love about running a small business?

What I love about being a small business owner is that I am the creator of my own success and wealth.  I have learned so much and met many other entrepreneurs, there is something very enticing about carving my own path (for me at least).  I love that I get to perform the many different roles that comes with being a one women show.  To be so involved with all the different aspects of running a business, from networking to advertising to customer service and everything in between. I enjoy it all, but I definitely love that I get to plan out parties and events and be part of the families making memories.

What to do you love about running your business in Oakville? 

I think Oakville is a great place to be a small business owner; it’s such an ambitious town.  I try to contribute back to the Oakville community and to do my part. Little Rascals is always part of the charity fundraisers and we also donate to schools for their fairs.  I believe what makes a community great is the involvement of local business owners. 

What do you want Oakville families to know about your business?

At Little Rascals we do things a bit differently, because we believe that having an intimate gathering makes for great parties.   No party has even been the same at Little Rascals, which is why we have such great clients who come back year after year hosting another birthday or a sibling’s party.  This is really amazing since 90% of the parites that I have hosted or planned have been from referrals. I think birthdays are such a big part of childhood and I believe in catering to the wants of the families to make sure children have great memories of their birthdays. At Little Rascals we want to help you make that day more special, so you can enjoy celebrating!  

momstown Oakville has hosted several events at Little Rascals and our mamas love Nilla and how welcoming and warm she is when greeting all the little ones that come to play.  Little Rascals has so much to offer Oakville families.  Not only do they have great birthday party packages and an indoor playground, but they also offer after school programs in Art & Drama and Lego & Robotics and summer camps (full day & half day options) too!  Check out their website to read more about this great Oakville business!

Brantford Circle Square Ranch Summer Camp - An Adventure Experience For Kids

Brantford Circle Square Ranch is a Christian, non-denominational, non-profit organization, welcoming youth of any faith and race. They encourage young lives to grow spiritually, mentally, socially and physically in an exciting, fun-filled and safe adventure experience.  Summer camp is an outstanding opportunity for your child to meet new friends, try new things and enjoy a safe, fun-filled positive, caring environment. Brantford Circle Square Ranch prides themselves on accomplishing all those things and more!

From early morning to evening campers enjoy a variety of amazing activities. Climbing their 35' cargo net, swinging across the high ropes course, hitting the bullseye in archery, riding a horse for the first time, relaxing in the pool, enjoying a good meal, hanging out with friends or finishing off the day gathered around the camp fire  Camp is a fantastic vacation for kid's (and a break for parents). Brantford Circle Square Ranch endeavours to provide not only an outstanding camping experience, but a life changing one.

Located about an hour away from Oakville, Brantford Circle Square Ranch does offers camper pick up from Oakville Place.  Day camps for ages five and up, girls only or boys only options, discovery camp, horse lover's camp and more...there is certainly something for everyone!  Click here to read about all their camp options and prices.

Read what some of the parents of last year's campers had to say about their kids camp experience with Brantford Circle Square Ranch:

"The boys loved all the activities and especially loved the variety offered. The rock wall, high ropes, ziplining, mountain boarding, skate park and biking were favourites though!"

"New experiences being on a ranch - swimming, archery, horses and tack program, campfires, etc. Very great first camp experience for my 5 year old, very different from a traditional daycare setting."

"I loved how positive and organized the staff were. You can tell they truly enjoy being at the camp and working with the children. The camp counselor was awesome! I had the opportunity to hear the camp fire songs and see how much the kids really connected with each other. It was touching to see how much they bonded over the week."

Click here to see pictures of their fabulous facility and activities.  If you've been looking for a unique and positive camp experience for your kids this summer - you've found it!  To find out more about registration, click here or contact Brantford Circle Square Ranch with any questions you may have.

2013 Summer Camps for Oakville Kids

Live in Oakville or the Halton Region and looking for summer camp options?  Read on below for a comprehensive list of some of the great Oakville and area summer camps that your kids will love.

Brantford Circle Square Ranch

New experiences are what camp is all about! Ranchers try new and exciting activities that are challenging and tons of fun!  With lots of camps to choose from, for ages 5 - 16, different activities and focuses available, you are sure to find one that is the right fit for your kids.  Horseback riding is usually a favourite but kids also love the climbing wall, archery, swimming and crafts.  Staff provide a safe and supportive atmosphere, and provide the opportunity for each camper to have the best week of their summer! Located just an hour away from Oakville, this is a perfect spot for your camper's first sleep away camp.

Canlan Ice Sports
Check out their options for Hockey Camps and Sports Camp.  Ages 6 and up.

The Dance Exchange
Click here for information on Summer Dance Camp and read about their special Princess Dance Camp for ages 3-4 years old.

Edleun Discovery Days
Discovery Days Summer Program was created with the intention of fostering education, imagination and fun into a 9 week summer program, offered at every Edleun childcare centre across Canada. The program is a collection of 9 different themes, with varying age-appropriate games, activities, experiments and field trips. The purpose of the program is to inspire learning through variations of sensory explorations – in a summer setting!  Click here for more information.

Glenburnie Summer Camp
All campers will participate in our weekly, action packed, theme activities.  Camps fun from July 2 to July 26. Half day options for JK/SK aged children and a 4 day week option as well.  Click here for more information. Register by May 1st and save!

Little Feet Big Dreams
Big Dreams Summer Camp encourages children (ages 4-8) to learn and explore through themed weeks and creative activities. Join our exciting, action-packed day camp with field trips to Laser Tag, Kidsportplex, Putting Edge Mini Golf, 5-Pin Bowling, and African Lion Safari.  Freshly prepared lunch and snacks included, bus transportation to and from field trips included as well and ample space for indoor and outdoor play! Contact Pat at 905-829-9393 for more information and to register.

The Little Gym
Camps start July 2 and can go until August 30th with a different theme every week!  For more information, click here.

Little Rascals
Lego and Art themed camps with options for ages 3 - 12 years old.  Half day and full day options.  Click here for more information.

Monkeynastix Burlington
Monkeynastix encourages children (ages 3-8) to explore and discover the world through their senses and bodies with fun, exicting movement education and camp programs.  Our day camps include Monkeynastix lessons, sport development lessons, free play & exploration along with daily organized arts and crafts. Camp available June 24 - August 16, full day and half day options as well as the option to choose just specific days.  Click here for more information.

Oakville Soccer Club Summer Fun Camp
Half day options for ages 4 & 5.  Full day options for ages 6+.  Camp includes some adventures such as bowling or swimming.  More information and registration details can be found here.

Royal Botanical Gardens Summer Camps & Programs
Click here to find out more about the summer camps which include half day and full day options for kids aged 3 to 13!

They also offer many summer programs such as their Junior Gardener's Club
Saturdays, May 11, 25 to June 22, July 6 to August 17; 9:30 a.m. to12 p.m. at RBG Centre/
Hendrie Park. Fee: $150 (Members 10% off).  In its 66th year, this popular program is for 8- to 12-year-olds. The group wraps up on August 17 with a flower and vegetable show, and awards night.  Click here to register!

The Sports Training Academy
Offers 5 different SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS for your children - multiple sports camps, gymnastics-cheer camp, hockey camp, golf camp and a junior academy for campers ages 2-5 years of age.  Prices go up in June so register soon!  Check out all the details here.