Do you recall my latest post about being ‘frazzled in the Fraser Valley?’

If not, here’s a brief recap.

I was tired and frustrated from:

a. not being able to keep the house clean;

b. sibling rivalry;

c. not being able to pee alone (okay, I added that one this time, but it’s a luxury I still long for);

d. too many deadlines, too many distractions.

Last week I decided it was high-time I put my girls in a summer day camp, which turned out to be a great experience for all of us.

I was able to get stuff done(ish), and my wee Valley gals had the adventure of a lifetime going back in time at the Fort Langley National Historic Site.

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you probably know we spend a lot of time throughout the year at the Fort.

We’ve camped in their OTENTiks, celebrated Zoe’s 5th birthday inside the Palisade walls and always attend their seasonal events throughout the year.

Now we can add – enrolled our daughters in their summer day camp at Vancouver’s only real fort to that list.

Molly and Zoe spent the day getting hands on with history, discovering what life was like during the 19th century fur-trade at Camp Voyaguers . Each day was a new adventure of imagination, games and play.

Here’s what the website says about the camp:

Sign on for the adventure and spend a week as a Voyageur! Learn the skills you need to survive in the wild and live the experience of the legendary Voyageur. This fun-filled week will feature crafts, music, tasty bannock and butter and activities related to the French, Metis and First Nations cultures of the fur trade.

I didn’t stay to check it out (I had stuff to do), so I could only go by the word of what my wee Valley gals had to say. They tell it like it is.

What Molly said:

“I liked making friends, doing arts & crafts and the leaders — they were really nice and a lot of fun!”

What Zoe said:

“Stop bugging me while I’m trying to watch Goosebumps..I liked all of it Mommy!”

Oh, Zoe.

The day camps, which cost $44 per child, per day, are full for the season, however, we are very excited to have 1 spot to give away for one lucky VM fan and their child between the ages (6-12) to the Trades Camp. The winner will get to send their child to camp for 1 whole day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) on Friday, Aug. 19th.

If your child has a sense of adventure, they’ll love playing a part in this 1800’s Hudson’s Bay Company fort. They’ll get to dress up as a Royal Engineer and take aim with an airsoft musket. There’s also a chance to learn how blacksmiths make tools out of metal, practice the art of barrel-making, pan for gold and pretend they are the manager at the Fort!

Note: They must be between the ages of 6 and 12!

Whether YOU want to get caught up on work, spend the day checking out the shops and a quiet lunch without the kids or get your hair done, it’s totally up to you.

To enter, simply tell us below what you’d do with your day off. This flash contest closes Wednesday, Aug. 17th at noon.

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Congrats to Shannon L – You are the winner!

Note: Keep watch for more camps coming to the fort next spring/summer.

Valley Mom