By Tracey Arial

Hoping your kids can do something different this summer? Then check out some of these newer camps that offer unique programs designed to inspire kids to use their imaginations. 
From learning to play in a band to acquiring leadership skills, campers will have a chance 
to develop their confidence while meeting new friends.

Kosa Music Academy
Kosa Music Academy, known for its percussion training, is offering a special make-your-own-band camp for serious young musicians ages 12 to 16. Campers join four or five others to form a rock, pop, jazz ......or world music band, depending on their interests. Each group will receive coaching from professional musicians about choosing songs and playing well together, while exploring music history. There will be a concert at the end of the week. 
Dates: July 7-14 (check with camp as more dates may be added) 
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ages: 12 to 16
Price: $400 per week 
Location: 5457 St. Jacques St. (corner Decarie Blvd., N.D.G.). For more information, call (514) 482-5554 or visit www.kosamusic.com.

Lambda School of Music and Fine Arts
At this newly-opened cultural centre in Pierrefonds, children will explore the spirit, science and technology of various fine arts. During the two-week sessions, the days will be split between lessons (in piano, virtual and string instruments, dance, theatre, voice and graphic arts) and workshops by artists, university professors and other experienced teachers. There will be performances and seminars every Friday night so parents can see what their children have learned. 

Dates: Two-week sessions from July 2 to Aug. 27
Hours: 8:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. (with extended daycare until 6 p.m.)
Ages: 6 to 12
Prices: $650 for two weeks 
if paid prior to May 1, after which the fee is $750 
Location: 4989 Sources Blvd., Pierrefonds. For more information, call (514) 697-9991 or visit www.lambdaarts.ca.

SIMGA Leadership Adventure Camp
The camp aims to develop children’s self-respect, assertiveness, negotiation skills and ability to respect others. Through games, simulations and classes in storytelling, role-playing, as well as arts and crafts and sports, children will learn how to be effective leaders. Campers will have two weekly outings and make frequent trips to a nearby park. The program will be limited to eight participants each week. 
Dates: Four-day weeks from June 23 to July 4, weekly from July 7 to August 23
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
Ages: 8 to 12
Prices: $120 for four days or $150 per week (extended care available for $25/week)
Location: 5580 Sherbrooke St. W., between Old Orchard and Marcil Avenues. For more information, call (514) 482-7942.

Robot Science Camp
This camp will introduce children to the world of robotics. Participants build robots and program them to do fun things like dance or kick balls. Campers will also use their programming skills to create movies, web pages, comic books and other multimedia projects on the computer. All the hands-on technology is broken up with physical activities like soccer and swimming, team building games like treasure hunts as well as one field trip a week. (Children will be able to take home movies, comics and other programs they create but robots can’t be removed from the site.)
Dates: Weekly from June 30 to July 25
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with daycare available until 6 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 13
Prices: $250 per week 
Location: Coronation School, 4810 Van Horne Ave., Cote des Neiges.
For more information, call (514) 962-9833 or (514) 717-5317 or visit http://www.emsb.qc.ca/coronation/Index_Robotscience.htm.

Sunny Days Day Camp
Little ones as young as 2 get a taste of what it’s like to be part of a group at Randee Schneidman’s day camp for toddlers. The children will spend the morning playing games and doing activities. Specialists in sports, hip-hop and music will make weekly visits. Also on the schedule are special theme days featuring teddy bears, pyjamas and cooking, as well as Shabbat Fridays with kosher barbecue lunch and challah baking. 
Dates: Weekly from June 23 to Aug. 11
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. including lunch supervision, possible extension to 3 p.m.
Ages: 2 to 4 years (either toilet trained or not)
Prices: $165 per week
Location: Foundation School in the Shaar Hashomayin Synagogue 
For more information, call (514) 937-9474 ext. 148. 

Razmataz Kidz
At this indoor play centre in Laval, set to open by June, young children ages 2-6 will be able to take part in organized group play, baking, science, crafts and theme days. The centre includes four classrooms, a kitchen and a play area with slides, a jungle gym and toys. Each group will have two leaders, one who speaks English and the other who speaks French. 
Dates: June 23 to Aug. 22
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Ages: 2 to 6 
Prices: $60 (two half days/week) $75 (three half days/week) or $85 (five half days/week). 
Location: Option Building, 2nd floor, 
855 Desserte Street (off Highway 13), Chomedey, Laval. For more information, 
call (514) 730-0247 or visit www.razmatazkidz.com.