Families urged to prepare with Scugog program registration set to open in March

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: As winter winds down and the promise of longer days beckons, families across Scugog and the surrounding area are starting to dream of sun-soaked afternoons and busy summer schedules. From splash-filled days at the pool to action-packed day camps, the Township of Scugog is gearing up to welcome residents with a full lineup of recreational programs, designed to keep kids active, spark creativity, and bring the community together.

This year, the Township is attempting to make it easier than ever to plan ahead. Starting Monday, March 2nd, all spring and summer registered programs will be available to browse, online, giving families plenty of time to explore options and map out their schedules, before registration opens.

Shawna Cornish, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture, said, the move to a fully digital format is about keeping pace with the needs of busy families.

“Moving to an online platform allows us to keep everything current and accessible,” Ms. Cornish said. “Families can search for programs, check schedules, and register all in one place. It’s a more flexible and user-friendly experience.”

While the main program information will now live online, printed drop-in schedules will still be available, at recreation facilities, for those who prefer a hard copy.

For many local parents, registration day is practically a family ritual. Port Perry parent, Melissa Grant said, her children look forward to summer camp all year. “We log in, right at 7 a.m., to make sure we get the spots we want, the popular weeks always fill fast!” she said.

Darren Stone, another parent, welcomed the convenience of the new online format. “Being able to check everything from your phone makes planning a lot easier,” he said. “With work and kids’ activities, having the most up-to-date information at your fingertips is a real game-changer.”

Township officials anticipate high demand again this year, particularly for swimming lessons, summer day camps, and specialty programs. Ms. Cornish is advising families to double-check their accounts ahead of time, so contact and payment details are current, ensuring a smooth registration process.

Residents can view the full spring and summer program listings, starting Monday, March 2nd. Spring recreation program registration opens Monday, March 9th, at 7 a.m. Summer camps and other recreational programs will be available for registration on Monday, March 23rd, at 7 a.m., while aquatic programs and swimming lessons open the following day, on Tuesday, March 24th, at 7 a.m.

With registration just around the corner, the message from the Township is clear: mark your calendars and act fast because popular programs fill quickly. Whether it’s a splash in the pool, a creative arts camp, or an outdoor adventure, Scugog families have plenty to look forward to this spring and summer.