Comic store offers rare day camp

Andrea Roberts
Times Contributor

 

Local comic book store, We’ve got Issues, and an elementary teacher are working together to ensure Strathmore kids have an unforgettable summer this year, by offering a day camp focused on crafts, comic books, and games.
Starting next week, kids aged eight to 14 can participate in video gaming tournaments, writing their own comic books, and creating their very own superhero.
When the opportunity arose to create a day camp, Westmount Elementary Grade 5 teacher Aric Wutzke didn’t hesitate to jump on board, and has already received much interest among the students in his card game club.
“Growing up I never really had a place to hang out until I started playing card games, and everywhere I moved to the comic book store was one of those places where I knew I could find friends and just have a good time,” Wutzke said. “Our goal is to have a fun, safe place for kids to hang out. We’re really trying to create something more than a comic book store, but be a part of the community.”
The day camp will engage participants with numerous creative activities that will constantly change on a daily basis. Such projects include decorating an Ikea table by plastering it with comic book cut-outs or Magic cards, depending on each individual’s interests. The initiative will also dedicate one day to vintage video games, where boxes are being dusted off and kids have a chance to compete against each other playing some of the classics. As well, Wutzke is incorporating some of his card club success by giving away card decks and teaching those interested to play the card game Magic.
Since opening his store in early 2014, Dave Harvey, the owner of We’ve Got Issues, often heard parents inquire on whether he would offer a day camp. While he wasn’t planning on providing such a service, the mood took a slightly different turn when Wutzke, one of his regulars, decided to organize the project and heed the demand.
“It’s not daycare, we don’t classify ourselves as that, but it is that kind of mentality,” Harvey said.
“I mentioned it to a teacher, who is a regular here, and he said I would love to organize something like that, that’d be awesome. So now we’re doing it. A lot of these kids want to do stuff they actually enjoy in the summer.”
The two organizers are hoping to limit the number of students to 12 participants with a couple additional walk-ins a day.
The day camp will kick off weekdays on July 2 until July 16 and Aug. 3 to Aug. 28. While several of Wutzke’s students have already pre-registered, parents can drop off their kids on a daily basis for $25 a day. Signing up for five days will cost $100, 10 days $180, and to attend every day of the program will total $480.