The dates at a glance
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FRI25SeptPD DayCBENo schoolCCSDSchool
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WED30SeptNational Day for Truth and ReconciliationCBENo schoolCCSDNo school
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MON12OctThanksgivingCBEStat holidayCCSDStat holiday
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MON19OctPD Day (moved from Oct 23)CBENo schoolCCSDNo school
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FRI30OctPD DayCBESchoolCCSDNo school
Tap a date to jump to it.
What is a PD Day?
PD stands for professional development. Teachers spend the day on training and planning, so students stay home. CBE and CCSD set their own PD Days, so they don't always match. Find your board's dates above, then scroll down for camps on each day.
If your family’s anything like ours, keeping track of activities, appointments, birthday parties, fun lunches (we already missed September’s), and all the surprise days-off two small humans create is basically a full-time job.
And, if you’re working full-time, trying to hit 100g of protein, walk 10,000 steps, and get eight hours of sleep, something has to give (if ya know, ya know 😉).
The Day-Off Compass was built for busy parents who want camp options without the endless search. Like everything we create at Little Compass, it’s designed to make the first step of booking camps easier.
Here is every day your kids are home until the end of October, plus what you can do about it. And just a quick note, this guide covers the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).
Friday, Sept 25: CBE PD Day
CBE: No schoolCCSD: School13 camp optionsCamp options for Sept 25
Three picks for a mix of areas, ages and prices. Prices and spots change fast, so confirm with the camp before you book.
| Camp | Ages | Hours | Price | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo Variety PD Camp NE | 6 to 12 | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | $57 ($48.45 for members) | Not listed |
| MNP Community & Sport Centre SE | 5 to 12 | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | $62 | Paid |
| The Confluence DowntownTheme: Trials & Triumph. | Grades 1 to 6 | 9 am to 4 pm | $67 | Free |
Wednesday, Sept 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
CBE: No schoolCCSD: No school3 camp optionsSept 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.
The Confluence will be offering a variety of free programming all day, including free admission to exhibits in the cultural centre, programming in tipis on the land, educational walking tours and more. The site will also host the City of Calgary Orange Shirt Day Program from 9-10:30 am.
Here’s the detail worth knowing: in Alberta, Sept 30 isn’t a guaranteed stat. It’s optional, which means your employer decides whether you get the day off.
Helpful tips
- Ask your employer now if they’re closed.
- Book a camp early. Spots can fill fast.
Camp options for Sept 30
Prices and spots change fast, so confirm with the camp before you book.
| Camp | Ages | Hours | Price | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinnovate DIY Art Studio SE | 6 to 14 | 9 am to 4 pm | $110 full day, $60 half day | None |
| MNP Community & Sport Centre SE | 5 to 12 | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | $62 | Paid |
| Laser City North NEMinecraft (7 to 12), laser tag (6 to 12, finished Grade 1) or mini paintball (8 to 12). Pizza lunch and two snacks included. | 6 to 12 (varies by camp) | Drop-off 8:30 am, pick-up by 5 pm | $74.99 | Not listed |
Monday, Oct 12: Thanksgiving Monday
CBE: Stat holidayCCSD: Stat holidayLong weekendThanksgiving is a stat holiday, so most families get a long weekend (hooray). Leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast is encouraged.
Monday, Oct 19: The PD Day that moved
CBE: No schoolCCSD: No school11 camp optionsIf you wrote Oct 23 on the fridge calendar, thinking you’re ahead of the game, cross it out. CBE moved its October PD Day to Monday, Oct 19. Why? Not to test who’s paying attention, but because schools will be polling stations for the provincial referendum. That means CBE kids have school on Friday, Oct 23.
Heads up: some camp booking pages still list Oct 23. Check the date before you pay.
Oct 19 full-day prices at a glance
Tap a camp to see details and book. Prices and spots change fast, so confirm with the camp before you book.
Lowest listed full-day price for each camp. Not shown: City of Calgary Arts Ventures (full on Sept 20) and Aliki’s (a 2-hour workshop).
Friday, Oct 30: CCSD PD Day
CBE: SchoolCCSD: No school3 camp optionsCamp options for Oct 30
Prices and spots change fast, so confirm with the camp before you book.
| Camp | Ages | Hours | Price | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinnovate DIY Art Studio SE | 6 to 14 | 9 am to 4 pm | $110 full day, $60 half day | None |
| Between Friends Location on camp siteAll-inclusive and open to any ability. | 4 to 17 | 9 am to 3:30 pm | $60 | Not listed |
| Aliki’s Art House NW2-hour drawing workshop. Good if you only need the morning covered. | 7 to 12 | 10 am to noon | $30 | Not listed |
5 ways to plan ahead
- Add every date to your phone nowSet a reminder one week before each one.
- Book earlyCity of Calgary PD Day camps for Sept 25 were almost full a week ahead.
- Team upSwap PD Day coverage with another family when you can, useful for Oct 19 and Oct 30 especially.
- Mind the gapMany camps run 9 to 4. Your workday probably doesn’t. Ask about before and after care.
- Check what’s includedLunch, snacks and gear vary by camp.
Coming up: Fall Break, Nov 11 to 13
For CBE and CCSD, the last day of classes before Fall Break is Tuesday, Nov 10. Classes start again Monday, Nov 16. Our next guide will cover Fall Break camps. That’s all our busy brains can hold for now.
Need a camp now? See Fall Break camps in the Day-Off Compass.
Want to save a few dollars? See 7 Fall Break camp deals and perks.
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Until next time, happy cozy season and Stars Hollow reruns.
Ashlee