MEDICINE HAT, AB – It has been a difficult year for both parents and kids bouncing between in-person and online school and having extracurricular activities canceled
As the province re-opens, summer camps have the green light.
The planning at Medalta started back in March.
Even as the museum’s doors were closed to the public, education coordinator Wendy Struck was optimistic about summer camps.
“We were just always hoping that we could so we advertised it and kinda saw how things unfolded,” Struck said. “We are doing summer camp again.”
Although registration will be limited to eight kids instead of the usual 20, the rest of Medalta’s summer camps will run as normal.
Kids will attend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day and participate in a variety of activities.
Struck says it will be great for them to have this opportunity for the summer.
“I think it’s just good for the kids. Some of them were sent home from school and I don’t think they’ve had a lot of socializing opportunities,” Struck said. “The kids that come to camps really get to know each other and have a lot of fun.”
Across the city, more summer camp options are available.
The YMCA has all-day programs and CEO Sharon Hayward says it costs $100 per week for everyone.
There are also half-day sports camps.
“Two of our camps are very full, there’s just a very few spaces left throughout the summer. But our half-day sports skills and drills still have lots of room,” Hayward said. “The neat thing about that is it works on different sports so kids can improve their skills in their areas and when the kids come, they get some free stuff, sporting equipment and YMCA swag.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also putting on summer camps. The free half-day programs will focus on self-esteem, confidence and active lifestyles.
Mentoring supervisor Melissa Pearl is thrilled camps are a go this year.
“Spots are filing up which is exciting,” Pearl said. “We weren’t too sure if we were able to go ahead with everything because of COVID but as soon as we kinda got that green light, we got it out there and kids are showing a lot of interest.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters camps are open to everyone aged 10 to 14.
