PSP Borden’s March Madness Day Camp provided campers with a fun filled itinerary and a platform for building lasting friendships
Last month’s March Madness Day Camp saw an incredible turnout of about 40 campers, indicating a 33 per cent increase in registrations for the ever so popular program spanning from 11 to 15 March 2024 at the Andy Anderson Arena on CFB Borden.
Since 2008, the March Madness Day Camp has offered activity filled days for kids from military and civilian families, often allowing families and their children to connect and form friendships across the Base.
Throughout the week, campers were invited to go bowling at the Circle Pine Bowling Centre on Monday, Skating in the Andy Anderson Arena on Tuesday, rock climbing and a Nerf battle on Wednesday, canvas painting on Thursday and a movie at the Terra Theatre on Friday.
According to PSP Community Recreation Coordinator, Connie Knuff, the feedback from campers on the programming and activities each day was overwhelmingly positive.
“Families love camp! We had one family come in with one of their children. They said it was awesome to hear how camp kept their kid busy,” Knuff said.
Before and after care are also included upon registration, which was another program offering that families loved, with before care opening at 0700 hrs for free play, programming between 0800 and 1600 hrs and after care between 1600 and 1700 hrs.
“It was my first year running [March Break Camp] and the staff and kids were good. There are always hiccups, ups and downs, but there’s always that cheerful moment that turns it around,” said Knuff.
For youth ages 13 to 16, PSP Comm Rec’s Leaders in Training program present a unique opportunity for volunteers to gain experience working with kids between five and 12 years of age, all while undergoing specialized training in relation to child development, CPR and First Aid. You can even you’re your 40 volunteer hours required to graduate from high school!
With registration for spring and summer programs now closed, camps will begin in the coming months with the eight-week “Summer Fun” program starting on 2 July until 23 August 2024.
Each week includes a camp theme such as Under the Sea, Halloween, Vacation, S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and many more!
“One camper made a point of making sure her family got to talk to another camper’s family,” Knuff said. “Since they became friends through camp, now they can plan playdates outside of PSP programming. Otherwise, they might have never known each other, so it’s great to see that.”
To learn more about PSP Comm Rec’s program offerings throughout the calendar year visit CFMWS.ca.
By: Caleb Hooper
