The City of Martensville will once again be hosting their Schools Out Fun Program at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP). The program will run for six weeks from July 9th until August 15th, with each week offering a variety of activities.
Last year was the first time the summer Schools Out Fun Program was held and it proved to be quite popular. Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Program Director, noted that after seeing the popularity, they decided to offer the program during other school breaks throughout the year. “It is a new program that is working its way in. We tried to offer a few of the single days where there was no school such as May long weekend, or Thanksgiving; however, we didn’t see the same response. When there are full week breaks for the kids; that is when we see more of a turn out. Each time the program is held, we see an increase in attendance, so word is getting out there and the program is definitely growing, which is great to see.”
Four of the weeks this summer will be ran by the same organizers that the City of Martensville uses for their Sportball programming, and will be more sports orientated. The other two weeks will focus more so on nature, science, outdoor play, water fun and arts & crafts. “We wanted to ensure that we offered a little bit of something for everyone, so whether you like sports, arts and culture, or outdoor play, we have you covered,” Reddekopp added.
The program is offered for children in grades 1-5 and runs from 9am-12pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week. Those interested can sign up for an individual day, a full week, or the full summer, depending on what works best for them. The cost to attend is $7/day or $20 for the entire week. “Kids can come here at 9 and we have a break in the middle where we provide a snack. Other than that, there is an activity that is organized by the instructors. It is a great way to give parents a break and it gives the kids something fun and organized to do.”
Reddekopp first heard about the program at a Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation conference and thought that it would be a good addition for the community. “We decided to do some trial runs during the school year and it was well received, so we decided to run it throughout the summer. It is something different that people don’t have to sign up for in its entirety and it is also geared towards older kids as well, not just the little ones.”
Funding for the program comes through the Community Initiative Fund, and Reddekopp stated that this funding is what allows them to keep the cost for the program so low, and as long as the funding continues, the program will continue to run.
Families are still able to sign up for the programming and can register either online or at the MAP. “We do ask that people don’t drop in the day of the programming because there is a possibility that we are full and can’t accept them. If possible, we ask that those interested register a few days in advance.”
