Newly operated SMP Sports Centre Summer Camps a smash hit with local youth

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore has taken over hosting youth summer camps at the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre this season, which have reportedly been well received thus far.

According to Sports Centre Programmer Mercy Brinton, a total of eight weeks of camp programming has been offered this season, most of which has been registered to capacity.

“It’s been great for our first year running the camps, we’ve seen a great attendance so far for our inaugural year,” she explained. “It’s surpassed our expectations going into it, and especially out of COVID-19.”

Camps at the facility had previously been offered by the Youth Club. It was not disclosed precisely why the shift occurred. 

“It was a natural fit with the facility and us having the space. There’s a need in the community for the Town to host these camps,” said Brinton.

During Aug. 9-13, participating youth were offered an insect-themed week with games, scavenger hunts and crafts. Aug. 16-20 the theme shifted to that of a farm.

“We are excited to be able to provide an exciting, fun summer for a lot of kids who otherwise wouldn’t get that opportunity,” she said. “Calgary Reptile Party [came] in on Wednesday [Aug. 11] to do a presentation for the kids, [and] we have a local friend in the community who supplied us with a praying mantis.”

Danielle Jensen, a fellow coordinator, added being able to keep kids busy and help working parents by providing something for their youngsters to do was a welcome amenity.

“We’re keeping kids busy, helping parents who are working through the summer … it’s a nine-to-five camp so it’s all day. They’re having fun, they’re going home tired,” she said.

“It also gives them that continued sense of routine where there’s a break from school. [It] helps them still have … that routine of getting up and having interaction scheduled during their day.”

Brinton added that coming out from COVID-19 restrictions, the emphasis of the camps was simply for the kids to have fun.

“I think the social interaction and opportunity to make new friends is a highlight as well,” she explained. “For a lot of kids we have seen, specifically this year, where a lot of kids are new to town so this is an opportunity for them to meet some new friends going into the school year.”

Camp weeks will continue to run at the facility until the end of August, and the goal is to continue offering the service in future years.