Spring break is in full swing across southeastern Manitoba, and for many families, that means a packed schedule of local camps keeping kids active, creative, and connected. From La Broquerie to Ste. Anne, organizers say demand for spring break programming remains strong, offering everything from skating, baking and art to themed activity days inspired by pop culture trends. In La Broquerie, Leisure Services Programmer Desiree Vermette says local partnerships play a central role in shaping the camp experience. “Typically, we like to use local people… Once we get good feedback, then we know what we want to bring back.” Vermette says this year’s camp blends familiar favourites with new ideas, all designed to appeal to a wide range of interests. Activities include an art class with local artist Colleen Watchorn and Nerf battles with Frontier Events, a La Broquerie-based non-profit. That use of local partners helps foster a sense of community, something Vermette says is especially important in a growing region. Meeting demand for French-language programming is also a focus, with most facilitators being bilingual, an asset in the area. Some of the themes offered throughout the week also act as a “sneak peek” of full programs that will be rolled out in the community in the near future. “I think it’s good to get kids out in the community and see what kind of things we can offer... it's good to get all these groups together in a rural community and explore.” Fun, friends and new skills Programming is geared toward children aged six to 12, with organizers aiming to strike a balance between fun and skill-building, says Vermette. “Our main goal is obviously always to have fun, but a lot of it does come with skill building.” According to Vermette, one of the biggest highlights of spring break camps is the chance for kids to try activities they might not otherwise experience at home, all in a safe, supervised environment. For nine-year-old Chase Elliott Chapman, the appeal of camp is simple: friends and fun. “Because I knew my friends would be there,” he says. Chapman says learning to skate alongside friends has been a standout experience, along with building new connections. “Having like new friends that I didn’t even know from the start… and they turned out to be really good people.” Swifties, ninjas and nonstop energy in Ste. Anne Over in Ste. Anne, a different style of camp is drawing similar enthusiasm. At the Phoenix Cheer Athletics Spring Break Camp, coordinator Jessica Jolicoeur says each day is built around themes designed to reflect current trends and keep kids moving. “I went with what’s kind of the trend nowadays,” she says, pointing to themed days like Taylor Swift, K-pop, cheer, and ninja. The response has been strong, with between 22 and 24 children attending daily. Jolicoeur says the camp is designed to support both working parents and active kids. “It’s important to have something for parents who are working, and also something that keeps the kids very active because it’s non-stop.” She adds that unlike school, campers are moving all day, something she believes has several benefits. “They’re very tired by the end of the day, which I think is important too.” Jolicoeur says she often sees parents asking about camps on social media, and believes they play an important role in getting kids off screens. “So I think it's really important, especially nowadays with social media and all the technology. I think it's good for kids to go out and meet new people and stay active.” She says one of the biggest hits is the circuit stations, an almost guaranteed way for kids to get exercise. The kids love that and they could go around on that for hours. A sneak peek at year-round programming Similar to La Broquerie’s programming, the camp in Ste. Anne introduces participants to activities that reflect programs offered year-round. For participants like nine-year-old Kelly Horner from Blumenort, trying something new is part of the fun. “The best part is, like, I’m so close to doing a kickover,” she says, after testing out cheer and tumbling for the first time. She’s also enjoyed the creative side of camp, including designing a K-pop dance and looking ahead to making friendship bracelets on Swiftie Day. Not every camper signs up on their own initiative. Seven-year-old Juliette admits, “I didn’t want to join. It’s just my mom that said to do it so then I can get all my sillies out.” For many parents, including Juliette’s mom, camps like these offer a practical way to keep children active during the school break while balancing work schedules. For families, options vary depending on their needs. In La Broquerie, financial assistance is available, while in Ste. Anne, Jolicoeur says families can choose a pay-per-day model that allows them to select sessions that fit their budget and schedule.