Camps at Steinbach Arts Council filled to capacity this summer
This article was originally published on SteinbachOnline: https://steinbachonline.com/articles/camps-at-steinbach-arts-council-filled-to-capacity-this-summer
It has been a packed summer at the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC), with day camps running at full capacity and new programming on the horizon.
Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs at SAC, says this year’s camps expanded to full days and two additional weeks. “The day camps have been just—the word is great. We are full, full, full,” she says.
Highlights from summer camps
The camps featured a wide range of activities and field trips that kept children engaged throughout the season. Kornelsen notes that campers enjoyed a visit with horses from Cloud 9 Rance, gymnastics at Flippers, and learning about animals through Prairie Exotics and Wildlife Haven.
Special theme days also stood out, including Medieval Week with Jeremy Plett, volleyball with Olympian Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, and trips to the Mennonite Heritage Village. Kornelsen adds that daily swims at the Aquatic Centre were another highlight.
“Our field trips have been a huge hit,” she says. “The kids have been having such a great time.”
Fall programming filling up
As summer winds down, SAC is turning its attention to fall and winter programming. Registration opened in mid-July, and Kornelsen says demand is already strong. “We’re trying to figure out how we can plug in some more classes in the different empty spaces,” she explains. “There is still room to register, but we are starting to really notice an increase.”
This season includes more than 30 workshops ranging from stained glass to canning, paper design, and holiday gift making. In November, a Filipino lantern-making class will add a cultural element to the lineup.
Arts for all ages
Kornelsen emphasizes that SAC programming is designed for all ages. The Arts for Tots preschool program, led by Miss Pam and Miss Jamie, returns this fall, while music lessons with Southeast Music Centre, dance through Boss Dance Academy, and theater with the Backyard Theatre Company offer options for older children and youth.
A new musical theatre program for ages six to 16 will also launch this fall, divided into two age groups. Kornelsen says more details will be released in the coming weeks.
Building community through the arts
Kornelsen says providing accessible arts programming is a meaningful part of SAC’s work. “It’s a very heartwarming feeling. We work really hard at the Arts Council to do what we do best, and that’s provide for the community, show our passion and really build those community relationships,” she says.
Information on fall registration is available on the Steinbach Arts Council website or by calling 204-346-1077 or visiting the centre.
