Salvation Army March Break Camp Offers Children Fun, Learning and Connection
For school-aged children, march break offers a much-needed rest from school. While time off is always welcome, it is also important for children to stay engaged rather than spending the entire week on screens.
Children in St. Thomas, Ont., have the chance to enjoy an interactive school holiday by joining The Salvation Army’s annual March Break camp. This five-day program for children aged four to 12 combines games, crafts and science experiments to create learning opportunities.
“They learn something new every day.”
“Each day, the children get to do something different and by the end of the week, the hope is that they share with their family what they’ve been learning,” says Jordan Payler, children and youth coordinator at The Salvation Army in St. Thomas.
The camp introduces a new theme every year. This year’s is “Kingdom Quest”. Through various activities, participants learn about Bible stories and engage in discussions, with a focus on promoting connection, teamwork and personal growth.
“We start the day off with free play time. Then they go right into their opening session, followed by snack time and their activity rotations, which include, crafts and science. They learn something new every day, which is super fun,” Jordan explains.
For parents, the availability of this Salvation Army March Break camp is important. It is not only an affordable alternative to daycare but also provides a space for their children to develop socially and learn some meaningful lessons.
“I think what makes our camp so special is the transition from our campers to leaders.”
“It’s a blessing to hear from families about how much their kids take in at camp and their desire to come back,” Jordan shares. “It’s amazing. It means that even the small things we’re doing are making an impact.”
The program also provides volunteer opportunities for teens. Up to 20 high school volunteers help run activities throughout the week. Many of these camp leaders are former campers who have transitioned into mentorship roles.
“I think what makes our camp so special is the transition from our campers to leaders. A lot of the campers know our leaders and they feel safe, heard and respected,” Jordan says.
Members of The Salvation Army’s church in St. Thomas also assist by donating food and snacks for campers.
Creating a memorable experience for children is a team effort. From families and volunteers to donors who support The Salvation Army’s programs, many people play a role in making March Break camp unforgettable.
“We try to make the experience as special as possible, whether that’s the decorations they see when they walk in or the small moments when you’re talking with a camper about what they’ve learned,” Jordan says.
By Juan Romero
