Recreation Opportunities for Kids Central (ROK) is bringing back their Sobey's Summer Camp program once again this summer.

Registration kicked off yesterday and wraps up at the end of the month. ROK executive director Vienna Muise says they will be welcoming more kids this year as they increased their capacity to 50. She outlines some of the activities they have planned.

"We're going to bring back some of the favourites from last year like Archery," Muise explains. "We're going to have an artist or two from Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment, who have donated time in the past do that again this year. We're looking into the idea of having the kids make their own paper. We're going to have Volleyball Winnipeg come out every second week to teach the kids various types of volleyball. We also talked to the Rec Plex out in Southport and were going to take the kids bowling and to the rock wall as well."

In previous years, Muise says they would typically hold the camp from Monday to Thursday, but for 2022 they have added Fridays to the schedule. The drop-off period for the camp days is between 8:30 and 9 a.m. with pickup set between 3:30 and 4 p.m.

The executive director says last year was her first time being involved with the day camp program and outlines some of the benefits this has brought the kids.

"Physical activity for kids has gone down, big time. We know a lot of that is because all of us have become dependent on screens. So often, instead of in-person interactions have become electronic," Muise continues. "This is an opportunity for kids to get together, experience something they may not have before, and just be kids."

Muise says the reason they are able to put this on once again is because of the help they've received from the community. She says Southport Aerospace, Canada Summer Jobs, Sobey's, and Jumpstart - Canadian Tire made this all possible this year. 

If you're looking to sign up your child, Muise outlines how you can do so.

"We will have a downloadable version of the registration online. You can stop by the office for a paper copy. We're generally at the office from 9-5 on Monday to Friday, but you can give us a call first to make sure," Muise explains. "One of the things you'll see on the registration form this year will be a survey, essentially asking, if going forward there's a need to fund the camp, what would you be comfortable paying or would you be willing to volunteer in lieu of?"

The executive director says all applications can be returned to their office or put in their mailbox. Muise adds even if they were to ask for payment in the future, they will still be willing to work with families who may not have the funds disposable at that time.

The 2022 Sobey's Summer Camp program begins on July 4th and will take place every weekday until August 26. Muise notes they hope that every child will be planning to attend every session and says if a kid goes on vacation for two weeks, they need someone to fill that void for those two weeks.

The entire ROK family is ready and eager to see children having fun in the sun once again. For more information click here.

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