Rotary Club of Whitecourt sponsored camps at the AJMC

 

Each summer the Rotary Club of Whitecourt generously supports camps through the Allan & Jean Millar Centre for kids aged six to 14. The Rotary Unplugged Camp is primarily held at Rotary Park and is for children six to 12, and the Rotary 2.0 Camp takes place throughout the community and is for kids 12 to 14. On Tuesday, August 14, the older kids took part in a movie adventure zombie style!

 

After having their makeup done by local artist Rebecca Chambers, the group set off into the bush area directly behind the AJMC to create something scary and a bit funny. “Chambers is going into grade 12 this year at St. École Joseph School and is interested in this kind of thing as a career. She did a fantastic job with the kids in only two hours. We are all impressed because she nailed it,” said Jesslyn Jones, Recreation Co-ordinator for the AJMC.

 

Jones was joined by leader Mark Gilmore who has been working at the AJMC for just over three years. “He’s been our right-hand man with leading the camps for the older kids because he is relatable, and the kids look up to him. He can go with the flow and is a strong leader.” Gilmore even had a part in the movie although he didn’t last too long as the zombies got to him. “He will put the movie together, and it will be shown during the camp wind-up on Friday. It’ll be amusing to watch,” said Jones.

 

The camp started up during the second week of July and took place every second week for four weeks. Running from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at the cost of only $25 for each week made the camp an excellent choice for parents. “It’s made affordable so that everyone can join and be part of the fun. It’s nice to have that little bit of change from the regular pace, and it provides another option to get kids away from their phones and technology,” explained Jones.

 

She said they try and gear the camp towards the kids who want to take part. “We do our best to tailor it to them so that they really get into it and enjoy their time with us over the summer. It gets them up and outside and active.” They did all kinds of activities this summer including making giant sundaes, capture the flag, escape rooms, paint twister, creating and setting off rockets, paint fights, tie-dye, making movies, and water games at Rotary Park.

 

“We also had a week focussing on outdoor survivor skills. We spent a lot of time at the Forest Interpretive Centre during that week and made survival shelters and heard from different groups including the Junior Forest Rangers. Fish and Game Wildlife representatives taught the kids about fish and safe practices. We learned all about fire safety, too,” said Jones. They also took in Centennial Park and brought their bikes along to enjoy the Mountain Bike Park.

 

“Without the Rotary Club of Whitecourt, this wouldn’t be possible. It helps make our camp and the younger camp a success,” said Jones, adding, “it’s a great way for kids to come and get active while making new friends.” To learn more about the numerous events and activities that take place at or through the AJMC call the centre at 780-778-3637.