COLUMN: Village News – Pioneer day camps
Advertisement
I can hardly believe that the end of June is just around the corner! Coming along with the end of June is the end of the school year. Children rejoice at the last ring of the school bell that signals the beginning of their two months of summer fun! School’s out, but what’s in? For many children, summer means family vacations, time spent at friend’s houses, or endless leisure time spent on their favourite hobbies.
Another option for many children in Steinbach and the surrounding area is Pioneer Day Camp at the Mennonite Heritage Village! MHV offers five-day summer day camp programming for five weeks out of the summer months, giving children a unique opportunity to spend unforgettable hours in our village! Running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pioneer day camps offer working parents a great place to send their children during the summer months.
The Mennonite Heritage Village is proud to be able to offer experiential learning opportunities for children aged 5-14 centered on Pioneer living! At Pioneer day camps, children swap out video games and TV for old-fashioned costumes and pioneer skills! Where else will children learn how to churn butter, mill wheat in the windmill, work on a project in the blacksmith shop, and watch wool being spun into yarn? Children who have come to MHV for a school field trip will be thrilled to find out that they can spend more than one day on our grounds and can become acquainted with all the quaint corners that MHV offers. At Pioneer day camps, children don’t simply learn history – they live it!
Parents have said that Pioneer day camps “went way above” their expectations and that the price “was great for all the activities the children did.” Children said that they “looked forward to it every day” and one child even said “It was so fun! How come it’s only one week?” School’s out, Pioneer day camps is in!
If you have a child who would enjoy Pioneer day camps, you can call 204-326-9661 or email education@mhv.ca to book your spot. The five-day camp cost is $165/camper, Membership holders cost is $148.50/camper. If you prefer to pay in person, we encourage you to make your payments by June 30.
Camp dates
• July 7 to 11 (ages 5 to 7)
• July 14 to 18 (ages 7 to 11)
• July 21 to 25 (ages 11 to 14) – Apprenticeship camp: Extra opportunities to explore and develop heritage skills
• Aug. 11 to 15 (ages 7 to 11)
• Aug. 18 to 22 (ages 7 to 11)
Upcoming events
May to September – The museum, the Livery Barn Restaurant, the General Store, and Village Books and Gifts are open 7 days per week.
June 27 – 6 p.m. – MHV Gala Fundraiser: Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future. Tickets are available at reception. Call 204-326-9661.
July 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Canada Day celebrations. Free admission all day. Free birthday cake, antique tractor show, music, food, and rides all day.
July 7 – 7 p.m. – Local Author Evening at MHV. Meet local authors, Jane Hebdon, Bill Massey, Suzanne Funk. They will be sharing their stories of living and working in Southeastern Manitoba.
July 26 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Country Classic Car Club – Show and Shine at MHV.
Aug. 2 to 4 – Pioneer Days: Celebrate the 151st anniversary of Mennonites arriving in Manitoba this summer during the August long weekend.