Community Programs

Get Happy Summer Day Camp Pilot Program

Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program 2025 - Pilot Project

The Manitoba Aboriginal Sport & Recreation Council (MASRC) is excited to launch the Get Happy Summer Day Camps in 2025! Originally developed in Nunavut, this program has impacted over 17,500 children and trained 1,000+ youth leaders. Now, it's coming to Manitoba communities!

Program Overview

The Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program will offer 4-6 week summer camps for kids aged 5-12, focusing on physical activity, creative arts, and sports. The camps aim to help children build new skills, confidence, and have fun in a supportive environment.

Youth leaders, along with a supervisor or recreation coordinator, will attend a 4-day training session to develop leadership skills and prepare to run day camps in their communities. Training includes First Aid certification and the Jays Care Rookie League Baseball Program, giving youth leaders the tools they need for success.

Program Highlights

Youth Leader Training: Includes leadership skills, First Aid certification, and essential camp resources.
Jays Care Rookie League: Incorporates a fun baseball program into the camps.
Community Impact: Youth leaders return to their communities with the skills and confidence to run high-quality camps.
Full Support: Resources provided include activity plans, equipment, craft supplies, and promotional materials.

Purpose & Objectives

The Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program aims to:

Support Communities: Provide training and resources for successful day camp implementation.
Develop Youth Leaders: Empower youth to become effective leaders and role models.
Provide Resources & Equipment: Ensure communities have the necessary materials to run engaging, high-quality camps.
Offer Employment: Provide summer employment for youth leaders, gaining valuable skills and work experience.

Get Involved

Communities and youth leaders in Manitoba are invited to apply for this exciting pilot program. Get Happy Summer Day Camps offer a chance to create positive summer experiences, develop leadership, and make a lasting impact on children.

Leading the Way (LTW) - Get Happy Summer Day Camps Training

The Leading the Way (LTW) program offers youth (ages 15-22) the training, resources, and support needed to run Get Happy Summer Day Camps in their communities. LTW equips youth leaders with the skills to create fun and impactful camps for children.

How to Get Involved

To apply for the LTW Get Happy Summer Day Camp, communities must:

Submit an Application and Support Letter by January 31st, 2025
Confirm 4-6 weeks of camp space (community hall, arena, etc.)
Ensure Supervisors can join bi-weekly conference calls
Complete Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Checks for all staff
Attend June training (youth leaders and recreation coordinator)

Resources Provided by the MASRC

Full training coverage: travel, accommodations, food, certification for 5 youth leaders and a recreation coordinator
Art & craft supplies, snacks & drinks, T-shirts, and staff clothing
First Aid Kits, camp equipment, and full program resources

Community Responsibilities

Hire a Recreation Coordinator and recruit 5 youth leaders
Apply for summer student wage assistance
Participate in meetings leading to training
Host a minimum 4-week camp program
Pay staff wages during training week
Complete training evaluations and be general members of the MASRC for 2025-2026

Important Notes

100% training participation is required.
Communities in good standing with the MASRC will be considered.

Community Funding for Get Happy Summer Day Camp

As part of the Get Happy Summer Day Camp Pilot Program, communities must apply for youth summer work funding to support their camp operations. There are two funding options available:

Canada Summer Jobs Funding (Deadline: December 19, 2024)

Communities can apply for Canada Summer Jobs funding through the Canada Employment and Social Development website. This funding supports summer job placements for youth leaders. The portal closes on December 19, 2024, so be sure to submit your application before this deadline.

Apply for Canada Summer Jobs Funding

Urban/Hometown Green Team Grant (available in 2025)

If the Canada Summer Jobs funding window is missed, communities can apply for the Urban/Hometown Green Team Grant, which supports youth employment and development. While this grant isn't open yet for 2025, you can still indicate your intent to apply when the grant opens next year.

Learn More About the Green Team Grant

Submit an Application

To apply, please click on the links below to download the application package and to submit a membership application.

Get Happy Summer Day Camps Application Package MASRC General/Associate Membership Form

Once completed, application packages can be emailed to Nicole Robak, SSD Supervisor, at nicole.robak@masrc.com. Please reach out to Nicole if you have any questions.

Membership forms can be emailed to Rhonda Bernabe, Finance Manager, at rhonda.bernabe@masrc.com. Alternate payment arrangements can be made by clicking here.

Contact Us

321 - 145 Pacific Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada,R3B 2Z6
x 204-925-5737 A info@masrc.com

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We acknowledge and respect that the MASRC is based on lands shared between peoples, the land of the Anishinabe & Cree, on Treaty One Territory and on the Homeland of the Red River Métis. Being an organization that travels throughout Manitoba, we also acknowledge and respect all lands and treaties we operate on, including Treaty 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 10 as well as the Dakota Nations.