Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program 2025: A New Opportunity for Manitoba Communities

December 17, 2024

The Manitoba Aboriginal Sport & Recreation Council (MASRC) is excited to announce the launch of the Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program in 2025. Following a decade of success in Nunavut, where the program has impacted over 17,500 children and trained 1,000+ youth leaders, the MASRC is bringing this proven initiative to communities across Manitoba.

This pilot project will offer 4-6 week summer camps designed for children ages 5-12. The camps will focus on physical activity, creative arts, and sports, providing a fun and supportive environment where kids can develop new skills, build confidence, and make lasting memories.

What's in Store for 2025?

The Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program provides an incredible opportunity for both youth leaders and communities. Here's how the program works:

Youth Leader Training: Youth leaders (ages 15-22) and their supervisors will attend a 4-day training session in June 2025. This hands-on training will help them develop essential leadership skills and gain First Aid certification, as well as experience with the Jays Care Rookie League Baseball Program-a fun and engaging sports initiative for the children at camp.
Program Support: the MASRC will provide full support for the camps, including all resources, activity plans, equipment, and craft supplies. Additionally, snacks and participant t-shirts will be supplied, ensuring that each camp is well-equipped to deliver an engaging, high-quality experience.
Community Impact: By the end of the training, youth leaders will be prepared and confident to return to their communities with all the tools necessary to run successful camps that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children.
Youth Employment: The program also offers an opportunity for youth employment, providing paid summer positions for youth leaders. Not only will they gain hands-on experience in leadership and community engagement, but they will also have the chance to develop valuable skills that can help them in their future careers.

How to Get Involved

Communities across Manitoba are invited to apply for this exciting opportunity. Here's what you need to know to get started:

Submit Your Application: Communities must submit a Completed Application and Support Letter by January 31st, 2025. The letter should confirm the availability of a space to host the summer day camp (e.g., community hall, arena) for a minimum of 4-6 weeks.
Supervisor Commitment: Supervisors must agree to attend bi-weekly conference calls and support the training and program implementation.
Criminal Record Check: All summer camp staff, including youth leaders, must complete a Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Check (CRC/VSC) before training.
Youth Leader Training: At least one recreation coordinator and five youth leaders from each community must attend the training session in June 2025.
Funding for Youth Employment: Communities are encouraged to apply for youth summer work funding to support their camp operations. Two funding options are available:
- Canada Summer Jobs: The 2025 application period is now open but closes on December 19, 2024.
- Urban/Hometown Green Team Grant: This grant will open for applications in 2025. Communities can include their intent to apply for this grant when applying for the Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program.

What's Included for Communities

The MASRC is committed to ensuring that every participating community has everything needed to run a successful summer camp. Program benefits include:

100% coverage of training costs, including travel, accommodations, food, and certification for up to 5 youth leaders and a recreation coordinator.
Art & craft supplies for campers.
Snacks & drinks for children.
Participant t-shirts for both campers and staff.
First Aid kits and camp equipment.
Full resources and activity plans to support each community in delivering engaging, fun programs for kids.

Important Notes

100% participation in training is mandatory for all youth leaders and supervisors.
Communities must be in good standing with the MASRC and current members for the 2025-2026 year. Communities with outstanding balances or reports will not be considered until all dues are cleared.

Apply Today

The Get Happy Summer Day Camp Program offers a fantastic opportunity to support youth leadership, provide enriching summer experiences for children, and bring communities together in 2025. To get involved, please visit our website to learn more and submit your application before the January 31st, 2025 deadline.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impact in your community next summer!

For more details, including how to apply, visit our website or contact Nicole Robak, SSD Supervisor, by email at nicole.robak@masrc.com.