Slave Lake families will have several recreation options this summer, including Canada Day activities, a children’s day camp, a playground program and a youth leadership opportunity, according to Abby Quimson, program co-ordinator for the Town of Slave Lake. Quimson says the town’s summer programming is meant to offer activities for a range of ages, from family events to programs for children and youth.
“I think it’s important for people to know that our summer programming offers something for every age group,” Quimson says. “From celebrating together at Canada Day, to keeping kids active and engaged at Summer Splash Camp and Playground Program, to helping youth develop valuable leadership skills through our Leaders in Training program, these programs are designed to create fun, meaningful experiences and strengthen our community.”
The Canada Day event is scheduled for July 1 at Hilda Eben Park, Quimson says. A pancake breakfast is planned from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by activities from noon to 4 p.m. Quimson says Canada Day is a family fun event and everyone is welcome to attend.
She says the event is community powered, with many of the activities sponsored or supported through partnerships with local businesses.
“This Canada Day festivities would not be like this if it wasn’t for our local businesses,” Quimson says.
Along with the one-day Canada Day celebration, Quimson says the town is offering Summer Splash, a summer camp for children ages six to 12. She says the camp begins June 29 and runs until Aug. 21. Quimson says Summer Splash includes planned activities through July and August, with different places and a different theme each week. She says the program is intended to keep children active and engaged during the summer break.
The town is also looking for Leaders in Training, Quimson says. The program is a one-week volunteer position for youth ages 13 to 15, who would assist Summer Splash counsellors. Quimson says participants in the Leaders in Training program will receive certificates after completing the one-week volunteer placement. She says the leadership opportunity is part of the town’s summer programming for youth and is meant to help participants develop leadership skills.
Another program planned for the summer is the Playground Program at Hilda Eben Park, Quimson says. It will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Quimson says park activity leaders will bring games, activities and crafts to the park for the program. She says the Playground Program is free. For children under eight, Quimson says the town strongly suggests they be accompanied by an adult.
Quimson says the Youth Advisory Committee will also hold an end-of-school pool party at the Northern Lakes Aquatic Centre pool on June 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. For Summer Splash, Quimson says the town has a team working on the program. She says she is serving as program co-ordinator, Hannah Reid is the Summer Splash co-ordinator and Ashley Schroder is the manager of recreation and community relations.
Quimson says she hopes people who take part in the programs have fun, make connections and create memories they will remember.
“Whether it’s celebrating at Canada Day, spending time at Summer Splash Camp and Playground Program or growing as a leader through our Leaders in Training program, I want participants to feel supported and excited to be there,” Quimson says.
She says the town also has an “amazing team of counsellors” this year.
“I’m so excited for participants to get to know them because they’re going to bring so much energy, positivity and fun to the summer,” Quimson says.
According to Quimson, Canada Day, Summer Splash, the Playground Program, the Leaders in Training opportunity and the Youth Advisory Committee pool party are the summer programs currently planned by the town.
She says the programs are intended to give families, children and youth opportunities to take part in community activities through the summer.
Sara Driedger
Lakeside Leader