As summer arrives in Portage la Prairie, the Family Resource Centre (FRC) is swapping its indoor routines for sunshine-soaked adventures. The centre’s annual summer programming, running June through August, shifts focus to outdoor park-based activities designed to engage families and kids while fostering community connections.
Outdoor adventures and summer camps take center stage
The FRC’s seven-week summer day camp returns this July and August, offering local kids a mix of games, crafts, and outdoor exploration without the need for overnight stays.
“It’s a great way for kids to spend a day locally, so you don’t have to send them away overnight or anything like that,” says Peter Thiessen, FRC’s program director. “They’ll have fun activities and some snacks and lunch throughout the day.”
Parent-child programs also continue on Monday and Thursday mornings, rotating through four themes: Story Time in the Park, Art in the Park, Play in the Park, and Growing Up Green. Each session combines structured activities with free play at local playgrounds.
“For all of them, you’re going to have some fun activity that you can do together,” Thiessen notes. “You’re going to get a snack and some free time to play at one of our great playgrounds here in town.”
Flexible registration and community fun
While the FRC encourages pre-registration via its website (frcportage.ca) to help plan supplies, Thiessen emphasizes flexibility.
“Feel free to call or text even the day of and say, ‘Hey, I happen to be free,’” he says. “We’re often pretty flexible because we don’t have the same limits as we do in our building.”
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Drop-ins and curious passersby are welcome, with Thiessen noting, “Sometimes people are just around, and we’ll go invite them or they’ll wander over and ask to join—and that’s cool too.”
Exploring Portage la Prairie together
The summer lineup aims to blend learning with play while showcasing the town’s green spaces.
“We’re looking forward to getting out in the community, enjoying the sunshine, and learning to be healthy and have fun,” Thiessen says.
And for families wondering about a familiar fuzzy face? Thiessen teases, “Puppet Peter may make an appearance or two. He’s a busy guy, but I’ll see if I can book him.”
Program details and registration are available at frcportage.ca.