Last week, Portage children aged 5-12 got the chance to explore other nations while in the comfort of Stride Place.
According to recreation manager Zapphira Neuschwander, the week, hosted by the Portage Regional Recreation Authority's (PRRA) Day Camps, saw kids learn about Canada, Australia, France, Kenya and Egypt.
"So, every day, they watched a PowerPoint for every country that included some--basic geography. capital cities, all of that-then just a lot of fun facts. They made many flags and wrote postcards home from those countries," continues Neuschwander. "Then they did some crafts and activities around each of those countries."
Neuschwander adds that the week's purpose was not only to show kids the fun of other countries, but also to help educate them and prepare them for the school year.
Rebecca Hustins, a mother who sent her child Aiden to the camp, says this week seemed unique from her point of view as a parent.
"When they come home, they're excited about learning and wanting to travel, and they're just super-excited over something new. That is really encouraging."
Rebecca says that hearing that her son was learning outside of school in a fun way is very neat to see.
Aiden Hustins, an Arthur Meighen student going into grade seven, shares that Australia was the most interesting of the countries he learned about during the week.
Aiden has attended these camps put on by the PRRA all summer and talks about his experience.
"I would recommend it. It's really fun. You get to make new friends and play with the games and books. There's swimming a lot of the time, and there are always some activities to do."
Neuschwander notes that getting such positive reassurance means the world to the PRRA.
"Having that kind of feedback is wonderful, especially since we put a lot of effort into wanting a program that the kids enjoy."