For many local children, summer wouldn’t be summer without the Portage Regional Recreation Authority’s (PRRA) Day Camp. For Maegan Inman, it’s been a seasonal job and a summer home.
This year marks Inman’s seventh and final season with the day camp program, a place where she’s grown up herself, from a young volunteer to camp coordinator. As she prepares to say goodbye, she’s leaving more than just a job behind, but a family as well.
“I’ve loved my time here. It’s a great organization for not only the kids, but for the staff too,” says Inman. “I started as a volunteer, then became a play leader, and now I’m the coordinator. Every summer, I meet new kids, and I’ve worked with many different staff members over the years. We’re like a family all summer long.”
That strong sense of connection is part of what makes PRRA Day Camp so special. Inman has watched some campers grow from kindergarteners into confident preteens, returning summer after summer. Keeping the programming fresh and engaging is key to keeping kids coming back.
“If they come every week, every summer, they can get bored, so we’re always changing things up,” she explains. “It keeps them engaged, and the best compliment we get from parents is that their kids come home tired.”
The camp isn’t just about fun and games, either. Over the years, the program has expanded to include a variety of community partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities.
Local fire and police departments regularly stop by, and “the reptile guy” is now a fan favourite. This summer, PRRA introduced a new addition, 'Stardome,' a portable planetarium experience during Science Week that is expected to be a hit.
“Every week, the kids get to have fun and learn something new,” Inman says. “Even for us play leaders, it’s special. Some of these activities are things we never had the chance to experience when we were growing up. So, sharing them with the kids makes it all the more meaningful.”
Eight-year-old Maelynn agrees. She’s been attending every other week this summer and says 'Water Week' is her favourite.
“I like going swimming and playing with water balloons,” she says with a smile.
Ten-year-old Quintin is new to camp, but already hooked on the action. His first week left a big impression.
“When the fire truck came, it was awesome,” he says. “We got to spray the hose and learned to stop, drop, and roll. I’m coming back for Science Week in August. I want to learn some stuff to be ready for school next year.”
Though this summer will be her last with PRRA Day Camp, Inman is heading into a new chapter of her life with a teaching degree in hand. The emotions are bittersweet.
“I’m sad to be leaving,” she admits, through tears. “But I hope to visit, and I know we’ll see some of these kids again, maybe even in our classrooms one day. I’ve had seven great summers here, and I’m so thankful for all the kids I’ve gotten to know.”
For Inman and for the children who pass through PRRA’s doors every summer, the camp is more than just a place to stay busy. It’s a place to learn, to grow, and to belong.
And as the next generation of play leaders begins to take the reins, Inman’s hope is simple.
“I just want PRRA Day Camp to keep being fun, and to keep being a family.”
~With files from Brittany Boschman
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