The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Summer vacation is whole lot more enjoyable for one group of fun-seeking youngsters. Summer in the Parks is well underway for another season of friendship, laughs and learning. "They get to spend their summer outside and just socialize with other kids all afternoon instead of sitting in front of the TV or playing video games," said supervisor Paige McBratney. The the program is based at Willowvale Park, where the children enjoy the playground, wading pool, and various games and crafts. They also get to go on field trips to locations such as Canadian Tire, where they went on a tour, and Denare Beach, where they played at the beach. A highlight came last week when the kids visited the Chicken Chef Family Restaurant and got the chance to prepare their very own pizzas. "It's been going really good," commented McBratney. "They've had a lot of fun, and they've been doing something different every day." And the youngsters aren't the only ones having a good time. McBratney, who is in her eighth year with the program, couldn't ask for a better summer job. "It's a great way to spend the summer," she said. "I love working with kids." Joining McBratney on the Summer in the Parks staff are Michelle Pettersen, Nicole Leifso, Colette Dubie, Chase Scott and Sara Lawrence. The program had 15 children, aged 5 to 9, enrolled last week, but that number fluctuates. Summer in the Parks is sponsored by Flin Flon Parks and Recreation and the Flin Flon Arts Council.