Day camps flourish during February school break

School is back in across the province after students from kindergarten all the way to post-secondary education enjoyed a break from class last week.

For some parents, the week off adds a layer of stress to find ways to keep the kids active during working hours.

Day camps have helped fulfill that need in recent years.

Businesses in Saskatoon like Going Yard Training Centre have catered itself to accommodate the extended breaks schools have.

Owner and operator Jordan Draeger said his business slows during the winter months, but that quickly changes around this time of year.

“Once the February break hits, that’s when baseball becomes top of mind,” he said.

Sixty children ranging from eight to 12-years-old filled the facility at Gordie Howe Sports Complex last week as anywhere from eight to 10 coaches worked through drills, mechanics and baseball basics with participants.

Lunch is provided during the five-hour program as parents swing by in the morning and afternoon for drop off and pick up.

“We noticed the business opportunity,” Draeger said of the move towards holding training sessions during school holidays.

“We used to run camps over the summer primarily because the kids were out of school then.”

Day camps aren’t just for the long breaks either.

Going Yard recognized the business opportunity of catering hours and sessions to the school calendar.
(Going Yard Baseball/Facebook)

Going Yard altered the company’s business model, splitting the company’s revenue into five streams. Draeger said the public dismissal day camps are one of the five streams.

“Losing that stream, then yeah, we would hurt financially quite a bit.”

The YMCA of Saskatoon has been holding day camps of its own for over 10 years.

Serena Dallas, the marketing and philanthropy director at YMCA, said the School’s Out Day Camps have become a staple during the school year.

“Knowing that (the kids) are in a safe, friendly environment, and (the kids) aren’t sitting in front of a TV, they’re being active,” she said.

Swimming, crafts, karate, cards and board games are all part of the fun.

The added benefit for parents is YMCA’s flexible hours and daycare.

Dallas said popularity has risen each year.

“This week alone, we had 81 kids on average each day for the camp — that’s is our highest record so far,” she said.