Building Skills, Friendships, and Future Leaders at Summer Kids Club

Every August, Summer Kids Club fills the Manchester Community Impact Centre with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the buzz of kids trying something new. This year, 21 children joined us for four days of activities, supported by five dedicated volunteers and our FESA facilitators. Part of Manchester’s Homework Club, Summer Kids Club gives children a fun way to keep learning during the summer, build friendships, and stay connected with their community. It also keeps the Homework Club spirit alive until the program starts up again in September.

A Day at Kids Club

Each morning began with a group learning activity—covering everything from communication skills to exploring Canadian geography—before kids split off to try hands-on stations like bracelet-making, painting, crafts, crosswords, puzzles, and games. Afternoons brought special treats and adventures: lip gloss–flavoured cookies, a trip to the park, and group games that sparked laughter and teamwork. Musical chairs quickly became a favourite, with cheers, laughter, and friendly competition filling the room each time it was played.

One morning, FESA facilitator Shawna introduced the group to smudging. For many, it was their first time taking part, and the children listened closely before joining her outside.

A Story of Connection

Saxon*, a young boy in the program, started the week speaking only to his older sister and keeping to a quiet corner away from the action. But as the days went on, little moments began to add up—acting out a squirrel during animal charades (with his sister’s encouragement), playing Connect 4 with a facilitator, and swinging alongside new friends. By the end of the week, he’d met another child who spoke Spanish, giving him a new connection beyond his sister.

Ashley, our summer student, shared:

“It was a fulfilling and enlightening experience to lead a small group at Summer Kids Club. I was immediately drawn to one of the kids in my group, a 7-year-old boy with level 2 autism. He avoided group activities and kept to himself on the first day, being silent and mainly interacting with his sister. But as the days passed, I started to see small but significant changes. He began playing games like charades and relay races and frequently preferred nonverbal and physical activities that fit in with his comfort level. He also volunteered to help out with little tasks like cleaning the chalkboard at the end of the day.

By the end of the camp, the shift in his confidence and willingness to engage with volunteers and other children had expanded. Seeing his development at the program was rewarding and served as a reminder of how patience and understanding can encourage development.”

Volunteers Making a Difference

Summer Kids Club was led by FESA facilitators with the support of dedicated adult and youth volunteers from the Manchester community. Many of our youth leaders once attended Homework Club themselves, and now they’re passing on their encouragement, skills, and enthusiasm to younger kids.

One youth volunteer reflected:

“My experience as a volunteer with the Manchester Kids Summer Camp was a week to remember, providing an encouraging and learning-focused environment that allowed me to improve my comfort working with children, as well as my ability to collaborate with other youth and adult volunteers. As someone who loves interacting with kids and was looking to gain more expertise in how to be a meaningful mentor, I was able to learn how I can effectively contribute to an atmosphere where kids, even as young as the age of five, have a place where they are able to express themselves, be included, and feel genuine enjoyment.

The interactive lessons, like teaching basic knowledge of how money works, the geography of Canada, and the ground rules of how to respect those around you, were a great opportunity to use my communication skills with the youngest age group—helping them understand concepts they might not grasp as easily as the older kids. It tested my patience and adaptability in the best way.

It was so rewarding to form organic, genuine relationships with even the shyest of kids. Many of the youngest were more anxious about being in a brand new environment with older children, but by encouraging them in small steps during free time activities and group discussions, I could help them feel more at ease. Seeing them try activities they weren’t sure about—like musical chairs—and then declare them their favourite by the fourth day was amazing. Overall, this week of volunteering was such a positive experience that I truly enjoyed, and I hope to volunteer for other community events in Manchester in the future.”

Thank You

Summer Kids Club wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of Manchester residents, youth leaders, and our FESA team. A special thank-you to the City of Calgary Community Social Work Program for partnering with us to make this week a success. Together, we’re keeping the spirit of Homework Club going all year long.

To learn more about Homework Club and other programs, reach out to us at programs@furthered.ca.

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