Page 26 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Fall Giver 2024

Miramichi PALS Camp Helps Children Thrive in

Reading and Physical Fitness

This summer, children in grades 1 to 4 returned to school
more prepared in reading and physically fit, thanks to the
successful PALS Camp hosted by the Miramichi Regional
Multicultural Association (MRMA) in partnership with the
Miramichi Rotary Club, Greater Miramichi Service
Commission, Cradle to Career, United for Literacy (Frontier
College), Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, NB
Public Libraries, NB SEED, and Canada Summer Jobs. The
camp was graciously supported by Saint Michael’s Basilica,
which provided facilities for the program. now in its 4th year.
PALS Camp, short for Physical Activity Literacy and
Sport is an evidence-based summer reading program
designed for boys and girls who might not enjoy reading but
do enjoy sports. The camp focuses on improving the reading L to R: Craig Silliker, Miramichi Regional Multicultural Association;
skills and attitudes toward reading of children in grades 1 to Catherine Flett, VP Miramichi Rotary Club; Michelle Conroy, MLA;
4 who are not meeting expected levels. During the 2- to 4- Michael Mersereau, Literacy Coordinator Miramichi Rotary Club
week camps, pupils learn core reading comprehension skills According to the 2010 Active Healthy Kids Canada
while improving their reading confidence, enjoyment of Report Card, only 12 per cent of Canadian children and youth
reading, and motivation to read. In addition, they gain meet Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines of at least 60
physical activity fundamentals, helping them develop minutes of physical activity per day.
essential skills for a healthy lifestyle. The Greater Miramichi Service Commission played a
Thanks to the support from the Department of Tourism, vital role in ensuring that the camp’s staff was well-trained,
Heritage, and Culture, the camp was able to provide training helping them meet the individual benchmarks of each child.
in the fundamentals of sport, ensuring that children are also Additionally, PALS Camp provides summer students with
prepared for a physically active life. valuable training and skill-building opportunities. Mike
"We know that active play is critical for the healthy Mersereau of the Miramichi Rotary Club highlighted the
development of children," said Craig Silliker, a spokesperson club's long-standing commitment to literacy: "Investing in
for the camp. "Through regular physical activity, children literacy is an investment in our community’s future. The
develop important social skills, imaginations, and self- ability to read and comprehend is fundamental for success in
esteem. However, we also know that not enough Canadian life, and supporting programs like PALS Camp ensures that
children are meeting the recommended daily physical activity our children have the tools they need to thrive academically."
levels."

26 www.GiverMiramichi.com Fall 2024