Mapleton day camps to offer extended hours

MAPLETON – The township’s recreation department is extending the hours of its day camp program to accommodate working families.

“Last year, due to the pandemic, our camp ran from 9am to 4pm, which will be the case [again this year]. Core program will happen during that time,” explained recreation manager Amy Grose at the Feb. 8 council meeting

"But we would like to extend our day and offer extended care for families that need it."

The extended hours, from 8 to 9am and 4 to 5:30pm “will obviously come with some additional costs for staffing,” said Grose.

An additional $5 will be charged families utilizing the extended car program, on top of the regular $35 daily fee.

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“So by adding the small fee, it allows us to ensure that we are offsetting that additional cost and that camp will continue to run fairly [revenue] neutral,” said Grose.

“We have had a lot of feedback from families within our programs requesting extended hours. The majority of our after-school program families pickup after 5pm.

"This shows us that the need for extended day is there. We have also consulted with neighbouring municipalities to ensure our fees are equitable."

Council received the staff report and approved the fee to cover extended hours.