Students keep busy during first half of spring break

Mar 24, 2017 | 4:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Students are currently enjoying two weeks off of school, which means parents are tasked with coming up with activities for them during the spring break. 

In Kamloops, many businesses and organizations offer day camps, providing an opportunity for children to learn something new outside of the classroom. 

It’s been an electric week at the BIG Little Science Centre as children explore the wonders of science during some time off. 

“This year has actually been really busy,” said Executive Director Gord Stewart. “We’ve had a couple hundred people a day, roughly, coming through here. Traditionally we get a fair amount, but this year’s been a little better. We’ve been around a little longer, another year of people getting to know the Science Centre and getting to know how much fun it is to come here.” 

A static electricity show has been running all week, and will end on Saturday. It will be replaced with a magnetism demo for the second week of the March break. 

While it all seems like simple fun and games for the children visiting the BIG Little Science Centre there is also a lot of learning happening.

“Some of it will be reinforcing what they’re learning this year right now, there’s that type of thing here, plus there’s extensions to what they’re doing in school and new stuff to try and inspire them to find something more further on,” Stewart said. 

Ellen Feldsted and her children traveled from Alberta for their spring break, finding the trip alone an educational experience. 

“Even just travelling in general it’s a good chance for them to see other cultures, and the way other people live too,” Feldsted said.

Many Kamloops residents have opted for a staycation, choosing activities close to home, such as swimming at the Tournament Capital Centre. 

Whether kids are stimulated by science or sport, they’ve managed to keep busy this week. 

But, there’s still an entire week left to go.