By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Being a kid is all it’s cracked up to be at the Benson Centre this March Break.
The multi-sports facility was abuzz with health and fitness-related activities and challenges on Wednesday, as dozens of kids took advantage of their week-long study break.
Lorne Taillon, the city’s leisure arts coordinator, said March Break is always a very popular time for city programs, whether at the Benson Centre or the Cornwall Aquatic Centre.
“The city wants to make sure local kids have plenty of opportunities to stay healthy and fit and learn a new skill or talent,” said Taillon. “We try to offer this all year around, but in the March Break when families are looking for things to do, we have ideal locations for kids to burn off some energy while they’re not at school.”
Marieve Comtois, a youth program facilitator at the Benson Centre, said soccer, skating, Zumba, and hockey are just some of the fun-filled activities happening from March 10 to 14.
March Breakers Madison MacMillan, 7, Brianna MacMillan, 5, Isabelle Donkers, 6, and Hannah Alguire, 7, all agreed that the recess from school was a great way to meet new friends.
“It’s so much fun,” said Madison.
Check out a list of activities happening at the Benson Centre this Thursday and Friday.
We Got Game! Ultimate Sports Fun – For the child interested in all sports, look for fun playing kickball, dodgeball, and soccer. Bring dry indoor shoes, no cleats! Ages: 7 -12 years. Thursday, March 13, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Cost: $13.00.
St. Patrick’s Day Crafts – Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! From leprechauns to lucky charms the Benson Centre will celebrate everything Irish. Look for arts and crafts, fun and games, and don’t forget to wear your Green. Ages: 5 – 12 years. Friday, March 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost: $13.00.
Click here for the March Break Sports & Arts Workshop Registration Form
Youth Pick-Up Hockey – The City of Cornwall is offering pick-up hockey during the March Break. Games are scheduled on Thursday March 13 in IP, Novice, Atom, Peewee, and Bantam Divisions. Players must pre-register to play and spaces are limited to 18 skaters and two goalies. Players are asked to bring full equipment, one white and one dark coloured jersey. Teams will be made at the start of each hour. Participants will play in division they are currently playing. Cost: $10.
Thursday, March 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. (Half Ice). Novice – 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. (Full Ice). Atom – 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. (Full Ice). Peewee – 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. (Full Ice). Bantam – 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. (Full Ice).
Click here for the Youth Pick-Up Hockey Registration Form
African Drumming Circle Workshop – Come out and experience a fun and exciting one-hour African Drumming Circle, with Jody of The Rythym Room, where all participants have their own Jembe drum and are fully engaged as a group. There are two sessions to choose from on Thursday, March 13. Ages: 5 – 8 years. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Ages: 9 – 12 Years. 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Cost: $10.00.
Click here for African Drumming Circle Workshop Registration Form
Registration for all March Break activities will be taken in person at the Benson Centre or the Cornwall Aquatic Centre. For additional information on these programs, please call the Benson Centre at 613-938-9898 or the Cornwall Aquatic Centre at 613-933-3586.
*Click here for a full schedule of the Cornwall Aquatic Centre. Click here for Aquatic Centre fees.
*Click here for information on Cornwall’s outdoor rinks.
