March break
Throughout the week, the collaborative efforts of the Stanstead community will bring forth a myriad of engaging activities to honor this need for connection.
For all of our hard-working students in need of a welldeserved break, a week of leisure and freedom is upon us. While a few days of lazing in pajamas, indulging in TV, and savoring modern-day snacks have their place in a youngster’s life, even the most dedicated homebody needs a good reason to get out the door. What is more, in today’s digital age, what begins as a few moments of enjoyable screen time can easily spiral into an unsatisfying rabbit hole of lost hours. Our students sometimes find themselves caught in the loop of flopping between bed and couch while incessantly scrolling. However, what they truly crave, above all, is connection and they repeatedly share this with us.
Throughout the week, the collaborative efforts of the Stanstead community will bring forth a myriad of engaging activities to honor this need for connection. On Monday, we had a great start to the week with a morning of free skating at the renowned Pat Burns Arena, followed by an afternoon Quesadilla workshop courtesy of Cuisines Collectives.
Tuesday takes a creative turn, thanks to Le Tandem, offering kids the chance to start their day by exploring their artistic sides. Later, Phelps orchestrates a scavenger hunt and Minute-to-winit games amidst the scenic Stone Circle. The good times continue into Wednesday, promising timeless fun with morning arts and crafts at the Colby-curtis Museum, followed by an afternoon of board games and hot chocolate back at Phelps.
Thursday introduces the elegance of a proper English tea at the Colby Curtis Museum in the morning, complemented by another frivolous free skate session at the Pat Burns Arena. As the week draws to a close, the students of our town are invited to lose themselves in a good movie with two showings at the Haskell Opera House on Friday—students can watch Super Mario in English at 10 am or in French at 1 pm.
This week all of the dedicated organizations in town have one common goal and that is to see the bright faces of our local youth savoring the simple pleasures of life. With an abundance of free-time and soft Spring air we are happy to have these moments together with them. It is an incredible opportunity for us to release our responsibilities for a minute, and play. We won’t worry about their futures, their skillset or their emotional wellness. We can let go, have fun and nurture the bonds that keep us all moving forward together.
Phelps Helps is a community-led non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens and young adults in Stanstead, Quebec and its surrounding areas. Through a range of free, tailored programs and initiatives, Phelps Helps supports educational achievement, careers, youth development and more. Its focus on collaboration and community engagement ensures lasting, positive change for a brighter future. For more information or to volunteer, please email us at info@phelpshelps.ca, visit our website www.phelpshelps.ca or call us on 819-704-0799.