Dozens of children gathered at Heritage Park in Vermilion to try their hand at making bubble socks, along with other VIBE activities on July 6. Various yard and water games or colouring in the shade helped everyone cool off throughout the afternoon.
During their first summer program making slime and stress balls on July 5, they had 99 participants.
“Honestly just seeing the smiles on children’s faces is so rewarding. I love the community interaction and people getting together,” said Madi Tovell who is overseeing the summer programming this year. “If you’ve never been to one of our events before, they are completely free, and a great way to meet new people (you don’t have to know anyone to come). We try to make the activities fun, and they’re drop-in so it’s not mandatory to stay the whole time, just whatever fits into your schedule. I definitely don’t do it alone; I had so much help. It’s really a team effort, and it’s so nice when people come out and enjoy the activities you’ve planned and worked for.”
VIBE has a ton of things planned this summer. Mondays they will focus on preschool programming. Each Tuesday they host in Kitscoty and Marwayne (sometimes Dewberry), and Wednesday they will attempt a new activity in Vermilion.
VIBE will also be hosting Open Oven’s on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. throughout the summer. Families are welcome to bring thin crust (un-oiled) raw or defrosted pizzas for VIBE to cook up. Thursdays they will be at the Vermilion Public Library hosting Around The World crafts and activities showcasing a different country each week from 9:45 - 11:30 a.m., and Friday’s from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. they will host Mental Health Cafe with Minute to Win It games on Main Street.