Village News

Day Camps at Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) provide children with a week of fun, learning, personal engagement with our volunteers, and making new connections between people and Mennonite history. When kids come to our day camps, they are immersed in the Mennonite culture, history, and activities that are relevant to their interests.

At MHV we are fortunate to have an outdoor village with historic buildings that can be incorporated into our activities. Some of the campers’ favourite activities have included making dinner bells in the blacksmith shop with our blacksmiths, learning how to do embroidery with our volunteers in the summer kitchen, and learning how to take care of animals with our grounds team in the barn. We have activities for every camper and every interest.

Not only do the campers learn new skills, they also learn about Mennonite history. Aside from Mennonite based activities, we provide fun activities that get our campers physically active and let them explore their creativity. We play lots of classic games like what time is it Mr. Wolf, and Red light, Green light. We also provide a cooling experience on the hottest of summer days with water games. Last year, we created a museum wide Amazing Race which was a huge highlight for our staff and campers. Campers went from station to station in pairs making things, and memorizing things before they raced to the pit stop.

One major highlight of our day camps is that the campers get the chance to engage with our volunteers who are passionate about MHV, the next generation, and continuing the Mennonite history and story. Our campers get to learn from people who have experienced Mennonite culture and are knowledgeable in heritage skills. No matter what station they are at, our campers learn from the best in the field.

Day campers also make friendships with other campers that have lasted over the years. We have campers coming back that want to be in groups with their friends from previous years and campers that are excited to make new friends. By the end of the week, every camper has either made a new friend or further developed and deepened the connections they have previously made. No matter age or interest, we have something for everyone at MHV’s Pioneer Day Camps.