Winnipeg school becomes circus training camp for a week

Gordon Bell High School has been transformed into a circus, and this ain't no April Fools' Day joke.

More than 250 kids are learning to juggle, walk on tightropes, use stilts, and swing on the trapeze. The Circus and Magic Partnership (C.A.M.P.) is put on by the Winnipeg International Children's Festival every year over spring break.

The kids are selected through school guidance counselors, The Winnipeg Police Service, social service agencies, and inner-city drop-in and resource centres.

"They're recognized as kids that would benefit from this sort of experience, that perhaps don't have the financial means within their family to register them for a paid program. This program is free," said Neal Rempel, executive producer of the Winnipeg International Children's Festival.

The one-week camp finishes with a performance on Thursday for parents, peers, family and friends.

"We're not trying to train these kids to become circus artists. What we're trying to do is give them a moment and to be successful and to feel good about themselves: to get applause, feel the love, and just have that successful experience," said Rempel.

A number of world class circus artists, magicians and arts instructors provide workshops throughout the week. Performers come from all over Canada to take part in the camp.

Rempel says events like this help build confidence and are inclusive to kids of all skills sets.

"There's room for everybody," he said. "You don't have to be a great athlete or really strong. No matter how small or large you are, we're gonna find a way to make you shine."

This is the 19th C.A.M.P. event hosted by the Winnipeg International Children's Festival. Many of the students involved in this week's C.A.M.P will go on to take part in a performance at Kidsfest, which takes place June 4-7 at The Forks.