Camryn and Taylor keeping warm.
Some people show up for kids no matter what the weather, or the road, throws at them. This fall, two of them were recognized for it.
At an annual awards ceremony this October, Spirit North Community Program Leaders Taylor Ayers and Camryn Lloyd were awarded the Coalition Award by PHE Manitoba (Physical and Health Educators of Manitoba). The Coalition Award honours them for their work with students across northern Manitoba’s Frontier School Division — one of Canada’s largest school divisions that includes almost all of the communities Spirit North works with in Northern Manitoba.
A nomination from the people who see the work up close
The nomination for the award was made by Brian “Mick” McMillan, Head of Athletics for Frontier School Division, after he and a number of other teachers and administrators had put their heads together on the topic of highlighting and thanking Taylor and Camryn for their efforts.
“Our school communities have made great friendships with these two over the years, and the kids just love them when they show up. They do a lot more than just provide sports programs when they’re here, and they should be recognized for it.”
Taylor and Camryn with their award.
The Coalition Award recognizes groups, companies, and associations that actively promote the importance of physical and health education in Manitoba schools, and celebrates outstanding dedication to advancing physical education and health opportunities for youth.
Showing up, in every condition
Taylor ice fishing with the kids.
In their time working in schools, Taylor and Camryn have also earned the nickname “lil popsicles.” Programming with kids outdoors in a Northern Manitoba winter means plenty of time spent very, very cold, and Taylor and Camryn do it with energy and joy.
In honouring them, Mick also pointed to what it takes just to get to the schools. Taylor and Camryn regularly drive long stretches of difficult roads in tough conditions so students in these communities have the chance to be active, try something new, and have fun together. He wanted the award to recognize that effort.
“We always check in on each other up here in the north, especially when our friends are on the roads in winter time,” says Mick.
A shoutout on a bigger stage
PHE Manitoba also featured Spirit North, Taylor, and Camryn at its professional development day, sharing their work with educators from across the province.
From our team here at Spirit North, we want to send out a big congratulations to Taylor and Camryn. Thank you for the way you show up for students, week after week, in whatever the winter brings. Thank you also to Mick and the Frontier School Division for the nomination and for being such strong partners in getting kids moving, and to PHE Manitoba for the recognition.
