ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Mid-March marks spring break for many area school districts, and while many families are hitting the road for a vacation, others are staying close to home as young people take a break from the world of academics.

For families with children looking for something fun to do over spring break, Liberal’s Baker Arts Center has plenty of fun activities for kids to do with its Spring Break Kids Camp.

This year’s camp, which takes place March 16, 17 and 18, has a theme based on the popular movie “Zootopia,” and Baker Director Misty Martin said she is excited about the 2026 edition of the camp.

“We’re changing it up a little bit this year,” she said. “The time is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They can be dropped off and have lunch available to them. We’ve got a lot of activities planned, a lot of hands on things, a lot of fun, creative things that are based off the ‘Zootopia’ movie the kids are loving right now.”

Martin said the camp is a great alternative for families who choose to stay home during spring break.

“A lot of people stay in town and do a staycation,” she said. “Work schedules prevent people from leaving this time of year. This gives kids a bit of a chance to do more than just be at home, yet be in a fun, creative and relaxed atmosphere. It gives them a chance to get out and about, and hopefully, the weather’s great so we can use the outdoor space.”

With warmer weather on the horizon, Martin is looking forward to using Baker’s outdoor space, and she said a camp like this gives kids an opportunity to be creative,

“This is a different setting than being in school,” she said. “In school, there’s a very studious system that has to happen, and whenever you’re at a camp like this, you’re able to be more creative. You’re able to move around a little more. It’s fun for the kids to be able to have that outlet to be creative and move and try new things.”

Likewise, Martin said the camp provides a great chance to let people know of fun that is available locally.

“Sometimes when we live in rural areas, we tell ourselves there’s nothing for us to do,” she said. “There’s not options for us, but the reality is we live in a community that has options for everyone, and this is one of those options. For spring break, this is one of those things where you don’t have to go out of town. You don’t have to go to the big cities to be able to jump in, be creative, have fun. It’s almost like a little oasis in the middle of Southwest Kansas.”

Martin said the camp is open for all area kids age kindergarten through sixth grade, and she is looking forward to what she believes will be a great turnout.

“It’s going to be a great time for the kids,” she said. “They’re going to have a lot of fun.”

To register for the Spring Break Kids Camp, go online to www.bakerarts.org, call the center at 620-624-2810, or go by Baker at 624 N. Pershing Ave. Martin said though the camp lasts three days, kids do not have to participate in all three days.

“If someone says we’re here the 16th and 17th, but we’re leaving town the 18th, if they just connect with me, we will get them signed up for the two days they are here so they can jump in and enjoy the time they are here,” she said.

Martin said she is excited for next week’s camp.

“One of my favorite things about being at Baker Arts is watching the kids light up when they walk in the door on the days we have classes or different things going on for the kids,” she said. “I’ll be sitting out here ready to check them in, and they’ll come running up to either door. You can see them through the door. They’re ready to be here. They’re excited, and I’m excited for them to have this opportunity.”