Megan says even the most cautious kiddos are usually begging parents for a later pickup by day two. Photo: Supplied.
Monday was a mix of excitement and nerves as parents dropped off their tentative budding thespians for the first time.
Over the next five days, Pop Camp Kids will work to prepare a final performance for family and friends to enjoy.
Exploring elements of dance, singing and drama, as well as involvement in prop-making and costume design, every day also includes games and challenges that focus on teamwork, positivity, and “lifting each other up”.
“For many kids, especially the younger ones, the first day can feel a little nerve-wracking. They arrive shy or unsure, but we have gentle introduction activities and icebreakers to help them settle in and make a new friend early on,” says Megan Simjanovski, one half of the duo behind the camp.
“I always tell parents, ‘Today you’ll pick them up early, but tomorrow they’ll want to stay until the very end, trust me!’”
The COVID era is not one remembered as providing solid foundations for business, but while it was “curtains” for the entertainment industry, creative professionals Megan and Michael Simjanovski performed an impressive pivot.
Funnelling their expertise into an award-winning business model, they rewrote the script for school holiday care in Canberra.
In 2021, the first camp attracted 34 enrolments, before the second camp was cancelled due to lockdowns.
“I know, who starts a business during this time? Us!” says Megan, “But the experience taught us that anything is possible if you just keep going. After all, “The show must go on!”
Four years later, POP Camp runs four times a year at multiple locations across Canberra – Harrison and Queanbeyan, with Wanniassa recently added to the mix.
Winning Best School-Aged Activity at the 2025 What’s On for Kids Awards, the program is receiving accolades and glowing reviews from participants for helping kids build skills and confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
Megan – Winner and People’s Choice for Best Coach/Teacher – says no two camps are alike, as the experience is built around children’s individual strengths and interests.
With a focus on teamwork, positivity, and “lifting each other up”, Megan and Michael focus on maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere. Photo: Supplied.
“We shape their experience around their strengths,” says Megan. “The shows are always completely different, because we just run with the kids we have, their opinions and imaginations. It really is a collective effort.”
Combining their extensive education and industry experience, Michael and Megan provide kids with a holistic theatre experience.
Megan trained at Sydney’s Brent Street school of performing arts and has shared the stage with big names, from Redfoo to Justice Crew.
Bringing technical stage management skills in lighting, sound, and visual effects, Michael has helped deliver major productions such as the Fire Fight Australia concert and is currently touring with Lee Kernaghan.
Their complementary expertise gives kids the chance to hone whatever skills interest them.
“We focus on meeting each child where they’re at,” Megan says.
Whether kids are seasoned stars of the stage, or stepping out of their comfort zones for the first time, inclusivity and a non-competitive environment are core values for Megan and Michael, who are hyper aware of the transformative “Power of Performance” – the inspiration for POP Camp’s name.
“Performance teaches kids to lift their chin, use eye contact, project their voice, be courageous, show confidence, and give things a go in a safe, supportive environment,” Megan says.
“We also have kids who don’t always fit the mould at school, but who count down the days until camp because it’s a place where they have made a friendship network.”
POP Camp was recently awarded the state’s Best School-Aged Activity (5-12 yrs), with Megan named Best Coach/Teacher for Five to 12-Year-Olds. Photo: Supplied.
While launching a bold new business against the oncoming tides of COVID, Megan and Michael were also growing their own family.
According to Megan, becoming parents themselves has only strengthened their resolve to help kids get as much from the POP Camp experience as possible.
“We’re more passionate than ever about creating a safe space where kids can grow – not just in performing arts, but in confidence, decision-making, and ultimately being a person they are proud of,” she says.
Friday afternoon brings more butterflies as family and friends arrive to watch their child’s moment in the spotlight, and are treated to a relaxed yet remarkably professional show – an impressive feat in just one week.
From choreography to costume design, each show is a team effort. Photo: Supplied.
The kids are practically vibrating with a sense of accomplishment and pride, and the parents aren’t far behind them.
“After the final performance, the room is buzzing. Parents and grandparents often shed tears of pride. Every camp, our team is blown away by how much confidence the kids gain in just one week,” Megan says.
“The awards and recognition are wonderful, but for us, the real reward will always be the smiles, laughter and pride we see at the end of every camp week.”
To find out more, visit popcamp.com.au.
