Josh climbs the rugged granite rock face with the greatest of ease, effortlessly making his way to the top of the cliff.

Rock climbing is his favourite activity at Newport Adventure Camp and it didn’t take long for this “no fear” teen to break the record.

“I did it in 2.29 minutes,” said the 13-year-old, beaming. “The record is 3.4 something minutes.”

Josh also took a big leap of faith after arriving at the camp, part of the Ontario Camping Ministry of The Salvation Army. It’s a new high ropes activity and from the ground, the platform appears to scrape the sky. Even being rigged up in a safety harness, it takes plenty of faith and a whole lot of trust in those on the ground.

“It was really exciting but a bit creepy, too. I could feel the adrenalin going through my body. I thought I was going to fall. I’m very proud of myself that I did it.”

He’s taken lots of beg steps at camp, where learning new skills is all part of the adventure. Josh had such a great time the first week, he stayed for a second.

“I’ve made so many new friends and the counsellors are awesome,” he said. “They really care about you and respect you. That makes me feel so good.”

Josh is among about 160 campers who call Newport home every week during the summer. Some of the kids live in group or foster homes, others come from low-income families. All campers are subsidized to some degree, explained Captain Neil Sunnuck of The Salvation Army, noting most families pay less than $100 or their children come for free, depending on which Salvation Army unit supports them. The Fresh Air Fund allows the camp to offer more programs for more children.

The Salvation Army also operates Camp Blaze at Jackson’s Point on Lake Simcoe for kids aged 7 to 10, and three camps at Newport outside Huntsville for 11-to-12-year-olds, 13-and14-year-olds, and campers 15 to 17.

By Leslie Ferenc
Reprinted with permission by Torstar Corporation