Nine-year-old Taylor wants to be an actor when she grows up and being at camp is giving her a chance to check out the spotlight.
“I came back to camp this summer because of the fun activities – canoeing, rock climbing, crafts and mostly drama and music,” she said. “Maybe there’ll be a play at the end of the week and I’ll be in it. I love acting.”
She’s already front and centre at camp, where Taylor has something of an entourage. Several friends, including kids she met last summer, along with some from her neighbourhood and school, are also at Blaze on the south shore of Lake Simcoe. It’s a camp for kids aged 7 to 10 and part of The Salvation Army’s Ontario Camping Ministry – and it’s the only place Taylor wants to be this week.
The nine-year-old waves to one of the girls in the pool and beckons her on deck. “This is my friend and her name is Taylor, too,” she said. “She goes to my school.”
Taylor, 10, is a first-time camper and loves it. “I’ve done a lot, and I only arrived yesterday,” she said. “We’ve been swimming and playing a lot of games. It’s really fun.”
The kids at Blaze are a culturally and financially diverse group that come from across the province, said Heather Brown, office manager at the Jackson’s Point camp. Her husband, Marty, is program manager at the centre, which also includes a music and sports camp and one for moms and tots.
Everyone at Blaze is subsidized. Some receive additional help based on the family income. The Fresh Air Fund helps support those at Blaze, where activities such as swimming lessons, archery, high and low ropes, rock climbing, dance drama, nature studies and photography are offered, said program director Kanga Foote.
Carmen Leung has been coming to camp since she was 13. Seven years later, she’s the head counsellor. Her goal is to make sure kids have as much fun as she’s had. “As a counsellor, my role is to show the children love and make sure they have a great time at camp. It’s the best thing you can give to them,” she said, noting some kids don’t get that kind of attention but desperately need it.
By Leslie Ferenc
Reprinted with permission by Torstar Corporation