Making a difference for over 60 years: Scotian Glen camping season ready to kick off

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
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    WEB3It has happened every summer for the past 60 years. School doors slam shut, and the doors at The Salvation Army’s Scotian Glen Camp swing open, hosting nearly 500 children from all over the Maritimes for a summer camp experience they will never forget.

    Throughout July, children aged 7-12 attend holiday camp, a week-long experience that is available to low-income households for no charge. While at camp, days are filled with activities ranging from canoeing and horseshoes to volleyball and hiking, and kids are given the opportunity to just be kids. Nights are spent around campfires, enjoying marshmallow roasts and sing-a-longs with new friends.

    All the while, living communally in cabins with other kids and enjoying the great outdoors, the everyday struggles that sometimes come with living in a low-income household can seem a million miles away.

    WEB2“These children need to know that they’re loved in spite of everything that’s happening in their lives, or what may be happening at home,” says Capt. Morgan Hillier, Divisional Youth Secretary. “They need to truly understand that there are people out there who care. Not just us, but God loves them too.”

    The leadership at Scotian Glen Camp also work to stay current with the children, and keep things interesting for returning campers.

    Two of this year’s new editions feature guest speakers for the campers. The first night at camp, they will receive an anti-bullying presentation from a member of the local RCMP detachment. At the end of the presentation, each child will receive a stuffed moose with an anti-bullying message to be their companion for the rest of the week.

    WEB1Later in the week, the children will be treated to a show from Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo, offering a chance to get an up-close experience with animals that are usually only seen on television.

    Hillier says it’s all about giving the children an unforgettable experience.

    “For a lot of these children, they don’t tend to travel very far,” he says. “We are the Disney World for many of these kids, because this is as close as they’ll get. Making this experience the highlight of their summer, and a truly memorable moment, is our top priority.”

    For more information on Scotian Glen camp, including how to donate to this cause, please CLICK HERE to visit our Scotian Glen page.