Kids Come Alive at Summer Camp
Kids are so excited, they don’t look back to say goodbye. Equipped with backpacks and sleeping bags they head off to summer camp where they come alive. “Camp changes lives,” says Marty Brown, Program and Site Manager at The Salvation Army’s Jacksons Point Camp in Ontario. “Many kids who arrive at camp come from tough home situations where they are forced to grow up fast. Camp allows them to be kids again.”
Last year, from coast to coast, close to 5,000 children attended Salvation Army camps. But, Salvation Army camps wouldn’t exist without public funding. “Public funding is key to the Army’s success in camping ministries,” continues Marty. “Donations allow the Army to provide affordable camps, maintain property, cabins and buildings, provide good food, trained counsellors and equipment for outdoor activities such as canoes and rock walls.”
Jacksons Point
The Salvation Army has operated camps and provided dynamic programs in Ontario since 1916. At Jacksons Point, The Salvation Army operates two camp facilities that, combined, give close to 250 campers every week a time to have fun with kids their age. Wabana offers the Blaze program, a week-long adventure camp for seven to 10 year-olds. At the second facility week-long camps offer instruction in music, vocal and instrumental, and sports (hockey, soccer, basketball). In addition, camps geared to moms and tots, and grandparents raising grandchildren, give encouragement and hope to those coming from difficult situations. In recent years day camps have been meeting needs in this community as well. More than 80 kids a day arrive by bus to enjoy all the excitement that camp offers.
Caleb Homewood, Program Co-ordinator for the 2010 Blaze adventure camp says when you take a child from an unhealthy environment and place them in a loving atmosphere they thrive. Through faith and value-based teaching kids learn about God, friendship and caring. Various outdoor activities encourage teamwork, co-operation, persistence and participation. “It’s exciting to watch a seven-year-old climb a 30-foot pole,” says Caleb. “We bring kids out of their comfort zones and allow them to believe in themselves, which helps them when they go home.”
Kids’ Comments
Kyle, 11 – I love the swimming pool and its water slide.
Brittany, 9 – I don’t get grilled cheese sandwiches and pizza at home.
Justin, 9 – I am bored at home. I have lots of new friends here.
Stephen – 11 – I’m afraid of heights but, when I rock climb here, I’m not afraid.
Samantha 11 – I’ve never had a boat ride before.
“Camping is vital to the life of a child,” says Marty. “At camp they are safe and secure, loved and receive special attention. They experience things they may not at home. Beyond outdoor activities we offer drama, crafts, food electives and hip-hop dancing. It’s a great week and an opportunity for kids to get out of the city where they otherwise wouldn’t. For most, this is the only holiday they will see.”
