Kids Flourish at Camp Scotian Glen

At Salvation Army camp kids smile a lot, are relaxed and enjoy plenty of laughter
by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Articles, Feature, Mobile
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During the week of July 7 – 13, 2014, close to 100 children, ages seven to 12, travelled from the Halifax area to Thorburn, N.S., where they bunked in cabins at The Salvation Army’s Scotian Glen Camp, located on the banks of the Sutherland’s River.

At camp kids smile a lot, are relaxed and enjoy plenty of laughter.  “My friends and I knock on the walls between our rooms,” says Destiny, who has attended camp for six years. “We have secret codes and make up jokes.”

Though the weather was extremely warm, it didn’t slow the campers down one bit. During swim time, they lined up to grab noodles and pool toys, or took a ride down the slide. When asked what their favorite part of camp was, almost all of the campers answered with a resounding, “swimming!”

During the week, children had lots to do and show. Campers ran excitedly into the craft cabin to reveal the masks they had made for the camp’s weird animals theme. Then, feathers and glitter covered table surfaces as campers took their seats for craft time. Meanwhile, Gabrielle, age six, pointed to her favourite thing—a turtle in a tank that sits in the corner of the room. “She’s really old, but we still love her.”

As campers coloured their lizard door hangers, they talked about what they did every day. “We wake up every morning and go to the flag, and then we have breakfast. After breakfast we sing songs, learn about the Bible, and go to the playground and to the pool.” Campers also get to choose an elective to participate in that includes rhythm, dance, sports, painting, drama and more.

When activities slowed down there was time for learning and discussion. Girls ages 10 to 12 gathered on the balcony of the snack shack to tackle some tough issues such as body image struggles.

Camp is a place where kids can be kids, learn new skills, experience fun and friendship and most of all, love.

“The part about camp that I value the most is the relationships I have with the counsellors,” says Paige, age 11. “Knowing that they care about me means a lot.”