Unique Summer Camp Helps Families Grow Together
The idea of a summer vacation—a week spent away from the hustle and bustle of it all—can be a distant fantasy for families in need, even more so if they are mothers of young children.
Among the various camps offered by The Salvation Army, Moms & Tots Camp is unique. The combined camping experience for mothers and their children (ages one to six) offers a relaxing getaway and family bonding.
Mothers and children to do activities together, but there are also targeted programs for each group on their own. The days are spent with swimming, crafts and play sessions, with a campfire sing-a-long in the early evening. After the kids go to bed, the focus shifts to the mothers, with hair styling, manicures, movie time or Zumba classes.
Heidi MacPherson, of Truro, N.S., has attended three Moms & Tots Camps with her three-year-old daughter Bailey. For her, the camp is a highlight of the summer.
“I look forward to camp because it’s a time to get away and enjoy ourselves,” she says. “It’s very uplifting and inspiring to hear the experiences of how the other mothers deal with their children on a day-to-day basis, and how they cope with issues. It’s very relaxing and refreshing to go.
“It’s always a good time. I’ve never had a bad experience there.”
MacPherson says that for Bailey, the excitement begins with the little things—such as finally being big enough to sleep in the bunk beds this year—and extends to all of her favourite activities, including campfire time and picnics.
“She really loves going to camp,” MacPherson says of her daughter. “She’s very outgoing and makes friends easily, so as soon as we get there she runs off to see the other kids. She enjoys the time together with the children and doing crafts.”
The majority of the people attending the Moms & Tots Camp are from urban centres in the Maritimes, and many are single-parent homes. For Major Vi Barrow of The Salvation Army, Moms & Tots Camp offers a holiday experience for busy women who often have little time to focus on themselves.
“Some of these moms never get a chance to get away for a vacation,” says Barrow. “It’s a place where they can come and experience a program that is special for them, and for their kids as well. There’s something to be said for getting out of the city, experiencing the outdoors and enjoying activities just for them and not have to worry about the logistics of every day.”
Although it’s just one week out of the year, both MacPherson and Barrow agree that even a short time away, networking with other mothers, while being pampered by the staff, can make an incredible impact on the moms as they return home.
“It’s a safe place and a welcoming environment,” Barrow says. “And hopefully through the practical things that we do, they experience the unconditional love of God.”
By Daniel Bonner
