This project will allow us to send additional kids to camp at reduced or no-cost. Attending summer camp exposes at-risk children and youth to new growth opportunities. The camp experience will support them to become caring, responsible and motivated adults. These children will meet the amazing teachers that are hidden in plants, shadows, sunlight, and stars. They'll get dirty, have fun and experience what it means to be a kid!
For many Canadians, the opportunity to attend summer camp is a defining part of a young person's life. For many families across Canada, they unfortunately cannot afford to provide this opportunity to their children. Some kids have never been outside the city, to enjoy a day in nature. Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada operate summer camps, where we provide opportunities for kids to experience their own childhood.
Going to summer camp exposes at-risk children and youth new growth opportunities. It offers challenges, and will support them becoming caring, responsible and motivated individuals. These children will meet the amazing teachers that are hidden in plants, shadows, sunlight, and stars. Hands-on outdoor adventures will stimulate curiosity and awaken their enthusiasm for the natural world. They'll get dirty, have fun and experience childhood as it should be.
A 2004 study from the University of New Hampshire shows that youth aged 8 -13 who had attended summer camp showed significantly greater improvement in a variety of social skills, including time management, initiating action in new situations, self-confidence, task leadership, and interpersonal skills relative to their peers who hadn't had the benefits of attending summer camp. Social skill development can lead to academic benefits and can build a resiliency against negative behaviours.