By Jessica Fitzpatrick | Manager, Marketing & Outreach
From September 14th to 17th I volunteered with Camp Trailblazers Ontario in Haliburton. Camp Trailblazers is a camping retreat for AboutFace youth ages 10 to 18 who have a facial difference. The weekend involved many outdoor fun activities, overcoming physical boundaries, and sharing personal thoughts and feelings.
This year Trailblazers took place at Camp Medeba, located in West Guilford of Haliburton County. I was very impressed with the camp facilities. The cabins had a propane fireplace, the washrooms and showers were well kept (warm water might I add!), and the dining hall was always stocked up on fresh fruit and hot chocolate. The latter was a favourite for all the campers!
Bright and early on Saturday morning the yellow school bus picked up the campers at three different locations in the GTA. The bus ride to camp was full of happy chatter: campers catching up since they last saw each other, sharing stories from the first week back at school, and guessing what would be for lunch at camp! We arrived at camp shortly after 1pm, the sun was shining and the kids were ready to have fun.
We started off our first day with “get to know you games.” Although many youth were returning campers, we had some anxious new faces and volunteers (including myself!), so these games were great ice-breakers. In between lunch and dinner we spent time outside playing chuck the chicken, name games, and ninja slap. Saturday evening was a little bit chilly so we spent some time around the campfire warming up and singing classic camp songs. Alas it was time for bed! I was assigned to co-lead a group of 9 lovely ladies in our cabin. Amanda, a previous Trailblazers camper, and Louise were the other fantastic leaders in my cabin. Both were returning volunteers so they showed me the ropes!
Sunday morning was packed with fun outdoor activities. After breakfast the campers had the choice of outdoor rock climbing or stacking milk crates. It was amazing to witness the campers overcome their fear of heights and tackle the rock climbing wall! For some campers, just putting on the harness and helmets is a big step when it comes to challenging obstacles. Watching the campers stack the milk crates high was very impressive. Everyone cheered when the crates were knocked over.
After lunch on Sunday was probably the most highly anticipated Camp Medeba activity of the weekend: ziplining! While everyone was excited, there were a few nervous campers. The volunteers did a great job helping the campers relax and ensured their safety. I was also able to try ziplining- it was exhilarating!
Sunday evening we weren’t so lucky with the weather as it cooled down and rained quite a bit. Nonetheless, we didn’t let the rain ruin our fun! Rather than having a campfire outside, the kids made a makeshift campfire and we sang songs in one of the activity lodges.
One of my personal highlights from camp was when the volunteers held a discussion panel for the campers. We first went around in a circle saying our names, why we went to camp, and sharing our facial differences. It amazed me with how much confidence and ease these campers were when sharing their facial difference. The panel, which considered of our awesome volunteers with facial differences, answered questions that were anonymously submitted by the youth. During this activity I could truly see the bravery, positivity, and happiness in all of the campers.
Monday morning involved arts and crafts where we used multi-media art. The campers were extremely creative and self-representing in their artwork. After lunch we participated in another Camp Medeba activity: high ropes! One popular element was the Leap of Faith where you climb up tall poll and jump off a small (and shaky) platform. Of course you’re in a harness, but it was such a challenging experience! Some of the campers tackled this element with ease. For example, one lovely camper stopped and tied her shoes right before taking the leap of faith! Other campers needed a little bit of encouragement, but at the end of the day everyone conquered the high ropes obstacles!
Before dinner campers were able to enjoy some free time. The trampolines usually had a long line up of eager campers. Some campers braved the cold water and did the polar bear swim in the lake!
We capped off Monday night with a talent show where the campers demonstrated their amazing talents (singing, acting out skits, telling jokes, and sweet dance moves). Everyone was fantastic! One particular camper brought tears to my eyes when he wrote and memorized a song about Camp Trailblazers, he sang it to the melody of The Sound of Music.. it was a standing ovation for sure! After the talent show everyone slowly returned to his or her cabins. It was such an eventful few days that everyone fell asleep almost immediately.
Our last morning at camp was bittersweet. While everyone was a little excited to return back to their parents and of course eager to get back to school (just kidding), the goodbyes have started. We packed up after lunch and drove back home. It was so lovely to witness friendships strengthen over the weekend, as well as new friendships blooming. Volunteering at Camp Trailblazers with AboutFace was an amazing, heartwarming experience. I hope to be able to return next year and see some familiar, beautiful faces.
Camp Trailblazers also runs in British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. AboutFace is always looking for volunteers! In addition to Camp Trailblazers, AboutFace runs other programs and services throughout the year. It truly is a life changing experience!
Camp Trailblazer Volunteer, Alexandra Rabalski
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