• The Salvation Army •

Celebs do camp!

 Local media personalities competed in a campers challenge to bring awareness to the Salvation Army camp programs for at-risk children May 21 at Locarno Beach.

The Army operates two seasonal camp retreats in B.C. – Camp Sunrise on the Sunshine Coast and Camp Mountainview, near Houston, in B.C.’s north.

“We’re recreating the camp experience for our media friends. It’s amazing to be able to offer an at-risk child who lives a very adult life, the chance to be a kid again at a Salvation Army camp,” said Divisional Youth Secretary Major Keith Pike. “We can help a kid grow more at camp in one week than they might an entire year,” he said.

This first annual Media Camp Day  pitted media teams against each other in five camp activities including rock climbing, paintball archery, canoeing, an obstacle course race and a gourmet ’smore challenge.

To help send an at-risk child to camp this summer, donors can sponsor a day at camp for $49 and a week of camp for $299.  

Call 604.296.3818 for more information or visit: www.bc.salvationarmy.ca

– PB

Continue article >>

 • Union Gospel Mission •

Last year, with the help of generous donors, Union Gospel Mission sent more than 800 children in need to summer camp  to have the time of their lives.

For 60 years, UGM has been sending kids to Christian camps throughout Metro Vancouver – kids who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to go to camp.

Heidi went to camp last summer and with excitement, recalls her experience: “I went waterskiing, tubing, kayaking and sailing for the first time! I also really enjoyed the scenery. It just reminded me how much God loves me.”

Every child deserves this life-changing experience, but many families can't afford the camp fees.

Summer camp is a refuge for many kids living in unhealthy environments.

Home isn’t always a safe place when parents are drug-addicted, abusive or just can’t provide even the most basic needs like nourishing meals, explains Stephanie Rich, UGM’s summer camp worker.

For many kids, camp is the only vacation they have ever known – a week away from the inner city streets to just be a kid, try new activities, meet new friends and forget about the challenges they face every day.

James recently wrote a letter to UGM, and says with appreciation: “I would like to thank you and the sponsors who gave me the chance to go to camp. I had lots and lots and lots of fun!”

On average it costs $315 to send one child to a week-long summer camp, or $45 for a day camp.

To make a donation to ‘Send a Kid to Camp’, call 604.215.5440 or donate online at: www.ugm.

 – PB

June 2008