Skip to content

Agency sends out SOS to help send local kids to summer camp

Increased demand and shortfall in fundraising means 'some of the most vulnerable kids in our community will be left out'
2019-07-15 summer camp
Spending a week at summer camp can give kids hope and encouragement - a noble goal the Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions organization strives to accomplish. But they need the help of generous donors. Can you help? Contributed photo

NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA FAMILY CONNEXIONS
********************
When families struggle, children suffer.

Whether they have endured forms of abuse, neglect, exposure to domestic violence or abandonment, vulnerable children in our community need to know that they matter.

Spending a week at summer camp gives kids hope and encouragement and the chance to see their potential.

In their work with children and youth who’ve experienced trauma, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (SMFC) have learned that summer camp experiences can make a huge positive impact on their lives.

“We have seen great successes for kids attending summer camp,” said Melanie McLearon, Director of Communications and Community Relations at SMFC, who helps manage the agency’s camp program. “It makes a significant impact on their self-esteem, confidence and whole outlook on who they are as a person,” she said.

But demand for available camp spaces is outpacing available funds this summer.

With increased numbers of families in the Simcoe Muskoka region navigating through issues such as poverty, mental health concerns, unemployment, or addictions, there have been increased needs for family services and, therefore, demand for supportive programming like camp.

Amidst the increased demand for services and a much tighter financial landscape, SMFC is experiencing a shortfall in fundraising.

“We are having to get creative to support families and ensure kids are getting the things they need to remain resilient in the face of adversity. And we’re having to say no… a lot,” said McLearon.

Much of the community programming that the agency offers like camp, back to school supports or assistance with basic needs like the purchase of car seats or cribs, are not funded by the government.

“But these are some of the fundamental things that help families that are struggling with issues or the kin – like grandparents – that have stepped up to care for children in need,” said McLearon. “Having to say no to sending a child to camp means some of the most vulnerable kids in our community will be left out. And I think they’ve been left out enough.”

The agency is making a plea to the community for donations to help send more kids to summer camp, before it’s too late.

They believe that all kids deserve the chance to meet new friends, learn new things, be mentored by positive role models and in most cases experience the great outdoors. Mostly, they want them to just be free to be a kid and be given a break from some of the stress and hardship that they face on a daily basis.

The SMFC camp program works hard to engage camps that provide subsidies and takes advantage of as many donated weeks that they can as well as forming partnerships with a limited number of camps to reduce administration.

“There are so many great causes to give to, we totally get that,” said McLearon, “and we have some amazing donors that support us. Right now, unfortunately it hasn’t been enough.”

Day camp fees vary, but the average cost is $200 a week, and overnight camps cost approximately $600 to $900 a week for more specialized ones. Camps supporting children with disabilities can cost much more because of increased staff, enhanced skills and additional resources needed.

“Many of the children we work with that have complex needs miss out because they cost well beyond what we could typically afford,” she said.

The agency is making a plea to individuals and businesses in the community to give to the camp program, and in doing so, make a difference in a child’s life.

“We are grateful that we are surrounded by a community that cares about kids,” said McLearon. “And we hope they will respond to our appeal to help because all kids deserve the chance to have fun and see their potential.”

To donate, visit the SMFC website at www.familyconnexions.ca or call the camp program at 705-726-6587 ext. 2228.

About Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (SMFC):

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (SMFC) is the merged organization formed from the former Simcoe Children's Aid and Family, Youth and Child Services of Muskoka.

As the local Children’s Aid Society, the independent non-profit agency provides culturally appropriate, efficient and effective services in the areas of child protection and children's mental health. SMFC works collaboratively to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children, youth and families. Services are provided out of 9 locations throughout regions of Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka – the head office of Barrie and teams and offices in Alliston, Bracebridge, Bradford, Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland, and Orillia.

********************