The Salvation Army is Building Inspiring Partnerships with Indigenous Youth

by Maritime
Categories: 2022, Events, News Archive
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Disaster services has occupied an essential space in the Maritimes since 1917, when the Halifax Explosion rocked the province of Nova Scotia. The disaster stands as the origin of The Salvation Army’s involvement in disaster and crises relief, and it is a legacy and responsibility the Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in the Maritimes seeks to live up to.

Today, ministry units across the Maritimes are equipped with EDS vehicles, which allow them to respond during a crisis and work closely with first responders on the front lines by providing critical food, water, and emotional and spiritual care.

Earlier this month, Nova Scotia’s future heroes saw this care and passion first-hand when The Salvation Army in Halifax showed up daily to provide lunch and snacks for participants and staff at Camp Courage.

Camp Courage is a life-changing eight-day long camp that educates, inspires, and introduces young women to careers as first responders. This year, camp was held with an Indigenous focus, bringing together 27 girls from across the Maritimes. They spent each day exploring, training, and working alongside various first responders, including paramedics, and various firefighting and policing agencies.

“The camp is really about mentorship,” shared Donna Reid, a Camp Courage volunteer since 2007. “We are here to show, teach and empower these girls and ensure they know any career, goal, or dream is possible to achieve.”

“There is no shortage of potential, just the appropriate support and encouragement.” Added Andréa Speranza, the founder of Camp Courage.

At Camp Courage, Nova Scotia’s future heroes are mentored by the heroes of today, and The Salvation Army is proud to stand beside both as a trusted and valued partner.

“Whether it is their physical, mental, or spiritual needs, these campers know that The Salvation Army is there for them both now, and in the future when they go on to do amazing and inspiring things,” says Lieutenant Gina Haggett, divisional head of public relations.