Salvation Army Summer Camps Build Confidence through Fun and Adventure!

Lugging backpacks and sleeping bags, a group of campers stepped off a bus at The Salvation Army Ottawa Citadel, greeting parents with hugs and camp memories that will last a lifetime.

The campers excitedly shared stories from a week of fun this August at The Salvation Army’s Jackson’s Point and Newport Adventure Camp in Muskoka Region. The 24 Ottawa-area children, aged 6 to 15, experienced the outdoors, learned about nature, participated in camp activities, and learned how they can have a relationship with God.

“Our theme for the week was Time Travel, and each day the children pretended to travel to a different time period, while learning that God is the same throughout time,” said Becca Allen, Ontario Divisional Children and Youth Program Coordinator. “We teach the children about the Bible through interactive games, skits, singing and dancing.”

Throughout the week, children also participated in traditional camp activities such as climbing high ropes, canoeing, archery, wall climbing, swimming and mountain biking. They also had elective activities, including cake decorating, music, wacky science, arts and crafts and building with Lego.

14-year-old camper Kyarah said she had a fun camp experience and participated in a lot of activities.

“We had a Bible lesson and learned about God. We played jump rope and had campfires where the camp leaders did skits,” said Kiarra. “There was a lot of choice at mealtime. I can’t eat tomatoes, but they always had a lot of options.”

On Tuesday, the children rode on a tractor on a trail as they searched for fun water toys to play with, followed by time in the pool and on a waterslide. The camp also hosted a carnival with activities that included an inflatable castle, face painting and treats such as popcorn and snow cones.

“Two important things the children gain from camp is confidence and friendships,” said Becca. “They are trying new activities and that confidence extends beyond their time at camp into all areas of their life.”

The children are provided with kid friendly, buffet style meals with lots of options and they have the opportunity to fill their plates as much as they like.

On Thursday night the children have the opportunity to sign a large banner with photos related to their theme of the week. Time is set aside for the children to ask camp leaders questions about the Bible and talk about what the week meant to them.

Hazel, whose 10-year-old son attended camp this summer, said he enjoyed it very much and will go back next year. “He was excited and it’s a good experience for him to go to a sleep away camp because it helps him become more independent,” she said.

The Salvation Army wants to ensure every child has the opportunity to experience camp and offers subsidies to families in need. For more information, please visit www.ilovecamp.ca.

By Caroline Franks