Finding Friendship at The Salvation Army’s Youth Summer Camp

Emilia found herself navigating a new life in Canada after moving with her family to Toronto from Belarus to create a brighter future, but finding her place in a new country was a struggle, making friends was tough, and she longed for the familiarity of home.

Developing her self-confidence and communication skills was a goal for 15-year-old Emilia, but finding a way to do so in a safe space was not easy. Described as a homebody by her mother Viktoria, Emilia was not sure what steps she should take to put herself out there.

“She came to Canada in 2018 when she was nine, and for her it was quite challenging to settle here,” Viktoria recalls. “In this case, we thought camp was a good idea because friendship is easier to find there.”

Emilia attended her first overnight sports camp in 2023 at The Salvation Army Jackson’s Point Camp on Lake Simcoe, and this transformative experience marked a turning point in her life. While leaving for a week away was difficult, the structured environment, with its routines and diverse activities provided her with a sense of stability and belonging.

Surrounded by like-minded youth, Emilia began to thrive. Camp is more than just sports and activities; it is a place where she can connect deeply with others, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. The camaraderie she found helped her break out of her shell and embrace her new surroundings. Emilia discovered new strengths within herself, becoming more confident and independent. The relationships she forged provided the support network she had been missing.

“Being away from her parents, Emilia had to figure out how to deal with different emotions and situations. The camp experience was beneficial for developing these skills,” Viktoria explains. “There is a schedule you have to follow. It was especially useful for her to get into a new routine and be successful with it. You are outside the comfort of your home, but you can find really good people around you to provide encouragement.”

Returning home after a week away, Emilia felt a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. The positive impact of that summer extended beyond just new friendships as Emilia’s communication skills improved, and she excelled in school, implementing the lessons learned at camp in various aspects of her life. Driven by this encouragement and self-assurance, she joined her high school’s swim and cheerleading teams.

This summer, Emilia will return to Jackson’s Point for the seven-week Timothy leadership program organized by Ontario Camping Ministries. This opportunity promises to build on her previous experiences, further developing her leadership skills and reinforcing the values she has come to cherish.

“We should support these programs because they make a huge impact on kids’ lives,” Viktoria emphasizes. “Even a five-day camp can positively impact their life, school excellence, friendships, and communication skills. This program really helped Emilia understand what her values are.”

For Emilia, the summer of 2023 was more than just another season; it was the start of a new chapter filled with growth, friendship, and the discovery of her own potential.

To provide the camp experience to more people like Emilia and support vital Salvation Army programs and services across Ontario, please visit www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.