Participation helps build positive self-esteem and leadership qualities

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York will provide children of eligible low income families with an opportunity to experience summer camp. This program makes it possible for children to participate in recreational activities by helping parents with the cost of activities and transportation.

“Parents appreciate how much their child’s participation helps to develop physical skills, build positive self-esteem and leadership qualities and nurture a well-rounded healthy lifestyle,” says York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “Feedback from parents has been extremely positive.”

In 2007, almost 400 children participated in the camps. This summer, two programs will be running:
• Ontario Works and Social Housing Summer Camps
• Youth Leadership Camp

“York Region subsidizes these programs to provide eligible children of low income families with an opportunity to experience summer camp,” said Town of Richmond Hill Regional Councillor Brenda Hogg, Chair of the Region’s Community Services and Housing Committee. “Providing children with a quality summer camp experience helps them improve their skills and competencies, often resulting in better academic performance and future success.”

Ontario Works and Social Housing Summer Camps allow six to 12-year old children of Ontario Works participants or social housing residents to take part in recreational programs offered by local municipalities. Programs feature a variety of different activities, including swimming, dance and art.

Youth Leadership Camp enables 11 to 17-year old youth of eligible low income families to take part in a one-week overnight camp experience. There are two camps to choose from: Newport Adventure Camp for youth of social housing residents, or Hidden Bay Leadership Camp for youth of Ontario Works participants. Newport Adventure Camp focuses on working with groups, problem solving and personal challenges. Hidden Bay Leadership Camp encourages youth to set goals, think for themselves, experience success and celebrate the success of others.

To provide these programs for children of eligible low income families, York Region provides subsidy to community partners, including parks and recreation departments in the Region’s nine local municipalities, the Governing Council of the Salvation Army in Canada and York Professional Care and Education Inc.

Registration deadline for these programs is May 30th and space is limited. Children of social housing residents can be enrolled by calling 1-888-256-1112, while children of Ontario Works participants require a referral by a Social Assistance Case Coordinator for either camp.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York and our services, please visit www.york.ca