Thursday, December 8, 2011

Camp Massad

About Camp Massad
Camp Massad,  one of only two Hebrew immersion camps in North America, offers a rich innovative blend of themed, creative, Judaic programming in a safe, nurturing environment. During the days campers enjoy sports, swimming, kayaking, scouting, singing, drama, dance, music and arts and crafts. During the evenings they are immersed in the sights and sounds of incomparable, innovative, interactive and unforgettable programs that reflect the unparalleled spirit, creativity and uniqueness of the camp.  All of Massad's programming is designed to bring out the best in every camper and reinforce the sense of community that is a trademark of the camp.



Statement of Goals
To provide a unique summer camping experience through the medium of the Hebrew language. Develops an awareness of Jewish identity, social skills, independence, cooperative group living, and increased knowledge of outdoor skills.

Camp Type: Residential
MCA Accredited: Yes
For children: grades 2-11
Gender: Co-ed
Session length: 5 days to 6 weeks
Average weekly fee: Contact the camp
Location: 1 1/5 miles North of Winnipeg Beach

Activities:
Sports
Swimming
Kayaking,
Scouting
Singing
Drama
Dance
Music
Arts and crafts

Contact information:
Winter and Main contact
C306 Doncaster Street
Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B2
(204) 477-7487

Summer contact
(204) 389-5300 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Camp Koinonia

About Camp Koinonia
Camp Koinonia is located on the shores of Max Lake in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, 270KM South West of Winnipeg. Transportation is provided to this vibrant summer camp which offers sessions for children, youth and adults with disabilities.

Campers grow in body, mind and spirit through the activity program. Mountain biking, wall climbing, archery, canoeing, and swimming build strength and skill. Nature study encourages campers to appreciate and care for their environment. An age appropriate Bible exploration program provides moral teaching and spiritual growth opportunities. Music is an important part of camp life. Staff teach campers a repertoire of original Camps with Meaning songs as well as some camp classics. The low staff-to-camper ratio contributes to a feeling of close community. Campers bond in their cabin groups throughout the week, and get to know each other even better during the weekly camp-out in the forest.

At Camp, everyone is encourage to participate, regardless of ability or skill-level. Activities are taught in a way which maximizes cooperation and minimizes competition. Campers with special needs are integrated into the program. Campers in grades 1 to 3 are offered a half week experience as an intro to camp.Trained staff provide physical and emotional care for all campers. The food, prepared by a qualified Food Services Coordinator, is healthy and delicious.

The camp is owned and operated by Mennonite Church Manitoba, and is open to all campers.It is also available for year round rentals. Contact the camp for more information.


Statement of Goals
Motto: Lives are being transformed

Purpose: To provide a safe and exciting setting for campers to explore Christian faith, to build friendships and to experience God through nature.

View this video for a tour of the Camp Koinonia facilities.



Camp Type: Residential
Rental Availability: Yes
MCA Accredited: Yes
For children ages: 6-18 (and for adults with disabilities)
Gender: Co-ed
Session length: 5 nights
Average weekly fee:  $226
Location: 270KM South West of Winnipeg, 20 KM South West of Boissevain

Contact Information
Mennonite Church Manitoba
200-600 Shaftesbury BLVD
Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1
(204)895-CAMP
camps@mennochruch.mb.ca
Facebook
 

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Canadian Summer Camp Research Project

The Canadian Camping Association (CCA) has partnered with the University of Waterloo to create a research project that shows how camp affects children and what the benefits are (if there are any).


This research shows that in fact there is a positive outcome for children who have gone to an accredited summer camp in Canada.

Direct interviews with Canadian camp directors revealed five themes in the outcomes they witnessed in their campers:

1) Social integration and citizenship,
2) Environmental awareness,
3) Self-confidence and personal development,
4) Emotional intelligence, and
5) Attitudes towards physical activity.increase in their attitudes by the end of the session



The statistics reveal that at camp children experience a sense of belonging.  In this comfortable environment, new friendships are made and at times these friendships are with persons seen as different from themselves.  Results showed that campers resolved personal conflicts in a positive manner.  Over half the campers in the study showed improvement in learning how to protect the environment and developing environmentally friendly attitudes and behaviours. Almost two-thirds of the campers demonstrated improved attitudes towards physical activity by the end of their camp session.  Amid growing concerns regarding sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity, this result is significant.  Almost seventy percent of the campers showed positive growth in the area of emotional intelligence, the ability to recognize and deal with one’s own emotions and the emotions of those around you at an age-appropriate level.  Sixty-seven percent of all campers demonstrated growth in their independence and self-confidence.

Click HERE to read the rest of the study or visit the Canadian Camping Association's website.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Camp Cedarwood

About Camp Cedearwood
Cedarwood offers an “alternative” camping experience in a 31,450 square foot cedar lodge located on Pinawa Bay, North of Winnipeg. Our unique geo-thermal climate control system offers air-conditioning for those hot summer months and cozy warmth, in addition to two fireplaces, on those frosty winter retreats.

In the summer, take on extreme skills like wakeboarding, skateboarding, mountain biking, BMXing and beach volleyball. Learn new skills in fencing, creative explosion and climbing. Soak up the sun (or cool off!) while sailboarding, kayaking, canoeing or sailing! For a really good time take advantage of some good old-fashioned paintball, bonfires, and the odd surprise (and we mean odd!!!). Then rock out at daily evening concerts with the Cedarwood band, live every night with videos, entertainment and lots of gut wrenching laughs. Wake up to Cedarwood Radio and win super prizes while listening to the latest music selected by our very own morning show hosts. Bring good friends and meet new people, meet staff that care and know how to have a good time. And of course chow down on some good eats prepared by Cedarwood’s in house chefs.

In the winter, enjoy the thrill of the ride as you plummet down the tube slide or take a serene winter wonderland trek on snowshoes or cross-country skis, or just lay back on the hay ride after a rousing game of broomball!

Statement of Goals
Cedarwood is a unique summer camp experience designed exclusively for teenagers and is aimed at providing a fun and safe environment to try new things that aren’t available in everyday life while building lifelong friendships. Campers are also invited to consider the Christian Faith in a practical and personal way. Cedarwood also offers year-round programs in the city from September-June as well as seasonal retreats. September -June also offers a first rate retreat and conference center at the camp. 

Activties
Wakeboarding
Skateboarding
Mountain biking
BMXing
Beach volleyball.
Learn new skills in fencing, creative explosion and climbing.
Sailboarding
Kayaking
Canoeing
Sailing 

Contact
325 Talbot Street
Winnipeg, MB  R2L 0P9
Phone: (204) 669-4205
Fax: (204) 661-4838
cedarwood@cedarwood-yfc.com
www.cedarwood-yfc.com

For information regarding group rentals please contact:
Cliff Dirks
Phone: (204) 669-4205
cliffdirks@yfcwinnipeg.ca
 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

What you need when you apply - Custody Agreements

I told you  last week I would go over what was needed if you are a parent applying for your child, but you do not have primary care and control.

First of all we always want the primary parents to apply for the child. This makes the whole process go smoothly for several reasons. The first being that we need the child's primary parent's financial information for the application.

We realize that this is not always possible so in the case that you do not have primary care and control we need several things.


1. Custody agreement
We need to go over your custody agreement so we can verify which parent has care and control of the child. Once we determine that the parent applying does not have primary care and control we ask for number 2.


2. Written permission
We then ask for written permission from the parent with primary care and control allowing the other parent to send the child to summer camp. We would also ask for this parent's financial information, if the custody agreement leads us to ask, if not we will take the parent's who is applying.

If the parent with primary care and control does not consent permission to allow the child to attend camp we will have to further review the custody agreement to see what control each parent has during their visitation days. If it does not allow the non primary parent to send the child, unfortunately we can not send the child.

Foster children are not eligible for Sunshine Fund funding because they have funds available to them through their agency for recreational activities. If your child is a foster child please contact your child's agency to arrange a summer camp experience.

The best way to know what you need when sending your child to camp is to call or email our office and inform us of your family's needs so we can work together to send your child to summer camp.

Contact us at 204-784-1130 or email sunshinefund at mbcamping dot ca

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What you need when you apply - Health Card

Today we are going to tell more about the information you need to submit when applying to the Sunshine Fund. A few weeks ago we told you in more detail what we need in terms of financial information. You can read that post HERE.

Another piece of information we need sent in is your Manitoba Health Card. Ideally your health card should have all people living in your house on it. This would be you and your spouse (if applicable) and all your children.

However this is often not the case. Often parents have a child that is 18 or older living in their house and then not on the health card, or they have their parents living in the house.

When this is the case, we need everyone's health card sent in. That means we need the child who is over 18 or the parents.

If your child who is wanting to go to camp is not living in your house or on your health card, we need to have the child's health card and proof of guardianship. Only the parent who has custody of the child may apply for the Sunshine Fund (unless we have special written permission from the custodial parent of the child).

Why do we need your Manitoba Health Card?
We need your Manitoba Health Card because we need to verify how many people live in your house. We need to know how many people live in your house to properly assess your income status and ultimately your eligibility for the Sunshine Fund.

Hopefully this information has helped you, if not please leave us a comment and we will answer any questions you have. You can also email sunshinefund@mbcamping.ca.

Next week we will tell you what steps to take if you do not have custody of your child but still want to send them to camp.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Camp Assiniboia

About Camp Assiniboia
Camp Assiniboia is located on the forested banks of the Assiniboine River near Headingley, 16KM SW of Winnipeg. This vibrant summer camp offers week long sessions for children and youth. It also offers day camp for children.

Campers grow in body, mind and spirit through the activity program. Horsemanship, ropes course, crafts, drama, archery, and swimming build strength and skill. Nature study encourages campers to appreciate and care for their environment. An age appropriate Bible exploration program provides moral teaching and spiritual growth opportunities. Music is an important part of camp life. Staff teach campers a repertoire of original Camps with Meaning songs as well as some camp classics. The low staff-to-camper ratio contributes to a feeling of close community. Campers bond in their cabin groups throughout the week, and get to know each other even better during the weekly camp-out in the forest.

At Camp, everyone is encourage to participate, regardless of ability or skill-level. Activities are taught in a way which maximizes cooperation and minimizes competition. Campers with special needs are integrated into the program. Campers in grades 1 to 3 are offered a half week experience as an intro to camp.Trained staff provide physical and emotional care for all campers. The food, prepared by a qualified Food Services Coordinator, is healthy and delicious.

The camp is owned and operated by Mennonite Church Manitoba, and is open to all campers.It is also available for year round rentals. Contact the camp for more information.


Camp Type: Residential (overnight) and Day Camp
MCA Accredited: Yes
For Children: Ages 6-18
Gender: Co-ed
Session Length: 5-6 days
Average weekly fee: $250



Activities
Horsemanship
Ropes course
Crafts
Drama
Archery
Swimming

Contact
Mennonite Church Manitoba
200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd
Winnipeg MB, R3P 2J1
204-895-CAMP


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Camp Arnes

About Camp Arnes
Camp Arnes is a year round camp, conference and retreat center located on the western shore of magnificent Lake Winnipeg. We offer a beautiful, natural backdrop for all sorts of experiences ranging from adventure summer camps for youth to outdoor education for school and weekend group retreats; our property is also available for rental through our booking department.

Summer is one of our most exciting times. We offer a variety of camps for youth ages 6-17; general sleepover camps, day camp, horse camp, paintball camp and several high school programs. Our activities include but are not limited to high ropes course, zip line, canoes, kayaks, archery, arts and crafts, camp fires and chapel times.


Statement of Goals
 Camp Arnes is an inter-denominations Christian camp, committed to presenting opportunities for children and youth, to experience an unforgettable adventure while hearing the message of Jesus Christ.  We endeavor to do this by providing an exceptional environment, character and leadership development, recreation, and a respect for the world around us. 

Activities
High ropes course
Zip line
Canoes
Kayaks
Archery
Arts and crafts
Camp fires
Chapel times



Contact Informaiton
Box 28009 RPO NK
Winnipeg, MB
(204) 338-4647
registrar@camparnes.com

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Caddy Lake Camp

About Caddy Lake Camp
Our camp is located at the southeast corner of Caddy Lake, north of West Hawk Lake in Manitoba' beautiful Whiteshell Provincial Park. Since 1949 we have taught thousands of girls the skills they needs to safely navigate the wilderness while having fun and making friends for life. 

At Caddy, campers are offered the experience of sleeping in four person canvas platform tents, complete with cots and mattresses or they can choose to sleep in our bunkhouse that holds 12 girls. Our counellors are trained to lead your daughter in outdoor living, water activities, arts and crafts and more.

Our canoe and kayak camps have access to some of the most unique canoeing routes in the province. Paddle through tunnels onto peacful serene lakes. Camp on some beautiful sites close to the waters' edge and hear nature at it's best.

Caddy is run under the guidance and owernship of the three Areas of Girl Guides of Canada Guides du Canada in around the City of Winnipeg and follows Guiding pricniples. Howerver, our camp is for ALL girls-membership is not required.


Statement of Goals
At Caddy Lake camp, the girls enjoy a program that is designed to give them opportunities to develop as individuals through rich and rewarding experiences in outdoor living. 

Camp type:  Residential (overnight)
MCA Accredited:  Yes
For Children: Grades 2-11
Gender: Girls
Session Length:  5-7 days
Average weekly fee:  $340
Location: Whiteshell Provincial Park 8KM west of West Hawk Lake
Transportation: Yes
Activities
Archery
Biking
Canoe/Kyak
Cookout
Drama
Hiking
Nature Study
Orienteering
Sports
Swimming

Contact Information
5-1549 St. Mary's Road
Winnipeg MB,R2M 5G9
Phone: (204) 255-2970
Fax: (204) 255-4388
caddylake@gmail.com

www.caddylakecamp.com 
Facbook

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

What you need when you apply - Financial Information

There are several documents you will need to submit when applying for funding. I am going to go through each one in a different post as to not overwhelm you with information.

The fist and most important document (besides the Sunshine Fund application) is your financial information. This could be any one of the following documents:

- Your income tax return from the previous year
- Your budget letter from the government of Manitoba
- 4 of your most recent pay stubs

We need these documents for everyone living in the house making money, so either both parents, any aunts, uncles or grandparents living in the house.

Why do we need these documents?
We need these financial documents to determine your eligibility for funding. We base our funding on level of income and if you exceed that level you will not receive funding. 

These documents above provide us with the most official, accurate account of your income.

We do not share your financial information with anyone outside the Sunshine Fund office unless approved by the person with whose information needs to be shared. 

If you have any questions about what financial information you need to provide please leave us a comment or contact us at (204)784-1130.

Stay tuned for more information on documents you need to submit.

EDIT * IF YOU OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR FARM YOU NEED TO SUPPLY A T2125, T2042 AS THEY APPLY TO YOU*

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Bird River Bible Camp

About Bird River Bible Camp
We are located in the beautiful Canadian Shield and offer a wide variety of activities during a Sunday to Friday stay on site. Each camper will live in cabins with up to 11 other campers for the week and at least 2 cabin leaders in each cabin. Your camper will have the bets week of the summer as they enjoy what we have to offer! Come and check us out this summer, you won't be disappointed!


Statement of Goals
To provide campers with an opportunity to to study the Bible in the context of a Christian camping experience and to seriously consider entering, or more fully developing a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Camp Type: Residentail
MCA Accredited: Yes
For children: Grades 2-7
Gender: Co-ed
Session Length: 6 days
Average weekly fee: $235 (for the summer of 2011)
Location: 135km North East of Winnipeg on Hwy 315
Transportation: Yes

Activities at Bird River Bible Camp
Archery
Biking
Canoe/Kyak
Cookout
Drama
Hiking
Nature Study
Religion
Rock climbing
Sailing
Sports
Swimming
Tubing



Contact Information 
Box 11250
Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0
Phone: 877-897-5506
Fax: 204-345-8677
Email: info@birdriver.net
website: www.birdriver.net

Friday, November 4, 2011

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

B'nai Brith Camp


B’nai Brith Camp

About BB Camp
BB Camp is dedicated to provide a comprehensive Jewish camping experience and leadership development opportunity for youth.

Statement of Goals:
Residential program: to provide a comprehensive Jewish camping experience and leadership development opportunity for youth.

Day Camp (non denominational program): To provide a comprehensive day camping experience for youth.


Camp Type: Residential & Day Camp
MCA Accredited: Yes
For children: Ages 8-16
Gender: Co-ed
Session Length: 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks
Average weekly Fee: $720
Location: Town Island, Lake of the Woods Ontario.
Transportation: Yes

bbcamp.ca
Activities:
Archery
Canoeing/kayaking
Cookout
Hiking
Drama
Nature study
Orienteering
Religion
Rock/wall climbing
Ropes
Sailing
Sports
Swimming
Trampoline

bbcamp.ca



Contact Info:
C128-123 Doncaster Street
Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B2
Phone in Winnipeg 204-477-7512
Phone May to August 807-548-4178
Fax 204-477-7518
Summer fax 807-548-8144
bbcamp.ca

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Why Camp?

Here at the Sunshine Fund and Manitoba Camping Association, we believe every child should have the opportunity to attend summer camp. We believe in it so much we raise money from private donors to make sure kids who want to go but can't afford it get that chance.

So why should your child experience summer camp? There are many reasons, let me tell you some:

1. Getting to experience nature
Photo Source

Most of the children that go to summer camps are from urban centers, they don't get to experience lakes, canoeing, forests and other aspects of nature unless they go to a camp.

At many camps, children get the chance to swim in a lake, or go canoeing, and some camps have nature instruction. Kids can learn about nature first hand  by going on nature walks or living on an island for a week.

Also, let's face it, being in nature and outside can be a whole lot better than sitting inside on the couch playing video games. 


2. Gain confidence and independence
Photo Source

Kids can learn to be more independent from their parents while at camp in many ways. First of all they are sleeping away from home for a week. This can often cause homesickness for a day or two but then the child learns that it's okay and safe to sleep away from home.

While at camp kids will also experience activities they have never done before. By participating in these activities kids will grow confident in their own abilities and strength. This can often carry on in other areas of their life such as school and home life.

3. Learn new skills
Photo Source

Like I said above, at camp kids will try new activities. These activities can initiate new skills that a child never knew they had or wanted to pursue. For example maybe a child learns they really enjoy swimming and want to join a swim team. Or their cabin did a dance at the camp talent show and your child really took to it fast.Your child could have also recited a poem or verse for their cabin and discovered they love public speaking or that it wasn't as hard as they thought.

There are so many skills your child can learn at camp.

Your child can benefit in many ways by going to camp, this is why we want them to go. 

Friday, October 28, 2011

Friday's Friend: October 28th, 2011

See other posts by the Sunshine Fund on our other sites:

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Anglican Church Camp


About Anglican Church Camp
Anglican Church Camp is located in beautiful Riding Mountain National Park, on the shores of Clear Lake. The camp has many of the amenities of home (showers, flush toilets, cabins, chapel, dining hall, and recreational hall) while allowing campers to enjoy God’s creation to the fullest.

The camp’s facilities are also available for rental by user groups during the months of June, August, and September.

Once you are here you will never want to leave!

Statement of Goals
Anglican Church Camp provides children, youth and families with an opportunity to experience personal growth through fun and fellowship, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creating within a Christian camping community.

Camp Type: Residential & Family Camp
MCA Accredited: Yes
For children: Ages 8-18
Gender: Co-ed
Session Length: 7 days
Average weekly Fee: $185
Transportation: Yes

Activities:
Biking
Canoe/Kayak
Cookout
Drama
Hiking
Religion
Sports
Swimming

Contact Information:
Diocese of Brandon
Box 21009
WEPO
Brandon, MB R7B 3W8

Phone: (204) 727-7550
Fax: (204) 727-4135
Email: diobran@mts.net

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

At the Sunshine Fund we help hundreds of families every year who are in a financial hard spot. We also know that there are so many different situations out there and no two families are alike. That is why we have complied this Frequently Asked Questions list to help you when applying.
 

Where can I get an application?
You can get on from our website mbcamping.ca our Facebook Page Facebook.com/sunshinefundmb or you can call us and we can mail or email one to you. (204)784-1130.

How much will it cost me to send my child to camp?
Sending your child to camp through the Sunshine Fund will only cost you the parent contribution (a percentage of the camp cost based on your income). Also the Sunshine Fund only funds a maximum amount per child, so if your child's session is over that amount you will be responsible for rest.

Where do I send in my application?
When you have completed your application and have all the required documents, send it to our office. You can fax it to (204) 784-4177, email it to sunshinefund@mbcamping.ca. You can also mail your application to:
Sunshine Fund
302-960 Portage ave
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R4



What do I need to send in with my application?
You need to send in: 
Your child's camp registration form,
Income verification (tax summary, pay stubs, or budget letter) EDIT*** you also need to supply your T1, T2125, T2042 if applicable***
Manitoba Health Card (with the child's name on it)
Parent contribution (cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard)
A letter or drawing from your child stating why they want to go to camp


What camp is best for my child? 
The best camp for your child is the camp that fits their needs. We have almost 40 different camps so it is hard for us to choose which camp is best. If you are having a hard time deciding, pick up our camp directory and research our camps. 

What can my child expect at camp?
This depends on the camp your child goes to. Each camp has various activities your child will engage in each day. These activities can include canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, crafts among other things. The best way to know what your child can expect at camp is to contact the camp and ask about their daily schedule for your child's session.

My child has special medical needs; can they still go to camp?
Yes! Our camps are equipped to help your child with their medial needs. Each camp has a nurse on site at all times to distribute medications and anything else your child might need. To better understand how the camp can help your child with their medical needs, call the camp.

I have dietary concerns for my child while at camp, how do I sort that out?
Call the camp your child is attending, they can help you work out any dietary concerns you have for your child.

My child has never been to camp before, what is a good ‘starter’ camp?
This depends on your child. You know your child best so you will know if they are okay going for a week-long over night-camp, or if they would do better in a day camp setting. No one camp is a better 'starter' camp. Talk to your child about how they feel about going over-night, what activities they like and how far from home they want to be.


Can my child go to a non-religious camp?
Yes, if you don't want your child to go to a religious based camp they have a few options. They are Camp Wannkumbac, Camp Y, Camp Stephens, and Mini U day camp. 


Do you fund support workers?
No we do not, we only fund children under 18 years old. This means we also do not fund parents for family camps.

I just got a new job; do I still qualify for funding?
If you just got a new job after being unemployed for awhile you can possibly qualify for funding. We will need to see your current pay stubs for your new job. We base funding on your gross yearly income. This means if your new job's gross yearly income is more than our qualifications you may not be funded. If this is the case for you, submit your application and we will work with you to figure out a solution for your family.

How do I determine my income if I own my own business?
If you own your own business we will need to see a yearly breakdown of your business expenses and revenues. Each business varies, for more help call our office.

I can’t afford the parent contribution, can I still apply?
Yes you can still apply. If you can not afford your parent contribution we can work out a payment schedule that fits your budget. We will work with you to ensure your child can go to camp.

I don’t live in MB but my child wants to go to an MB camp, will you fund them?
Unfortunately no, the Sunshine Fund is for children who live in Manitoba Only. If you want to see if your province offers funding help search your local camping association.

What if I don’t have custody of my children (or have shared custody)?
If you do not have custody of your children we need the adult who does have custody to apply for the children. The adult who has custody is the person we base approval on, so we need their financial information too.

If you have shared custody and primary care and control you can apply for you child with your financial information. We might require the other adult's financial information too.

If you have shared custody but not primary care and control we will need approval from the adult with primary care and control. We might also need their financial information.

My child is also being funded for camp through another agency; can we still apply for the Sunshine Fund?
If your child is being funded by an other organization, or person they can not qualify for Sunshine Funds. We want to ensure that every Manitoba child gets the opportunity to attend summer camp. This means if we fund that child for another session, a child who does not have the chance through another agency or family can't go at all.






If you have any more questions about the Sunshine Fund, how to apply, qualifications or your financial situation please contact our office. You can call our office at (204) 784-1130, email us at sunshinefund@mbcmaping.ca or drop by to Room 302 960 Portage Ave in Winnipeg.


Friday, October 21, 2011

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Our Camps

In the previous post I mentioned our Accredited Camps. I didn't go into detail about what or who they are, but keep reading to find out now!


What is an Accredited Camp?
Camps in Manitoba have come to an agreement on standards for a safe and quality camp. Accreditation is a process where the camp is visited by an outside experienced camp operator to check whether or not the camp is using these standards. Standards checked include:
 - Staff selection, training, and supervision
- Providing a good program with safe practices for the activities offered
- Safety and quality of the site and facilities
- Caring for the health of campers


This accreditation is monitored by the Manitoba Camping Association and camps choose if they want to be accredited through the MCA.


What does Accreditation mean to the Sunshine Fund?
The Sunshine Fund will only provide funding for those children wanting to go to an Accredited Camp.


What camps are Accredited through the MCA?
Here is a list of the Accredited Residential Camps that your child could attend with financial support from the Sunshine Fund:
(a residential camp means the camp is an overnight summer camp)

Anglican Camp
B'nai Brith Camp
Bird River Bible Camp
Caddy Lake Girl Guide Camp
Calvary Temple Camp
Camp Arnes
Camp Assiniboia
Camp Cedarwood
Camp Koinonia
Camp Massad
Camp Moose Lake
Camp Nutimik
Camp Quality
Camp Wannakumbac
Camp Wasaga
Camp Y
Cdn. Diabetes Association Camp Briardale
Circle Square Ranch
CNIB
Dauphin Bible Camp
Gimli Bible Camp
Luther Village
Manitoba Pioneer Camp
Red Rock Bible Camp
Rock Lake United Church Camp
Roseau River Bible Camp
St. Malo Catholic Camp
Simonhouse Bible Camp
Tumbleweeds Ranch
Turlte Mountain Bible Camp
Wellman Lake United Church Camp
Winkler Bible Camp
YMCA/YWCA Camp Stephens



Accredited Day Camps
Assiniboine Park Zoo Camp
Mini U- University of Manitoba
Rady JCC Summer Day Camps

So these are all of the camps your child can attend with funding from the Sunshine Fund next summer. In the posts to follow I will tell you more about each of these camps so you can pick a camp that is right for your child.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Sunshine Fund

What is the Sunshine Fund? Maybe you have heard a little bit about it but below you will find out exactly what the Sunshine Fund is.

Continue to follow our blog and you can learn about all our member camps, all our policies and why we love camp and why we want every Manitoba child to go to camp.

The Sunshine Fund
The Sunshine Fund was started by the Winnipeg Free Press and the Manitoba Camping Association (MCA). The goal was to provide the camp experience to children in Manitoba whose parent's couldn't afford to send them. Since then the Sunshine Fund has been administered by the MCA.

What does the Sunshine Fund do?

The Sunshine Fund still sends Manitoba children to Accredited Manitoba summer camps.

How does the Sunshine Fund do this?

We raise money throughout the whole year and starting in February/March we start accepting applications sent in by parents that need help.

Our application has several sections to it for us to determine if a family qualifies or not. We base our acceptance on the total family income of the family based on how many people live in the house.
 The chart above shows our income requirements from summer 2011 (please note that these numbers are subject to change for summer 2012). 

Parents are still required to pay a portion of the camp fee to the Sunshine Fund. For example, if you were to fall into Level B, you would need to pay 20% of the camp fee to the Sunshine Fund. So if your child's camp fee cost $200,  the parent contribution would be $40. (Again these percentages were for 2011 and are subject to change for 2012).

So this is a basic outline of the Sunshine Fund. I will continue to post more details about applying, what you need when applying and any other questions you might have for us. 


If you do have questions please post them in the comments section below or email our Program Coordinator Janis at sunshinefund@mbcamping.ca.

Cheers,