Winnipeg Free Press Sunshine Fund

Friday's Friend: December 9th, 2011

2011-12-09T17:44:00.001-06:00

Camp Massad

2011-12-08T13:30:00.000-06:00

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

Camp Koinonia

2011-12-07T13:46:00.000-06:00

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

The Canadian Summer Camp Research Project

2011-12-06T15:26:00.001-06:00

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.

Camp Cedarwood

2011-12-05T13:21:00.000-06:00

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

Friday's Friend: December 2nd, 2011

2011-12-02T12:24:00.001-06:00

What you need when you apply - Custody Agreements

2011-11-29T12:12:00.000-06:00

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

Friday's Friend: November 25th, 2011

2011-11-25T12:00:00.000-06:00

What you need when you apply - Health Card

2011-11-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

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.

Friday's Friend: November 18th, 2011

2011-11-18T12:10:00.001-06:00

Camp Assiniboia

2011-11-17T14:09:00.000-06:00

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

camps@mennochurch.mb.ca

campswithmeaning.org

Camp Arnes

2011-11-16T11:40:00.000-06:00

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

Friday's Friend: November 11th, 2011

2011-11-11T12:27:00.001-06:00

Oh Big Brothers...

Lest We Forget

Caddy Lake Camp

2011-11-10T14:57:00.000-06:00

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

What you need when you apply - Financial Information

2011-11-09T11:49:00.000-06:00

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.

Bird River Bible Camp

2011-11-08T13:36:00.000-06:00

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's Friend: November 4th, 2011

2011-11-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

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