P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp

As some of  you may know, the Sunshine Fund has published a book! This is very exciting for us because it has been an idea in our office for a long time, and it finally happened.

The book is called "P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp" and is filled with the letters we get every summer from children who want to go to back to camp or go for the first time.

We were very lucky to have a Red River College student work on the project for us. Her name is Brittany May and she was so great to work with on this! Brittany did an amazing job of designing and laying out the book for us, she had to sift through so many letters and photos to decide which ones to include.

A snapshot from inside P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp

Before we talk more about the book we just want to thank Brittany May so much for all her hard work, many hours, and always enthusiasm  during the past year. With out Brittany, our book would not be as amazing as it is.

Brittany also put on a book launch for us at McNally Robinson here in Winnipeg. The book launch was fantastic and we thank everyone who came out to support us.

P.S I love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp display at McNally Robinson on Grant

So now, more about the book and why we published one. It's pretty simple actually, we want everyone to know what camp means to the children we send. Summer camp means something different to every one, but one thing that is true for all kids, is that camp is fun, and that's why they want to keep going.

Camp is an opportunity for kids to learn new skills, become more confident and independent, but all they  know is that they are having fun!

P.S I Love It Here-Kids Letters From Camp is available at our office for $20 or at McNally in the Grant Park Shopping Mall.

Call our office if you are interested in picking up a copy today (204) 784-1130.


 Camp 2012
With summer camp just around the corner we are working hard on placing kids into camp, and have already place 20 with lots more on the way! As always we rely heavily on the great support from the community and this year is no different. So we continue to ask for you support so we can send every child that applies to camp.

If you want to host a 3rd party fundraiser in support of the Sunshine Fund at work, school or your community please call our program coordinator Janis (204-784-1130) and together we can help you find just the right fundraiser!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

This year on the Sunshine Fund blog we want to share real camp stories with you. We want you to hear how camp has impacted the lives of the kids that have gone there, some are now grown up and have also worked at camp, some are kids looking forward to going again this summer and some are parents who are sending their own children to camp to have the experiences they've had. We will call these posts Camp Fire Stories, so keep an eye out for this new series on our blog.

If you want to contribute your own story on how camp has changed your life or your child's life, please email us at sunshinefund@mbcamping.ca. We would love to hear from you!

We are also gearing up for Summer 2012 here in the office. Our new applications will be available by the end of January. If you want to receive one please call our office at 204-784-1130 so we can mail one out to you. If you applied last year an application will automatically be sent to you when they are ready. We will also have a downloadable copy on our website mbcamping.ca 

Speaking of our website, we had it updated so go take a look mbcamping.ca . We are still updating it so please be patient as we get all our information up there.

Camp Arnes, year unknown.

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 

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
 

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

 

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

Friday's Friend: November 25th, 2011

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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

camps@mennochurch.mb.ca

campswithmeaning.org

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

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

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

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

info@bbcamp.a

bbcamp.ca

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

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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.

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,