Mid Summer's Update

It's hard to believe that summer is (almost) half over. So far, it's been a great summer for us. We have placed 720 kids at camp which is a total of $254,076.85 in camp fees, we have been having great articles each Saturday in the Winnipeg Free Press, and of course the weather has been good, for the most part, for our campers.

Our one challenge right now is that we have a waiting period for campers. We need to wait for our donations to catch up so we can send more kids to camp. Right now, our waiting list has 4 kids on it with the total cost of their camp fees being $1,960.50.

So, if you haven't done so, we ask that you please give what you can and help us send all the kids that come though our door a chance to go to camp.

Also, don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cheers,

The Sunshine Fund

May Camper Update

May has just flown by here at the Sunshine Fund office! Applications are coming in just as fast as we can place kids at camp.

These are our placement numbers to date:
Placed Kids: 299
Kids waiting to be placed: 75
Cost of placed kids: $109,262.51

These number are a bit ahead of where we were this time last year, which is great! Our goal is always to place as many kids at camp as we can each summer. However, this comes with challenges as well, the biggest one being our donations.

Right now our average cost per camper is $365.43 so if we want to place 1000 kids we would need $365,430 in donations, which would be more than we've ever received in one summer.

We are also gearing up to start our donor campaign which will get us very close to that donation mark. So if you are looking to hold a workplace fundraiser or just wanting to help us out this summer call 784-1130 and we can work with you to send kids to summer camp.

From all of us at the Sunshine Fund office we hope you have a wonderful and safe May Long Weekend!

Sunshine Fund Update

Wow, April is almost over and that means we are one month closer to summer! Here are our updated numbers for this week:

137- Number of kids placed in camp
$54,669.25 - Cost of camp fees for the children placed
72- Number of kids waiting to be placed in camp

So with the number of kids placed and those waiting we are slightly ahead from 2011 and a bit behind 2010. We hope to have more kids than ever placed this summer, but with that comes the issue of receiving enough donations to make that work. We never like to have a waiting list due to lack of funds or worse, turning families away because we are short on funds.

Help us this year by making a donation. You can call our office Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm to make a donation. You can also stop by our office at 302-960 Portage Ave in Winnipeg.

Cheers!

Spirng!

Wow! Spring is here and we are already well on our way of placing kids into summer camp. We are also gearing up for some exciting events and campaigns.

First let me tell you about our campers so far this year. We have already placed 103 campers and that number is increasing every day. This puts us ahead of our placement numbers from last year and just a bit behind what we recorded for this time in 2010. We hope to be on track this year to send 1000 kids to camp, which would be one of the best years ever for us in terms of number of kids placed at camp.

However, that too brings challenges. With sending a record number of kids to camp we need a record number of donations this year before summer ends. Last year the average camp fee was approximately $359.81. So, if we want to send 1000 kids to camp we would need a record breaking $359,810.00 donated. Last year we raised $270,216.69 and sent 775 kids to camp.

That's a lot of numbers, but what it comes down to is that we need $89,593.31 more in donations that we had last year. 

This is where we come to you and ask you to help us send more kids than ever to summer camp. We can help you organize office fundraisers, school fundraisers or any other idea that sparks your interest. Call our office (204-784-1130) and our Program Coordinator Janis will be happy to discuss how we can help you organize an event.


Camp Caravan
Now onto our annual Camp Caravan. This year we will be at Kildonan Place on April 14 & 15 during mall hours. We want you to come and visit with us, and the camps that come with us. There are so many camps and we want to help you find just the right one for your child.

You will also be able to pick up Sunshine Fund applications and ask any questions you have about our program.


Our Social Media
 
We have branched out and now have a Facebook page and a Twitter account! We want you to like us and continue the conversation on  Facebook and Twitter. You can 'Like' us on Facebook HERE and add us on Twitter from our username SunshineFundMB

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!

It's Time!

Our 2012 applications are here and ready for you! It's finally that time of year when you can apply to send your child to camp.

You can download our application form off our website www.mbcamping.ca or if you applied last year we are working on sending you an application in the mail. If you don't have access to a printer and didn't apply last year we can also mail you an application, just call our office (204) 784-1130 to get on sent to you.


Here are some links to previous posts about how to apply and other helpful information to have when applying.


Frequently Asked Questions
Why Camp?

Information you need when you apply:
Financial 
Health Card
Custody Agreements


As always if you need any help when filling out your application please contact our office and our program coordinator will be happy to assist you. Call us Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm at (204) 784-1130 or email sunshinefund@mbcamping.ca

Camp is Coming!

I know, it's only January and summer seems so far away. Well, it's not! Summer is creeping up and we are getting ready for it here at the Sunshine Fund. We are working on getting our 2012 applications ready so you can start applying and get the spot you want for your children.

While you wait for us to get our application ready, you can start getting all your documents ready too. This will make your application process go faster and seamlessly.


What we need you to send in:
1. Camp Application
We need you to send in a completed camp application with your Sunshine Fund application so we can hold that spot at the camp for your child.

2. Income Verification
Income verification means we need your 2011 Income Tax statement. We need Line 150 we we can verify your total income. If you do not have your 2011 Income Tax statement back by the time you wish to apply please call our office for other options of verification. Our phone number is 204-784-1130.

3. Manitoba Health Card
We need a copy of your MB Health Card to verify that you and your child are both residents of Manitoba and to confirm how many people live at the same address as you. 

4. Parent Contribution
We do not have the new chart for the 2012 parent application so this part will have to wait until our applications come out.


5. Letter
We would love it if you and your child sat down and wrote us a letter saying why they want to go to camp and if they have been before why they love going to camp. We love to share these letters with the donors of the Sunshine Fund (all while keeping the identity of the child and family anonymous.) to increase our donations and to show everyone the real impact the Sunshine Fund has.

So this is what you need to apply for funding. If you have any questions please call our office, we are open Monday to Friday 9-4:30pm.

Also please note that our 2012 application will be available for download on our website mbcamping.ca and if you applied last year we will send you one by the end of January. If you did not apply last year please call us with your mailing address.

204-784-1130

Camp Fire Stories: A counselor's point of view

Counselor: Heidi Peters

 

Camp History:

She has worked at Winkler Bible Camp for 7 summers, 3 springs, 1 year all year round, and went to Bible School there for another one year.

I've been a Jr. Counselor, Sr. Counselor, Lifeguard, Cross View Assistant Director, and Cross View Director. Cross View is one of our two sites at WBC.

What Heidi has to say about Camp:
 
"Camp, well to say it short and sweet, camp changed my life!

Camp is a place where children and staff are safe. They have the opportunities of a lifetime and I believe not enough children in our world get to experience camp. Camp is where children can learn to have fun, try new activities, make friends, and learn about God! I have worked at camp for seven summers and I would never trade any of those summers to work anywhere else. I love working at camp! Seeing the children's faces when they come back from an activity, or when they have learned something new about God, cannot be put into words. Camp changes children's lives forever! I know some of our staff at camp would not be where they are spiritually if it were not for camp. I would not be where I am today if it were not for camp.


I have learned so much at camp. I have learned how to teach others about God, I have made lifelong friends, and I have learned how to have a real conversation with God. I really cannot put into words what camp has done for me. It has been so much a part of my life. Although I have learned so many things at camp, camp has not always been easy for me. I have had to learn how to deal with misbehaving children, which has taught me patience and I have had to deal with situations that I never thought were possible. Camp was not always easy for me, but I would not trade it for anything! I have learned so many lifelong morals and skills through camp.

I love camp! I love the children, I love the staff, I love the activities, and most of all I love God! Seeing the children's faces running through the playing field, swimming in the lake, or just hanging out in their cabin makes me love my job. I also love seeing the campers grow up and become counselors and seeing their relationships with each other. I remember seeing a female camper at camp and wondering why she was at camp; it seemed she was there just for the boys. However, as the years went by she became a counselor and today I would say she is one our most mature female counselors we have.

My favourite part about camp is when I get to hear of campers that made their first time commitments to asking Jesus to become their personal Saviour. It makes me so excited just thinking of it. Just to think that because campers have the opportunity to go to camp, I will one day see them again and they can live eternally in Heaven with God.

Another huge highlight for me is seeing the campers connecting with their counselors. They look up to them so much. I know some of the campers go back to broken homes and I can only hope that those couple days at camp can show them that they are loved, even if they do not see that at home.

I am not sure what your background looks like, I am not sure what you have done, but I know camp can make a difference in a child’s life.

Thank you so much for everyone who has helped a child go to camp and if you have not had that opportunity, just talk to a child who has gone to camp and ask them about their experiences; ask them if they would like to go again."
 

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.

Friday's Friend: December 16th, 2011

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Friday's Friend: December 9th, 2011

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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
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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.

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

 

Friday's Friend: December 2nd, 2011

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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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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.

Friday's Friend: November 18th, 2011

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