Summer Programme

Yet another great summer has been had by our summer program “Kamp Kraze.” This was the fourth year running the summer program through the Elmira Association for Community Living. This summer held lots of excitement for the campers as we went on lots of new outings and did some new activities. A few places we went this summer include; Medieval Times Dinner and Theater, Majestic Pottery, African Lion Safari, The Toronto Zoo, Grand River Boat Cruise, CAT’s production in Saint Jacobs and a few other fun outings.

We were frequent visitors to the many GRCA parks in the area and did our fair share of time swimming in the various lakes with the clients. In addition to these trips we also braved an overnight adventure with the clients. We went camping in Elora which was a wonderful yet wet experience. Even though the weather was not on our side, the clients had a great time and still got to enjoy the typical camping activities such as swimming, barbequing and songs and smores at the campfire. It is our hope that the summer program will build on this year’s success and that the association will be able to provide a bigger and better program for the following summer.

It has been wonderful watching the clients get to know each other, learn new things, have fun, grow and mature over the years we have known them. We believe it has made a real difference in the client’s well-being and their possible adjustment into the association. The program is a great opportunity for local youth to get out of the house, meet new people and work on their social skills. In addition to the clients, the summer program has made a difference also to the parent/guardians, as they would have to make alternative arrangements if such a program did not exist.

Kamp Kraze has helped bridge the gap between families with school aged children and the association. Thanks to all the group homes and other day programs which helped the summer program to run successfully and to the association for helping to fund the summer program for yet another year. It has been a wonderful experience working for the association throughout the summer and we would like to thank the association for the opportunity to run Kamp Kraze for yet another successful year.

Cynthia Samis and Leanne Martin