GUELPH – Ten summer camps will receive funds through the Guelph Community Foundation’s (GCF) Kids to Camp grant program, allowing over 200 local children to attend camp that otherwise would not be able to.
The grants committee made its decision on Feb. 22 and it was approved by the board of directors on March 9.
This funding provides grants to registered charities (or organizations partnered with a registered charity) operating camps that help children and youth from financially disadvantaged families participate in the summer camp experience.
If it were not for these funds, many of the local campers who benefit would not otherwise have an opportunity to attend camp – something that can be so beneficial to children’s development.
“We believe that cost should not be a barrier to children who could benefit from the many experiences that camp can provide, especially after the last few years,” officials state in a press release.
The grant application period was from Jan. 2 to Feb. 6.
Funding of up to $4,000 was made available for applicants and is supported by several funds held at GCF.
The foundation has recently allowed for camps to apply for operational funding if needed.
Kids to Camp opened weeks earlier than in previous years to help assist organizations plan for the summer.
Recipients of the Kids to Camp 2023 grant include:
– Belwood Lodge and Camp;
– Camp Menesetung;
– Creative Encounters with Science STEM Camp;
– Elora Centre for the Arts Summer Arts Camp;
– Great Big Theatre Company Theater Arts Day Camp;
– Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition Summer Camp;
– Hopewell Children’s Homes Inc: Hopewell Children’s Summer Day Camp;
– Rainbow Programs for Children;
– Shelldale Family Gateway Summer Camp; and
– West Village Community Development Cooperative Inc: Camp Wilerwood.
The Guelph Community Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following funds for their continued support of the Kids to Camp program:
– the Bonnie Ewen Fund;
– Camp Discover Fund;
– the Guelph Community Foundation Children and Youth Fund;
– The Griffith and Violet Morgan Fund; and
– donors Beverly Davis, Robert and Kira Turvey.
We would also like to give a special thank you to Alectra Utilities for their generous support and donation of $5,000 to support this grant.
The GCF staff would also like to share their thanks to the GCF grants committee members, investors, and community supporters.
The camps selected for grants in 2023 believe in the powerful impact that the camp experience can have on children and youth.
Due to the rising cost of living and inflation, the need for support is great.
The Foundation is honoured to be able to provide this financial support for the parents of the 200+ campers that are benefiting from these grants and are gaining a valuable camp experience.
