Generous readers can help kids make friendships that will last a lifetime

A potentially life-altering experience and opportunity for growth is right around the corner for hundreds of children across this province.

Camp season has nearly arrived, which means families in financial need could use your help to make these dreams a reality.

For the 46th summer, the annual Free Press Sunshine Fund is kicking off with the hope that thousands of generous readers will help children gain an opportunity that might not be available to them otherwise.

“Every summer without fail, Free Press readers have found a way to be there for the Sunshine Fund,” Free Press editor Paul Samyn said.

“They were there during the dark days of the pandemic and last year’s wildfire-filled summer. And I know we can count on them again this year to make a difference in the lives of so many kids who deserve to experience a week at camp.”

According to Kim Scherger, executive director for the Manitoba Camping Association and the Sunshine Fund, there are 31 accredited camps to choose from across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

More than 500 applications have been received to date, with nearly 400 of those already approved by the Sunshine Fund.

After helping 603 children go to camp last summer, the goal is to see that number jump significantly.

“We’re hoping we’ll get over 700 kids to camp this year,” said Scherger. “It’s so important for us to get kids to camp. It’s always been important, but there is so much happening in the world right now that distracts kids from becoming who they are or reinventing themselves.

“To not be addicted to a screen or a phone or something in their hands — a computer, gaming or whatever — and to get to enjoy and love the great outdoors that we have.”

That’s one of the long list of benefits for those who take part in a week at summer camp.

“What it does for everybody is that it helps them improve their self-confidence. It educates them in independence and learning what it’s like to be away from home,” said Scherger. “To be away from mom and dad, to make some of those decisions on their own. Life decisions that may seem kind of minor at one point and time but really can affect how you face decisions later on in life.

“You learn life skills when you’re in camp, even if it’s something as simple as clearing the table, putting your dishes away or wiping down the table afterward or cleaning up your space where you sleep or your bunk. Making sure it’s neat and tidy for the good old cabin inspection that is happening as well.

“People want so badly to win that clean cabin award for the day or for the week. It’s priceless to see that excitement,” she added.

There’s also plenty of excitement to experience new things.

“Camp also gives that opportunity for time to play. They can be in the water, they can be on the trail, they can be on horseback, they can be exploring things that they’ve never done before,” said Scherger.

“Some kids may have never been anywhere near a lake before and they’ve learned how to canoe and it gets better year after year when they go.”

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The power of human interaction is also of the utmost importance.

“It’s incredible,” said Scherger, noting she’s been invited to several weddings where the bridal parties include people who originally met at camp. “Back in the day, it was literally becoming pen pals, writing letters. People stayed connected or made phone calls to each other within the city and got together. Now, people are connecting through texting each other or through social media.

“Those connections that you make, whatever it is that you’re figuring out together, you stick with them and those are friends through life. I see that in campers and I see that in my own children and some of their friendships that they started in camp and have continued that way as well. I know those are friendships that will last a lifetime.”

With the help and generosity of our readers, more of these lasting friendships will be made and life skills will be passed on.

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