For more than 30 years, a beautiful piece of Squamish land has been used to offer kids a home away from home.
That piece of land is known as the Easter Seal Camp, and they are opening their doors to the public for a glimpse of what the camp is all about.
On Saturday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual open house serves to welcome the entire community to discover the magic that kids have experienced for years.
"This is our way of thanking all the individuals, clubs and corporations in our community who generously donate their time, energy and funds to our camp, helping put smiles on the faces of hundreds of disabled children in B.C.," said Connie Silas,Executive Assistant to the President of the BC Lions Society.
The Easter Seal Camp program was established in 1968 to provide children with disabilities from British Columbia a camp experience for no or little cost to their family. Camp Squamish, started its programs in 1972.
The camping program provides residential summer camp sessions for children 6 to 18 years of age who have mental and/or physical disabilities.
Through corporate and public donations and the time and effort of countless volunteers, the Lions Society of B.C. is able to fully subsidize the camps, allowing young campers to attend free of charge. Through the summer season, over 800 campers have the opportunity to attend one of the camps at the spacious area near the Squamish River along Government Road.
"At Easter Seal Camps, it is our goal to provide safe, fun activities in an environment where the focus is on abilities, not disabilities," said Silas. "All of our camp activities are designed to build confidence, independence and peer interaction in a recreational environment."
Campers are encouraged and supported to participate in activities they may never have tried before including: climbing on the outdoor climbing wall, multi-day hikes, tie-dying, water polo, canoeing, wheelchair basketball, water balloon wars, kangaroo kourt, and leadership training.
