Manitoba Camping Association

2019

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2 MANITOBA CAMPING ASSOCIATION MAY 16, 2019 S ummer camp can be a ray of sunshine to brighten up a child's life. This year, the Sunshine Fund is celebrating its 40th anniversary of bringing joy to the lives of Manitoba children. This long-standing subsidy program helps Manitoba families who are financially disadvantaged by supporting children aged six to 17 with a summer camp experience in July or August. Through the Sunshine Fund, children can have the chance to attend a camp session at one of the Manitoba Camping Association's 37 accredited member camps. "We expect summer camp will ultimately bring out the best in these children. Camp provides unique opportunities for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, ziplining and swimming, just to name a few," said Sunshine Fund program manager Dana Moroz. "Children who have the opportunity to experience camp and these activities will gain the desire to learn and therefore will have a tendency to embrace new challenges. They will learn to persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as a path to mastery, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others." Since the Sunshine Fund launched in 1979, more than 26,000 kids have enjoyed a camp experience through the program. "There is no official classroom setting at camp," Moroz said. "Through active participation, camp can strengthen a child's capacity to think for themselves and make good decisions." In 2018, the Sunshine Fund sent about 614 kids to camp, yet there were even more children who hoped to enjoy the opportunity. "We were in a position last year where we couldn't support every child that came through our doors. We're always looking for new businesses or new donors that will help us get to where we will be able to support every child who comes to see us," Moroz said. "A donation of any size makes a difference, and it all goes towards the kids. It costs $400 on average to get one kid to camp, so any portion of that is beneficial. I'd also like to express how important and valuable the Winnipeg Free Press is to our campaign." For Kim Scherger, executive director of the Manitoba Camping Association and Sunshine Fund, there's much to look forward to at camp this summer. CAMP BRIGHTENS KIDS' LIVES By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press Stay connected with us: mbcamping.ca Manitoba Camping Association & Sunshine Fund @SunshineFundMB @mbcamping Submitted photo

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