New Summer Camp Opportunities for 2010

Children and young people who have special needs or come from low-income families will have more opportunities to take part in summer camps and recreational programs as part of the province's redesigned summer camp initiative.

The number of campers in the summer camp program has declined over the last few years. Community consultations found that a lack of specialized programming and only having three residential camp locations were reasons for the decline.

"Helping make life easier for our families and children is a top priority," said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister of Community Services. "We want this program to reach more children, young people and families and we believe by working with our regional partners that we can make this happen."

Over the coming months, staff will work with community organizations to make summer camps accessible and available to more families.

The new camps and programs will build on best practices, past successes and will teach children positive life skills while attending to their specific needs.

Priority will continue to be given to families and children who use the Department of Community Services.

"Many of the families and children who use our services have special needs or require special attention," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "Our new camps will make the best use of available funding and will ensure that even more children will get to experience summer camp in a safe, accessible, fun and fulfilling environment."

The YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth has run the summer camps for the past 13 years with funding from the province. In 2010, the funding will be distributed to community organizations across the province.

Ms. Peterson-Rafuse thanked the YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth for leading this program over the past number of years.

"The YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth has given many children a memorable summer camping experience and we look forward to working with them again in our new community-based model."