Without a doubt, summer camp can be one of the most poweful life changing places that a child can experience. Without the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, many children would not be able to experience summer camp. In 2009 the Strong Kids Campaign helped send over 50 kids to YMCA Camp Kitchikewana who would not otherwise be able to attend due to financial barriers. I like to thank everyone who has donated in the past. Please consider the Strong Kids Campaign your charity of choice this year. Every dollar counts.

I would like to share with you a story of how your generous donation changed the life of one Kitchi camper who required financial support to come to camp:

“Camp Kitchi is the best thing that has ever happened to my daughter who has special needs. Any parent of a special needs child, understands and recognizes how difficult and important it is to find some form of recreation for your child that brings them joy. This is it! My daughter’s entire world revolves around one season, namely summer. That is the moment she can go to Camp Kitchi. She experiences all kinds of activities, sports, and beauty of nature that she never could before. She has bonded with the camp counsellors and considers them her friends. Can you imagine growing up and never having a friend to play with? Ever since Kitchi, my daughter’s entire life has changed whereby she considers everyone at Kitchi her friends and adores them all. She has emotionally changed and grown because of having an amazing social network or should I say her "posse" at Kitchi. Just the other day, she received a picture from one of the Kitchi counsellors from last summer and she started to cry. It made me cry. The photo was so beautiful; a serene picture of all the girls encompassing her sitting on a giant rock with the gorgeous background of Beausoleil Island. The smile on her face in that photo is priceless! She couldn’t have had this chance without the Strong Kids Campaign!”

Please consider the following gifts:

•A gift of $1000 covers the cost of a two week session for 1 camper
•A gift of $500 covers the cost of a one week session for 1 camper
•A gift of $250 helps send a student to Kitchi during our outdoor education centre in the Spring and Fall
•A gift of $100 covers the cost of a day at camp Kitchi