Just like that, we’re halfway through Promise Summer Camps! Summer so far has been jam packed with crafts, gaga ball matches and exciting field trips. Intertwined in the busy activities have been countless small wins, life lessons, and moments of connection like this one:
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I was humming a song called La Vie en Rose and one of the kids from my small group recognized it from her mom, who used to play it during bedtime. She was so eager to learn the full song and all the lyrics that she spent the whole day memorizing it so that we could sing it together. We even got the harmonies down!
– Rachel, Camp Leader
In this post, you’ll find selected snapshots to give you a window into the fun, friendship, and laughter from the first three weeks of camp. We hope you’ll be encouraged by these stories of kids experiencing summer camp here in the Downtown Eastside.
These stories are just a sliver of what’s happened already at summer camps this year. Each day has been packed with enriching activities like gym games, small group time, tasty and nutritious lunches, and countless laughs and conversations.
Leading up to the start of camps, thirty individuals, including 13 first-time donors, invested in Downtown Eastside youth by covering the cost of activities and excursions for all 180 camp spots. The generosity of these supporters – and of our committed monthly givers – makes transformational camp experiences possible for these kids.
If you haven’t already done so, there are still opportunities to make a difference in a child’s life this summer. With activities & outings already covered, your gift this summer helps provide the Promise kids with dedicated, caring leaders and daily lunches & snacks.
Our final three camp themes this summer include Food Week, where the kids are learning how to make their own lunch from the chefs at A Better Life Foundation; Sports Week, where they’ll learn soccer skills from members of the Vancouver Whitecaps; and Adventure Week, where they’ll get to visit popular tourist sites around town like The Polygon Gallery, Stanley Park, and Fly Over Canada!