Despite being founded in 1944 by the Ladies Benevolent Society, Camp Amy Molson is a relatively little-known non-profit organization that caters to one hundred and fifty (150) children between the ages of five and thirteen years of age. It is an accredited 3 Star camp that provides its campers and staff an unforgettable experience within a safe and therapeutic environment.
According to Camp Amy Molson, its “mission is to provide underprivileged children with a happy, outdoor holiday where campers can build self-esteem, develop positive relationships and learn valuable life skills in a context that promotes group learning and nurtures each child individually.” It achieves this goal through the generosity of people like you via donations as well as subsidies and donations from organizations and institutions like Batshaw Youth and Family Services and Centraide.
The Importance of Play at Camp
Play is a vital part of a child’s upbringing. The quality of "play" itself can determine how successful a child is at navigating the trials and tribulations that he or she will face in future as adults. Camp-Amy-Molson boasts various play activities including arts and crafts, live arts, pottery, swimming, sports, music, cooperative games, boating, nature lore and a library to name but a few.
Children who have access to a protected time and space; age appropriate and culturally sensitive play materials; and a carefully balanced presence and involvement of adults and peers ultimately develop important life skills. Thus, the art of play can help children form appropriate attachments with adults; deal with difficult issues and realities; and interact with one another in a constructive and meaningful manner.
Camp Amy Molson does more than entertain children; it helps them find their voice whilst giving them the opportunities that are otherwise too expensive or inaccessible for parents in Montreal. Children are given the opportunity to experience holiday themes whilst at camp including Christmas and Halloween. They are given the chance to develop lifelong friendships and experience the joys of being part of a community that promotes and develops individual interests and skills.
An Experience of a Lifetime
Camp Amy Molson is located in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Quebec, 100 kilometers northwest of Montreal. It is surrounded by woods and beautiful rolling hills, just across the Ottawa River from Hawkesbury, Ontario. According to Camp-Amy-Molson, its resources include “a pool, waterfront with docks and floating dock, boating docks, sports field, outdoor basketball courts, volleyball courts, ropes course, playground, indoor activity centers, recreation hall, campsites, and nature trails.”
According to one parent, “My daughter has experienced things at camp that she never would have done at home. She has good memories, she will never forget. My daughter has been going to Camp Amy Molson since she was 5 years old. She is now 11 years old. In this time she has learned many things. She swims very well thanks to the camp. She has also learned to be more independent which was hard to do at home as she was an extremely sheltered child. It has also taught her to accept other children for what they are, etc. Thank you Camp Amy Molson.”
Camp Amy Molson provides inner city children with an outlet that fosters a sense of community that otherwise can be unobtainable. According to Camp-Amy-Molson.com "fees are charged according to a sliding scale which is based on the family income (or parents' ability to pay). The fees range from $230.00 per child for 2 weeks to $610.00 per child for 2 weeks." Thus, children have access to services that would ordinarily be out of there reach.
Before deciding on which sleep away camp to send your child(ren) parents should gather as much information as possible on the chosen camp(s) and visit it prior to sessions beginning. Camps like Amy Molson have an open door policy and will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have. Each camp also has an itinerary established so that as a parent you can see exactly what your child(ren) will be up to during their two weeks there. Parents can also expect to receive letters from their children and of course are encouraged to send letters too. Care packages are a favorite treat but remember they are to be shared amongst your child's cabin mates. Camps like Amy Molson provide children and families alike with peace of mind and wholesome memories that are cherished for life.
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Mario R. J. Corbin - Based in Quebec, Canada, Mario Corbin has been writing professionally since 2002. His publications have appeared in “The Jane ...
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