Summer camp gives military kids a hero’s welcome
BLOOMFIELD, ON—Being the child in a military family can involve facing unique fears and challenges, says Tammy Snyder. So for one week a year, Wesley Acres is giving them the chance to feel like heroes.
Heroes' Camp is a free, one-week water sports and outdoor education camp for young people (ages 11-15) with at least one parent in military service. In addition to fun and adventure, the camp provides an opportunity for meaningful group discussions and personal growth in a Christian environment.
It was started in 2009 by couples Tammy and Brad Snyder and Diane and Brad Fothergill.
"We really want to make a difference in the lives of people who are making a difference in our lives every day,"says Tammy Snyder, "to really remember, and give back to, the families of those people who are putting their lives on the line for our lives."
The Snyders are watersport instructors at Wesley Acres, and have a scuba diving business in Burlington.
"For a lot of the kids it's the first time they've even been on a powerboat," she says. "It's always a new group each year, so they know they're all in it together."
The Heroes' Foundation was established in 2010 to support the camp, and is an affiliate of the Canadian National Christian Foundation. They have set a goal of raising $1.2 million—which is enough to send 32 military kids to camp each year in perpetuity.
"We have seven summers paid for already," Snyder adds, "and we're really excited about that."
While Heroes' Camp is available to young people as a free opportunity once, they then receive a reduced price for other Wesley Acres camps in future. The camp includes wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking and other water sports. It also has a rope course.
So far campers have come from CFB Trenton, where Heroes' Camp works closely with the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), which recommends young people for the camp.
"Maybe one day we'll be able to look at expanding to other areas," she said. "But for right now Wesley Acres is the best set up for us. It's only 30 minutes from the base, and the facilities are awesome."
The MFRC hosted a thank you banquet for Heroes' Camp at CFB Trenton last November.
Former camper Lena Power told the crowd, "Even though our parents may do different things, us kids have a lot in common. Our parents are away a lot, and they may not always be in safe places. But, no matter where they are we are always scared for them because they are part of our family. Heroes' Camp gave me a chance to do fun things with kids just like me."
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