Local group sending even more kids to camp

“It’s for social skill building, it’s for extra opportunities that they might not normally have, it’s for developing more friendships and building on those friendship skills,” said McElligott.

She said telling the kids their going to camp is very exciting.

“They’re ecstatic. They always look forward to it,” said McElligott. “It’s a very thrilling thing for them.”

In order to raise money they’ve been putting on various events throughout the year. They held a ham supper, a whisky tasting, a steak supper, a garage sale, a fashion show, sold raffle tickets and this weekend they wrapped up with a walkathon/triathlon.

Debbie Salmond and Sharon Synkaruk are co-chairs with the Mission and Outreach at St. Paul’s Presbyterian. Together they participated in the walkathon. Both have been involved in the project for years.

In 2006, they started fundraising to send 12 kids from their congregation to camp. The next year they raised more money than they needed so they decided to partner with Riverside School.

“It’s just grown since then,” said Shnkaruk. “Every year we’ve had more money, more people helping and we’ve sent more kids to camp.”

Last year they were able to send 140 kids to camp. This year their goal is 150 and so far they have registered 100 kids.

Malcom Jenkins is keeping the giving feeling going with a donation to the project.

Jenkins agreed to match up to $25,000 in donations to help with the fundraising program.

He made his donation on Friday afternoon at Canadian Tire in Prince Albert.

McElligott said they were so happy to hear of the donation.

“The community-minded people are what makes the city function as well as it does and it’s through community spirit and individuals that everyone can benefit,” said McElligott.

Bekk Mcdonald, a co-administrator at Camp Christoper, said camp is always a great experience for the kids.

“Just to get a break from the city and to be able to be in the outdoors,” she said.

Activities include kayaking, canoeing, swimming, spending time on the beach, participating in various games, and sitting by the campfire.

Camp Christopher is located at Christopher Lake, 40 kilometers north of Prince Albert.

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

With files from James Bowler.

by Alex Soloducha

Local group sending even more kids to camp

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