The Summer I’ll Always Remember

Between 2015 and 2018, I had the chance to be a leader at a local children’s camp in Gravenhurst, Ontario, and it ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. Every day was full of energy — games, activities, crafts, outdoor adventures and a lot of laughter. But what stood out most to me was seeing how much the camp meant to the kids. For some, it was a chance to try something new. For others, it was a place to make friends, build confidence and simply have fun in an environment where they felt included and supported. Being a camp leader meant a lot more than helping run activities. It meant encouraging kids when they were nervous, celebrating the small wins, helping them work through disagreements and making sure every child felt like they belonged. The team behind the camp put so much care into creating that experience. From planning activities to supporting families and making sure the children had a safe and welcoming place to spend their summer, there was an incredible amount of work happening behind the scenes. By the end of every summer, I think I had learned just as much from the kids as they had from us. It reminded me how important programs like this are — and how much of a difference people can make simply by showing up, giving their time and helping create a place where children can thrive. I’m really grateful I got to be part of it.