Creating a Healthy Community
Calvin, a Camp Maple Leaf Alumni and member of the Under 12 Outreach Program, meets General Rick Hillier (Ret.)and receives a special General's Coin at the Annual Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni Golf Tournament held on June 23, 2008.
Gifted to Banyan in 1995 by the Canadian Council of War Veterans Association, Camp Maple Leaf represents a key element in Banyan’s continuum of service to support vulnerable children. Camp Maple Leaf provides a residential camping experience to children across Ontario, who, sue to financial, physical, or behavioral barriers would otherwise be unable to enjoy such an experience.
Camp Maple leaf provides recreation and adventure based programs that promote the development of self-confidence, self-esteem, self-control, problem solving skills, and conflict resolution. The relationships formed at Camp Maple Leaf often become significant relationship in a child’s life. Our counselors work closely with the campers to support them and coach them to identify their strengths and build on those strengths to achieve. Each staff position at Camp includes the responsibility to “be a role model and mentor, offering support to their colleagues and to Campers in an effort to ensure an effective and harmonious environment that enhances strengths and promotes potential, and always seeks to improve. “
Banyan is honoured to be able to carry on the work of the Canadian Council of War Veterans Associations who built the Camp as a living memorial to their fallen comrades in the hope that vulnerable children from across the province would benefit from their experiences at Camp and at the same time further their understanding of the sacrifices made on their behalf.
Successes
We are very pleased to have been able to re-affirm our commitment to military families through a new partnership. The partnership will see the development of plans for infrastructure improvements, and summer camping facilities. This will enable Camp Maple Leaf to provide military families the opportunity to enjoy all that Camp Maple Leaf has to offer. Other plans include the Jacob’s Island Military Memorial, and an educational Nature Trail around the 104 acre island on Pigeon Lake in the Kawarthas that identifies the achievements of the Canadian Military throughout history.
“The vision” is to build on the Camp’s serenity to create an environment of relaxation and a sense of community on the island that supports military families. This may include a Respite Centre for those returning from deployment, residential camping experiences for the kids, and a family camping centre for everyone.
Partnerships
Through Camp Maple Leaf Banyan has established meaningful partnerships with other service provides in Ontario who are able to access the Camp’s services through referral of campers as a respite opportunity for foster parents and group home staff. As well we work with community groups through joint fundraising initiatives to provide free camp experiences for the community at large.
Camp Maple Leaf does not receive any government funding to operate our programs. The Banyan Community Services Foundation and Camp Maple Leaf have worked together to form on-going relationships with a range of small and large business, non-profit organizations, and individuals who contribute financially and through volunteer hours to support Camp Maple Leaf. A partial list includes:
Arbor MemorialAstral Media Banyan Community Services’Under 12 Outreach & Girls Connection Program BMP Employee Charitable Fund Business Insurance Services Canadian Armed Forces Halton Naval War Veterans Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys’ and Girls’ Club Kiwanis Club of Greater Hamilton Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund Trillium Non-Profit Ventures for Youth
We are sincerely grateful for all of the support provided to Camp Maple Leaf.
Thank You.
For information on how your group may become a Camp Maple Leaf Parnter, please contact:
Ryan Bell, Camp Director705.872.1587
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