With a message of inclusion, encouragement and hope, Camp Chestermere has been a staple in the area and is currently in its 69th year in operation.
Collin Daws Assistant Director at Camp Chestermere has a long history with the camp, starting as a camper moving to a counsellor and volunteer to now working to support the day-to-day operations of the camp in his current role.
Daws explained that looking back in the history there was a pretty great find, “Since 1953 we have been running camps the way that we do now and we actually have evidence going all the way back to the 1930s of training naval cadets for World War II so that was a really interesting piece to find."
The camp has always been located on the south side of the lake with the community continuing to grow around them over the 69 years they have been in operation, being surrounded by the community has helped the organization to grow different partnerships and relationships with residents and businesses in the area.
Daws expressed his passion when sharing one of the biggest goals for the team at Camp Chestermere, “We believe that this is a place to belong and so we really feel as though when people walk on site that they experience something different and they experience that belonging and experience that love and compassion for them.”
That is a sentiment that has resonated with many campers, volunteers, and staff over the years and part of what keeps people coming back, part of that mission Daws noted is that although Camp Chestermere is a Christian camp it is open to everyone no matter their background. Last year the camp had a first and they were able to welcome a new camper who had the opportunity to join in.
“We actually for the first time that we can recollect had somebody in a wheelchair actually participate in camp. This camper participated in the day camp program and had a lot of fun with the kids, we believe that they should experience that too. So it's great to see them participate in the games that we have, and in everything that she could possibly jump in with.”
In February Camp Chestermere launched the #LoveCampC initiative, where they have reached out to past and present campers and staff to share what attending camp has meant to them. Daws has seen many messages coming through that all resonate with a message of acceptance and belonging which has been a large focus of his in his years at camp.
“It's been a great opportunity just to kind of give people an opportunity to show love for this place, but also to kind of share their story and hopefully inspire others that there is hope out there.”
Camps are available for kids from ages 5-15 with day, overnight and week camps with a variety of activities for the campers to participate in. In addition to the regular camp experience, they offer a leadership training program called CLTD available for students entering Grade 9.
Daws appreciates that to run this operation takes more than their small team and is grateful each year for the volunteers who work to make each summer exceptional for the campers. Common opportunities for volunteers range from working in the cabins, kitchens, and on outdoor work crews, but Daws explained that there is something for everyone they even recruit boat drivers during the summer.
For more information on Camp Chestermere keep up to date with the team on social media @campchestermere and on their website at campchestermere.com.
Thu, Apr 25, 4:30 PM
