Above: Happy campers
As soon as the York Youth Connection (YYC) day camp children left to return to school, there was an eerie silence around the Keele campus. Those little people we had grown used to seeing sprouting up here and there around the place were gone.
Their summer was action-packed, with trips to Casa Loma, a Blue Jays game, the Ontario Science Centre and Black Creek Pioneer Village, not to mention the everyday fun things the children enjoyed – crafts, sports, games, plays, science experimentation et al. In addition, campers were treated to a special visit from guest artist Isaac Akrong, who gave workshops in West African drumming and dance, and from Carole Carpenter, Master of Vanier College, who addressed the young leaders-in-training (campers ages 13-14, who participate in a leadership training program along with the other camp activities).
Right: Morning wake-up session
“Our end-of-session showcase was a success with presentations in drama, visual arts, sports, science, and music,” said Christina Haidner, camp director.
“Several campers also did solo songs and dances – especially brave of them! Our kids love making up dances, and we had some excellent hip hop presentations.”
Haidner said YYC was able to provide subsidies to a large portion of campers this summer. If you would like to contribute toward sending a child to camp next summer, contact camp manager Danielle Chateau at ext. 55597 or dchateau@yorku.ca.
For more information about the day camp, visit the Web site at www.yorku.ca/yyc or contact Chateau.