Scamp_camp

Jeff Green | Aug 03, 2006

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Scamp camp a go, on a smaller scale

by JeffGreen

It’s been a couple of months since Glenda Bence found out that the Human Resources department of the federal government (HRDC) had cut funding for summer students not only to the Kaladar Community Centre which she heads, but also to the Flinton Recreation Committee and to Land o’ Lakes Community Services. Glenda is still fuming about the decision.

Through the HRDC funding, each of these organisations has funded one counsellor for the Scamp Camp, and this has enabled the community centre to offer a three-week camp each year since 1993 for up to 60 children between 4 and 10 years old, for the low cost of $10 a week, transportation included.

“We all received form letters,” Bence recalls, “which talked about changing criteria, but I wonder what is more important than supporting children? I phoned HRDC many times after receiving the letter, but they never responded to my calls.”

Unwilling to give up, the Kaladar Community Centre has been seeking local funding support to keep the camp running. Having raised over $1,500 so far, they have decided to run the camp for two weeks, between August 14 and 25, but they will have to hold enrolment to 30 kids and will not be providing transportation.

All of the other features of the camp will remain, including one field trip each week, and a fishing expedition sponsored by the Conservationists of Frontenac Addington.

There are two fundraising events scheduled to raise more funds, a bingo on Tuesday, August 8th at 8:00 pm (with a jackpot of $1,000 see ad on page 3) and a Chik ‘N’ Ribs BBQ on Saturday, August 12th from 4:30 to 7:00 pm (see ad on page 5).

For more information or to make a donation, call the Kaladar Community Centre at 613-336-8846.