“Gathering Strength for the Journey!” Innovative new summer camp focuses on meeting the needs of children in foster care

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

In a world that can sometimes be unforgiving, there is a population of children that are facing challenges that require our understanding, empathy, and support. Children in foster care often face instability, trauma, and a lack of consistent support. This in most cases can lead to emotional and behavioral challenges, impacting their overall well-being and development.

In an article titled, “Individual and interpersonal factors associated with psychosocial functioning among adolescents in foster care: A scoping review,” researchers found that risk reduction and strength enhancement are both necessary strategies to improve outcomes for youth in foster care who have experienced adversity. Decades of research have articulated the negative long-term outcomes of youth in foster care, but less is known about youth-level modifiable protective factors that can be nurtured through intervention to improve well-being.

What we do know is that children and youth in foster care are at elevated risk of psycho-social issues due to the: abuse, neglect, and behavioral problems most often associated with foster care placement, all of which predict ongoing psycho-social difficulties in adolescence and young adulthood

According to researchers in an article titled, “Exploring Racial Disproportionalities and Disparities for Black Families Involved with the Child Welfare System: A Scoping Review Protocol,” there is an overrepresentation of African Caribbean families in child welfare systems across the various geographical locations (e.g. America, Canada, United Kingdom) and this is a growing concern.

There are competing explanations for the causes of overrepresentation and recommendations for eliminating racial disproportionality and disparities in the child welfare system. Currently, increasing Canadian research indicates that Black families are overrepresented in the child welfare system and in provincial specific agencies, which often begins at the initial reporting phase of the investigation and then continues at deeper levels of decision- making within the child welfare system.

There is a growing body of resilience literature, however, that has highlighted the value of nurturing individual and interpersonal strengths (aka protective factors) indicating that these efforts are particularly important for youth who have experienced greater adversity. When youth have their needs met, increase their skills and develop strengths, it often leads to better outcomes as well as more and/or higher quality relationships with important people in their lives. Similarly, when youth develop and maintain quality relationships, those connections often lead to opportunities to advance their skills, strengths and positive outcomes.

Thankfully, there are a wonderful group of individuals who have decided to take action, and provide the nurturing, and consistent support that young people in the foster care system need. We are excited to announce the opening of Camp Nawapon, a brand-new summer camp specifically designed to cater to children in foster care.

Located on a picturesque 150-acre property along the waterfront of the Mattawa River, this camp promises to provide a safe, engaging, and unforgettable experience for children ages seven to 14 years of age. “Nawapon, is an Algonquin word that translates to ‘gathering strength for the journey,’” shares Executive Director Nicole Grigorov.  “We understand the unique needs and challenges faced by children in care with 20 years of experience of fostering children and working with Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario.

As we have developed the camp we have worked extensively with communities and partners to ensure it meets the needs of all children in care (including special needs).”

The great news: foster parents are able to leverage financial assistance through their case worker, through Jordan’s Principal for Indigenous children, or directly through their social worker.

“Our camp aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment where campers can: build confidence, make lasting friendships, create lifelong memories and help them develop essential life skills,” explains Nicole.

Key features of Camp Nawapon include:

Canadian Indigenous history and practices are weaved throughout the camp.

Stunning Location: Situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of Mattawa, Ontario, the camp offers a serene and picturesque setting that allows campers to connect with nature and explore the great outdoors.

Diverse Activities: From water sports and hiking to arts and crafts and team building exercises, their diverse range of activities ensures that every child finds something they love at our camp.

Experienced and Caring Staff: Their dedicated team of trained professionals, including counselors, activity instructors, and support staff, are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all campers. They are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to support children in care, ensuring their needs are met throughout their stay.

Personalized Care: Staff understand that each child is unique, and Camp Nawapon offers individualized attention to ensure the comfort and well-being of every camper. Their staff members work closely with each child, providing emotional support and guidance when needed.

Focus on Education and Development: The camp incorporates educational components to help campers enhance their academic skills and foster personal growth.

“We are thrilled to introduce Camp Nawapon for children in care, and we are dedicated to providing a safe and enriching experience for all campers, allowing them to create lifelong memories and develop important life skills. We believe that every child deserves a memorable summer camp experience, and we are committed to making that a reality,” concludes Nicole.

Let’s remember that every child deserves love, stability, and a chance to thrive. By supporting children in foster care, we contribute to building a brighter future for them. It’s time to take action, whether through volunteering, fostering, or supporting organizations working tirelessly for these children.

Registration for CAMP NAWAPON is now open, and interested families can visit www.campnawapon.com, contact Camp Director Dave at 705-744-5020 for more information.