Camp Phoenix, a weeklong residential camp
for children, is the British Columbia Youth Parliament’s largest
service project. For over 30 years the youth of BCYP,
aged 16-21, have been undertaking the task of bringing camp
to kids, most of which wouldn’t normally be able to attend summer
camp. It is the aim of Camp Phoenix to provide the opportunity
for children aged 8-11, who due to social and financial circumstances
aren’t readily provided with the chance of camp.
Held in a different location each year,
Camp Phoenix is designed to come to the children, and thus provide equal
opportunity throughout the province. Since the first camp, Camp Phoenix is
estimated to have served over 1500 children, a difficult yet rewarding task.
Camp Phoenix is accredited by the British Columbia Camping Association, however,
often meets and exceeds the requirements. To provide the optimal experience for
the campers the ratio of staff to campers reflects the care that is put into
camp. 3 to 5, staff to camper, insures that every camper receives the attention
they need.
The annual operating cost of Camp Phoenix
is approximately $20,000, which comprises over one-half of Youth
Parliament’s overall budget of $30,000. In addition to organizing
and staffing Camp Phoenix, members are responsible for raising
the funds necessary to execute this large project each year.
Through these fundraising efforts, we have been able to provide
partial or full bursaries to every camper whose participation
in Camp Phoenix would be hindered by the already subsidized
camper fee. We have been especially fortunate to receive the
support of local businesses and individual
donors whose generous sponsorships have made it possible
for campers to partake in the wonderful summer camp experience
at no cost to their families.
As a past Camp Administrator once said,
"The objective of this camp shall be to change the environment
of the campers for the better through demonstrating that the
positive aspects of life in general are not just something to
strive for, but something which is well within their grasp."
The Camp Phoenix experience has touched not only the lives of
each of its campers, but it has also helped the youth who undertake
this challenge each year to realize their ability to serve others
and offer lasting contributions within their communities. It
is in this spirit of community service that Camp Phoenix strives
to continue to be a successful and meaningful opportunity for
youth to make a difference.
For more information, please visit the official website of Camp
Phoenix, located here,
or contact the Camp
Administrator, Sasa Pudar.
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