A Message from the Coordinators
Saint Mother Teresa
This summer was my second summer as a camp coordinator with the focus on youth program and it did not disappoint! I was placed at the Mother Teresa location throughout the summer and I must say I had an extraordinary time. As a young man who grew up in Scarborough, I saw a lot of the old me in our campers this summer. I can honestly say that this year was a very fulfilling year due to the fact that since I related to the kids on a personal level I was able to give them advice that I surely could have used as a kid. My overall goal for the summer was to be the role model that I would have always wanted for myself as a young boy going to summer camps or going to school; someone who was easy to talk to, someone who could give me advice about life and etc. I feel that I have truly left a positive impact on the campers’ lives this summer because of the open line of communication that I had with the campers which made it easy for them to come to me about any problems or even to just open up about a good experience they may have had. Overall I this summer was a successful one and I truly feel that I took away just as much good memories from the camp as the campers did this year.
-Jordan Purrier, 2018
-Jordan Purrier, 2018
“Being a Camp Coordinator is the best thing ever. You get to dictate how the summer will go, even though things may not go the way you planned, it’s nothing you can’t handle. It is fun organizing many programs for the campers and seeing it being implemented when camp starts. We cooked breakfast almost every morning, and had different facilitators running different workshops everyday. There was never a dull moment at camp. Everyday I walked in, I was always happy to be there and already looking forward to the next day. This is my second summer being a coordinator at this camp and I can truly see the growth in relation to previous years. The positive vibes and energy every day not only from the campers but also from the staff is what makes each day a blessing. Although the six weeks are done the memories will never fade but will forever be there.”
-Renee Bazil, 2018
-Renee Bazil, 2018
“My journey with focus on youth started back in 2015 when I became a camp counsellor at the SMT footsteps camp. That was my first job and it was fill with many great experiences from cheerleading workshops to trips to the pan am Olympic games. The best part were the relations ships that I made with the campers and staff, it was always good vibes with them and were always on the same page. When camp ended that summer as well as the camper I did not want camp to be over.
They journey with the footsteps camp continued the following year when I came back as a camp again in 2016 because of the experience the first year I was like yeah I have I come back. Focus on youth is a family that is hard to leave. That year was a bit different than the first but it was still great. The difference was that the staff took a bit longer to build relationships with each other but once we did that we were all on a role to make camp great. This was the year I realized that I wanted to do more for this camp.
This year because of all my previous experience with working at the footsteps camp I decided to apply for the job as a coordinator. Once I got in I was excited, I was like finally now I can do more for the camp. I love children and have that soft spot for them, I am always looking for ways I can do more and be a great role model for them.
I never went into the camp nervous about what if I can’t live up to the expectations of the previous coordinator or do it right. I always like a challenge, therefore to me this was an opportunity for me to expand on skills that I already have and to add more. It taught me that you have to be very aware with everything happening at the camp. Your organizational skills have to be on point and patience is important when dealing with everyone from campers, to staff, parents and even your colleagues.
Once you are in this family is something that is hard to leave. You always want to be a part of it. This program will always have a place in my heart it taught me many great skills that I still use today and will continue to use.
-Renée Bazil, 2017
“This was my first year as a coordinator, however I have worked with Focus on Youth before. The last time I worked at a camp was back in 2014, so this brings a lot of memories to be surrounded by kids that I can spend time with, and help give the campers some summer memories to look back on. My six weeks as a coordinator at Blessed Mother Teresa was thrilling and the best way I could have spent my summer this year. Working with new people such as the staff at BMT and coordinators of all the camps was incredible when you know you can have people you can count on to help make the summer unforgettable to the campers.
There were many different personalities I saw throughout the summer in the campers that came, but every single camper that came and left had one similarity: their genuine smiles. From the first day I met the campers till the last day I treasured every moment I was able to have with each camper. From Mandy being quiet and closed off when she first came saying how she hated camp and wished she was at home watching television because she didn’t know anyone there and had no friends to the last day where she was bold, energetic, and active wanting to win the 400m race and making sure she does not leave camp without wearing one of the staffs Dracula cape one last time. Also, India who is a petite girl was shy and quiet in the beginning but once a staff stepped in got to know her more on a friendly level she opened up to become the most energetic and loved camper between the staff and campers throughout the camp by her adorability and boldness to speak her mind without being fearful of what others might think.
Finally, the FNAF duo also known as the Five Nights of Freddy’s duo whose names are Isaiah and Jayden. These two did not know each other at all in the beginning until I asked Jayden what games kids their age usually play nowadays. This got him into telling me everything he knows about FNAF which has four game series to its name. Jayden spent the time explaining the game, showing me his personal drawings he drew of the game, and his own designs based off the game to give me an outline of the game. During his show and tell to me of his artwork Isaiah saw a glance of his work and instantly knew it was based off FNAF, this caused an instant connection between the two, letting them from then on talk about FNAF all the time about all the theories of the game, and what could be happening in FNAF 4. They became inseparable from then on and always came to me to ask if I have played the game yet for them.
The camp has had its ups and downs, but at the end of the day it is all about us staff making a difference in the campers’ lives for the better and letting them know there is always someone there to give them a helping hand when they really need it. This organization has let me experience the joy of helping, and getting to know the community. Knowing that I am getting to help the community, and at the same time help making a difference in our future generations lives is more than enough for me knowing that I have done what I could to help others succeed in life.”
-Wannesa Chakkalakal, 2016
There were many different personalities I saw throughout the summer in the campers that came, but every single camper that came and left had one similarity: their genuine smiles. From the first day I met the campers till the last day I treasured every moment I was able to have with each camper. From Mandy being quiet and closed off when she first came saying how she hated camp and wished she was at home watching television because she didn’t know anyone there and had no friends to the last day where she was bold, energetic, and active wanting to win the 400m race and making sure she does not leave camp without wearing one of the staffs Dracula cape one last time. Also, India who is a petite girl was shy and quiet in the beginning but once a staff stepped in got to know her more on a friendly level she opened up to become the most energetic and loved camper between the staff and campers throughout the camp by her adorability and boldness to speak her mind without being fearful of what others might think.
Finally, the FNAF duo also known as the Five Nights of Freddy’s duo whose names are Isaiah and Jayden. These two did not know each other at all in the beginning until I asked Jayden what games kids their age usually play nowadays. This got him into telling me everything he knows about FNAF which has four game series to its name. Jayden spent the time explaining the game, showing me his personal drawings he drew of the game, and his own designs based off the game to give me an outline of the game. During his show and tell to me of his artwork Isaiah saw a glance of his work and instantly knew it was based off FNAF, this caused an instant connection between the two, letting them from then on talk about FNAF all the time about all the theories of the game, and what could be happening in FNAF 4. They became inseparable from then on and always came to me to ask if I have played the game yet for them.
The camp has had its ups and downs, but at the end of the day it is all about us staff making a difference in the campers’ lives for the better and letting them know there is always someone there to give them a helping hand when they really need it. This organization has let me experience the joy of helping, and getting to know the community. Knowing that I am getting to help the community, and at the same time help making a difference in our future generations lives is more than enough for me knowing that I have done what I could to help others succeed in life.”
-Wannesa Chakkalakal, 2016
“My role ranged from working with the youth one on one to planning outings for them to journey on. I will never forget my first week when a camper got into a yelling battle with one of my colleagues Mark Bryce (teacher coordinator) and I went to speak with this camper when he was kicked out of the room. Only to then realize that after half an hour speaking with this camper that he only puts on a tough outward appearance but is actually one of the sweetest people at camp. Our summer camp had on average 100 campers in attendance every day 150 registered on record. With that we had a great team of staff which consisted of 27 camp counsellors and 4 coordinators including the Malvern Family Resource Centre rep (Ashley Luke). Being that I have worked with camps for about 4 years I thought I knew everything it took to run a summer camp, but I had only knew a fraction of the work. From having breakfast done every morning for the campers with the help of a community worker; to preparing them lunch on Fridays; and taking them on trips, this was way more work than I had expected.
At times I wanted to just get up and quit this job because of the attitude and rudeness of the campers but what kept me coming back is the fact that these same campers when taken out of the eyes of their peers they have a nicer side to them and they make you understand why they put up a persona when they are with their friends. Because of the area in which these youth grow up in they believe that they have to be tough and are not allowed to let anyone in. So many of these youth grow up in single family homes or grow up where their parents are never there for them so they are so afraid to let people into their lives to hurt them. These campers have clearly appreciated the work of the focus on youth staff and the countless hours that was spent preparing activities for them to enjoy. Most of them did not have to say anything but just by the way the act when they are going on trips like to the Science Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum their actions speak loudly. The youth would show up early in order not to miss the bus to go to these outings but would show up on time or even late for a regular day. The campers would ensure they are on their best behaviour in order for the outings to continue. Some of these youth also expressed their appreciation and let us know that due to lack of funds at home if it was not for this free summer camp they would not be able to have a memorable summer.
The staff have also appreciated the wonderful summer which the youth have provided them with. These staff have made bonds with this youth which will last forever. Some of the staff have met youth which leave in the same area as they do and they have became an extra support system for these youth. They may no longer get paid to be there for these youth but they have told me that no matter what they will be there for these youth as a positive role model for them. Some of the youth walked in on the first day and did not say much or socialize much but left on the last day with many friends and many ways to stay in contact with their new friends.”
-Simeon Charles, 2016
At times I wanted to just get up and quit this job because of the attitude and rudeness of the campers but what kept me coming back is the fact that these same campers when taken out of the eyes of their peers they have a nicer side to them and they make you understand why they put up a persona when they are with their friends. Because of the area in which these youth grow up in they believe that they have to be tough and are not allowed to let anyone in. So many of these youth grow up in single family homes or grow up where their parents are never there for them so they are so afraid to let people into their lives to hurt them. These campers have clearly appreciated the work of the focus on youth staff and the countless hours that was spent preparing activities for them to enjoy. Most of them did not have to say anything but just by the way the act when they are going on trips like to the Science Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum their actions speak loudly. The youth would show up early in order not to miss the bus to go to these outings but would show up on time or even late for a regular day. The campers would ensure they are on their best behaviour in order for the outings to continue. Some of these youth also expressed their appreciation and let us know that due to lack of funds at home if it was not for this free summer camp they would not be able to have a memorable summer.
The staff have also appreciated the wonderful summer which the youth have provided them with. These staff have made bonds with this youth which will last forever. Some of the staff have met youth which leave in the same area as they do and they have became an extra support system for these youth. They may no longer get paid to be there for these youth but they have told me that no matter what they will be there for these youth as a positive role model for them. Some of the youth walked in on the first day and did not say much or socialize much but left on the last day with many friends and many ways to stay in contact with their new friends.”
-Simeon Charles, 2016
Father Henry Carr
To be honest, I came into this position of being a Coordinator with no expectations. I spent 3 summers prior being a camp counsellor and Tennis/Soccer coach so I already had an idea of how to act around kids. This year has been my first year in this position and I must say, I was blown away the entire summer. Every day was something new and the freshness was what kept my staff and I on our toes. The position gave me an opportunity not only to help the kids to the regular standard but for me to add my own personal signature to enhance the experience. I really enjoyed taking the kids to the trips and seeing them interact with the outside environments they were not accustomed to. For example, we went farming and learned about the types of vegetation and how to plant. Most of the kids were accustomed to staying inside on their phones. To see them interacting with the soil, getting their hands dirty was really and truly priceless. I saw my position as a pedestal for me to really get in touch with my philanthropic self and do as much good for the community as I can. All in all, despite it all, myself, my staff and the campers all made it to the end in one peace with smiles planted on our faces. This pass six weeks has truly been a blast and I am honoured to have been a part of the Focus on Youth program.
-Judah Charles, 2018
-Judah Charles, 2018
"When I was told of this camp and its location, the impression was that these kids were a handful and I could easily be pushed to my limits – this was definitely not the case. Yes, there were times where I was stressed, annoyed and irritable but I never forgot that they were just kids and they just wanted what all kids want, to have fun. I also had the assistance of Jaime who knew this camp like the back of her hand. She knew anything and everything that needed to be done before it even had to be done. Most of the campers also knew her and seemed to have a good relationship with her and honestly, it made me feel at a disadvantage but all it meant was that I had a lot of making up to do."
-Joshuah Paul, 2017
-Joshuah Paul, 2017
“After applying to the Toronto Catholic District School Board for clerical work, I was interviewed for an unknown position. At first, I was told to study a guide that read “Focus on Youth – Media Team,” yet halfway through the interview, Mr. Andre Fullerton said I might be better suited elsewhere. This would’ve been my first job and I’d never heard of Focus on Youth. I was lucky enough to be hired, but I didn’t know what I was hired for. I was placed at Footsteps to Success, which I learned the first day of camp. I was extremely nervous, especially placed in an unknown neighbourhood opposite my own. More importantly, I hated kids.
My first year was frustrating. I was thrown into a camp where I was a “supervisor” who was meant to lead high school counsellors, not much younger than myself, and campers, who were little kids that I was inexperienced with. Initially, I was very awkward and shy. I didn’t know where to stand, didn’t know what to say, and didn’t know much of what to do outside admin. Then I tried to take Andre’s advice. I stepped away from the files and led from the front. I went around to every single camper and learned their names. I had conversations. I built relationships. Soon enough, something odd happened when I was taking the train after work. I heard kids screaming my name, and I felt like I was losing my mind. My stomach felt weird and my chest was tight. I missed the kids, and that’s when I knew I was in the right spot.
The following summer ran much smoother. The goal of this year was to build people individually. After my first summer with Footsteps, I was fixated on trying to build the community by building the people within it. Whether it was having one on one conversations with counsellors, or giving volunteer responsibilities to older campers, I was focused more on the community. Unsure of the next year, I thought this would be my last year at camp. The anxiety hit hard. January would come by and I was scared to apply for the sake of not coming back to camp. I didn’t want to lose my new family, and I wanted to see the continuous impact that was made.
This summer was my most stressful, and most dedicated. The only returning coordinator, I had to act as a coach for the newer staff. Additionally, I largely focused on having personal conversations with parents, custodial staff, partner organizations, and workshop guests. To me, it was essential to make every person feel welcome in our space. Expanding our family to a larger scale was my mission in making the community flourish. More so than previous years, this summer has taught me a lot about my true love for communities. Despite any personal issues, my time here was fully dedicated to every camper, counsellor, coordinator, parent, custodian, teacher, partner, and guest in the camp.
Regardless of cliché, Footsteps has truly changed me as a person. Regardless of pay, I would gladly come back next summer. The only negative to my experience with Footsteps to Success and Focus on Youth is not having known about it sooner.”
-Jaime Aludos, 2016
My first year was frustrating. I was thrown into a camp where I was a “supervisor” who was meant to lead high school counsellors, not much younger than myself, and campers, who were little kids that I was inexperienced with. Initially, I was very awkward and shy. I didn’t know where to stand, didn’t know what to say, and didn’t know much of what to do outside admin. Then I tried to take Andre’s advice. I stepped away from the files and led from the front. I went around to every single camper and learned their names. I had conversations. I built relationships. Soon enough, something odd happened when I was taking the train after work. I heard kids screaming my name, and I felt like I was losing my mind. My stomach felt weird and my chest was tight. I missed the kids, and that’s when I knew I was in the right spot.
The following summer ran much smoother. The goal of this year was to build people individually. After my first summer with Footsteps, I was fixated on trying to build the community by building the people within it. Whether it was having one on one conversations with counsellors, or giving volunteer responsibilities to older campers, I was focused more on the community. Unsure of the next year, I thought this would be my last year at camp. The anxiety hit hard. January would come by and I was scared to apply for the sake of not coming back to camp. I didn’t want to lose my new family, and I wanted to see the continuous impact that was made.
This summer was my most stressful, and most dedicated. The only returning coordinator, I had to act as a coach for the newer staff. Additionally, I largely focused on having personal conversations with parents, custodial staff, partner organizations, and workshop guests. To me, it was essential to make every person feel welcome in our space. Expanding our family to a larger scale was my mission in making the community flourish. More so than previous years, this summer has taught me a lot about my true love for communities. Despite any personal issues, my time here was fully dedicated to every camper, counsellor, coordinator, parent, custodian, teacher, partner, and guest in the camp.
Regardless of cliché, Footsteps has truly changed me as a person. Regardless of pay, I would gladly come back next summer. The only negative to my experience with Footsteps to Success and Focus on Youth is not having known about it sooner.”
-Jaime Aludos, 2016
“It all started in summer 2014 when I became apart of the Focus on Youth Footsteps to Success family. I always had a soft spot for children but actually didn’t get the experience of working with them until I began working at Footsteps to Success.
My experience at first was a bit challenging because I am the type to be shy at first until I become more comfortable with the people in my environment. After a few days, I noticed how well the campers gravitated towards me. This helped to push me in terms of not feeling shy anymore and also encouraged me to assert that I can do this. Beforehand, I was doubting myself thinking I might not do as well as the coordinators expect me to, as well as the children not liking me. Unlike other counsellors who were fun and more easy going, I was that counsellor who was more about discipline and fun at the same time. I’ve noticed that because of the discipline that I tried to reinforce, the campers respected me more
as an individual and as a leader.
The camp was divided into three sections: Sports, Arts and Leadership. I am the type of person who likes to keep active rather than staying in one place for an entire day so I chose sports as my first preference and, with great success, I was granted that. Despite the fact that I was in the sports section, on Fridays I would head over to the Arts section to put a bit a more flavour to it. I taught dance every Friday and the children loved it. At the end of camp, we had a talent show and the children showcased each and every dance that I taught them. It was a great feeling to see how much they enjoyed learning the new dances and performing them on stage. To know that someone else enjoys something you love to do brings great joy to my heart. Throughout this experience as a camp counsellor, I had learned different skills such as team building, being open to the different personalities and handling situations accordingly. With regards to a job it has taught me that despite the position you were given, you should be open to changes because in everything you do, you learn something new.
However, because of such a great experience as a counsellor, I decided to reapply for a position at Focus On Youth for Footsteps but this time as a Site Coordinator. Being much more mature than I was 2 years ago I felt the need to challenge myself. I knew from the very moment I applied that if I got this job I would not regret it because of my experience as a counsellor before. When I got the job, at first I was in office dealing with a lot of paperwork alongside with my partner Jaime. When I was a counsellor, Jaime was my camp site coordinator so I knew she was experienced and that I would be in good hands. I think the fact that I knew Jaime from before had made things a bit easier coming into a new atmosphere that, without a doubt, would be challenging. I have developed a lot of computer skills, including other business skills. With all the planning taking place in the background I was so excited for camp to start.
Camp finally started and I was nervous at first knowing that I had an even bigger role this time where I was responsible for dealing with trips, buses, handling parents, campers and counsellors. As the weeks went by I started seeing campers still attending the camp from when I was a counsellor. I was so happy to see them and to know that they were still coming to this camp. It goes to show how huge of an impact this camp has on these children. There were also children who were much older now who came back to volunteer. When I saw all of this happening, I realize what a great opportunity I have being able to work at this camp once more. Everyday stepping into camp, seeing how happy the campers look playing games with other campers and counsellors made me happy. Instead of having these children out on the street with no supervision, they were here at camp with their peers enjoying the privilege that they were given to them. Despite the fun times, we had challenging times. This camp experience has helped me to grow as an individual. The children have also taught me a lot on how to be patient and much more observant and alert. Whenever it comes on to kids you always have to be aware at all times and with that I know how to pay attention to even the smallest details because in the end it can create something much bigger than you expected. This camp has been the best experience of my life. I wouldn’t hesitate coming back to work here again because I know there’s so much more to learn.”
-Shaunalee Bennett, 2016 Jordan Purrier, 2017
My experience at first was a bit challenging because I am the type to be shy at first until I become more comfortable with the people in my environment. After a few days, I noticed how well the campers gravitated towards me. This helped to push me in terms of not feeling shy anymore and also encouraged me to assert that I can do this. Beforehand, I was doubting myself thinking I might not do as well as the coordinators expect me to, as well as the children not liking me. Unlike other counsellors who were fun and more easy going, I was that counsellor who was more about discipline and fun at the same time. I’ve noticed that because of the discipline that I tried to reinforce, the campers respected me more
as an individual and as a leader.
The camp was divided into three sections: Sports, Arts and Leadership. I am the type of person who likes to keep active rather than staying in one place for an entire day so I chose sports as my first preference and, with great success, I was granted that. Despite the fact that I was in the sports section, on Fridays I would head over to the Arts section to put a bit a more flavour to it. I taught dance every Friday and the children loved it. At the end of camp, we had a talent show and the children showcased each and every dance that I taught them. It was a great feeling to see how much they enjoyed learning the new dances and performing them on stage. To know that someone else enjoys something you love to do brings great joy to my heart. Throughout this experience as a camp counsellor, I had learned different skills such as team building, being open to the different personalities and handling situations accordingly. With regards to a job it has taught me that despite the position you were given, you should be open to changes because in everything you do, you learn something new.
However, because of such a great experience as a counsellor, I decided to reapply for a position at Focus On Youth for Footsteps but this time as a Site Coordinator. Being much more mature than I was 2 years ago I felt the need to challenge myself. I knew from the very moment I applied that if I got this job I would not regret it because of my experience as a counsellor before. When I got the job, at first I was in office dealing with a lot of paperwork alongside with my partner Jaime. When I was a counsellor, Jaime was my camp site coordinator so I knew she was experienced and that I would be in good hands. I think the fact that I knew Jaime from before had made things a bit easier coming into a new atmosphere that, without a doubt, would be challenging. I have developed a lot of computer skills, including other business skills. With all the planning taking place in the background I was so excited for camp to start.
Camp finally started and I was nervous at first knowing that I had an even bigger role this time where I was responsible for dealing with trips, buses, handling parents, campers and counsellors. As the weeks went by I started seeing campers still attending the camp from when I was a counsellor. I was so happy to see them and to know that they were still coming to this camp. It goes to show how huge of an impact this camp has on these children. There were also children who were much older now who came back to volunteer. When I saw all of this happening, I realize what a great opportunity I have being able to work at this camp once more. Everyday stepping into camp, seeing how happy the campers look playing games with other campers and counsellors made me happy. Instead of having these children out on the street with no supervision, they were here at camp with their peers enjoying the privilege that they were given to them. Despite the fun times, we had challenging times. This camp experience has helped me to grow as an individual. The children have also taught me a lot on how to be patient and much more observant and alert. Whenever it comes on to kids you always have to be aware at all times and with that I know how to pay attention to even the smallest details because in the end it can create something much bigger than you expected. This camp has been the best experience of my life. I wouldn’t hesitate coming back to work here again because I know there’s so much more to learn.”
-Shaunalee Bennett, 2016 Jordan Purrier, 2017
St. Timothy
“When I was first introduced to the Focus on Youth program it was immediately obvious the amount of time, effort and love the staff before me, had invested into the campers. Just learning about the program, its inception and journey, is a testament to the staff before me, and the motivation they had to positively affect these kids’ lives. This year was my first year as a camp coordinator. Although I had worked with children prior, I was never placed in a position where I would be responsible for running an entire camp, planning activities and recruiting staff. I was placed at the St. Timothy’s location that has been in operation for about 3 years. The camp was created to cater to kids who are new to Canada as a way for them to have a better transition to Canadian life. Having all this information about the camp and learning about the types of activities they normally do and the love for they have for the activities, I anticipated the start of camp even more. Planning the camp in itself was fun but it also taught me a lot. I learnt how to consider all factors possible to ensure that everything runs smoothly at the appointed time.
Before camp started I went in with an open mind ready to deal with everything as it comes. Once it started the kids, the staff and my partners made it so easy for me to be comfortable. My camp had a lot of kids from different countries who spoke different languages and experienced different cultures. I found myself relating to these children more, being that I’m Jamaican and have lived there for most of my life. Everyday I was met with excitement and enthusiasm from the campers who were always willing to learn and participate in events and workshops. This willingness from the campers made it easy for me as a coordinator. I was also able to create a personal bond with most of the campers, which was the most memorable moment for me.” - Sheldon Lee
Before camp started I went in with an open mind ready to deal with everything as it comes. Once it started the kids, the staff and my partners made it so easy for me to be comfortable. My camp had a lot of kids from different countries who spoke different languages and experienced different cultures. I found myself relating to these children more, being that I’m Jamaican and have lived there for most of my life. Everyday I was met with excitement and enthusiasm from the campers who were always willing to learn and participate in events and workshops. This willingness from the campers made it easy for me as a coordinator. I was also able to create a personal bond with most of the campers, which was the most memorable moment for me.” - Sheldon Lee
""This year was my first year working with the Focus on Youth program as a camp coordinator and I must say I have never experienced anything like this in my life. I did not truly know and understand how much of an influence and role model I’d be to my camp counsellors and the campers. The St. Timothy location had the most registered campers out of the other two locations which led to me feeling a bit overwhelmed prior to the start of camp. The St. Timothy location is a bit different from the other camps due to the amount of Syrian newcomers that attended the camp. This is the second year that this camp has been held at the St. Timothy location and our program has been trying to reach out to the Syrian youth who have just came to Canada in order to help them assimilate comfortably into our society which is seen as foreign to them. Our camp tried to place as much emphasis as possible towards helping the syrian youth as well as our other youth experience things they may not have been able to experience with their families. With special field trips and intriguing workshops intertwined with main themes that we came up with weekly, we always gave the kids something new to look forward to. From going fishing and catching Rainbow trouts to going to Canada’s wonderland and enjoying the thrill of a lifetime, we have always tried to encourage our youth to try something different. Overall i can gladly say this summer was a successful one, but it would not of happened if it wasn’t for my amazing camp Counselors who remained jovial, loving and responsible throughout the six weeks. Lastly I would like to thank my fellow Coordinators Erin Maitland and Charlene Blake-Shillingford for being tremendous partners and for the endless work they put in throughout the summer. Without the positive attitudes that our staff brought to the table daily, this summer would not have been as enjoyable and cherishable as it was for all those who attended work everyday and the youth who came to camp everyday.
Jordan Purrier, 2017
Jordan Purrier, 2017
"I did not know what to expect when I began my journey at Footsteps to Success where I was a coordinator at the St. Timothy Catholic school camp. We were given the task of not only providing a fun, engaging, enriching camp, but also helping the Syrian refugees adapt to their new life in Canada. Some of the Syrian kids had a positive outlook on life here and were thankful to have had the chance to leave their war torn country, while others were not happy that they had to leave their old life behind to come to a completely different country, with different customs and norms. This gave me and my fellow coordinators and counsellors an extra degree of difficulty in our jobs, but we stepped up to the plate and gave it our all! As time progressed I saw a great deal of change in the attitudes of some of the children and watched them grow and bloom; we had children who during week 1 wouldn’t/couldn’t speak English, but by week 6 were able to communicate effectively.
We watched children who at one point said they hated Toronto and didn’t care to be at camp shed tears and show frustration as the last days of camp approached. Not only did I watch the children change before my eyes, but I also saw my staff go from adolescents that seemed like they were only here for a paycheck turn into caring, nurturing, positive role models for these kids. They began to be viewed as heroes in a sense; kids began to be inspired by these counsellors so much that they began to even take on some of their character traits. When I look back on my time as a coordinator at St. Timothy’s Focus on Youth summer camp one word comes to mind... Power. The power to grow, the power to help, and the power to change. I am so thankful that I got the amazing opportunity of working for this program and I hope more children and counsellors are able to experience the power of Focus on Youth!"
-Rashid Maxwell, 2016
We watched children who at one point said they hated Toronto and didn’t care to be at camp shed tears and show frustration as the last days of camp approached. Not only did I watch the children change before my eyes, but I also saw my staff go from adolescents that seemed like they were only here for a paycheck turn into caring, nurturing, positive role models for these kids. They began to be viewed as heroes in a sense; kids began to be inspired by these counsellors so much that they began to even take on some of their character traits. When I look back on my time as a coordinator at St. Timothy’s Focus on Youth summer camp one word comes to mind... Power. The power to grow, the power to help, and the power to change. I am so thankful that I got the amazing opportunity of working for this program and I hope more children and counsellors are able to experience the power of Focus on Youth!"
-Rashid Maxwell, 2016
"In my first year as a Focus on Youth camp counsellor at BMT in 2011, I was put to the test the supervisor of arts stepped down and all the work was left to me and my colleague. I was terrified as it was both our first jobs, however it pushed us to learn how to be leaders and fast. For instance we learned how to plan interesting activities that all children would enjoy. We both realized that in order to make the summer a Footsteps to Success summer, one that is unforgettable, we had to step up to the plate. We felt that we had to give these campers, who many had so little, as many opportunities as we could because they deserved it. One little girl came to camp and told me that we helped her try so many things and that without us she would not have a lot.
The children helped us to become who we are today; one child in particular had a hole in her heart and was not allowed to run a lot. I took it upon myself to create interesting ways for her to participate, such as the key master or the score keeper. One day she confided in me that this was the first time she felt included and cared for by a group. I felt so loved and I knew that she did too. Footsteps is a camp that realizes the potential in each individual and never turns a blind eye to any child. Our friendship grew and we were inseparable over the summer. On the last day of camp, she told me that I inspired her and my life was changed. From that moment on, I knew that I was meant to work with kids and that this camp really did change lives.
Footsteps to Success literally sets up the campers and the staff on the path to greatness just as it did for myself. I was asked back to Footsteps to Success this year, 2016, to be a coordinator at St. Timothy’s, a new camp set up to help Syrian refugees. I was told that this camp would be the hardest thing I would ever do and I found out quickly that this was very true. It was a test of my patience and my ability to be flexible to learning styles and language barriers. It was so rewarding, however, watching all the hard work to master these skills come to fruition.
I watched this camp develop into a home for these children and a place for them to be able to work with people of different cultures in a fun way. Footsteps to Success builds unbreakable bonds, I loved watching staff and campers run to each other every morning to embrace or do their special handshake. This camp has helped them develop skills, such as numeracy & literacy skills, they did not have before. It is small moments, like hearing a kid that spoke no English during the first week tell you he cares for all of the staff like his parents in English during the fifth week, that drive home how important Footsteps to Success really is. They taught me that spending an extra moment with a child to hear their story can make a world of difference. That just that one moment of listening can be enough to allow them to trust you and allow them to finally feel safe in a new place that had never felt like home before until you heard them. As I told one camper when she told me that I made her feel special for listening to her, “Just as you, and all the Syrian campers and all the campers too, feel special because of us, you make me and all the staff feel so special in so many ways.” Footsteps to Success holds a dear place in my heart, a place where I always feel welcome and where I will always want to come back to. Footsteps to Success is about growth: individually and as a community. As Ashton Sawh, one of the camp counsellors, described Footsteps to Success, “No matter if you leap or run always remember that you’ve always been a footstep away from success.””
-Erin Maitland, 2016
The children helped us to become who we are today; one child in particular had a hole in her heart and was not allowed to run a lot. I took it upon myself to create interesting ways for her to participate, such as the key master or the score keeper. One day she confided in me that this was the first time she felt included and cared for by a group. I felt so loved and I knew that she did too. Footsteps is a camp that realizes the potential in each individual and never turns a blind eye to any child. Our friendship grew and we were inseparable over the summer. On the last day of camp, she told me that I inspired her and my life was changed. From that moment on, I knew that I was meant to work with kids and that this camp really did change lives.
Footsteps to Success literally sets up the campers and the staff on the path to greatness just as it did for myself. I was asked back to Footsteps to Success this year, 2016, to be a coordinator at St. Timothy’s, a new camp set up to help Syrian refugees. I was told that this camp would be the hardest thing I would ever do and I found out quickly that this was very true. It was a test of my patience and my ability to be flexible to learning styles and language barriers. It was so rewarding, however, watching all the hard work to master these skills come to fruition.
I watched this camp develop into a home for these children and a place for them to be able to work with people of different cultures in a fun way. Footsteps to Success builds unbreakable bonds, I loved watching staff and campers run to each other every morning to embrace or do their special handshake. This camp has helped them develop skills, such as numeracy & literacy skills, they did not have before. It is small moments, like hearing a kid that spoke no English during the first week tell you he cares for all of the staff like his parents in English during the fifth week, that drive home how important Footsteps to Success really is. They taught me that spending an extra moment with a child to hear their story can make a world of difference. That just that one moment of listening can be enough to allow them to trust you and allow them to finally feel safe in a new place that had never felt like home before until you heard them. As I told one camper when she told me that I made her feel special for listening to her, “Just as you, and all the Syrian campers and all the campers too, feel special because of us, you make me and all the staff feel so special in so many ways.” Footsteps to Success holds a dear place in my heart, a place where I always feel welcome and where I will always want to come back to. Footsteps to Success is about growth: individually and as a community. As Ashton Sawh, one of the camp counsellors, described Footsteps to Success, “No matter if you leap or run always remember that you’ve always been a footstep away from success.””
-Erin Maitland, 2016