CF Families
Breaking the myths about registering military and veteran kids for summer camp
Miranda BrumwellFor the 12th year in a row, Camp Maple Leaf (CML) will be opening its doors to children of military families and military veterans. Kim Smith, owner of CML, said the camp provides the children with the opportunity to connect and forge friendships with others who share similar circumstances and experiences.
“First and foremost, we’re hoping that children from Canadian military families take away a fun, Canadian summer camp experience. They’re often moved around from place to place, and Camp Maple Leaf provides a place for those children to return to every summer,” said Smith.
Located on Jacob’s Island near Ennismore, Ont., the camp will be open to military children all of July and running until the first week of August. It’s open to both boys and girls, ages seven to 16.
Smith said CML gives the children all the regular camp experiences other Canadian children get to experience year after year.
“When you think of summer camp, the ideas that pop into your head are what we do. We are a traditional camp,” said Smith. “We paddle canoes and kayaks, we have cookouts, arts and crafts, drama, baseball and ball hockey tournaments. We do a drama presentation every week the children can take part in if they choose to.”
Smith adds this year is a special year because, for the first time, one of the five weeks of camp will be devoted to children of Military families dealing with Operational Stress Injuries (OSI.)
CML also provides funding for those military families who would like to send their children to camp but are not necessarily able to afford the cost. Bus transportation can also be arranged for families located in Ottawa, Petawawa, Kingston, Trenton, and Borden.
TOP 10 most asked Questions FAQ 2018
Do I have to wait to apply to camp until I get my funding in place? No! Please apply first to Camp Maple Leaf and then we will work you through the funding process. The deposit of $125.00 will hold your spot and in the end no child will get turned away due to funding.
Do you have funding for children not covered by the Support Our Troops Summer Camp Grant?
Our camp is not only for the deployed, ill, or injured. We have funding for all military children – whether parents are currently serving or have served. (We were started by Military Veterans in 1955)
Is there a deadline?
We have a registration deadline of June 1st (But don’t wait too long as our sessions are almost full.) After that there may still be limited spots available but transportation requests may not be accommodated.
Can my child with special needs come?
We welcome children of all abilities. We have partnered with REACH, an organization that helps integrate children with special needs into camps. This is offered at no extra cost to the families.
Support Our Troops Summer Camp Grant:
a).Do I need to be deployed to qualify for the Support Our Troops Summer Camp Grant?
No, “deployment” can mean an overseas deployment, a course, an exercise or a tasking that has taken place up to a year prior to your child attending camp. It can also be any of the above that will take place while your child is attending summer camp – even if you haven’t deployed yet. It could also be an upcoming posting that will involve a major life change for your child. Please note the 2018 Support Our Troops Summer camp grant application is now closed.
b) Can my child without special needs qualify?
If you have a child with special needs that is funded thru Support our Troops; your family is automatically eligible for funding for your other children as well.
Do families need to pay up front and then get reimbursed for the camp fee? No. The great, new system this year is that Support Our Troops will provide payment directly to Camp Maple Leaf! . Please note the 2018 Support Our Troops Summer camp grant application is now closed.
Do you offer transportation?
We offer supervised, super fun, super safe, transportation from most military bases for all sessions. We try to accommodate and support as many families as possible.
How will my child take their medications?
We have a nurse on site that gives out and supervises all children’s medications.
Can you accommodate food allergies?
Yes! (And we strictly do not allow any nuts on our island)
What are the ages? We accept children turning 7 by December 31st or very mature, independent 6-year olds.
Is Camp Maple Leaf a charity? Yes, we do have a charitable number. All fees go directly back into the camp program.
