About Us

Christie Lake Kids offers recreational and skill development programs at no cost to economically disadvantaged children in the Ottawa area between the ages of 6-16 years old. Our catchment area is parallel to the City of Ottawa city limits. Through our programs, Christie Lake STAR (Skills Through Activities and Recreation) and Christie Lake Camp we assist children and youth to develop skills in the arts, recreation and athletics, which in turn builds leadership skills, self-confidence and the positive outlook that they need to break out of the poverty cycle and become young people contributing back to society.

Our Mission Statement is:

“To enrich the lives and prospects of economically disadvantaged children, by providing quality year-round community and camp programs to develop physical, artistic, and social skills, positive attitudes and personal qualities.”

Our Goals

Christie Lake Kids recognizes that in order to grow into healthy adults, all children need opportunities to:

• Build life and recreational skills through artistic and athletic activities

• Build and improve self-esteem

• Be exposed to positive role models

• Gain an appreciation for art and culture

• Experience success and accomplishment

Our Philosophy

Christie Lake Kids programs are based on the following basic principles:

• All kids deserve a safe, healthy childhood.

• All kids deserve the opportunity to learn, to achieve, and to succeed.

• Teaching skills of all kinds not only builds that particular skill, it also builds self-esteem, social skills, and other positive qualities.

• Children from low-income families deserve the same recreational and skill development opportunities as other children.

• Caring for children and youth is not just a private issue, it is a collective responsibility

The Christie Lake Kids Difference

Both the Camp and STAR programs were developed under the guidance and direction of child psychiatrist the late Dr. Dan Offord, Director of the internationally recognized Offord Centre for Child Studies located in McMaster University . Since 1958, Dr. Offord had volunteered as Summer Camp Director. In 2001, Dr. Offord received the Order of Canada for his research and work with children at risk.