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CLK
CLK CAMP
About Christie Lake Camp:
Christie Lake Camp is AMAZING!
All children should have the chance to experience the beauty of the natural world – to swim in a lake, paddle a canoe, and sit by a campfire. Every year, almost 400 children and youth aged 9 - 15 attend two weeks of summer camp at our picturesque 88-acre camp near Perth.
On the surface, our summer program resembles that of many other camps. The difference is that our programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children living in poverty. Exceptional staff ratios allow for hours of dedicated behaviour management, all activities are geared towards the development of physical and socio-emotional skills, and our programs are fully subsidized for families living in low-income.
During their time at camp, children learn core skills in the areas of swimming, canoeing, camping, ecology, art and drama, rock-climbing and leadership. Each summer campers earn a new, higher level of badge in each of these skill areas. In working through the program, children find they have accomplished things they never thought were possible, and are more resilient to face challenges in life. They have learned they can succeed, and they take this improved self-image back to their activities in the city.
Our camp programs do more than just provide children and youth with life-long memories. Our programs help develop resiliency, allowing these children to lead happy and successful lives.
Our 2023 dates!
Session 1: July 4th - July 14th
Session 2: July 19th - July 29th
Session 3: August 3rd - August 13th
Summer Staff Opportunities
Visit our Employment Opportunities page to view available positions!
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Parent FAQ
How much does camp cost?
Our camp is completely free and only available to kids whose families are living below the Low Income Cut-off.
How old does my child have to be to attend camp?
Children and youth from 9 to 15 years of age can attend camp.
I've submitted my child's camp application - what's next?
We will first review your application, then you should expect to receive an email or a phone call with more information regarding whether or not your child has been registered and which session they have been placed in. In the event that our program is full, your child may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist campers are contacted whenever a spot becomes available, up until the first day of a session. In your CampBrain account, you will be prompted to fill out the Camper Intake Form and the Medical Form in order for us to learn more about your child and their needs. These forms help our staff make your child's camp experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. You will also receive a Parent Handbook with information about what to pack, drop-off arrangements, etc.
Alumni Re-connect
Are you a former camp staff or camper? We love hearing stories about how Christie Lake Kids changes lives! We can help connect you with other Alumni or get involved in upcoming programs and events! Click here for more information.
Children connected with nature are healthier; their heart health is better because they move more, sit less and play longer.
The sights, smells and sounds of nature are restorative for human nervous systems and result in better focus, concentration and creativity.
Children who spend time outdoors feel more connected to nature, the planet and others.
CLK STAR City Programs
About STAR
Skills Through Arts and Recreation (STAR) programs engage children and youth aged 6-17 in a variety of experiences. We offer after-school and weekend programs like art, soccer, cooking and music in six priority neighbourhoods. We also offer a variety of field trip opportunities and weekend camp experiences to those who are registered in our programs.
STAR programs bring opportunities to learn, grow, and build skills to children living under the poverty line. Children and youth enjoy barrier-free access to recreational activities and are supported and mentored by staff and volunteers who are sensitive to their needs and circumstances.
We take pride in creating safe and inclusive spaces in our programs - encouraging participants with positive reinforcement, care, and continuity. Children and youth come to our STAR programs multiple times a week where they engage in constructive, positive, esteem-building learning experiences.
Program Funding Provided by
Programs & Locations
Please click here to download our Programs & Locations PDF
East End Locations
Emmanuel Church
Monday LIT 2 5-8pm Emmanuel Church 14-17 years old 10
Wednesday Tea Time 4-5pm Emmanuel Church 14-17 years old 15
Wednesday LIT 3 5-8pm Emmanuel Church 14-17 years old 10
Wednesday LIT 4 5-8pm Emmanuel Church 17-18 years old 10
Overbrook Community Centre
Tuesday Soccer 4:30-5:30pm Overbrook 7-12 years old 12
Tuesday Rockers 5:30-6:30pm Overbrook 6-8 years old 10
Tuesday Aikido 6:30-7:30pm Overbrook 8-12 years old 12
Tuesday Jr. Basketball 7:30-8:30pm Overbrook 11-13 years old 12
Coyote Rock Gym
Wednesday Rock climbing 6-8pm Coyote Rock Gym 9-13 years old 7
Central End Locations
Viscount Alexander
Thursday Girl’s Only (Jr) 6:00-7:00pm Viscount Alexander 6-11 years old 12
Thursday Girls Only (Sr) 7:00-8:30pm Viscount Alexander 12-14 years old 12
Friday Boys Only (Jr) 5-6:30pm 430 Wiggins Pvt 8-12 year old 10
Friday Sr. Basketball 7-9pm Viscount Alexander 13 + 20
430 Wiggins
Friday Boys Group 5-6:30pm 430 Wiggins 8-12 years old 10
Brewer Arena
Saturday Hockey 12-1:30pm Brewer Park 10-16 years old 10
South End Locations
1365 Bank Street
Monday Jr. Rockers 4:30-5:30pm 1365 Bank Street 6-9years old 10
Monday Sr. Rockers 5:30-6:30pm 1365 Bank Street 10-12 years old 10
Monday Art 6:30-7:30pm 1365 Bank Street 6-10 years old 8
Tuesday Jr. Soccer 4:30-5:30pm 1365 Bank Street 6-9 years old 10
Tuesday Sr. Soccer 5:30-6:30pm 1365 Bank Street 10-12 years old 10
Tuesday STEM 6:30-7:30pm 1365 Bank Street 9-12 years old 8
Thursday Sr. Basketball 4-6pm RA 14-17 years old 20
West end Locations
Van Lang Fieldhouse
Tuesday Feed your Soul 5-6:30pm Van Lang 14-17 years old 10
Tuesday Express Yourself 6:30-8pm Van Lang 14-17 years old 10
Carlington Gym
Wednesday Rockers 5-6pm Carlington Gym 6-9 years old 12
Wednesday Aikido 6-7pm Carlington Gym 8-13 years old 12
Wednesday Soccer 7-8pm Carlington Gym 9-13 years old 12
Caldwell Family Centre
Thursday Hip Hop 5:30-6:30pm Caldwell Family Center 10-14 years old 12
Thursday Let’s Talk 6:30-8pm Caldwell Family Centre 12-14 years old 12
Virtual
Monday Art 5:30-6:30pm Virtual 8-12 years old 10
Monday Book Club 7-8pm Virtual 8-12 years old 10
Parent FAQ
How much do programs cost?
STAR programs are free, and only available to kids whose families are living below the Low Income Cut-off.
What ages of children can attend STAR programs?
Depending on the program, children and youth from age 6 to 18 can participate. See our list of programs for details.
When do programs run?
We offer 3 sessions:
Fall Session - September to November
Winter Session - January to March
Spring Session - April to May
How many programs can my child register for?
We welcome young people on a first come, first served basis. If space allows, children may join more than one program.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR STAR PROGRAMS, PLEASE CONTACT AMY MACDONALD, Director of City Programs.
amacdonald@christielakekids.com
613-742-6922 ext. 234
CLK Leaders In Training (LIT)
About LIT
Like our current STAR program, we are delivering the program virtually. The program offers quality experiences for youth ages 13-18 to work together with trained mentors to support them and encourage meaningful goal setting to help each participant realize personal success.
Activities focus on building skills that motivate and inspire. With a strong emphasis on wellness, volunteerism and community building, LITs become engaged in community projects and other CLK programs that provide valuable volunteer experience for further employment and school success.
Participants must be enrolled and regularly attending high school and must commit to weekly virtual attendance in the L.I.T. program. In addition to practical commitments, L.I.T.’s must adhere to a code of conduct focused on respect and kindness.
Parent FAQ
Where and when is the LIT Program held?
The program is currently held at the Rosemount Branch of the Somerset West Community Health Centre and the Van Lang Field House three nights per week.
At current, we have a schedule for LITs in a variety of program areas. Each LIT is paired with an adult mentor weekly, promoting positive communication and relationship building.
How much does it cost?
LIT programs are free, and only available to kids whose families are living below the Low Income Cut-off.
How do I register?
Registration takes place during the calendar year starting September 1st and closes December 1st. To apply for Leaders In Training, contact us.
Program Information
LIT1 (Grade 9)
LIT2 (Grade 10)
LIT3 (Grade 11)
Physically active children are more attentive and show more interest in class. Afterschool play allows children to take a break from conventional educational learning; to ask, explore, and create!
When young people develop strong leadership skills, they learn behaviours that promote teamwork, negotiation, problem-solving and healthy coping mechanisms.
Sports programs provide opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and self-discipline.
IMPACT STORY
Wal
I began my journey at Christie Lake Kids in 2009 through my participation in the STAR Program, when I was 10 years old. Before this time, I had never had the opportunity to participate in after-school programs and my sister and I were both grateful to join. I enjoyed every moment of Dodgeball, Swimming, and of course Christie Lake Camp. As a member of the Leaders in Training Program, I learned many great leadership skills and was pleased to be a volunteer to support younger kids within STAR programs.
Being a part of Christie Lake Kids and the LIT program was such a positive experience for me and it has played an integral role in my development. Thank you Christie Lake Kids, with your help, I have had the chance to grow, meet new people, and experience new opportunities.
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