| Recipient: | Camp Tanamakoon Charitable Foundation o/a Camp Maple Leaf |
|---|---|
| Project: | Expand CML Services to Veterans’ Families Across Canada |
| Province: | Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta |
| Period: | October 2021 - December 2023 |
| Funding: | $250,000 |
Overview:
Camp Maple Leaf (CML) is an overnight summer camp program for children ages 7-16 from Canadian military and Veteran families throughout Ontario. Funding from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund enabled the organization to replicate this very successful program in New Brunswick and Alberta.
Project goals:
The main objectives of this project were to:
- Provide a CML program in New Brunswick for children of serving Canadian military families and Veteran families residing in Atlantic Canada;
- Provide a CML program in Alberta for children of serving Canadian military families and Veteran families living in Western Canada;
- Conduct promotional activities to inform members of the Veteran community about the program, deliver the program, and support evaluation of the program; and
- Significantly increase the number of children (ages 7 to 16) being served, from both serving military families and Veteran families, through the CML summer program.
Project results:
Overall, the expansion of the CML summer camp program to military and Veteran families across Canada yielded significant results by enriching the lives of participants, fostering community connections, and advancing the organization's mission of supporting children in military and Veteran families nationwide. Below is a summary of the results achieved:
- Expansion and Replication: by the summer of 2022, the program was operational in Atlantic Canada, catering to families from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. By the summer of 2023, the program extended its reach to Alberta, serving families in British Columbia and Alberta.
- Program Delivery: across all locations, the program achieved successful openings and deliveries, reaching the targeted number of children during each year of the project. Sessions were specifically developed and tailored to serve children between the ages of 7 to 16, thereby ensuring inclusivity and engagement of this target group.
- Participant Satisfaction: participant surveys revealed high levels of satisfaction among both children and parents. Feedback indicated positive experiences and highlighted the impact of the program on the well-being and enjoyment of the campers.
- Partner Engagement: throughout 2022 and 2023, the project maintained strong partnerships with program and funding partners. Feedback from partners was positive, reflecting the collaborative efforts and successful outcomes achieved through the project.
- Return Rates: Many campers returned for subsequent sessions, demonstrating sustained engagement and interest in the CML experience.
- Long-Term Impact: the success of the program was further evidenced by campers returning as Counsellors-in-Training and/or staff, showcasing the positive influence of the camp experience on personal and professional development.
- Certification: the program successfully ensured that the physical camps in each location were provincially accredited thus ensuring compliance with industry standards and further enhancing credibility and reputation.