A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick. ~ BRENE brown
Camp Choice gives 40-60 youth the opportunity to be kids for a week in a safe community of caring, loving adults. at-risk youth attend the camp and come from various communities and schools across British Columbia. Camp Choice works closely with various organizations and institutions to identify youth who would most benefit from the camp, and support them when they go back into their communities.
During the week the youth have the opportunity to work together as a community in every exercise and event. Throughout the week there are 5 keys to community that are emphasized: leadership, respect, teamwork, responsibility, and courage. As participants come from a number of different communities, this is vital to the program’s mission and continued success. As the youth learn to work together in order to accomplish goals, they begin to form a bond that lasts even after they leave camp – a bond that can lead to lasting, positive friendships and support back home where it really counts. The exercises and lectures are designed around ropes courses that have been utilized in company training seminars, personal development classes, and leadership workshops. They get a chance to work on focus, trust, and commitment to go beyond what they believe they can do and in turn, create a lasting memory of success in their lives. The week is complete with many physical and mental challenges accompanied by creative outlets such as art projects and even a talent show where they can perform songs, dances, and even skits they have created with their new found friends and fellow campers.
By the end of the week the youth have learned many new things about themselves and others, and gain a larger vision of what possibilities lay ahead of them and an understanding of what responsible choices and teamwork can do in their lives. And of course they have fun doing it! Almost every one of the participants desire to come back again and again.