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February 2024

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Completes Clarendon Station Cabin Revitalization with help from Government of Canada Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Toronto, ON] – Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is proud to announce the completion of its On the Land Camps revitalization project using non-repayable Government of Canada contribution from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

In the summer of 2020, NCFST piloted the On the Land (OTL) program delivering land-based healing activities to urban Aboriginal families, to address the adverse health and wellness impacts of the pandemic. Building on the pilot’s successes, NCFST expanded on 20+ years of our annual summer camp programming to provide new, year-round OTL camps, creating valuable culture-based outdoor opportunities for Aboriginal children, youth, and their families to reclaim healthy spirits and rebuild healthy communities by reconnecting to culture and the land throughout all four seasons.

In 2021, NCFST purchased its own campground property in Eastern Ontario’s Clarendon Station, and began running the OTL camps in spring 2022. With the funding from FedDev Ontario, NCFST completed the revitalization of cabins at Clarendon Station by ensuring campgrounds are suitable for all seasons by insulating and modifying cabins and kitchen space for safe use and meeting Public Health/building codes. These changes will allow for NCFST to deliver year-round On the Land camps to Indigenous community members, with regard to winter safety.

“Investing in strong, cultural programming like the On the Land Camps created by Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST), ensures that youth and families have a space to come together. This project promotes physical activity while offering a space to connect with culture all year round.  The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects that put people first and empower communities.” The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

“Investing in culturally relevant programs for Indigenous children, youth, and their families, is not just an investment in their future; it is a commitment to fostering resilience, connection, and holistic well-being. By embracing traditional knowledge and practices in outdoor education, we pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.” The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Toronto–Centre

“The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario team was helpful and supportive, with straight-forward claim and reporting processes. This allowed us to focus on the project – getting contractors on board and scheduling the work within the funding timeframe.” Norman Clarke, Senior Manager, Real Estate and Procurement, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

“Engagement with the Land across all seasons is vital to wellbeing for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. NCFST is honoured to be able to provide enhanced winter land-based programming to community members. We thank the Government of Canada for its generous support.” Melissa Hamonic, Director, Holistic Services, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

The revitalization project enables NCFST to continue to foster a vibrant, welcoming and culturally responsive community space in a rural outdoor area that supports socially distanced outdoor activities to improve mental health, strengthen intergenerational bonds, decrease parent stress, reduce social isolation, increase physical exercise, increase cultural connectedness and build a sense of belonging.

About Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is a multi-service urban Aboriginal agency providing holistic, culture-based programs and services for Aboriginal children and families. NCFST strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, healing, and self-determination for children and families in the Toronto urban Aboriginal community. We do this by implementing a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Aboriginal people, the extended family and the right to self-determination.  To learn more about NCFST, please click here.

About FedDev Ontario

For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Randall Arsenault
Manager, Communications, Public Relations, and Events
(416) 639-9039
[email protected]

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
[email protected]

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June 2021

Virtual & Day Camp Registration is open for youth 6-16 years of age.

The deadline to apply for both camps is JUNE 15, 2021

VIRTUAL CAMP (6-16 years)

Virtual Camp will be offered to 3 age groups: 6-9, 10-12, and 13-16

DAY CAMP (6-12 years)

Day camp programs will be offered on the land in alignment with the Government of Ontario, Toronto Public Health, and Ontario Camps Association safety provisions. A guide will be provided to families in their welcome package with further details.

Campers will be placed within small groups between the age of 6-12.

We will offer a SCARBOROUGH (Joseph Brant PS*) and DOWNTOWN (Queen Alexandra*) location.

*Permits are pending for both locations.

APPLICATION PROCESS (BOTH CAMPS)

  • Campers are only to apply for one opportunity VIRTUAL OR DAY CAMP (as they run at the same time).
  • Applications must be completed by Camper’s Legal Parent/Guardian.  For children who are in the care of NCFST, this means the NCFST Worker must complete the application/consent for the child (not the Resource Home).
  • An application must be completed for each Camper. The deadline to apply for both camps is JUNE 15, 2021
  • Applications submitted may not be all accepted due to numbers, selection criteria. Parent/Guardian/Resource will be notified of application status via email by June 18.

Submit a camper application for VIRTUAL CAMP (ages 6-16)

Submit a camper application for DAY CAMP (ages 6-12)

For more info email: [email protected]

GRUNDY LAKE OVERNIGHT CAMP (FAMILY CAMPS)

We are still in the process with solidifying our plans for Grundy Lake Overnight Camp, which due to COVID19 we hope to offer as a Family Camp this year.  By offering small, family-cohort camps, we can ensure camper safety and compliance to all Ministry directives.

We will be asking that families submit an expression of interest (starting June 15) for this year’s very limited-space Family Camp (should we be able to offer).  The link will be posted June 15th for families to add their name to the list.  Stay tuned!

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June 2020

May 2020

New Update on Summer Camps 2020

Hello, Campers and Caregivers!

I am sure you are all anxiously awaiting a new update on Camps. We have received news from the Province that has directed us how we are to proceed with camps this year.

FAQ:

Will there be a Grundy Camp this year?

The Province of Ontario has cancelled overnight camps for 2020. Unfortunately, this means that we will not be able to offer Grundy Camp Programs this year.

Will there be Day Camps this year?

The Province of Ontario has mentioned that day camp programs will be discussed as part of “Phase 2” for 2020. Unfortunately, this means that we still don’t know if we will be able to offer face-to-face day camps this year.

We will continue to plan for some potential face-to-face opportunities. We are currently working together to make sure that if we do get the go-ahead, we do so in a safe and responsible way. As previously stated, we have not received any dates or guidelines from the Province. Once we do, we will be able to provide a definitive answer to you.

What are we doing instead?

We will be offering a virtual camp for campers age 6-16. Campers will receive a camp kit with materials needed for activities and will have programming each day via Zoom.

When can I send in an application?

Online applications for virtual day camp will be available May 25 on our website – www.nativechild.org  Applications are due by June 5. 

Please note, not all applications will be accepted, status of application will be communicated via email June 12.

Is there a cost for virtual camp?

No, there is no cost for virtual camp.

In the meantime, please stay safe and continue to wash your hands frequently and maintain social distancing. Be assured that you are all in our thoughts as we go through this challenging time TOGETHER!

Please continue to check our website for updates, including information on other virtual programming offered by Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.

For questions, please send the Camps team an email at [email protected]

In unity,

Greg Flynn,
Cultural Camps Supervisor

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Update on Summer Camps 2020

Hello, Campers and Caregivers!

The camping season is getting closer with each passing day. Mother Earth is starting to grow, and the sun is getting warmer! The days are getting longer, and our minds turn to the outdoors and our favourite part of summer… CAMP!

This year, as we are all aware, is different. We have to be mindful of COVID-19 and how we can all keep safe. In our last announcement, we included a survey to gauge your interest and input into how best to provide a virtual camp experience in the event a face-to-face camp is not possible. Many thanks to those of you who have responded to the survey so far. Please, if you have not done so yet, here is the link. The survey doesn’t take more than a few minutes to complete but it will be very helpful to us as we continue to plan. Please continue to check our website for updates.

Many people have reached out to ask the questions that are on all of our minds:

Is there any chance we can go to Grundy or Day Camp in person this year?

The short answer is, we do not know. The Province of Ontario has not provided any guidance on camps for 2020. However, as the situation continues to change (sometimes very quickly), we are indeed making plans that would hopefully allow us to pivot to our regular camps if the opportunity arises and it is safe to do so.

When can I send in an application?

Online applications for virtual day camp will be available May 25 on our website.

Currently, we are not accepting applications for face-to-face Grundy Camps.

Please keep checking our website for new updates.

We have been in talks with the parks, the City, and conservation partners in an attempt to have a traditional face-to-face camp, and will continue to do so over the coming weeks. We are currently working together to make sure that if we do get the go-ahead to open, we do so in a safe and responsible way. As previously stated, we have not received any dates or guidelines from the Province. Once we do, we will be able to provide a definitive answer to you.

In the meantime, please stay safe and continue to wash your hands frequently and maintain social distancing. Be assured that you are all in our thoughts as we go through this challenging time TOGETHER!

For questions, please send the Camps team an email at [email protected]

In unity,

Greg Flynn,
Cultural Camps Supervisor

If you have difficulty accessing the survey above, copy and paste the following URL into your browser:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6wdBfFkMoUq57nTfL19wLScuww-5o6hNjVE8AbpALl5URFA2RTMzVTBWQlZOU1NVU0Y2WUdMOTM5Mi4u

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Statement RE: Summer Camps 2020

Hello Parents/Guardians and Campers,

I would like to take this opportunity to update you on our plans for Summer Camps 2020. As you are aware, the current COVID -19 pandemic has caused severe disruptions in all of our lives and may have serious implications in how we can move forward in regard to camps this year.

It is our hope that we will continue to be able to provide our traditional face-to-face camps this year. We are assertively lobbying the government to open the parks within Toronto to allow us to offer essential on-the-land programming to our community. In the event we are unable to offer face-to-face camps, we have been working hard to find creative ways to still present camp programming.

Over the past month, we have been meeting and planning an online “Virtual Camp” experience. Families would be able to register for camps online and would be emailed directions to log on to both interactive and pre-recorded programming.

We are committed to providing cultural learning opportunities, fun and interactive activities and to staying connected as a camp community! Please complete this short survey to allow us to take your needs, ideas, questions, and feedback into consideration while developing our Virtual Camps.

Please note that we will keep the community updated regarding the type of camp programming experience we will be providing this summer.

We look forward to continuing to serve the community and hearing from each of you. Please check for updates in the coming weeks by visiting our Native Child and Family Services of Toronto website and social media accounts.

For questions, please send the Virtual Camps team an email at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Greg Flynn
Cultural Camp Supervisor
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6wdBfFkMoUq57nTfL19wLScuww-5o6hNjVE8AbpALl5URFA2RTMzVTBWQlZOU1NVU0Y2WUdMOTM5Mi4u

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