Strathcona Heights summer camp

This year, for the first time ever, the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre brought summer camp to Strathcona Heights! The Day Camp for children and youth aged 6-14 ran from 10 AM – 2 PM. Overall, 58 participants were registered to be part of the program.

The camp ran for a successful six weeks, ending on August 19. There were eleven youth from the neighborhood who were also part of the program through volunteering opportunities, as well as three Junior Community Assistants employed through the Youth Services Bureau Summer Student Program. Another three Senior Community Assistants, as well as a Camp Coordinator, were also hired through the same program.

The activities focused on learning about community spaces, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and community building. Trips to Dutchy’s Hole Park, the splash pad, the green space behind 430 Wiggins Private and the community gardens were a part of experiencing the Sandy Hill community.

We had the opportunity to work with MASC (Multicultural Artists for Schools and Communities) and Enviro Centre. MASC brought artists that prepared percussion performances, storytelling and dance, while Enviro Centre taught kids about recycling, garbage and compost with games and activities for everyone. Ottawa Community Housing also brought a fun activity during the last week of camp: beautifying the neighbourhood by painting the benches and tables inside Lori Heath Park. Trips planned throughout camp included: the Science and Technology Museum, the Museum of Nature, Fun Haven, as well as frequent visits to Strathcona Park.

Many thanks to all summer camp staff: Simrit Athwal, Celia Karezi, Joyce Kavugho, Jean Desriveaux, Rayan Ahmed, Abdiqani Hassan and Hildana Adan. Also much gratitude to our youth volunteers: Meron, Sara, Nuhamin, Tarek, Samuel, Afrah, Maida, PJ Senai, Ismalia and Tanite.

- by Gerald Dragon, Community Development and Engagement Team Leader