Moorelands Repositioning For Success

Moorelands is changing to lead the way for another 100 years.

Earlier this year the Moorelands’ Board of Directors and Executive Director, Lynda Tilley, developed a compelling two-year strategy and operational plan to “serve more kids” and “serve kids more.” These two key objectives put into action the revitalization of Moorelands’ future work plan, the creation and adoption of a new vision and mission, and the development of a new brand image consistent with our desired future.

Our new vision, “We Empower Kids to Transform their Lives,” is what we stand for and what we continue to work towards accomplishing. In other words, it’s what sets us apart from other organizations working with and for kids. How we uniquely do this is part of our mission. Check out our new vision and mission statements.

We’ve also changed our name from “Moorelands Community Services” to “Moorelands Kids.” This change respects our past and present while helping us to reposition the Moorelands brand to reflect who we serve. The name Moorelands remains central to our new name; the extension of the word, “Kids,” helps clarify who we serve.

We’re evolving our brand image to be more compelling to our diverse and broad readership. The Moorelands brand is all about how we present ourselves to our community and the families and kids that we serve. It’s also about the image and experience that we create for families, kids, schools, donors, volunteers, the media, and the broader community.

In addition, you will notice a new logo. This logo embraces diversity, vibrancy, community and celebration through the child’s outreached arms in celebration of life and leadership. The figure is surrounded by multiple colors contained in the letter “M,” which stands for Moorelands Kids living and leading in diverse communities.

Last, but not least, is a new name for our newsletter, myMoorelands. It reflects our desired connection with each of you. For more insight into all these changes, please read the Message from our President, Robert Webb, and the Report from our Executive Director, Lynda Tilley.

Sincerely,

Pierre Lebel and Andrew Pollock
Co-Chairs, Brand Marketing and Communications Committee

All our Children Need to be Safe on the Water

ports toronto safe on the water — Moorelands' kids pose by the water in their cool Ports Toronto t-shirts.

“All our children need to be safe on the water.” A strong sentiment, one that Deborah Wilson, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, PortsToronto, shared with us in a recent conversation. And since 2014, PortsToronto has been making sure that Toronto children who attend Moorelands Camp will be!

Water safety and water recreation have always been a key part of the Moorelands Camp experience. The Swim Assessment Test is the very first thing that happens when children arrive at camp. Ongoing swim lessons are the only mandatory daily activity.

Water Safety and Recreation

Thanks to PortsToronto, children and youth growing up in neighbourhoods affected by poverty are provided with vital water safety skills while at the same time developing positive character qualities and leadership skills. One camper’s parent expressed it best when he wrote.

“We are newcomers and we do not swim. I never imagined my son could be so comfortable in the water. Now he’s asking me to go to swimming lessons with him so I can be safe too – all because of Moorelands Camp. Thank you so much, PortsToronto!” – Camper Father

The PortsToronto Water Safety /Water Recreation Program’s goals are:

1) To provide a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience

2) To teach or enhance swimming and water safety skills

3) To encourage ongoing skill development with peers; appreciating the abilities and limitations of others

To-date, PortsToronto’s Water Safety /Water Recreation program has provided more than 2620 kids from Toronto neighborhoods with the tools and strategies they need to enjoy the water safely. Kids leave our camp with new skills, greater self-esteem and the ability to navigate water play safely.

We’ll leave the last word to Deborah;

“PortsToronto has a long history on the water. For more than 100 years our organization has developed the waterfront and managed the harbour to ensure commerce and recreation. In recent years our focus has been on keeping the harbour safe. So it just makes sense that we would support an initiative that teaches kids to be safe in and around the water. We try to sponsor many organizations each year in a variety of areas, but we have a soft spot for Moorelands and its summer camp because it’s about kids having fun and learning important skills that will keep them safe and enjoy the water. We know that when a child returns from Moorelands Camp, they’ve had an excellent introduction to water safety and can see the water as a place to have fun and hopefully begin a lifelong love and appreciation for water. Every child should know how to swim and through this sponsorship, we are doing that one kid at a time.”

Moorelands Kids – Shaping Generations of Positive Role Models.

“I love Moorelands because it feels like a family and it’s an inclusive environment. I feel confident sending my kids here because I know they’re going to be safe and taken care of, but they’re also going to learn positive life skills and have great experiences they wouldn’t get elsewhere.” Clayton Jackson

Clayton and Arianna's Story

Clayton Jackson attended Moorelands Camp in the late 1990s and today works as an Early Childhood Educator in Flemingdon Park. His daughter Arianna, 11, has attended Moorelands BLAST for the past two years and this summer got the chance to go to Moorelands Camp for the first time. Clayton’s younger daughter, Serena, 6, is also enrolled in Moorelands BLAST.

Clayton’s Story

“Having been to Moorelands myself when I was a teenager, I knew what a great experience it was and when I heard they had after-school programs here in the city, I didn’t hesitate to send my girls. My wife and I both work but daycare fees are so expensive. The affordable cost of Moorelands BLAST has been a big help to us.

“Moorelands’ programs have had a positive effect on my children too, of course. Arianna used to be so reserved and got picked on at school. But BLAST has really helped build up her self-esteem and she’s become much more outgoing and confident. She’s found positive role models, like Cheeri-oh!, who have given her the confidence to be brave and to try new things.

“Moorelands doesn’t just teach children new skills, it gives them the confidence to use those skills in the real world and help them succeed.”

Arianna’s Story

“My favourite thing about BLAST is all the different activities and all the friends I have made. My favourite thing about camp is all the MAPs (Moorelands Activity Picks) and experiencing new things. I think my most favourite thing is Arts and Crafts – I really liked making Dream Catchers this summer at camp.

“I think the leaders at Moorelands are really nice because they’re kind to everyone and encouraging and fun. I think they’re good role models because they’re someone you can look up to and want to be like when you’re older. They’re always encouraging you to try new things.

“My role models are Cheeri-oh! and my mom and dad because they all encourage me and help me and show me the right thing to do.

“At Moorelands I learned that it’s ok if you’re nervous to do something new, you’ve just got to try and it can be fun! I also learned about being responsible and that will help me in school – for example by being responsible for your own things and also being responsible for helping the community. Because of Moorelands, I try to be a good role model and a good citizen. I encourage my friends to do the right thing and if they’re upset and I see how I can make them feel better and encourage them.

“At first I was nervous to go to camp but then when I went and I had so much fun so I want to go back next year. I’m really looking forward to going back to BLAST too and seeing all my friends!”

We’re looking forward to continuing to provide Arianna and her younger sister Surina with all the great things that Moorelands has to offer. You can be a part of making that a reality. Become a BLAST sponsor today.

Donate

What Will Your Legacy Be?

When it comes to Planned Giving, many people think about leaving a bequest in their will. That is wonderful, but did you know there are other ways to leave a legacy gift to Moorelands Community Services including:

A gift of real estate, stock options, shares in privately owned companies, gifts of listed securities, charitable remainder trusts, or flexible endowments.

And

Gifts of life insurance and RRPs or RRSPs are also great options. Did you know that in these cases of life insurance, RRPs or RRSPs there can be significant tax advantages for your estate?

Speak to your family and your financial advisor/lawyer and consider making a legacy gift to Moorelands Community Services in support of Toronto’s most vulnerable children and youth.

If you would like more details, please call (in confidence) (416) 466-9987 x307 or e:mail mlewis@moorelands.ca.

Kawagama and Bear Lake Cottagers Raise Over $91,000 for Moorelands Kids

The Starry Summer Night Committee took the entire lake to Hawaii on Saturday, August 18th

For the fourth consecutive year, cottagers of Kawagama and Bear Lakes singularly raised a huge gift of cash for Moorelands Kids.

The dedicated, 11-person volunteer committee of Starry Summer Night Bash 2018 (SSN 2018) raised over $91,000, exceeding their goal of $80,000 – a profoundly important contribution to Moorelands Kids.

“What makes Starry Summer Night so rewarding is knowing that the kids from Moorelands are benefitting from similar experiences that we as cottagers enjoy. Being on a lake has a positive impact on our skills and happiness. Moorelands kids get to try new adventures and develop a sense of independence in a safe environment which fosters growth. They are our future. It’s a win/win,” says Committee Co-Chair, Brenda Norfolk.

Kawagama Lake cottagers share the same pristine lake that holds Moorelands Camp near Dorset, Ontario. Committee members rallied their cottage community to share their joy of the lake with children who would otherwise never have the chance to experience camp and nature in this way.

“Every cottager remembers their first time ‘on the lake,’ and that’s what makes it important to share the experience with Moorelands kids. Every committee member – and every attendee – knows what a difference it can make. The community is thrilled to be able to contribute,” Says Committee Co-Chair-Mike Wiebe

From the moment guests arrived on the beach, they were greeted with tiki torches and amazing eats. Guests were invited to participate in archery and limbo contests, while the sweet scent of grilling pineapple filled the air.

The arrows were retrieved by talented young camper staff, manning Stand Up Paddleboards – or SUPs– and adventurous guests tested their own balance and agility on the new SUPs.

The night was created to fund and establish a new Stand Up Paddleboard program for Moorelands campers launched earlier this year with proceeds from SSN ticket sales. CONGRATULATIONS to all who participated for this momentous achievement!

Check out the pics from the night below!

Moorelands Camp Session 1 - 2018

Serving More Kids and Serving Kids More! ED’s Report – Fall 2018

Serving More Kids and Serving Kids More!

That’s our job, first and foremost.

In partnership with our Board of Directors, Moorelands Staff has worked hard this year to deliver on our promise to “Empower Kids to Transform their Lives.” That promise – our new vision – has set the tone and pace for leadership, innovation and change at Moorelands.

So, how have we done so far this year? What inroads have we made? And, how do these inroads impact the kids we serve?

First and foremost, the direction to “serve more kids” and to also “serve kids more” has been a welcome challenge for our small and nimble organization; it takes time, money and great effort to make it all happen.

So, how have we done so far this year?

30% Increase in Kids at Camp. This summer we witnessed an incredible 30% increase in overnight campers at Moorelands Camp on Kawagama Lake resulting in 659 kids enjoying fun and safe leadership and life-skills building experiences.
Two New Youth LED Programs Launched in Schools. This September, we partnered with and expanded into two new priority communities with our exciting and unique Youth LED after-school leadership programs (for grades 6-8). We are grateful to partner with the west end’s Humber Summit Middle School and Gulf Stream Public School and look forward to meeting needs in their school and communities.

What inroads have we made?

Ramped-Up Outreach and Community Building. To increase public recognition, adoption of our programs and to support expansion into other neighborhoods of Toronto, we reached across the city and shared Moorelands program opportunities with the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Employment and Social Services, Toronto Community Housing, Toronto Parks and Recreation and many other community-based groups from the east end to the west side of the city.
We Partnered with the Starry Summer Night cottage community to raise more money for Moorelands Kids. As you will read in this newsletter, we have supported and worked with an incredible and wonderfully giving community of cottagers enjoying the same Kawagama Lake, where we have our 101-year old camp. This partnership has resulted in four years of substantive funds being raised for Moorelands. This year, we are grateful to receive over $91,000 from this volunteer-driven, one-night event called the Starry Summer Night Bash. Huge thanks go to the SSN organizing committee for their vision and hard work.

How do all of these accomplishments impact the kids we serve?

Growth is the Lifeblood of Moorelands. Our vision and mandate is to empower kids to transform their lives. We can’t do this without making huge investments in our programs, services and support that we have and receive. If we don’t, we will stagnate and become irrelevant. That’s why we’ve recently made important changes to our brand and to how we grow. We can’t do it alone. We need your continued help to make this happen.
Continued Focus on Leadership Habits and Qualities. At every Moorelands Kids’ program – our after-school programs and our summer camp – we teach the same Leadership Habits and Qualities (H&Q). These unique leadership skills-building programs and activities strengthen kids, supporting them to make good choices and choose positive directions for themselves. Through connections at programs, we provide opportunities for kids to gain confidence, competence, and develop character; we call those the Moorelands Kids 4Cs. Our staff members are trained to identify strengths in children and youth and to help them build on those strengths. Giving kids the tools to make changes in their lives is empowerment. Time spent teaching kids to get along and work well with others, to work through conflict in a positive way and to set goals for themselves, is time well invested.

There are exciting days ahead at Moorelands Kids! We are growing! We will be making some changes, AND we will always stay true to our purpose and continue to meet the needs of kids who cannot access the life and leadership programming that we excel at delivering. We are serving more youth and serving youth more by ‘Empowering Kids to Transform their Lives.’

Lynda Tilley

Executive Director

Moorelands Kids

after-school programs visit the blue jays

After-school Programs Go to the Jays!

On Sunday, August 26th, kids from Moorelands’ after-school programs were invited by the Jays Care Foundation to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play the Philadelphia Phillies. Our families had so much fun watching from the clubhouse and it was a great chance to reconnect and get participants registered for our fall programs. Check out the pics below.

Registration open for Moorelands’ After-school Programs!

Moorelands operates several after-school leadership programs in Toronto:

BLAST for kids in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park in grades 1 to 6;
Youth LED for Middle School aged kids in Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, Humber Summit and Humbermede;
VITAL for High School students at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute.

BLAST programs begin September 24th and Youth LED and VITAL programs begin the week of October 1st. Apply now online!

Plus, if your child was a camper this summer or is registered for one of our after-school programs, you can RSVP for the FREE Moorelands Festi-Fall taking place in downtown Toronto on Saturday, October 20th, 2018!

Enjoy the pics!

Moorelands After-School Programs Go See the Jays!

Moorelands Camp Session 6 Photos 2018

Check out all the fun we’ve been having at camp in the pictures from Moorelands Camp Session 6 2018!

Did you know that Moorelands runs programs year-round?

We operate after-school leadership programs: BLAST for kids in grades 1 to 6 (in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park), Youth LED for Middle School aged kids (Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, Humber Summit and Humbermede) and VITAL for High School students (Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park). We also have two family programs: Baby Bundles and Christmas Sharing.

Plus, if your child was a camper this summer, don’t forget to RSVP for the FREE Moorelands Festi-Fall taking place in downtown Toronto on Saturday, October 20th, 2018!

Enjoy the pics!

Moorelands Camp Session 6 - 2018

Moorelands Camp Session 5 Photos 2018

Check out all the fun we’ve been having at camp in the pictures from Moorelands Camp Session 5 2018!

Did you know that Moorelands runs programs year-round?

We operate after-school leadership programs: BLAST for kids in grades 1 to 6 (in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park), Youth LED for Middle School aged kids (Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, Humber Summit and Humbermede) and VITAL for High School students (Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park). We also have two family programs: Baby Bundles and Christmas Sharing.

Plus, if your child was a camper this summer, don’t forget to RSVP for the FREE Moorelands Festi-Fall taking place in downtown Toronto on Saturday, October 20th, 2018!

Enjoy the pics!

Moorelands Camp Session 1 - 2018

Moorelands Camp Session 4 Photos 2018

Check out all the fun we’ve been having at camp in the pictures from Moorelands Camp Session 4 2018!

Did you know that Moorelands runs programs year-round?

We operate after-school leadership programs: BLAST for kids in grades 1 to 6 (in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park), Youth LED for Middle School aged kids (Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, Humber Summit and Humbermede) and VITAL for High School students (Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park). We also have two family programs: Baby Bundles and Christmas Sharing.

Plus, if your child was a camper this summer, don’t forget to RSVP for the FREE Moorelands Festi-Fall taking place in downtown Toronto on Saturday, October 20th, 2018!

Enjoy the pics!

Moorelands Camp Session 4 - 2018