THE POWER OF CAMP
As a dedicated board member and Chair of the Finance Committee, Ryan is championing the SAK campaign this year. His motivation to support Moorelands through this campaign comes from his own summer camp experience. He feels that camp is far more than just a childhood memory – it’s a transformational experience that shaped who he is today. As he reflects on his time at camp, and the work Moorelands continues to do through the Send a Kid to Camp (SAK) campaign, one message is clear: Moorelands Camp creates a lifetime impact on campers!
GROWTH IN NATURE
Ryan’s first experience of summer camp came through school. Interacting with peers and other people he did not know, Ryan forged connections and built friendships in a completely new and different environmental setting.
He recalls going up north and seeing the beautiful lakes and trails, where he first learned to navigate a kayak – and with it, a sense of independence and accomplishment. “You’re proud after you’re able to accomplish something,” he says, recalling the excitement of paddling across a lake.
Camp didn’t just offer outdoor fun – it laid a foundation for teamwork, leadership, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “You’re in a different environment,” Ryan says. “No distractions, just nature, peers, and growth.”
SAK IS MORE THAN JUST A WEEK AT CAMP!
Moorelands’ SAK campaign is running from April to June this year, providing opportunities for children and youth to experience Moorelands Camp for a week. Ryan explains why it is way bigger than that.
“SAK is about so much more than just a week away,” Ryan explains. “It’s about building self-worth, leadership, confidence, character – things that stay with you long after the summer ends.”
A general overview of camp is having fun for a week away from home, “but really removing yourself from the environment at home, getting outdoors with nature and peers is just so critical for development, especially for the children and youth we work with at Moorelands.”
RYAN’S FIRST IMPRESSION OF MOORELANDS CAMP
As someone who visited Moorelands Camp during Visitors Day, Ryan saw firsthand how campers thrive in this supportive, skill-building environment. From ropes courses to campfire bonding, kids are not just playing -they’re pushing boundaries, learning resilience, and forming life-changing friendships.
“The camp team is doing amazing things up there! I saw how the counselors and everyone at the camp interact with the kids and how they’re bonding and learning.”
He recalls a moment that left a lasting impression: a camper, terrified to climb the ropes course, stepped aside. But encouraged by peers and counselors, she came back later and made it to the top. “Everyone on the ground was just as excited as she was. All those kids, sure, they were just there having fun. But kids individually were learning how to coach and encourage their peers to accomplish something together as a team. That’s the power of camp.”
IMPORTANCE OF SAK FUNDING
As chair of the Finance Committee, Ryan understands the tangible impact of SAK. “Moorelands Camp represents about half of Moorelands’ annual budget. It does take a lot of resources to operate a camp and to keep it up and running with successful programs. So, it is critical that the funding is in place and that we have donors and supporters who help out with SAK every year,” he says. “That’s what allows 500 to 600 kids each summer to have this experience, and we’re working to grow that number.”
With plans to expand capacity on Moorelands’ beautiful property, funding is essential. Donations keep the camp safe, sustainable, and accessible for more children and youth each year.
SEND A KID TO CAMP!
Fun, Joy, Transformation, and Leadership – One of the many reasons for kids, youth and their families to choose Moorelands Camp each summer. Vulnerable children and youth get to unplug from their digital devices and experience the great Canadian wilderness away from the challenges of the city for as little as $25/week! (subsidy price)
We can only make that happen with the financial support of our donors and partners. Your donation helps marginalized kids to have fun, feel safe and develop friendships – while building positive pathways for a brighter future!
Moorelands Camp Changes Lives—You Can Too!
A RIPPLE EFFECT OF ATTENDING A SUMMER CAMP
Ryan acknowledges that Moorelands have numerous campers return to camp every year. There are a lot of factors that bring them back to the camp – friends, community, learning new skills, overcoming fear, becoming more confident, strengthening their emotional and mental well-being, and so much more.
One of Ryan’s favourite stories is of a camper who arrived too afraid to swim. With support, they overcame their fear, completed the swimming assessment, and later enrolled in swimming lessons back in the city. “They had never been swimming before. They weren’t open to the concept and basically did a 360-degree turnaround by working with their peers and counsellors. That moment changed their life.”
These small moments create a ripple effect. Campers return home more confident and engaged, often becoming leaders in their schools and communities. “They bring those lessons back and pass them on to friends who never went to camp,” Ryan says.
FUNDRAISE, DONATE TIME AND SKILLS – SUPPORT SAK
Ryan is quick to note that donating to Moorelands isn’t just about helping kids and youth, it’s rewarding for the donors, too. Year after year, we see the impact SAK has on the kids and youth we serve. We are able to impact hundreds of lives each summer, while the impact goes way beyond camp.
“There’s a boy, Riley, who raises money for Moorelands with lemonade stands. He’s nine or ten years old and has such passion to do something good for kids and youth in our community. You realize the impact extends far beyond the campgrounds.” Riley has raised over $10,000 over 4 years supporting SAK. Ryan’s own children now volunteer at Moorelands City events, continuing a cycle of giving and community involvement. “Financial donations are crucial,” he adds, “but giving your time and skill matters too.”
SAK & DIGITALIZATION
Over the last five years, SAK and Moorelands Camp have evolved, upgrading facilities, expanding community spaces, and connecting with supporters in new digital ways. But the heart of the mission remains unchanged: empowering kids through transformative summer camp experiences. Ryan sums Moorelands Camp up with three words: Inspiring, Passionate, and Memorable
CAMP SITE & DEVELOPMENT
We have been trying to meet essential camp development to serve hundreds of campers, staff, visitors, and volunteers each year – we have continuously been upgrading our campsite.
“There have been camp investments over the last five years. It is a great property that requires maintenance and updates to make sure it is safe and a great place for people to learn and develop their skills. So there have been improvements made to the property over the last five years – things around the dining hall and big new community spaces. And we’re looking at continuing that in the future to make sure that the property is meeting the needs of all the campers that are attending.”
A MESSAGE TO SAK DONORS & SUPPORTERS
When asked to share a message to our SAK donors, supporters and friends, Ryan says,“To everyone who supports SAK: Thank You! You make all of this possible. And to the Moorelands team—your passion and tireless work bring this mission to life. Together, you’re creating unforgettable experiences that change lives.”
JOIN SEND A KID TO CAMP! SHARE IT WITH YOUR NETWORK – EXTEND OUR REACH!
Be the spark that changes a young life – learn more about SAK, donate to SAK. If you would like to know donation options, please visit Moorelands Kids general Donation page.
If you, your friends, or your corporate group are interested in volunteering for us, please visit our volunteer page.