These brave individuals confront danger head on, often risking their lives for the safety of the
public and the betterment of the community. Working long hours in a mentally and physically
stressful environment is not only challenging for first responders and military members but also
for their families.
Families of these brave individuals witness first-hand the daily sacrifices their loved ones make
in order to support Canadians. Children watch as their parents head into the unknown, unable to
comprehend what’s happening or even whether their mom or dad will make it home that day. First
responders face a high risk of work-based injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or,
tragically, even death. As a result, their children’s future and psychological well-being can be
forever affected. Confusion, anxiety and grief can take a toll on young minds, leaving them to
grapple with emotions much greater than any child should ever have to endure.
Camp Maple Leaf offers a shining beacon of hope for children of first responders and military
members. The camp also welcomes children with other unique needs, such as Down syndrome,
dwarfism, skin disorders and Tourette’s. Additionally, the not-for-profit sleep-away camp
specializes in creating a safe haven for grieving children, helping them navigate traumatic loss
and develop effective coping mechanisms to guide them through extreme hardships. Children who
share similar life experiences attend the camp together, allowing them to build camaraderie and
form friendships through the support they receive from one another as well as the camp
counselors.
"It’s amazing how quickly children become comfortable at camp … how quickly
they open up to one another. We consider that type of friendship the best form of peer
support."
April Young,
Director, Camp Maple Leaf
With support from the Energizing Life Community Fund, Camp
Maple Leaf developed the Increasing Access Initiative to welcome even more children from across
Ontario to attend camp and benefit from the incredible support it offers. The counselors at Camp
Maple Leaf are experienced and compassionate, most having endured similar hardships themselves.
In fact, a number of these counselors were former camp attendees in their youth. The counselors
make great efforts to instill the children with the values of kindness and respect, encouraging
them to carry those principles through their teen years and into adulthood.
Supporting Struggling Youths
Camp Maple Leaf offers the following tips to help support youths become secure and dependable
adults:
- Assume that children mean well, and give them the benefit of the doubt. This will
challenge them to live up to and even beyond your expectations.
- Respect children as people. Remember that they are still learning how to self regulate
and understand the world and experiences around them.
- Give children the opportunity to help others and support them in pursuing their
passions. This will instill a strong sense of purpose within them.
- Celebrate what makes each child unique.
- Offer as many options as possible, and involve them in the problem-solving process.
- Compliment children often and commend their efforts, backing your words up with
reasoning. This way, your praise will resonate with them rather than be seen as empty
flattery.
