Image supplied by BC Camp Choice Society / Camp-goers checking in at Zajac Ranch on Aug. 8.

By Laurice Gomes

Camp Choice

After 3-year hiatus, Camp Choice makes its return to Zajac Ranch in Mission

Aug 9, 2022 | 1:02 PM

MISSION — After three years, Camp Choice has made its return to teens this week (Aug. 8-Aug. 12) at Zajac Ranch in Mission.

Corisa Bell, director of the BC Camp Choice Society, described the camp as an opportunity for youth who are facing “adult-like” concerns in their lives.

“The camp provides them an opportunity to go for a week and be kids and learn leadership skills and learn about choice and togetherness as a community,” Bell said.

The camp caters to teens between the ages of 13 and 18, and while kids can apply themselves, Bell said most of the kids attending camp are recommended through programming across the province.

“Really, we reach out to schools, and we reach out to places like the Foundry, different associations that work with youth, to see if they have youth that they would like to nominate,” she explained. “We want to make sure that the opportunities are for the kids that would most benefit from them because there are just limited beds available at Zajac Ranch.”

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Bell remarked that support from the community has been steady, as a lot of people take the initiative to host fundraising events—anything from donut fundraisers to hanging basket fundraisers.

“We have lots of people who are just really passionate about helping youth and understanding that they’re our future,” she said.

Usually, the BC Camp Choice Society hosts a gala every fall, but due to the pandemic, the organization has been unable to fundraise in the past couple of years.

“That’s where the unfortunate role that COVID has played, not only not being able to have the camp, but also, we haven’t been able to hold our annual gala,” Bell said. “And that’s our major fundraiser where most of the money comes from; it costs $1,000 per child to attend the camp for the week.”

The camp usually has 60 youth in attendance. However, due to COVID protocols, there is a maximum capacity of 30 this year.

“This is the first camp since COVID,” the director said. “We’ve had to make modifications in some of the activities and in the cabins for kids so they can have proper distancing. We did COVID screening before the kids went to the camp. Once they arrived, they had to be screened before going into the camp.”

Despite setbacks, restrictions, and other delays, Bell said the board of directors is optimistic about moving forward with plans for a gala this fall.

“The board is dedicated to making the gala happen as soon as possible,” she emphasized. “Typically, we have it in the fall, but that’s coming up really quickly, so we’ll see what we can do with the turnaround.”

To donate to Camp Choice, people can visit http://www.campchoicebc.com/donate.