A Message from Judy
Together we have accomplished so much because of you!
This past year has been difficult yet powerful, camp-less yet camp-full and no doubt as a community we experienced many hardships, but also some of the most joyful moments. Just to name a few, we saw some Amici campers return to their summer homes, the continuation of the Amici Camper Support Fund, the continued support of Amici’s 45 partner camps, and we virtually welcomed 150 Canoe Heads who raised an outstanding $257,000 in support of our campers (the second highest fundraising tally in Canoe Heads history).
Our world continues to evolve in complexity, posing challenges we never dreamed possible, but all the while you, the amazing partner camps, donors, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and friends of Amici, are proving time and time again that the power of camp is stronger than ever, and that the power of the Amici community knows no limits.
That is why this year’s Gratitude Report is centred around the theme of Better Together. The past two years have seen a lot of time spent apart, but in untraditional ways we found opportunities to come together to support Amici campers and ensure their summers are bright and their futures brighter. And of course that is one of the greatest lessons learned at camp…a team is stronger than the sum of its parts!
I am delighted to share with you this year’s Gratitude Report, featuring just a few of the special moments, people and passions that united us in 2021 in support of providing meaningful camp experiences for children from low-income families. Whether you are a donor, a Canoe Head, a volunteer, a sponsor, a partner or a friend of Amici, each of you dedicated your resources and your energies in some capacity to ensure Amici campers could return to their summer homes.
I am also privileged to work with an incredible staff team who are creative, engaged, collaborative and adaptable, and the campiest of great camp people.
It wasn’t until May 2021 that the Ontario Government gave camps the green light last summer. And while we were thrilled that half of Amici’s partner camps were preparing to open their gates, the other half were to remain closed or offer modified programming.
Thanks to a multi-tiered approach, made possible by each of you, 120 campers enjoyed a summer overnight camp experience while another 88 were supported by the Amici Camper Support Fund. We are grateful for Amici’s very caring community of partner camps who despite their own financial challenges welcomed Amici campers back to camp in 2021.
The Fund put greater emphasis on alternative day programming, with a focus on experiences including sports camps, day camps, arts camp, leadership programming and swim and life-saving courses to ensure campers had the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors, honing their skills and finding creative outlets over the summer months.
The feedback from our entire community and most importantly the families and campers supported by the Fund was tremendous. It’s not surprising however that the summer 2021 camper survey indicated that 97% of Amici campers want to return to camp and 70% want to return for a longer stay in 2022.
This was all made possible thanks to you: a collective of camp enthusiasts who feel passionate about providing life-changing camp experiences to help children reach their fullest potential.
As you read this report I hope you feel as proud as a camper who just completed a five-day canoe trip. Thank you for your support and your passionate belief in the power of camp.
With Gratitude,
Judy MacGowan, Amici’s Executive Director
