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By Chris Brown

YMCA launches camp for kids who have experienced trauma

Jul 12, 2022 | 4:10 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The YMCA of Medicine Hat launched Camp Jude last week, specifically to support the needs of children ages five to 12 who have experienced trauma.

According to the YMCA, children exposed to trauma often exhibit behaviours that may prevent them from participating in traditional day camps. Camp Jude provides supports for campers to have successful camp experiences, including specialized staff trained in trauma-informed strategies to respond to various behaviours and flexible program schedules.

Camp Jude also offers a quieter camp environment with smaller group sizes and higher adult-to-child ratios, quiet spaces for children when needed, and noise-cancelling headphones and other sensory program supplies.

“All children deserve the opportunity to experience day camp, including those who may have more challenging behaviours as a result of their past experiences,” Victoria Potter, director of community services, says in a news release. “Camp Jude’s innovative programming provides that opportunity. Our hope is that the pilot will prove so successful that other YMCAs across Canada will be able to use our approach to meet the needs of children and youth in their communities.”

The camp only started last week but local YMCA officials say they are already seeing success and want to raise $120,000 by June 2023 to provide next year’s camp to families at no cost.

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“We recognize that fees are a barrier for some families, even those who qualify for the maximum childcare subsidy available through the Government of Alberta,” says CEO Sharon Hayward. “Due to the specialized programming available at Camp Jude, it is more expensive to operate. However, our goal is to secure as much funding as possible to offset these costs because we know how valuable this program is to families and children who need it.”

Camp Jude runs until Aug. 26 and is open for applications. Interested families should email admincoordinator@medicinehatymca.ca for more information.