This year’s IOS Uplift Summer Camp was a tremendous success, and we are deeply thankful for the chance to work with such a remarkable group of participants. Each day, their enthusiasm and joy brightened our days and made the summer truly memorable for the IOS youth staff and volunteers. We hope that, just as they enriched our lives, the campers enjoyed a summer full of happiness and lasting memories.
The camp’s weekly themes—Wellness, Sports, Culture, Arts, Stampede, and Boxing—offered all involved a structured and engaging experience. These themes allowed our staff and volunteers to design fun and educational activities tailored to each week’s focus.
Our closing ceremony was an extraordinary occasion. We were honoured to host Dr.Akir, Constable Abdi, and Shauna Porter, who spoke to the campers and shared their inspiring stories. Shauna captivated us with her coming-of-age narrative, addressing her challenges as a young Black girl and offering valuable advice on building self-esteem and confidence. Constable Abdi shared his journey of becoming a police officer in Toronto, including how he overcame his initial reservations and redefined his perceptions of law enforcement. The kids were ecstatic to see Constable Abdi’s gadgets. Dr. Akir facilitated a discussion circle for parents, sharing her experiences as a mother and her insights on navigating the Canadian system as a newcomer. One of her key pieces of advice was motivating children to work towards their goals with non-monetary rewards, which benefitted the participating parents.
The success of this summer camp was truly a collective effort. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this experience so special for each child, including our dedicated staff, amazing youth, and wonderful parent volunteers.
To relive the highlights of the closing ceremony, be sure to watch the video created by Stephanos, our Uplift Summer Camp youth marketing coordinator!
