She’s asked to go to camp ‘a million times’
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/07/2022 (1343 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Going to camp was always a dream for 12-year-old Kim.
Thanks to the Sunshine Fund, she’s on her way.
“I started preparing before school ended. I’m already packed and ready to go,” she said.
Mom Amanda is excited for her daughter, who learned about the fund through a family member after she asked them to help pay the expense. (Mom and daughter were not comfortable sharing their real names).
“I went to camp when I was a kid and I remember having a blast. It was one of my favourite things from my childhood and I am excited that she will be able to experience that,” Amanda said.
The Sunshine Fund provides financial assistance to low-income families so they can send their children to camp. As part of the Manitoba Camping Association, the fund helps children experience the benefits of camp through an application process.
Kim can’t wait to try new things at Camp Arnes, especially rock climbing, swimming and horseback riding.
Since it will be her first time, Amanda wanted to make the moment special for her daughter and surprise her with the news. When Kim came home from school one day, there was an open suitcase waiting for her.
“I was at the thrift store looking for clothes and I saw the suitcase. I was initially going to wait to tell her when school was done, but I thought the suitcase would be a nice surprise,” Amanda said.
The surprise was indeed a success and Kim said she was bouncing off the roof when she got the news.
“Camp is something I’ve asked for a million times, so it was a really great surprise and I’m already counting down the days. I will, hopefully, have the best time of my life.”
Seeing the joy on her daughter’s face as she raced upstairs to begin packing made Amanda grateful for the chance to share that moment.
“I feel privileged that the Sunshine Fund was able to give us this opportunity. She wouldn’t be going if it weren’t for them. There’s no way I could afford it. For them to give her this opportunity means a lot.”
Amanda said it will be a big change to have a quiet house for once when Kim’s at camp later this summer.
“I can’t wait for the day that I pick her up and get to see the light in her face of how happy she was and how much fun she had. I know my mom had that with my brother and I, so it’s nostalgic for me. I know she’s going to have an awesome time.”
bryce.hunt@freepress.mb.ca