Young flood victims head off to camp thanks to charity

CALGARY- Children impacted by the floods one year ago will get the chance for a special summer vacation this year.

Many families whose homes were flooded weren’t able to take a holiday last year, and might not again this year.

So, Scouts Canada is sending over 100 children aged 5 to 14 to one of two outdoor camps in southern Alberta.

“We realize a lot of kids didn’t have a normal summer last year, and we want to make sure that this year they get a chance to do that,” explains Mike Bingley with Scouts Canada.

Using a donation from the Calgary Foundation, children between 5 and 7 can attend a weekend with a parent at Camp Gardner near Bragg Creek. Those aged 8 to 14 will go to Camp Impeesa, near Pincher Creek.

Keyara and Danyka Keating can’t wait for their first ever outdoor adventure. Their house in High River was flooded and the family couldn’t go back for four months.

Their mother heard about the Scouts Camp through school and she applied.

“It was fantastic. I didn’t know if we’d be accepted because you feel like there’s people in more need than you are, but it’s so exciting for the girls,” says Pauline Keating. “It’s their first time actually going away to camp.”

“I know that there’s going to be some swimming. I think that I’m going to meet a lot of new people,” adds 9-year-old Keyara.

There is no charge to the families attending, and there is still some space to sign up.

For more information call the Scouts office at 403-283-4993 or visit www.chinook.scouts.ca