• Evolving a portal back in time to discover ancient civilizations and create skits and animations about what they learned, prompting the following comment, “Camp was fun, we did Wick Editor and made a great animation!”
• A virtual trip to the Toronto Zoo where participants were able to meet new animals and learn about them.
• Campers also learned how to create flipbooks and drawing animations. One child happily shared “I enjoyed doing animation, the video I made at the end was very cool!”
• An online escape room where campers solved mysteries to escape an alien invasion of the neighbourhood, resulting in the positive input, “I liked working with my group to save Regent Park!”
• Online fun and community building which was enjoyed by all, especially the participant who shared, “My favourite highlight was when we played games using computers.”
• An online trip around the world exploring monuments, landmarks and structures.
• And so much more!

An exciting feature of the summer was the Leader in Training (LIT) program which invited six youth to learn leadership skills and grow personally through helping to facilitate a great online camp experience.

Five of the LIT youth had participated at YSM in some prior capacity as summer campers themselves, through volunteering or taking computer courses. All six were eager to join the program because of the impact other LITs have had in their lives.

Their training focus was the “5 Cs”: Collaboration, Communication, Compassion, Character, and Courage. Sessions rotated between these core leadership topics and prepared the youth to lead online campers daily throughout the summer.

“It’s been huge journeying with the LITs and seeing how they’re growing and leading!” shared Robert, YSM’s Computer Education Facilitator. “We couldn’t be prouder of the impact they’re making in these kids’ lives and the things they’re learning personally as well.”

Rashida, one of the LITs shared, “I was a camper at YSM before and am happy to be one of the LITs, at last! Being an LIT was extraordinary – the staff, campers and environment are exceptionally fun to be around. I have learned a lot through the LIT program; self-confidence, what a leader is truly like, how to communicate with kids, and much more! The LIT program was a great opportunity to meet new people and to step outside of my own shell.”

Your support makes these camp memories possible! Thank you for the role you play in creating learning and growth opportunities for kids and youth of all ages.