It's hard to believe with all the grey fog and chilly weather of late, but spring and summer are right around the corner.
For many families, that means looking ahead to camps for both the spring break from school and for summer holidays.
In B.C., there's plenty to choose from: urban camps focusing on sports, cooking, or art, or wilderness camps with a focus on outdoor activities, hiking and more.
Then there's the choice between day camp and stay-away camp, co-ed or single-gender, religious or secular.
With so many options, there's something that's a good match for almost every child and every family.
Unfortunately, many kids who'd like to take part in such activities are unable to do so due to financial limitations.
That's where the Burnaby Camping Bureau comes in.
Organized by Burnaby Community Connections - the same organization that runs the annual Christmas Bureau campaign, and Meals on Wheels, to name just a few of its programs - the camping bureau is aimed at helping get low-income children the chance to experience camp.
Stephen D'Souza, executive director with Burnaby Community Connections, recently told the NOW that the camping bureau is a key piece in their spectrum of programs and one that he sees as a factor in helping to break cycles of generational poverty.
"That's where we've really been focusing with the (Christmas) bureau and with the camping bureau," he said. "Having those experiences can really give kids that uplifting time and let them have exposure to new things. That's a step in starting to move out of that poverty that they may be in."
D'Souza says he hope and joy hat is inspired hrough the camping bureau, like that seen in the Christmas bureau, can be a real spark for change for children.
"There's a real benefit to that, for the children (but also for) the community," he said.
The organization recently wrapped up their Christmas program, which had what D'Souza called a "banner year" - in all, they helped more than 1,100 families for a total of almost 4,000 individuals.
He told the NOW he was amazed at the support from the community.
"I think everyone sees the value in breaking those cycles . and giving people the support to do that."
Later this year, Burnaby Community Connections will be moving into a long-awaited permanent location at Rosser Avenue and Lougheed Highway.
Though that won't happen in time for the camping bureau, D'Souza says they're already gearing up and looking forward to that program.
The camping bureau begins registration for families in mid-April, by appointment.
To qualify, families must have children between the ages of five and 16, and be low-income but not on income assistance.
The bureau then provides subsidies for Burnaby children who qualify for up to $175 towards the summer camp of their choice. In some cases, the bureau has partnerships with camps that will match the subsidy, allowing children to attend camps that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
For more information, call the bureau at 604-2995778, or check out their information online at www.burnabycommunity connections.com. cmyers@ burnabynow.com
