.
Alberta’s culture minister said the announcement of a $2 million investment by the government in a summer camp in the Kananaskis region means a lot to him personally as attending the camp as a teenager changed his life.
Announcement 2
.
During a news conference Thursday, Minister Ron Orr said the province is committing $2 million in funds to Camp Chief Hector to support camp capacity growth and revitalization efforts. The minister choked up when he told reporters that at age 13, his camp counselor helped him overcome “destructive” behavior and changed his life.
“It started a journey that literally changed my life,” Orr said. “I say this to encourage the staff with a true life story about the value of the camp.”
He said that at the end of a week at camp, his counselor helped him understand more about life, family and how to deal with his emotions, which he said probably kept him out of future trouble.
“Not all the children that come (to the camp) come in good condition,” he said. “I remember coming out of that week of camp telling myself that if I can ever help someone the way that person helped me, that’s what I’m going to do with my life.”
Announcement 3
.
Camp Chief Hector, located in the Kananaskis region, has been in operation since 1930 and is run by the YMCA Calgary. It is an outdoor camping and education facility with a number of programs for all ages.
The Alberta government’s $2 million investment will go toward a $14.5 million revitalization project that will support the YMCA’s goal of housing nearly 14,000 campers a year. Of the government funds, $1 million comes from a Community Facilities Improvement Program grant and the remainder comes from a Capital Plan 2022 Cultural Infrastructure Support Grant.
“Campmaster Hector is a special place,” said Shannon Doram, president and CEO of YMCA Calgary. “It is a place of adventure. Where to find your way, leads to finding yourself. It is a place of friendship, where bonds are formed and community is built. It is a place with the potential to generate trust and future leaders.”
Announcement 4
.
Doram said the government investment makes a statement about how fundamental experiences are in the natural world and the positive impacts of getting outdoors. The remainder of the funding will come from a combination of government grants and resources, YMCA investments and a donation drive, Doram explained.
The project includes upgrading and expanding camper accommodations, remodeling camp amenities such as the high ropes course, waterfront area and archery range, and providing improved and safe living space for staff .
In addition, the camp is working to be considerate of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation’s perspectives and culture and to focus on environmental sustainability.
Banff-Kananaskis MLA Miranda Rosin said she was a former camp counselor and is delighted with the revitalization of the camp, which is a community-focused facility in the heart of Kananaskis.
“With the province’s contributions, this legendary camp can continue to help our youth build lasting friendships while experiencing all that the Rocky Mountain region has to offer,” said Rosin.
[email protected]
Twitter: @BabychStephanie
