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CLK

  • PROGRAMS
If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a community to maintain the excellence of the Christie Lake programs. Such a community, vibrant and committed, has existed in the past and continues to flourish today.
~ Dr. Dan Offord

CLK CAMP


Two Photographs side by side on the left is a room of kids smiling and playing games. On the right is a line of young boys jumping into water from an edge.

About Christie Lake Camp:

Christie Lake Camp is AMAZING! 

All children should have the chance to experience the beauty of the natural world – to swim in a lake, paddle a canoe, and sit by a campfire. Every year, almost 400 children and youth aged 9 - 15 attend a session of summer camp at our picturesque 88-acre camp near Perth.

On the surface, our summer program resembles that of many other camps. The difference is that our programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children living in low income households. Exceptional staff ratios allow for dedicated behaviour management, all activities are geared towards the development of physical and socio-emotional skills, and our programs are fully subsidized for families who are eligible.

During their time at camp, children learn core skills in the areas of swimming, canoeing, camping, ecology, art and drama, rock-climbing and leadership. Each summer campers earn a new, higher level of badge in each of these skill areas. In working through the program, children find they have accomplished things they never thought were possible, and are more resilient to face challenges in life. They have learned they can succeed, and they take this improved self-image back to their activities in the city.

Our camp programs do more than just provide children and youth with life-long memories. Our programs help develop resiliency, allowing these children to lead happy and successful lives.

Summer Camp Dates 2024

  • Session 1: July 2nd – July 12th 
  • Session 2: July 17th – July 27th 
  • Session 3: August 1st – August 11th

Summer Staff Opportunities

Visit our Employment Opportunities page to view available positions!

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Parent FAQ

How much does camp cost?

Our camp is completely free and only available to children/youth whose families are living below the Low Income Measure (LIM) as defined by Statistics Canada.

How do I know if the child(ren) in my care are eligible for camp?

Please reference our Program Eligibility document for more information. 

How old do children/youth have to be to attend camp?

Children and youth from 9 to 15 years of age can attend camp.

How do I apply for camp?

If you are new to Christie Lake Kids, please ensure you have read and understood our Program Eligibility document before you consider applying.

Our 2024 camper applications are officially live! Christie Lake Kids requires all applications to be completed by a parent or guardian. Visit the link below to apply now!

2024 CAMPER APPLICATION

If you have any questions about the application process or require support navigating the online portal, you can email us at camp@christielakekids.com or call us at 613-742-6922.

I've submitted the camp application - what's next?

Our camp management team will start by reviewing your application, once it has been reviewed, you should receive an email or a phone call with more information regarding whether or not your camper has been registered and which session they have been placed in. In the event that our program is full, your camper may be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist campers are contacted whenever a spot becomes available, up until the first day of each session.

Once your camper has been registered or placed on the waitlist, you will be prompted to fill out our Camper Information Form and Medical Form in your account which helps us learn more about your camper and their needs. It is important that guardians take the time to submit these forms as they support our summer staff in ensuring that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience. You will also receive our Parent Handbook which has all the necessary information about our camp program including what to pack, dates, drop-off arrangements, etc.

Can I visit camp?

As a rule, random visitors are not permitted when children and youth are onsite to attend camp or any educational or recreational experience in our care. With three category exceptions:

  1. The visitor is essential to provide care directly to a camper or staff, e.g, health, safety or wellness reasons.
  2. The visitor is providing training applicable to campers and/or camp staff.
  3. The visitor has received prior written permission (with min. 48 hours advance notice) from the Executive Director, Camp Director, Facilities Manager or Director, Fundraising and Communications for a business reason not captured in category 1 or 2. For example: vendors, construction or donor visits.
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Two photographs side by side; on the left a line of young girls in bathing suits posing and smiling. On the right an older photo of a group of children sitting on the edge of a dock in the water.

Alumni Re-connect

Are you a former camp staff or camper? We love hearing stories about how Christie Lake Kids changes lives! We can help connect you with other Alumni or get involved in upcoming programs and events! Click here for more information.

Three photograpsh side by side; first is two canoes on a calm lake. Second image is someone on a climbine way. Third is a group sitting on a dock enjoying a sunset over the lake.
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Children connected with nature are healthier; their heart health is better because they move more, sit less and play longer.

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The sights, smells and sounds of nature are restorative for human nervous systems and result in better focus, concentration and creativity.

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Children who spend time outdoors feel more connected to nature, the planet and others.

CLK STAR City Programs

About STAR

Skills Through Arts and Recreation (STAR) programs engage children and youth aged 6-17 in a variety of experiences. We offer after-school and weekend programs like art, soccer, cooking and music in six priority neighbourhoods. 


STAR programs bring opportunities to learn, grow, and build skills to children and youth from low-income households. Children and youth enjoy barrier-free access to recreational activities and are supported and mentored by staff and volunteers who are sensitive to their needs and circumstances.


We take pride in creating safe and inclusive spaces in our programs - encouraging participants with positive reinforcement, care, and continuity. Children and youth come to our STAR programs multiple times a week where they engage in constructive, positive, esteem-building learning experiences.

 

REGISTER NOW

Program Funding Provided by

Here are the neighbourhoods where you can find our STAR programs!

EAST END COMMUNITIES

Russell Heights

Rock climbing (9-13 years old)

Sr. Basketball (14-17 years old)

 

Carson Grove *NEW COMMUNITY!*

Cooking (6-12 years old)

Aikido (9-13 years old)

 

 

WEST END COMMUNITIES

Caldwell

Rockers (a fun multi-sport program for our youngest age group!) (6-9 years old)

Aikido (8-13 years old)

Soccer (9-13 yeas old)

 

 

SOUTH END COMMUNITIES

1365 Bank Street

Homework Club (6-12 years old)

Jr. Art (6-8 years old)

Sr. Art (9-12 years old)

Fun with Science! (9-12 years old)

Hip Hop (6-12 years old)

 

Karsh *NEW COMMUNITY!*

Jr. Cooking (6-12 years old)

Art (6-12 years old)

 

 

CENTRAL COMMUNITIES

Strathcona Heights

Fun with Science! (8-12 years old)

Girls Only (9-12 years old)

Soccer (13-17 years old)

 

Brewer Park

Hockey (10-16 years old)

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Parent FAQ

How much do programs cost?

STAR programs are free, and only available to kids whose families are living below the Low Income Measure (LIM) as defined by Statistics Canada.

How do I know if the child(ren) in my care are eligible for camp?

Please reference our Program Eligibility document for more information.

What ages of children can attend STAR programs?

Depending on the program, children and youth from age 6 to 18 can participate. See our list of programs for details.

When do programs run?

We offer 3 sessions:
Fall Session - October 2nd-November 30th
Winter Session - January 8th-March 9th
Spring Session - March 25th-May 23rd

Where do I register?

You can register now, by clicking the link and filling out our online application form HERE

How many programs can my child register for?

We welcome young people on a first come, first served basis. If space allows, children may join more than one program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR STAR PROGRAMS, PLEASE CONTACT THE STAR TEAM
star@christielakekids.com

613-742-6922 ext. 234

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CLK Leaders In Training (LIT)

About LIT

The Leaders in Training program offers quality experiences for youth ages 13-18 to work together with trained mentors to support them and encourage meaningful goal setting to help each participant realize personal success.


Activities focus on building skills that motivate and inspire. With a strong emphasis on wellness, volunteerism and community building, LITs become engaged in community projects and other CLK programs that provide valuable volunteer experience for further employment and school success.

Participants must be enrolled and regularly attending high school and must commit to weekly virtual attendance in the LIT program. In addition to practical commitments, LITs must adhere to a code of conduct focused on respect and kindness.

Parent FAQ

Where and when is the LIT Program held?
The program is currently held in three locations across the City. At Emmanuel Church, the Van Lang Fieldhouse and out of the Carson Grove Community Centre.

Each LIT is paired with an adult mentor weekly, promoting positive communication and relationship building.

How much does it cost?
LIT programs are free, and only available to kids whose families are living below the Low Income Measure (LIM).

How do I register?
Registration takes place during the calendar year starting September 1st and closes December 1st. To apply for Leaders In Training, contact us, or go directly to our online registration form HERE

Program Information

LIT1 (Grade 9)

  • personal goal setting
  • problem solving
  • self-awareness and reflection

LIT2 (Grade 10)

  • teamwork
  • communication
  • listening skills
  • conflict resolution

LIT3 (Grade 11)

  • volunteerism
  • career planning
  • presentation skills
  • public speaking
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Physically active children are more attentive and show more interest in class. Afterschool play allows children to take a break from conventional educational learning; to ask, explore, and create!

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When young people develop strong leadership skills, they learn behaviours that promote teamwork, negotiation, problem-solving and healthy coping mechanisms.

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Sports programs provide opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and self-discipline.

Two photographs side by side; on the left a group of campers and leaders pose smiling for a photograph. On the Right two young girls pose hugging and smiling.

IMPACT STORY

Wal

I began my journey at Christie Lake Kids in 2009 through my participation in the STAR Program, when I was 10 years old. Before this time, I had never had the opportunity to participate in after-school programs and my sister and I were both grateful to join. I enjoyed every moment of Dodgeball, Swimming, and of course Christie Lake Camp. As a member of the Leaders in Training Program, I learned many great leadership skills and was pleased to be a volunteer to support younger kids within STAR programs.

Being a part of Christie Lake Kids and the LIT program was such a positive experience for me and it has played an integral role in my development. Thank you Christie Lake Kids, with your help, I have had the chance to grow, meet new people, and experience new opportunities.

WAL

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