"We were excited to find such an affordable camp with a great staff."

In keeping with the mandate of the organization, programming will be focused in four different streams, with programs designed to maximize skill development while providing strong entertainment value, in order to sustain our audience and encourage growth through word-of-mouth.

The BCYG operates 3 day camps during the school breaks: Summer, Winter Holiday (Christmas) and March Break, with the Summer Day Camp being the largest and most intensive program, in terms of cost, personnel and planning. In October 2008, the BCYG launched weekly programming on Fridays and Saturdays, with plans to launch more after-school programming in early 2009.

Program Philosophy

Our focus is on entertaining and enlightening, as well as educating. Since other organizations operate social services-type programs for youth, we have chosen to concentrate on fun and learning that provides positive experiences with a more light-hearted tone. We will refer youth who require social services to organizations that are better equipped to handle their needs.

The four programming streams are:

• Physical and Health
• Creative Arts
• Educational
• Social

Three programming types:

• Clubs & Classes
• Camps
• Special Events

Three age groups:

• Primary (Ages 5-6)
• Junior (Ages 7-9)
• Senior (Ages 10-14)

Clubs & Classes

Launching in October 2008, regular programming will operate on a pay-per-use basis, providing a smorgasbord of activities in the four program streams, with different trips and themed days offered. Programming will run on Fridays and Saturdays initially, with plans to expand to more weekdays in Spring 2009 as space and finances allow.

"It was a terrific experience! We will definitely be back next year and refer friends!"

Camps

Summer of 2008 saw tremendous growth for the BCYG’s Summer Day Camp. For the first time, the camp was open to the entire community and a nominal fee was charged, with subsidies provided to those in need. 40 kids between the ages of 5 and 14 participated in one or more of four two-week sessions that included trips to the Royal Ontario Museum, a Blue Jays game, the Ontario Science Centre, the Don Valley Brick Works, the Toronto Islands, rock climbing and more

We also launched the first-ever Unity Games at Riverdale Park, which brought together 60 youth from four day camps for a day of games, healthy competition, a barbecue, and, of course, fun.
The Unity Games will continue to be a part of our programming in 2009, and we look forward to its growth.

5-Year Goals

• Gradual increase of membership enrolment to 150 by 2013
• Increase the number of clubs and classes offered, based on popular interest
• Gradually add days of the week to reach 5-6 days
• Increase partnerships with other like-minded organizations

"This program is excellent, affordable and very enriching! Thank you!!!"