Thursday July 20, 2023 | SHAWNIGAN LAKE, BC [Updated 1:25 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Premier David Eby, Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development, and Lisa Beck, president and CEO, Easter Seals BC and Yukon at Camp Shawnigan, made an announcement about Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, today on site at 2180 Shawnigan Lake Rd in Shawnigan Lake.
Premier Eby announced provincial funding in the amount of $7 million to upgrade the camp facility into a year-round fully-accessible location for campers and revenue-generating guests for events like weddings. It will serve as a retreat for children, youth and adults.
Minister Dean had previously advised Camp Shawnigan of the upcoming funding, which Beck said left her speechless. She said today that the camp is “guided by an amazing staff who provide compassionate care”. She described summer camp as an opportunity “to just be a kid”.
Private donations needed:
The full budget to upgrade Camp Shawnigan to the new vision is $25 million. The camp website says “the transformation will create North America’s first year-round, purpose-built, multi-functional space for children, youth, and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities”.
Funding sources will include private donations. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025 with completion in 2026.
New infrastructure at the camp will allow for events like weddings and meetings, which will help sustain revenues.
Memories at camp:
There were several speeches with comments about creating memories that will last a life time, following along the theme of ‘life-changing by nature’. Enrich the local economy, encourage more people to come to the island and experience the hearts and minds of the people here who want to create change.
The camp was described today as a place that has, for decades, created many memories and experiences. Among those giving testimony to that was Dr Cailey Lynch, wife of the premier, who described her positive experiences there as a camp worker and nurse in years past.
Located on south Vancouver Island:
Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, located along Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island (about 35 minutes outside of urban Victoria), has been operating for about 50 years, welcoming its first campers in 1976. Every year, more than 200 children and adults spend time at the camp, with equipment, programs and services designed specifically for their needs.
“By ensuring everyone’s social background and learning style are considered, the camp cultivates individual growth and provides campers with a fun experience that encourages development in life skills, self-confidence and independence,” it was stated in a news release today.
Facility upgrade checklist:
Facilities and activities currently include an outdoor swimming pool, lake dock with slide, sailing, canoeing, amphitheater, BBQ hut, arts and crafts room, outdoor basketball court, in-ground trampoline, dining hall, kitchen and three different sleeping lodges.
Camp Shawnigan are aging and in need of modernization. The upgrade will be about transforming the facility to become North America’s first purpose-built, year-round retreat for children, youth and adults with disabilities.
Improvements to the eight-hectare lakefront property will include 10 new two-bedroom cabins with kitchenettes, a hotel style dormitory, a large community hall and a gym with an in-ground pool.
Designed for people with visible and invisible disabilities, Camp Shawnigan will accommodate all people no matter their abilities, mobility or sensory sensitivities.
Accessible landscapes, stunning vistas and environments built to be inclusive will create a sense of fulfilment and community for everyone.
Today’s media event:
After the media session today, the gathering of government leadership, camp organizers, and kids today went on to paint rocks and take tours on the camp grounds.
The media session was emceed by Camp Shawnigan board member Marco Pasqua who has a long history with the camp.
===== ABOUT ISLAND SOCIAL TRENDS:
Island Social Trends (following in the footsteps of its genesis publications MapleLine Magazine 2008-2010, Sooke Voice News 2011-2013, and West Shore Voice News 2014-2020) delivers socioeconomic news insights about life on the west shore of south Vancouver Island. Published by Brookeline Publishing House Inc.
All journalism by Island Social Trends is posted at IslandSocialTrends.ca .
Editor Mary P Brooke has steered the publication series for 15 years. In that time period she has covered SD62 news up close at the board level since 2014, and Langford politics since 2017. She now reports with the BC Legislative Press Gallery, having covered the COVID pandemic daily in 2020 and 2021 and broader BC news since 2022.
Ms Brooke has been nominated in 2023 for the Jack Webster Foundation’s Shelley Fralic Award for contributing to the community through journalism.
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