UWBC Visits SHARE’s School’s Out Summer Camps: Creating Summer Opportunities for Youth and Families
Posted on August 12, 2025 by
This summer, SHARE was proud to welcome representatives from the United Way of BC (UWBC) to visit our School’s Out Summer Camps for kids. Their visit offered a meaningful glimpse into the impact that these free full-day camps have on the lives of the children and youth that attend, and why the support of partners like UWBC is so essential.
Summer can be an incredibly challenging time for many families in our communities. Without access to safe, structured activities, children often spend long, isolated days at home. Families face financial, emotional, and logistical barriers that prevent them from enrolling their kids in summer camps. These youth are left without vital opportunities to connect with peers, develop their skills, or enjoy the kind of joyful learning experiences that help prepare them for the return to school in the fall.
SHARE's School’s Out Summer Camps are designed to fill that gap.
Throughout the week, children explore academic learning, creativity, and environmental awareness through engaging, age-appropriate activities. They develop math and writing skills, discover science through hands-on experiments, and express themselves through art, music, and drama. They also participate in outdoor play, team sports, gardening, and meal preparation, helping to build their confidence, independence, and life skills in a fun and supportive environment.
The camps are more than childcare or summer recreation. They serve as an entry point for families to connect with broader supports and services. Our highly qualified SHARE staff work directly with families before, during, and after the camps, offering orientation, guidance, and referrals to programs such as parenting workshops, employment training, English Practice Groups, cultural celebrations, and more. This wraparound approach helps families build lasting relationships, develop social networks, and learn how to access other resources available in their community.
During their visit, the UWBC team members had the opportunity to observe this work in action, playing with the kids and seeing first-hand the impact of their funding. They met the children participating in activities that promote personal hygiene and safety, mental health, and financial literacy. Through the involvement of community knowledge keepers, the youth are learning to appreciate the diverse strengths and stories within their community.
By offering these opportunities at no cost, SHARE is removing barriers and opening doors for children who might otherwise be left out. These camps are not only a place for learning - they are a space for belonging, resilience, and joy.
Thank you to the United Way of BC for visiting and for supporting initiatives that help create brighter summers and brighter future for the children and families we serve.
