In the heart of Saskatchewan, a beacon of hope and joy shines brightly for children with disabilities. Camp Easter Seal, operated by SaskAbilities, is the only fully accessible summer camp in the province, providing an unforgettable experience for hundreds of children each year.
Deana Stroshein, the Community Relations Coordinator for the Yorkton branch of SaskAbilities, shares the vision of the organization: “Working together to build inclusive communities for people of all abilities.” This vision is brought to life at Camp Easter Seal, where every walkway, cabin, and even the wagon that campers ride around town in, is completely accessible.
“Every camper gets to participate in everything you would ever imagine at camp, but all those barriers are removed so they can fully participate,” says Stroshein. From boating on the pontoon to swimming in the indoor pool, the camp ensures that all barriers are removed, allowing campers to enjoy a full experience.
Nestled near Watrous, at the picturesque Manitou Beach, Camp Easter Seal has been a cherished summer destination since 1956. Now celebrating its 68th year, the camp annually welcomes approximately 600 campers from all over the province. The success of the camp can be attributed to the dedicated staff, as Stroshein explains, ‘We have a few permanent full-time staff who work all year round. During the camping season, they’re very busy. We also have about 60 to 70 summer students who work there every year. They go through extensive training to ensure that they’re ready to offer campers the best and safest camping experience possible."
The Taste of Summer Charity BBQ, set to take place this Wednesday, is one of the ways our community can support Camp Easter Seal. The money raised will go directly to the camp, helping to subsidize the weekly summer camps. “Through corporate and public donations and the efforts of countless volunteers, we are able to subsidize our weekly summer camps, allowing campers to attend free of charge,” Stroshein explains. The average cost to send an individual to Camp Easter Seal is $2,000, a cost covered entirely by donations and fundraising efforts.
Last year, 34 campers from the Estevan area attended Camp Easter Seal. This year, some of those local campers and their families will be joining the BBQ as volunteers, helping out and giving back to the community that has given them so much.
To learn more about Camp Easter Seal and the incredible work they do, visit their official website or check out their Facebook page. For those interested in supporting this cause, the Taste of Summer Charity BBQ is a great opportunity. The BBQ will be held at Sholter Horseman Furniture and Appliances from 11 AM to 1 PM. More information about the BBQ can be found on the Taste of Summer page at discovestevan.com. Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of these amazing campers.