The YMCA's Camp Chief Hector received a funding boost of $2 million yesterday courtesy of the UCP government.
Officials including Minister of Culture, Ron Orr, and MLA for Banff/Kananaskis, Miranda Rosin were on hand to make the announcement. They both shared their personal experiences of the profound effect the summer youth camp programs had on their lives.
At once Orr became visibly emotional when sharing the positive influence and life-changing effect summer camp had on his life. Orr spoke of being a troubled 13-year-old youth and how a camp counselor helped to "literally turned my life around."
Rosin, also a strong advocate for kids' summer camp spent 10 years of her youth attending camp and becoming a counselor.
Both were very pleased to make the announcement of the Alberta government's pledge of $1 million to the Community Facility Enhancement Program grant and $ 1 million from the Ministry of Culture and Status of Women’s Cultural Infrastructure Support grant.
The revitalization of Camp Chief Hector will, in the end, see more than 14,00 campers a year.
The funding will go to improve and expand accommodations, upgraded electrical infrastructure, and redevelop camp amenities such as the high ropes course, ranch area, and waterfront.