End of season update

The 2008 camp season is coming to a close. All camp visits have been completed and the accreditation team will be sending out final reports shortly. A big thanks to all of the great hosts at camp- we always appreciate a traditional camp lunch!

As camps send in their Camper Demographic forms for this year, the MCA will compile them and camper statistics will be available. This is a useful resource for both camps and parents.

The MCA is always looking for additional camps across the province to accredit. Accreditation allows children from the Sunshine Fund to be sent to safe camps in Manitoba, among other benefits. We're having a great year at the Sunshine Fund, sending close to 900 kids to camp!

Summer's here again...

Following a successful Sunshine Day with A&W, the MCA started with a busy 2008 season! Camps have begun, and so have our re-accreditation visits. We will be visiting 17 camps this summer, everywhere across the province from the Pas to Kenora. It was a rainy start to the season with our first visit to Brereton a wet one, but things are looking up for the rest of the summer!

Some camps still have spots open-- check out our website at www.mbcamping.ca for a list of camps in Manitoba that have been accredited by the MCA.

Also, check out this link: www.ourkids.net For parents, it's a great resource showing what camp can offer to children of ALL ages. For camps, an age-specific guide of your campers' general needs and concerns.

May 21, 2008 is Sunshine Day

On May 21, 2008, the Winnipeg Free Press Sunshine Fund, in partnership with A&W, will have it’s very first Sunshine Day in Manitoba. All the proceeds from the sale of A&W Root Beer and Coffee will be donated to the Sunshine Fund to help send Manitoba Children to Manitoba Accredited Camps.

In addition, you can also help send a child to camp by purchasing a Ray of Sunshine from A&W Restaurants for only $1 between May 12-21. Fill your name out on a Yellow Sun and help send a child to camp. This sun will be added to the walls of the Restaurant.

This will be happening at all A&W locations in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Lockport, Portage & Steinbach.

PS - Did you know that Manitoba is the only province in the country to have a "Sunshine Fund?" Founded in 1979 and thanks to the generous donations of Manitobans the fund has raised nearly $4.0 million dollars and sent more than 18,000 kids to camp.

Camp Caravan at Kildonan Place & Family Fun Fair

The Manitoba Camping Association Camp Caravan rolls into Kildonan Place Shopping Centre Friday, April 4 & Saturday, April 5 to promote upcoming 2008 Summer Camping opportunities for children, youth & family camp.

On Sunday, visit the Family Fun Fair in partnership with Winnipeg Parent Magazine. Over 18 camps will be on display along with entertainers, fun information for families, etc. There will be a $2 admission cost with 1/2 the proceeds supporting the Sunshine Fund. The event will take place Sunday, April 6 from 9:30-4:30 p.m. at the Rady JCC - 123 Doncaster St. 99.9 BOB FM will broadcast Live-On Location.

Winkler Bible Camp Seeks Staff

Winkler Bible Camp is currently looking for individuals to fill a number of
key positions within our team of 20 full-time staff including: Assistant
Cook/Food Services Coordinator, Head Cook and Maintenance. We are looking
for dynamic individuals who enjoy customer service and are passionate about
serving God and people. Call the camp at 204.325.9519 for more information.

Winkler Bible Camp is waiting for YOU! Do you want to be a part of an
exciting ministry for a week∑ or maybe all summer? WBC is currently looking
for the following seasonal positions: Counselors, lifeguards, kitchen help,
Teepee Village Director & Assistant, 1on1 Counselors, maintenance, etc.
(July - August). Call 204.325.9519 for more information.

Camp Caravan at St. Vital this Weekend

The Manitoba Camping Association Camp Caravan rolls into St. Vital Centre today through Sunday (March 27-30).

Come visit over 20 member camps to get the latest information regarding 2008 Summer Camp registration.

Q94 FM will broadcast Live from the MCA display booth on Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

If you can't come down, our Information Booth will be on hand at the MTS Centre during the Manitoba Moose game on Tuesday, April 1 & Wednesday, April 2; then onto Kildonan Place Shopping Centre April 4 & 5; the Family Fun Fair at the Rady JCC at 123 Doncaster St. on Sunday, April 6; and finally The Forks Market April 26 & 27.

Life Members of the MCA

Congratulations to Jim Ryan & Kim Strachan - Life Members of the MCA.

On Thursday, March 13 at the MCA Annual General Meeting held at Oak Hammock Marsh, Jim Ryan & Kim Strachan were presented with an Honourary Life Membership for their lifelong commitment and dedication to camping within the Province of Manitoba. Jim & Kim are the very first recipients of this prestigious award.

Child Fitness Tax Credit

How many Camps are including a receipt to Families for the Child Fitness Tax Credit???

If so, how are you calculating this amount, or are camps providing a receipt for the Full Amount???

Please reply to this message to provide some feedback for camps to get a sense of what others are doing.

Wilderness First-Aid Training Courses Offered

Sirius Wilderness Medicine will be offering the following Wilderness First-Aid (40 hour) Training courses:

April 10-13, 2008
May 12-15, 2008
May 26-29, 2008

$350.00 + GST - CPR included

The Manitoba Camping Association Standard requires that one leader holds this level of training for any trip where external medical assistance is more than 20 minutes away.

Group courses and rates are also available.

Contact Sara for more information at 204.782.5303 or sara@experiencemomenta.com

www.experiencemomenta.com

*Manitoba Camp Caravan*

The Manitoba Camping Association will stage 4 Promotional Events this Spring to promote the 2008 Camp Season. Visit us at the following locations to get camp registration information, meet Camp Directors, seek summer staff employment opportunities, and donate to the Sunshine Fund:

March 7-9, 2008
Garden City Shopping Centre

March 27-30, 2008
St. Vital Centre

April 4-5, 2008
Kildonan Place Shopping Centre

April 6, 2008 - Winnipeg Parent Family Fun Fair
Rady JCC - 123 Doncaster St.


Watch this space for a possible listing of additional dates when we will be in your area!

Camp Wasaga Seeks Summer Staff for 08'

Camp Wasaga, the only accredited full time family camp in Manitoba, located on the shores of beautiful Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park is looking for enthusiastic employees to fill the following positions for the summer of 2008:

Program Director
Leader In Training Director
Waterfront Director
Senior Leaders
Naturalist

For further information regarding any of these positions, please contact the Camp Director by email at: campwasaga@mts.net

Website updated for 2008

*The MCA & Sunshine Fund site has been updated.

*2008 Sunshine Fund Application is now available.

Come visit the site and see our fresh new look and what the lastest details are on camps this summer.

MCA Seeks Promotions Coordinator

Promotions Coordinator (3 month contract position) –
Manitoba Camping Association/Sunshine Fund

Job Description: The Manitoba Camping Association/Sunshine Fund is seeking an individual to fill the position of Promotions Coordinator. The MCA has been the leading association of organized children’s, family, and day camps in Manitoba since 1937. The MCA represents and serves 34 Accredited camps across the province and is also responsible for the administration of the Sunshine Fund that helps send children requiring financial assistance to attend a summer camp.

The Position: Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Promotions Coordinator is responsible for the promotion of camp and the Sunshine Fund within the community, as well as effective and efficient management of the Association’s promotional events. The Promotions Coordinator will also assist the Executive Director & Sunshine Fund Administrator in the preparation of the Annual Donor Campaign. Key Responsibilities will include establishing point of contact with School Guidance Counselors & related Community Partners/Agencies – both verbal and direct. Coordinate meetings to promote camp and the Sunshine Fund procedural process - identify methods to disseminate information to those children in need of a camp experience and/or financial assistance.

The Candidate: A general understanding of camp and the benefits derived, event management and charitable, non-profit experience would be an asset. A high-energy person who is capable of multi-tasking and has good organizational skills. You possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently, as well as work cooperatively in a group setting.

Qualifications: A related degree or experience in recreation & event promotions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A vehicle will be required, as it is expected that at least 2/3 of the time will be spent outside of an office environment.

Salary: Approx. $1,500 monthly

Applications: Submit in confidence by email no later than Wednesday, February 13, 2008 to: executivedirector@mbcamping.ca


We thank all applicants who apply; however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Information Session

River Secrets: Paddling the Path Less Traveled

Date: Saturday, 19 January 2008
Location: Fort Whyte Alive Interpretive Centre
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Admission: The public is welcome

Description: From Baja to the Barren lands, Manitoba's top river guides will wet your traveller’s appetite with stories and pictures of faraway places that await your paddle. Rob Currie of Wilderness Spirit, David Pancoe of Northern Soul Adventures, and Mick Lautt of WAVpaddling take us on a journey of adventure to wilderness rivers that most will only read of in guide books. If you haven't paddled a Manitoba river in December or sea kayaked the Pacific Ocean, then this is great event to get you started on your own voyage of discovery. Coffee will be served and there is a cash beer bar.

Rady JCC Seeks Program Coordinators

The Rose and Max Rady Jewish Community Centre is a not-for-profit community agency offering state of the art fitness facilities. We provide a broad range of programs for members, the Jewish community, and the community at large. The Rady JCC has opportunities for two experienced professionals to play a key role in the coordination and delivery of our programs.

Sport and Recreation Program Coordinator

This position is responsible for developing, coordinating and leading programs, assisting with operation of camps, recruiting and evaluating contract instructors, supervising emergency procedures, and providing superior customer service to all participants of Rady JCC programs and services.

In addition to strong organizational, a relevant degree and administrative skills, you will also have:

• Three years of physical activity instructor
• Strong program administration, planning and coordination experience
• Ability to interact well with children and teens as well as adults
• Standard First Aid level C with AED certification

Child and Family Program Coordinator

This position is responsible for developing and implementing innovative child and family programs, including planning and managing summer day & school break camps, birthday parties, preschool & after school programs, and special events.
In addition to superior planning skills, a relevant degree and administrative skills, you will also have:
• Three years experience in programming for children and families
• Strong knowledge of Jewish culture, traditions and practice
• Experience planning and supervising camp
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with children, families and volunteers

Interested individuals are invited to forward their resumes with salary expectations by Friday, February 1, 2008:

Human Resources
Rose and Max Rady Jewish Community Centre
Suite B 100-123 Doncaster Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3N 2B3
Fax: 477-7530
Email: radyhr@aspercampus.mb.ca


Further information about this position and the Rady JCC can be found at www.radyjcc.com
We thank all applicants who apply; however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Camp Quality Manitoba Seeks Director

Camp Quality Manitoba is seeking a Camp Director. This is a volunteer position based out of the Winnipeg area. This position would be of interest to individuals seeking volunteer work in an administrative camp environment.
Camp Quality Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit, charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children living with cancer through camps, educational puppet programs and year-round family support programs. The Manitoba summer camp, is located just outside of Winnipeg.. There are seven Camp Quality camps in Canada; the Manitoba camp runs for one week during the summer.

Primary Responsibilities (but not limited to):
• Overall supervision of the camp: Camp Organizing Committee (COC) members, campers, volunteers, budget, fundraising, year round activity organization, etc.
• Schedule and chair a minimum of monthly COC meetings
• With the Manager of Camp Programs: arrange COC member training and annual mandatory volunteer training
• Establish and regularly review compliance to the annual financial budget and funding needs
• Provide reports to the Manager of Camp Programs as required
• Attend full week of camp
• Attend annual National Conference

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
• Strong leadership capabilities
• Strong administrative skills
• Ability to follow and adhere to a budget
• Ability to maintain and develop relationships with donors (with Fundraising Co-ordinator)
• Understanding of group dynamics and group management
• Long-term planning for camp and Camp Quality Inc.
• Experience working with children and youth in a camp setting is an asset

Applications due February 15, 2008. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Send resume to/for more information contact:

Noelle Bowles, Camp Director
420 Cambridge St
Winnipeg, MB R3C 2A7

Fax: 204.783.9908
Email: noellebowles@gmail.com
Website: www.campquality.com

MCA - Annual General Meeting

The 2007 Annual General Meeting of the Manitoba Camping Association will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2008. The AGM will be held at the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre. Oak Hammock Marsh is located approx. 15 minutes North of Winnipeg and minutes away from Highway #7 and #67 junction.

Registration information will be distributed to all member camps shortly, along with a detailed itinerary and associated costs. Workshops will be conducted throughout the day with lunch and dinner followed by the AGM in the early evening.

Manitoba Camping 2008

The start of the 2008 summer camp season will begin in less than 6 months.

Stay posted to the blog site for upcoming information on the MCA's 2008 Camp Caravan that will be held at a number of locations throughout the Province.

Member camps are reminded that Membership Renewal Information is due by January 15.

The MCA AGM is tentatively scheduled for March 13, 2008 at a location TBA in the upcoming week ahead.