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.