Sharing the Gift of Summer Camp
By Jackielou Perez 
With a small staff (the company has only 1.5 staff members!) and no funding from the government, Amici Camping Charity relies on the generosity of individuals who help send children from low income families to summer camp. In its first year, Amici sent one child to camp - in 2011, it sent 145 children. Jennifer Wilson, the interim executive director, took the time to chat more about Amici Camping Charity.
1. What is Amici Camping Charity?
Amici Camping Charity (Amici) is a registered charity that funds children from low-income families to attend summer camp. It believes that every child deserves the life changing experience of summer camp regardless of financial barriers.
The program is unique because it commits to funding each child year after year until they are too old for camp. It’s not just a one-time experience - Amici provides these children with the opportunity to build lifelong relationships and skill sets, year after year.
2. Why was it started?
It was founded in 1966 by a group of camp staff and alumni who wanted to share the gift of summer camp with children in need. We continue to grow with over 80% of our budget going directly to the programs that fund children’s camping careers.
3. Can you name an experience that has stood out for you through Amici?
Last month at Roger’s Centre, Jays Care Foundation invited 35 Amici campers to attend a game in their amazing Jays Care Skybox suite. Since we support children from low-income families, many of them had never been to a game before. They were so excited, but I think the families expected that they’d be sitting in the stands. When I opened the door to the Skybox suite – a luxurious space with leather seating, snacks, a PS3 console, and full dinner – the families’ faces lit up like something I’ve never seen before.
4. Amici runs many community events. Tell me about the events/programs that have happened this year.
We hosted several events this year including an art show, a golf tournament and a 50/50 draw at the Jays game, but our most unique fundraiser is the Canoe Heads for Kids event, which saw eight teams of camp enthusiasts trek 40km across land and water in Toronto to raise over $55,000 for Amici Camping Charity. Most recently we held our Amici Mile, a fantastic night at the horse races complete with a dinner buffet, games, auction and the best in thoroughbred racing.
6. How can people get involved?
Visit our website, www.amicicharity.org! We have a new website launching within the next month and it will have many volunteer opportunities including event committee support, day-of event volunteering, administrative opportunities and much more.
