A Focus on Youth closing celebration at Cathedral High School on August 8 might have concluded 6-weeks' worth of camps, but memories and lessons learned throughout the sessions are sure to last a lifetime.
Implemented in 2008, Focus on Youth is a Ministry of Education initiative that partners school boards and community agencies to provide summer learning, recreational, leadership and employment opportunities to young people in the community. Offered free of charge to specific students in grades 1 through 8, campers choose from different camps to suit their interest, ranging from arts, to sports, tech, to Indigenous culture, all held at select school sites within the HWCDSB.
One special addition to this year’s program was the weekly trip to the St. Patrick De Mazenod Farm – a new initiative sparked by the need to incorporate horticulture and nature into the students’ learning.
“We felt that this is a unique opportunity as many of our student leaders and campers are from the heart of the city,” said Equal Opportunities Consultant Nicole Sheehan.
“More importantly we thought it was another way students could see their faith in action,” she added.
“Many of the campers and student leaders are familiar with the De Mazenod Door from school, but many were unaware of the farm. It was very special to see their awareness grow and they came to realize that this farm provides produce to the Door which is then used to create healthy meals for over 700 people daily.”
Together with Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Brochu, Farm Manager Jerry Walsh and Barn Manager Katarzyna Dymkowski, Sheehan developed weekly themes and programming that offered a unique hands-on agricultural experience.
Other highlights on the farm included interacting with the many animals that are housed on the land and learning about the different roles each animal plays in farm life. From providing food and resources, to helping with various tasks around the farm, students had the opportunity to observe their behaviors up close, gaining a deeper understanding of animal care and appreciation for the farm-to-table process.
But while fluffy bunnies and silly goats might have stolen the hearts of many of the campers, it was the work of the student leaders and staff who made the experiences worthwhile.
This year, 31 student leaders (many former campers), worked with program supervisors to provide a fun, healthy, active, and safe summer experience for upwards of 1,000 Catholic elementary students.
“In working at FOY and having exposure to such mentorship and interests, it is hoped that student leaders will learn about themselves and apply this learning in their pathway planning and develop skills that they can transfer into future work experience,” shared Sheehan.
“You never know what can spark interest or passion and it is about helping the student leaders find their passion.”
Bringing words of greetings on behalf of Senior Administration and the Board of Trustees, Director of Education David Hansen thanked staff and community partners for their crucial involvement and congratulated both campers and students on another successful summer of fun.
“We can’t wait to have you back in September, and we look forward to the new school year.”
