The 95th season was an outstanding one! Amongst many highlights, a special one for us has been GBC for Syria: A Canadian Summer Camp Experience. With months of preparation, all of a sudden the first day of camp for our Syrian newcomers was upon us! What really stood out to us was the campers and staff’s ease in which they welcomed the Syrian girls and helped them quickly assimilate into our camp community. Their openness, compassion, kindness and extension of genuine friendship quickly became the heart and soul of the program. We feel very proud of each and every one of them.
The skills learned in one short week ranged from trotting on a horse, dumping a canoe for the first time, skippering a laser, swimming in a lake, climbing in the high ropes course, making a cabin bracelet, being away from family overnight and much more.
The tears from the Syrian girls as well as their cabin mates and staff as each of their weeks came to a close was a testament to the connection they felt to Glen Bernard and all of those they interacted with.