Let’s Chat: All children deserve to have some fun during the summer

By Linda Tooth on July 30, 2025.

Summer months must be a stressful time for parents as they try to figure out what to do with their out-of-school children. Summer camps or day camps seem like a viable option. All children must have the same opportunities of taking part in summer camp activities, but what happens to those children who have experienced trauma (through no fault of their own) and cannot participate in a traditional summer camp?

I recently had the opportunity to tour a unique summer camp offered to children who have experienced trauma located right here in Medicine Hat. Camp Jude, offered by the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta, began in 2022 and this year with 18 spots available they currently have 17 children registered to attend this seven-week camp. Not everyone goes for the full seven weeks as there may be family holidays mixed in at that time, or parents may need a break for a couple of weeks during the summer.

A higher ratio of workers to children allows staff who are specialized in trauma-informed care the chance to help children who are having trouble adjusting to the environment of noises and activities outside their normal routine.

During my time at Camp Jude, I visited with the children and workers and saw first-hand the love and compassion the workers have for these children in need. The workers are either new teachers wanting to connect with children during the summer months or YMCA employees who work in the before and after school care program. Again, love and compassion were everywhere.

You may wonder what it takes from a financial point to run this unique camp. Through the kindness of people who donate they can rent a space big enough to accommodate small groups of children with a worker. The space must be big enough so they can offer a sensory room for children to utilize when it gets to be a bit much, and it must have kitchen facilities and an office for workers to meet in.

Camp Jude also makes every effort to incorporate outside activities. Of course, this costs money. Activities include rock climbing, swimming, library visits, the Interpretive Centre at Police Point Park, the splash park at Central Park and the Root Cellar Community Garden. With these trips comes the cost of transportation to ensure each child gets to the venue and back to camp safely. Again, this costs money.

If you would like to learn more about Camp Jude or would like to donate to this great cause, contact the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta.

P.S. – Blankets, by Craig Thompson, the last book mentioned in the UCP government’s book banning quest, just arrived. Stay tuned for my review.

Have a Meowtastic Day and please keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a part-time communications instructor at Medicine Hat College

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