Calling All Campers: Registration now open for 2016 Easter Seals Camp Challenge

 

BC’s only charity sports day at camp for adults gears up for its second annual return on Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12 at Camp Squamish

Grab your tents and activewear! On Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12, men and women across the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky Corridor will be heading to Camp Squamish in support of the 2nd annual Easter Seals Camp Challenge. Produced by the British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities, the charity sports day for adults encourages participants to embrace their adventurous side while raising funds to help send more than 800 kids and young adults with disabilities to one of three Easter Seals camps in British Columbia.

Launched in 2015, Camp Challenge is the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay reimagined. Taking inspiration from the Relay, Camp Challenge maintains a focus on fundraising, team sports and optional overnight camping in a new and exciting format that emulates a favourite childhood activity for adults – sports day.

“With a 35-year history in Vancouver and a 20-year history on Vancouver Island, the 24 Hour Relay was one of the longest-standing charity fundraising events in the history of British Columbia,” explained Amy Kleckner, events manager for the BC Lions Society. “We knew it was time to hit ‘refresh’ and so, Camp Challenge was created.”

Camp Challenge encourages team participation in a series of challenges that range from trivial pursuit to sport favourites. Once the challenge is complete, participants are invited to take part in afternoon lawn games, volleyball, tie dying, swimming, a campfire, and an optional camp out. Campers can participate as individuals or in teams, with the requirement of fundraising a minimum of $100 per participant. There are no registration fees, and participation includes a t-shirt and prizes for the top overall fundraisers, best team spirit and camp challenge winner.

“One of the most unique aspects of this event is that it takes place on the Easter Seals campgrounds,” added Kleckner. “Camp Squamish and Camp Shawnigan are two of our three accessible BC camps for young adults and children with disabilities, and this challenge offers the community a rare inside look at what their donations benefit.”

Camp Challenge will also be taking place at Camp Shawnigan on Vancouver Island. Registration for the event is now open at www.eastersealscampchallenge.com.

About Camp Challenge: Adventure. Fun. Memories. The Easter Seals Camp Challenge is British Columbia’s only charity sports day at camp for adults, raising funds to benefit Easter Seals camps in British Columbia. Teams earn points for participating in a series of challenges and compete for the title of Camp Challenge Champions, then take part in afternoon lawn games, volleyball, tie dye, swimming, a campfire, and an optional camp-out. It’s the perfect kick-off to summer – and a seriously memorable way to help send over 800 kids and young adults with disabilities to a week-long camping experience at one of three Easter Seals accessible camps. To register, donate or learn more about the Easter Seals Camp Challenge, visit www.eastersealscampchallenge.com.

About the British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities: The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities has been providing services to people with disabilities and illnesses since 1955.

The Society owns and operates three Easter Seals Camps across BC. Each year, approximately 800 children with disabilities attend one of our week-long, fully-accessible, overnight camps in Shawnigan, Winfield, and Squamish. The goal at our camps is to focus on abilities rather than disabilities, providing campers with an opportunity to try new activities, create lasting memories, and build life-long friendships.

The Society also owns and operates the Easter Seals House. Families from all over BC and the Yukon stay at Easter Seals House while their child receives care and treatment at nearby medical facilities. Their visit may be as short as one or two nights, or as long as several months. No matter how long they plan to stay, all guests arrive to a warm, comfortable, cost-friendly environment that provides a perfect home away from home during a stressful time.