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Media Releases 2008
SUMMER CAMP FUNDING REACHES MORE THAN 3,500 CHILDREN
Vancouver, B.C. (May 8, 2008): This summer, more than 3,500 school children from around the province will experience Explorations summer camps through funding received from 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of British Columbia.
"Explorations camps provide students who may not normally have the opportunity to participate in summer camps new experiences and a confidence that will stay with them in school and in life," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Education. "I’m pleased that 35 school districts from all around B.C. are participating in this program because programs like this yield long-term benefits for our students."
Explorations summer camps focus on delivering arts and/or sport and recreation activities, providing quality summer programs for children in kindergarten through Grade 7 who normally cannot access or participate in these unique summer activities. The camps allow children to experience a range of programs, such as Aboriginal arts and culture, theatre, gymnastics and mountain biking.
In 2008, 145 Explorations camps will receive grants totalling more than $750,000, compared to $700,000 in grants provided last year. Schools and school districts run the camps together with local community organizations and businesses.
"Explorations summer camps teach new skills to children and hopefully inspire them to continue building their knowledge in the arts and sport and recreation areas," said Lori Baxter, Director of Arts for 2010 Legacies Now. "By partnering with the Province since 2005, we’ve enabled more than 13,000 children from around the province to experience an Explorations summer camp."
Through community partnerships, Explorations camp coordinators are able to offer a greater range of summer programs. At last year’s camp in Rock Creek, several partners participated, including local artists, the Kettle Valley Golf Club and the Greenwood Recreation Centre, enhancing the arts and outdoor programs. West Boundary Elementary School in Rock Creek is now committed to purchasing golf equipment since golf was so popular with camp participants. In Slocan, the Slocan Electronic Arts Centre is continuing to work with W.E. Graham Community School by lending equipment and offering expertise to students in the field of media arts throughout the school year.
2010 Legacies Now is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, physical activity, arts, literacy, accessibility and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now actively assists communities to discover and create inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, and beyond, the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
For more information, please visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.
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Media Contacts:
Karen McDonald
Director, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
778-327-5180
kmcdonald(at)2010LegaciesNow.com
Karen Lee
Manager, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
778-331-8647
klee(at)2010LegaciesNow.com
