Submitted by Claire Kelly, Youth Settlement Worker

July has been an incredible month filled with summer camps for the newcomer youth of ICA!

For the younger youth (8-12 years old), there was the very successful ACE! Summer Camp during the weeks of July 6-10 and 20-24. The youth spent time making art, cooking food, playing tennis, exploring nature at Swan Lake and Witty’s Lagoon, and having a great time with leaders Kay, Sandra and Branda. One of the participants described the ACE! camp as “the best camp in the world, awesome and sweet”.

Throughout the month of July, the older youth (13-18 years old) are enjoying Summer Remix, a day-camp focusing on sports, arts, and exploring the community. Field trips include hiking Mount Pkols (Doug), ice skating, making art journals at Quadra Village Community Centre, joining a Saanich youth group for soccer and games, and playing tennis with the Kids At Tennis Society (KATS).

Thanks to our community partner, Power to Be, 6 youth had their first experience camping on the West Coast during a 3-day overnight camping trip to the Juan de Fuca trail.