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Cambridge looks to region to support local kids who want to go to summer camp

Program would help fill gaps created by the loss of the Cambridge-based Kids Can Play charity earlier this year
Doug Coxson
Doug Coxson
2019-07-15 summer camp
The City of Cambridge is looking into a service agreement with the Region of Waterloo to subsidize summer camp fees for low-income families. Contributed photo

A program that will make sending kids to summer camp a little easier for local low-income families could soon be available in Cambridge.

Council is being asked to support a service agreement with the Region of Waterloo that would allow families to apply for the Waterloo Region Camp Subsidy program, at no cost to city taxpayers.

The City of Cambridge currently administers the Activities for Less Program, providing up to $300 per individual, per household. 

The region also already provides camp subsidies through its Child Care Fee Subsidy (CCFS), which covers the cost of licensed child care for children 12 years of age and younger.

But those programs don't necessarily cover everyone, and when Kids Can Play shut its doors earlier this year, the city saw the need for more support. 

The Cambridge-based charity that enlisted volunteers to raise money to help local families pay for summer camp and other activities, announced in March it was ending its 23-year run after dispersing $2.1 million through 7,040 grants.

“We are unable to recover from the impact of the past year on fundraising and volunteerism,” reads a statement on the Kids Can Play website. “We are grateful for House of Friendship and Canadian Tire Jumpstart who will continue serving the community.”   

City staff is looking to the region’s camp subsidy program to help fill some of the gaps created by the loss of Kids Can Play.

Staff said the Waterloo Region Camping Subsidy will provide equal opportunities for kids to attend camp while supporting more comprehensive childcare supports.

“When reviewing local agencies and organizations that offer financial aid to City of Cambridge residents, the Region of Waterloo funding was identified as a key stakeholder that could benefit our families seeking financial aid, and provide inclusive childcare options,” reads a report that will be presented at Tuesday’s council meeting.

If council approves the service agreement, staff will begin training on the region’s database to ensure all records, and documentation are submitted in accordance with the region’s deadlines, reads the report.

All approved funding will be paid directly to the City of Cambridge by the Region of Waterloo.