PROFILE: Belka Enrichment Camp (St. Charles Garnier)

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“I wanted the children to know that their staff are more than just leaders but also amily. Everything we do at this camp, we do it for the future of the children. In fact, they are the future.” – Dennis Kershino, Organization Supervisor of Belka Enrichment Camp (St. Charles Garnier)

Organization Supervisor proudly posing with his campers.

Belka Enrichment Center is an non-profit organization that strives at developing the academic and social potential of children living in high-risk areas in and around inner city of Toronto. The camp was founded by the Caribbean Global Missions over 10 years ago with a genuine and life-changing purpose in mind. Belka Enrichment Center has numerous programs that run all year long.These programs allow children from kindergarten to grade 8 to get homework assistance, mentoring and build friendship. Their summer program specializes in sports such as: basketball, soccer and much more.

Children and staff playing basketball.

Belka Summer Sports Camp collaborated with Focus On Youth (FOY) in order for leaders to gain work experience and the chance inspire a multitude of children. However, the goal of this rewarding camp, is giving children to the opportunity to look up to their leaders as their own real brothers and sisters; not as authority figures.

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Children in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood are given the chance to flourish in a safe and loving environment with benefits such as a brighter future and the opportunity to build their interpersonal skills.

Cute friendships made through Belka

Their daily routine varies from day to day. Some days are spent practicing sports, enjoying arts and crafts, field trips and even preparing for their talent show!

Berta, a Focus on Youth staff talked about how fond of campers she had become: “Before you realize it, these children become a part of you. You realize how close you’ve become to them and wonder what it would be like when it’s over. I’ll miss them”.