PROFILE: Recruit Access Youth Sports

Founder, Jason Weatherup with campers.

The Recruit Access Youth Sports (R.A.Y.S) summer camp is a non-profit organization that focuses on sports such as basketball and soccer, art activities like dance and acting, for boys and girls ages 5 to 16 years old.

Jason Weatherup, the organization leader, started the R.A.Y.S camp from an after school program in March 2007 to help make it affordable for youth and children to keep busy and off the streets.

Boys showing off their skills on the field.

This program gives participants a chance to interact with children from other communities. It also serves as a vital resource for students and their families as a way for supporting various social, emotional and physical needs through recreational programs. In addition, R.A.Y.S welcomes newcomers to Canada so that they can interact and make new friends while in a fun and safe environment.

Camper proudly representing R.A.Y.S!

Every summer while at camp, the kids prepare for a performance and make a video that will be showcased on the last day of camp to parents so they can see all the wonderful work the kids have done during the summer. During this process kids learn how to overcome stage freight and build their confidence while showcasing their creativity.

The girls rehearsing for their big performance!

On their second year teaming up with Focus on Youth, the staffs placed at R.A.Y.S camp is responsible and trained well to help kids have a safe and enjoyable summer.

FOY Staff Left to right: Michelle Cambell, Debra Oguntala and Tyra Ofori.

“When two organizations team up together it brings more success to the kids[…] Two organizations is better than one because it enhances the program.” – Jason Weatherup