Footsteps to Success is one of three Focus on Youth camps around Toronto and the GTA. Founded by Andre Fullerton and community partners, Footsteps to Success aims to build up the community by investing in youth and exposing them to different opportunities through a variety of sectors. Through offering Arts, STEM, Sports, and Leadership sections of the camp, campers can understand their potential and achieve the best version of themselves.

Starting with morning sign-in’s, the drop-in breakfast program, and morning icebreakers in the cafeteria, campers at Footsteps SMT start their day off strong with energy, excited to enjoy the day with their counsellors and fellow campers. Every day, campers are able to rotate between 4 activities throughout the morning and afternoon, indulging in fun and educational activities in disciplines such as Arts, STEM, Sports, and Leadsership.

Footsteps SMT begins their day with two morning rotations. This morning, kids aged 4-6 were making paper turtles for arts, collaborating with FOY staff and other kids to create unique crafts. During this time, kids played an icebreaker in the atrium, popping balloons to answer questions about themselves and help other campers know more about who they are. Outside, kids aged 4-7 were involved in the sports sector of camp, playing a handcrafted game similar to a relay. The older kids, aged 11-13, were able to partake in crafts as well, using cotton, glitter, and paper plates to create their own personalized artwork.

The kids then broke for lunch around midday, with counsellors supervising and helping kids to spend meaningful time with each other. Post-lunch activities included two afternoon rotations, as kids engaged in carnival-themed activities based on the theme of the week. The 4-6 age group drew their favourite carnival activity in chalk on the outskirts of St Mother Teresa, while the 7-10 age group showed their best dance skills in practicing for their display when Central Leadership visits. Next door, the leadership camp entailed having kids play games and encouraged a greater connection between that age group. With these activities planned and executed by our own counsellors, kids are constantly feeling energized and happy to be at camp every day.

To finish off the end of each day, kids are sent to the gym to meet their parents again, agitated for the next day ahead. Counsellors, and sometimes coordinators, lead kids in simple games while waiting for their guardians, ensuring that fun never stops at Footsteps to Success. Through the diligent perseverance of each counsellor and the excitement that lies in each student, every day at camp becomes more successful and is a testament to the importance of uplifting youth in this community. There is never a dull moment when you step foot into Footsteps SMT!