Footsteps to Success (East) located at Blessed Mother Teresa CSS, 40 Sewells Rd, has been home to many children in the community during the summer. This amazing program was created by the one and only Andre Fullerton. This 6 week program is offered for free so that every child has a chance to grow and develop while having fun in the summer. Kids can participate in various programs including dance/arts, sports and leadership.

Campers full of curiosity walking through the Science Centre

Footsteps to Success is one of two camps founded by Andre Fullerton and community partners, created to become involved with youth, and to help urban communities to move forward. Footsteps gives youth the tools that they need in order to succeed in life. The program enriches children in a positive atmosphere. Staff and campers are always enthusiastic, energized and ready to learn. Counsellors and campers heavily impact each other as they both learn something new every day. Everyone works together to have the best summer experience possible.

Getting ready to shred it up at camp.

This program also provides breakfast to children in the morning so that they have energy for the entire day. Throughout each week the camp goes on at least one trip whether it be the movies, swimming, or even bowling! Footsteps also has a special partnership with TIRF, a rugby program that comes in to teach the kids how to play. At Footsteps, children are enriched with knowledge in every way.

Posing for a photo at the Science Centre!

Campers posing with the one and only Jonathan from Media Team.

Who needs training wheels when you have counselors.

From Left to Right: Geoffrey Wang(Libermann), Niya Husbands(Vanier), Yasmine Vertilus(SMT), Nicholas Tseng(Neil), Jordan Patrick(SMT), Bryan Palmero(Vanier)

Shamar Thomas(SMT), Sheldon Goulbourne(Neil)

From Left to Right: Dominic Dike(SMT), Jeremiah Hill(SMT), Shimar Baker(SMT), Jordan Jackson(SMT)

Marianne Polvorosa(Libermann)

Far left: Rychez Leslie(SMT), Center: Carisa Fredenck(Neil), Far Right: Ojie Osazuwa(Neil)

The Central Neighbourhood House is an institute that caters the needs of the community and local area.  Located in the beautiful, downtown Catholic School Facility of Our Lady of Lourdes, Central Neighbourhood House which is the perfect environment for kids to safely  explore the landscape around them.

Campers strike a pose as they break for snack time!

Central Neighbourhood House is the second oldest settlement house in Toronto. For the past 105 years, their team of staff and volunteers have worked hand in hand with  neighbours, to offer a wide range of excellent programs for children and youth, new Canadians, families, women and seniors. In the summer, Our Lady of Lourdes provides a space for the CNH to run a summer program for kids ages 5 – 14.

A camper discusses the manga she is currently reading “Naruto,” with a camp counselor.

Campers enjoy diverse programming that includes daily swimming trips, arts and community engagement activities in and around our neighbourhood, as well as group trips to exciting destinations every Friday.
They also offer a terrific Summer Leadership Program, which is also a part of their summer camp program, for youth aged 13 and over.

FOY staff love to keep the faith on the job!

All peace around here!

CNH provides many opportunities for the social, recreational, cultural and educational development of our campers, through team-building activities centered on recreation, language, and the arts. Activities include arts & crafts, sports, games, drama, dance, music and photography as well as swimming and field trips. Most important, friends are made and unforgettable adventures are to be had!

FOY Staff: Justin M, Kyle P, Brian H, Tiffany W (NEIL Centre)

SUMMARY:

Organization:
Central Neighbourhood House

Location:
Our Lady of Lourdes School
444 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON M4X 1K2

Dates/Times:
July 4 – August 19
8:30am – 4:30pm

Age:
5 – 13 years old

Contact Information:
416-925-4363
416-797-5043
cguthrie@cnh.on.ca

Website:
http://www.cnh.on.ca/

Live for Ball (LFB) is a summer camp which provides basketball skills to their campers. Their main goal is to build team and individual qualities in a fun and positive environment. Their motto, “It’s your life, live it!” proves that this camp gives their campers what they need in order for them to have the best camp experience.

The organization was founded in 2008 by Isaac King and Katrina Sorra, and every year their growth is very notable. The camp is located at Blessed Cardinal Newman CHS, 100 Brimley Road S. Given their close proximity to the Scarborough Bluffs, the camp goes on regular walks down to the Bluffs to get their campers energized. Throughout the day, they do basketball drills and games. Cheering and positive attitudes are an asset at this camp as all the campers are supportive of each other throughout the day’s activities.

Each year, they seek athletes, new and old, to be in their camp. They hope to help campers live their dreams and to find their own individuality. No matter where a child comes from, they can easily come to LFB to relieve their own stress and have fun. They believe in all of their campers and with enough focus and determination, their campers can do great things.

Staff and campers cheering for their teammates.

Staff rolling their team to victory!

Campers racing to win in this fun relay race.

FOY Staff: Nathan Marquez (VANIER)

FOY Staff: Angela Sulit (VANIER)

FOY Staff: Justin Lopez (VANIER)

FOY Staff: Nuna Shiraz (VANIER)

SUMMARY:

Organization: Live for Ball

Location: 100 Brimley Rd. S, Toronto, ON, M1M 3X4.

Dates/Times:
July 4 to August 11, 2017
8:30am-4:00pm

Contact Information:
Katrina Sorra
(416) 707-7033
liveforball@rogers.com

Website:
http://www.liveforball.com/

Smarty Pants Camp is a safe and inspiring environment that is dedicated to giving campers lessons and experiences that will mold them into the great people that they will soon become. On a field trip to Lanna MMA, the campers were greeted by an experienced Muay Thai teacher who was prepared not only to teach the campers the basics of Muay Thai, but more importantly, valuable lessons about hard work, respect and determination.

Safety first! Campers listen to instruction from a Muay Thai expert.

Campers’ perseverance expanded as obstacles came their way when being introduced to Muay Thai preparations and moves such as: skipping rope, jabs and punching bags. However throughout the day, each camper was getting a greater amount of punches on the punching bag and could skip for longer. It was the perfect example to help the   campers understand that perseverance, focus and a positive attitude is always the key to improvement.

Campers try out their new techniques. Breathing is KEY!

In one short day the campers at Smarty Pants camp utilized their growing skills in teamwork, determination and responsibility. With humor and care, each camper learns that they have the potential to be their best selves, physically and mentally. Each day at Smarty Pants Camp is a new day to learn, grow and have fun, in or outside of the classroom!

We grow together everyday

Take your stance!

Great day at Lanna MMA

FOY Staff: Sherona P, Odosa O, Chante D, Frank B and Alexander N

SUMMARY:

Organization:
Smarty Pants Summer Camp

Location:
1440 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M3J 3G3

Dates/Times:
July 3rd – August 11th

Contact Info:
info@educationinvolved.org
416-587-6438

Website:
http://www.educationinvolved.org/smarty-pants-summer-camp.html

Basketball Beginnings is an organization located at St. Victor School, 20 Bernadine St. They strive to develop and enhance team and individual fundamental basketball skills in a positive, fun environment. The organization partnered with Focus On Youth because it was a great opportunity to connect with facility in a neighbourhood that needs a program like this. They have partnered with Focus On Youth for about 4-5 years, and each year the community has grown larger and larger.

Young athletes doing basketball drills.

Warming up before a big game.

During the morning, campers are expected to improve their basketball skills through a variety of drills and games. But they also build character, leadership skills and relationships through the different activities. Parents are also very welcome to be involved in the camp’s activities, this builds the family-friendly like atmosphere. Every single day at camp is exciting and different.

They promote life-skills development through the sport of basketball— their athletes are students first and discipline starts by teaching the fundamental principles of personal conduct, self-assertion, and fair play. They take pride in their work ethics.

Campers relaxing on basketballs

Never mis your shot at the Basketball Beginnings camp!

Coach Burgess helping out his campers.

SUMMARY:

Organization:
Basketball Beginnings

Location:
20 Bernadine St, Scarborough, ON M1P 4M2

Dates/Times:
July 4 to August 5, 2017
9:00am-3:30pm

Contact Information:
Clairmonte Burgess
416-899-2281
http://www.basketballbeginnings.com/

Website:
http://www.basketballbeginnings.com/aboutus.html

St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club has many hard working locations that provide a nurturing environment where kids can be their unique selves in a safe place. A home away from home, St. Alban’s is a place where kids can laugh, dance, have fun and make new friends!

Girl Power! These girls have great dance moves.

Children are placed into groups based on their age in order to provide them with activities that keep them engaged. A variety of activities are available each day such as: arts and crafts, games in the classrooms, watching movies, sports and more. Although the campers’ favourite seems to be dance!

Everyone’s favourite hobby at St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club is dancing!

Surrounded by strong role models with a philosophy based on acceptance and friendship, the atmosphere of the camp is stress free and exciting! Campers know that when they come to St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club fun and friendships await them.

Fun games in the classroom!

Let’s play some ball!

Impressive stacking skills

FOY Staff:

FOY Staff: Zechariah S, Nevada F, Zamora D, Omari A and Tiandra T

 Summary:

Organization:
St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club

Location:
Charles E. Webster – 1900 Keele St, North York, ON M6M 3X7
York Humber– 100 Emmett Ave

Dates:
July 3rd – August 11th

Ages:
7 years old – 14 years old

Contact Info:
416-534-8461

Website:
http://www.stalbansclub.ca/