For more than 100 years, Camp YMCA Kanawana has contributed to the well-being of children, youth and families through a wide range of outdoor activities. The camp has always encouraged participants to develop a sense of respect and responsibility towards their community and the environment.

In 2005, the Y launched an initiative to develop YMCA Kanawana as a model of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, while expanding its capacity so that it can serve five times as many children, youth and families from all walks of life.

A campaign led by John Cleghorn, Rob Braide and Michael Novak has raised more than $2 million for the project. The generous donations received, in addition to a significant YMCA investment, have enabled us complete 75% of Phase I of the project. Two ecological sanitary facilities have been built, featuring innovative technologies such as composting toilets and radiant heating. Last summer, we also inaugurated 12 new 3-season cabins that have received rave reviews from campers, counsellors, parents and visiting groups!

Camp YMCA Kanawana is now one of only 2 green camps in Quebec, and its new 3-season facilities welcome 4 times more children than before. The percentage of campers receiving financial assistance to come to camp has grown from 4% to 26%.

The project is moving ahead, and your donation to the YMCA Kanawana Development campaign will help us in our efforts to create Québec’s first green camp.

We are currently seeking to raise 400 000 $ to complete Phase I of the project by building 2 new Learning Pavillons that will welcome even more children and youth.

Destination Youth: towards a promising future

In April 2010, The YMCAs of Québec inaugurated the Cartierville Y centre. We will be offering even more to the community’s youth by creating an outdoor space along with programs designed specifically for them.

This fundraising campaign will allow us to create an outdoor recreation space, a scholarship program for young lifeguards and outdoor activities at camp YMCA Kanawana. These different components of Destination Youth will help youth develop their self-esteem and essential leadership and social skills such as teamwork and social responsibility.

To contribute to one of these unique projects designed to meet the needs of today’s youth, please call us at 514-849-5331, ext. 266 or 297, or write to us at: fondation@ymcaquebec.org.

Your gift makes a difference. Thank you for your generosity and support.