CCA Quarterly - Q4 2024
Welcome to the CCA Quarterly Update!
From all of us at the CCA, we hope that you enjoyed a restful holiday season and that 2025 brings anticipation of a wonderful outdoor centre and camp season.
We are excited to bring you a this new regular communication from the CCA in the form of a quarterly update. These updates will give you a summary of last week's quarter's work, featuring snapshots of all of the committee, board and operational work that is strengthening the industry on a national level. You can expect communications like these on a quarterly basis, with anything more timely being shared in between.
It has been a very busy few months at the CCA and we are excited to share more from our committees, discussion groups and more!
Let's get to it!
Si vous préférez recevoir ces courriels en français, veuillez cliquer ici pour être ajouté à notre liste de diffusion en français pour les prochaines mises à jour.
Committee Updates
Advocacy
The Advocacy Committee has been working diligently under the guidance of Proof Strategies Inc. to prepare to engage the federal government and bring to light some of the biggest issues facing our sector. The CCA is in the process of submitting it’s first "Pre-Budget Submission". This document, alongside an engagement process with leaders in government, gives some of the biggest issues facing our sector a national-stage. This document will be shared in future updates.
A few more items to note:
1. Sign-Up for Direct Advocacy Updates
The team at Proof continuously provide the CCA with some incredible updates on the dynamic political situation in Ottawa. Here is a sample of their work.
If you would like to also receive these regular updates click here to subscribe to our advocacy email list.
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2. Pass on your Provincial Advocacy Efforts
The CCA Advocacy committee is here to support and amplify all provincial advocacy efforts. Please share your PCA’s advocacy efforts by reaching out to the Advocacy Chair, Geoff Parky "Parky" at gpark@ccamping.org.
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3. Join the CCA Advocacy Committee
The advocacy committee is seeking new committee membership. If you are interested in supporting the camp agenda on a national stage, please reach out at info@ccamping.org.
We are especially looking for representation from Atlantic Canada, The Prairies and Quebec.
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4. Canada Summer Jobs Advice
We encourage all camps who have applied for the Canada Summer Jobs grant to reach out to their local MP and advocate for their submission. We advise including:
A reminder of the camp's presence in the MP's riding
That the camp creates jobs and leadership opportunities for youth in the riding
That the program receiving funding is important
Highlight how your camp meets the local priorities
To find your MP's contact information:
Go to elections.ca and enter your postal code to find your MP's name.
On the right side of the search results
CCA Advocacy Committee - Geoff Park "Park" (c), Mark Diamond, Stephane Richard, Matt Wilfrid
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Industry Data
The Industry Data committee continues its work on identifying the national data points that will best serve the industry from an advocacy, commercial partnerships, and research standpoint.
PCAs can look forward to a request for nationalized data-points to be added to their yearly membership surveys or as a standalone survey issued by the PCA/CCA.
Questions? Please contact the Industry Data Committee Chair, Stephane Richard.
CCA Industry Data Committee - Stephane Richard (c), Éric Beauchemin, Tim Carruthers, Trent Diaz, Stephen Fine, Shauna Joyce, Matt Wilfrid
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Research
The Research committee is currently welcoming applications for new members. They are looking for Canada-wide members who have sector-related research experience and are interested in supporting and advising on current and future research taking place in the sector. If interested, please contact info@ccamping.org
CCA Research Committee - Stephen Fine (c), Mandi Baker, Tad McIlwraith, Victoria Povilatis, Matt Wilfrid Catherine Laing (adv.)
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Commercial Partnerships
1. Sterling Backcheck:
In 2024, over 3000 staff candidates were vetted through Sterling Backcheck. This meant an industry-wide savings of over $100,000 and, through the partnership, direct financial support to our PCAs and the CCA.
If camps would like more information on how to access Backcheck, please visit: https://ccamping.org/sterling-backcheck.php
2. Foodbuy:
Through the Foodbuy group food and supply purchasing partnerships, camps have saved over $120,000. This, in turn has generated thousands in revenue for the participating PCAs and the CCA.
If camps are looking to take advantage of the program, they can email our representative, Rita at Rita.Andersson@foodbuy.ca.
As a reminder, Foodbuy works with all major food suppliers and there is zero cost to join.
3. Join the Commercial Partnerships Committee:
If you are looking to support the affordability of camp operations in Canada and generate revenue for the Provincial and National associations, please get in touch by emailing info@ccamping.org.
CCA Commercial Partnerships Committee - Matt Sheriko (c), Sandy Duncan, Geoff Park "Parky", Matt Wilfrid
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National Partnerships
The National Partnerships committee has spent the last few months engaging similar national organizations to re-introduce the CCA and it’s strategic direction.
Here are some updates to pass on to your members:
1. Lifesaving Society:
Lifeguard Reciprocity Program - A fast-track for qualified international staff from the UK, Australia and South Africa to receive their NL.
Based on the equivalency of lifesaving standards across the Commonwealth, the LSS has launched a pilot project to allow qualified international staff from the Commonwealth to receive their NL certification without going through the bronze medallion and cross courses.
If an incoming candidate has a valid equivalent certification from the UK, Australia, or South Africa (UK: RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, AUS: Pool Lifeguard, SA: Lifeguard Award), they may register for and complete an in-person training session, including a National Lifeguard Pool original examination that evaluates all test items.
The candidate must complete a Standard First Aid course from a recognized and approved first aid provider in the local area before commencing the exam.
Steps:
The camp reaches out to the provincial branch to let them know they have a candidate
The camp should have the following completed:
The RLSS Commonwealth reciprocity pilot application form (attached)
Proof of equivalent certification
Proof of Age/Identity (Passport, Driver’s Licence or Birth Certificate)
The local branch will connect the camp with a site that is facilitating this pilot program or set up a new site, based on the request of camps in the local area
Please see more information in the attached documents.
If you have any questions, or issues connecting to your local branch, please contact Wendy Schultenkamper (wschultenkamper@lifesaving.ca)
A big thanks to Eric Shendelman for his many hours of work on this project!
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2. The Suzuki Foundation
In November, the CCA met with the David Suzuki Foundation to discuss their partnership with Squamish Family and Children’s services (Ayás Ménmen), the Squamish Nation and Camp Fircom as they offer camps on beautiful Chá7elkwnech: (Gambier Island) in British Columbia’s Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound).
For camps that are looking to increase their relationship and take an active part in reconciliation efforts, this model of partnership is an inspiring one that benefits everyone involved.
Please see the attached documents. If member camps are interested in starting a program or have questions, have them contact camp@davidsuzuki.org.
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3. Join the National Partnerships Committee:
If you are interested in connecting the mission of the CCA, our PCAs, and member camps with likeminded national organizations, then please consider joining the national partnerships committee. You can submit your info to info@ccamping.org.
CCA Commercial Partnerships Committee - Adam Brown (c), Matt Wilfrid
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Fundraising
As the CCA looks towards a sustainable future, we are recruiting members for the CCA Fundraising Committee. Interested members can view the Committee’s terms of reference here and if interested, reach out to info@ccamping.org.
CCA Events
National Discussion Groups
In November, the first ever CCA National Discussion group launched. We had the privilege of working with 15 dedicated PCA staff and volunteers all with expertise surrounding Standards and Accreditation.
This meeting was a clear identification of both the most pressing needs surrounding standards and accreditation and where some of the greatest strengths in our working group were.
You can watch a summary of the first meeting here.
More discussion groups are coming!
Standards and Accreditation Discussion Group:
April 8 2025 - 12-1:15 EDT
October 14 2025 - 12-1:15 EDT
PCA Support Discussion Group
Feb 20, 2025 - 12-1:15 EST
May 13, 2025 - 12-1:15 EDT
Nov 11 2025 - 12-1:15 EST
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CCA Alumni & Friends Gathering
Calling all CCA alumni and friends of the CCA! Join us for a virtual gathering to reconnect and hear the latest news and happenings at the CCA!
When: Thursday, February 27th, 12-1pm EST - Virtual (Zoom)
Who: Past CCA Board Members, Volunteers and Supporters of the CCA
Join President Shauna Joyce and coordinator Matt Wilfrid as they share updates on the CCA's progress, plans, and how you can get involved.
Find out more about this exciting era of the CCA and our strategic priorities for 2024-2027
Reconnect with fellow CCA alumni and industry leaders across the country
Find out more about this exciting era of the CCA and our strategic priorities for 2024-2027
Learn more about ways to support the CCA going forward
CCA Calendar of Events
Feb 4 - 12-1:30pm EST - Provincial Leadership Advisory Board (PCA ED’s / Presidents Only)
Feb 20 - 12-1pm EST - PCA Support Discussion Group for PCA Staff and Volunteers - RSVP
Feb 27 - 12-1pm EST - CCA Alumni & Friends Virtual Gathering - RSVP
Apr 8 - 12-1pm EDT - Standards and Accreditation Discussion Group - RSVP
Apr 22 - 12-2pm EDT - CCA AGM - RSVP and Voting Delegate Forms will be emailed to PCAs directly
May 13 - 12-1pm EDT - PCA Support Discussion Group for PCA Staff and Volunteers - RSVP
If you have an upcoming event you would like to welcome PCA staff or member camps from across the country to, please get in touch - info@ccamping.org
From the CCA Archives:
As conference season is upon us, we wanted to share some lovely writing from Mary Edgar in the 1957 Canadian Camping Magazine:
From Vol 09 No 2 1957 Feb Canadian Camping Magazine
(Thanks to Joe Richards for his incredible archivist efforts!)
When Miss Mary Edgar delved into her knapsack of Memory, she wrote these verses for her campers, and they appeared in her first book Woodfire and Candle-light. Since it is now out of print, we reprint them for camp directors who will want to clip them and keep them “to recall all those happy adventures and friendships of camp days:
No more an earth-bound mortal, I Have climbed the pathways of the sky; Have brushed the clouds with silver wings
And matched the birds’ high wanderings.
The mighty hills their heads bend low As over their proud peaks I go;
I leap from cliff to precipice Above the canyon’s dim abyss.
Now the Painted Desert’s spread With canopies of grey and red,
Then patchwork fields of varied hue With here and there a lake of blue. On slender wings I seemed to poise Where far below like children’s toys Some tiny towns flashed into view, Then faded out as on I flew.
By western seas I hailed the dawn, Through azure skies I drifted on Beyond the sunset’s fading light Into the mystery of the night.
No more an earth-bound mortal, I Must ever keep the breadth of sky Within my heart, and strive to meet, The challenge of the infinte.