one by one®: Canmore Community Childcare
When Canmore Community Childcare’s executive director, Julie Julian, led a field trip to a zoo last summer, she realized it was a challenge to keep an eye on the children once mixed into a public crowd. That won’t be an issue anymore, after she used a one by one grant to buy brightly colored T-shirts for all the students to wear. Part safety tool, part keepsake, Canmore’s summer camp shirts were bound to be a hit.
A stimulating and nurturing childcare center
Canmore Community Childcare in Canmore, Alberta, is a nonprofit that’s been operating for 45 years. It offers daycare, out-of-school care and junior kindergarten to families in the Bow Valley. Its daycare serves children ages 1 to 4 and its out-of-school program—which includes an eight-week summer session—is for kids ages 5 to 12.
Staff members—about 40 in total—focus on the organization’s core values, which include learning partnerships, community collaboration, volunteerism, accessibility and building strong relationships. “Our mission is to support Bow Valley families and the development of each child through a stimulating and nurturing environment,” Julian said.
Plenty to take away, including summer camp shirts
This summer, Julian expects to have about 150 children enrolled in the out-of-school program. Over eight weeks, participants take part in a wide array of activities. In past years, students have gone bowling, ventured to indoor rock-climbing centers, went in-line skating, enjoyed chef-led cooking lessons, visited a science museum in nearby Calgary and much more.
Being that Canmore is located in the Rocky Mountains, there is plenty of outdoor programming as well. Children go fishing, orienteering and snowshoeing, for example. “Our kids spend a lot of time outside,” Julian said. “A lot of people are outdoor-oriented here, when living with this playground in our backyard.”
By the time summer arrives, the out-of-school kids will have bright orange T-shirts so adult chaperones can keep them together and safe through all their adventures. “The main purpose of the shirts is safety,” Julian said. “But it’s also about celebrating who we are. I know with my own kids, they always loved when there was something to take away from a camp.”
A note from Cheryl
It sounds like the children taking part in Canmore Community Childcare’s programming have a blast, learn a lot and make great memories. We’re happy to hear that brightly colored summer camp shirts will help them stand out and stay safe. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.