Our impact

boy holding fish he caught

Stories of lasting change

Since 2005, we have helped over 250 boys at Crane Lake Discovery Camp. Our program has a profound impact on boys and their families. Every year, we see progress and growth, as boys learn to confront their problems and discover new life skills that set them up for a successful future. They return home, more equipped to engage life at home, school, and in their communities.

You can read some stories below from campers, their parents, and counsellors.

What campers are saying

  • "Camp is an opportunity to not exactly escape the problems at home, but to take a break and learn to deal with the tribulations of life. Camp is the opportunity to spend time in the calming beauty of nature, and to learn the skills required to work with others during sub-ideal situations. I was very glad to be part of this meaningful program."

    Daniel, former camper

  • "Camp teaches you how to respect yourself and love yourself so you can improve from your mistakes. Every time anyone made a mistake or an accident happened, there was no panic or judgment; we worked together as one and fixed it no matter how long it took."

    Christopher, former camper

  • "Camping this summer in the woods of Canada made me know myself better than I did before. Camp helped me to learn how to work as a group and do things that I can’t do in the city. I wish to always be a camper. Thanks for the good and bad times that I had which made me a stronger man."

    Yemeri, former camper

  • "Crane Lake Discovery Camp is a little bit of heaven away from pretty much hell. Back home people don’t care enough to get to know me or know my story. At camp, Counselors are patient and help you process life. I grew relationships with people I would not have otherwise met. There is also very good food."

    Andrew, former camper

  • "Crane Lake Discovery Camp is a place where I make people smile and laugh. I also learned a lot of skills on how to treat people with respect and how to deal with problems, like when people get mad or upset. I also know how to survive on my own if I ever was on my own; how to make meals and live in the wild. If you have a good idea, say it out loud, plan it and do it."

    Dawson, former camper

  • "At camp I learned how to swim, how to fish, and how to work with others."

    Ali, former camper

What others are saying

  • "We kept expecting the phone call that we always seemed to get, 'we have to send him home, this just is not working out' but it never came; in fact, when the going got tough they wanted him to stay longer!"

    Parent of camper

  • “All the skills he has learned at Crane Lake Discovery Camp have made him very successful. He works with a team. He has great work ethic. He's responsible. I am very proud."

    Mom of camper

  • "All the staff at Crane Lake Discovery Camp have this matchless ability to see beyond the surface of the child and facilitate the child’s awareness of their inherent worth."

    Richard A. Burrough, parent

  • "Jacob came home the first summer as a changed boy, his attitude, outlook on life, his whole demeanour had changed for the better. Jacob is on the right path to becoming a strong, successful and caring young man."

    Jessica, mom of camper

  • "My son was taught how to think beyond his own needs and desires and how to work through difficult challenges as a team player."

    Richard A. Burrough, parent

Read more stories…

Featured
They see beyond the surface of the child…

At the beginning, in considering a camp for our son, we were apprehensive. But now we highly recommend Crane Lake Discovery Camp to other parents.

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“I am very proud of my son”

When he returned home, he had grown taller, was of clear mind, and learned respect for himself and others. He was goal focused and able to enter Grade 9 healthy and happy.

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A parent’s story

We kept expecting the phone call that we always seemed to get, “we have to send him home, this just is not working out” but it never came; in fact, when the going got tough they wanted him to stay longer!

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A former camper’s story

After my parents divorced, I feared rejection. The time we spent together as a group really bonded us and showed me I could trust others. Now, I’m married and expecting our first baby.

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A mom’s story

Jacob came home the first summer as a changed boy, his attitude, outlook on life, his whole demeanour had changed for the better.

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A struggling youth finds hope

Camp teaches you how to respect yourself and love yourself so you can improve from your mistakes. Every time anyone made a mistake or an accident happened, there was no panic of judgment; we worked together as one and fixed it no matter how long it took.

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A counsellor’s perspective

As counsellors, our roles included anything from doctor, parent, teacher, to fishing guide, nutritionist, and referee. Determining what to speak—and when—was the most important task at each moment.

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