March 22, 2023

By Flora Ennis, Executive Director

Our History

Camp Unity started in Brantford in 2011 out of a need in our community to support children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). What started as a dream became a plan, and finally became a reality.  Where previously, there wasn’t much support available to families, we were able to offer a summer camp that created a supportive learning environment for children and youth with FASD (or with like symptoms). Camp Unity was new, different, it was AMAZING!

We wanted to bridge the summertime learning gap between June and September and offer a therapeutic environment to promote social and emotional growth for children and youth, as well as providing respite for parents and caregivers.

Camp Unity continued to develop over the years, eventually offering a leadership program for youth, aged 12 years and over, incidentally named Friends Assisting and Supporting Development (FASD).

Background

As we continued to evaluate the sustainability of Camp Unity, it became apparent that there was a need to shift our programming to better meet the changing needs in our community.

As a fee-for-service program, Camp Unity was supported year after year by the generosity of Donors and Grant funders without whose support we would not have been able to run the program!

As the demand for the summer camp changed and funding challenges emerged, it became increasingly challenging to hire staff for a seasonal program.

To compensate, the duration of the camp decreased over the years to eventually only offering two (out of the previously offered six) weeks through the summer.

We were met with increased challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic which exacerbated the issue.

The Next Chapter

Woodview is still committed to supporting youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder! We recognize the need in the community for FASD resources for youth, and so, we are shifting focus to supporting adolescents and young adults.

Here’s what we’re going to do:

• We will grow and develop the Friends Assisting and Supporting Development (FASD) program where youth 12 years and up can attend on a weekly basis. This program will be offered year-round.
• We will increase leadership opportunities for youth in the community through our expanded model of the FASD program while maintaining a social and skill-building experience.
• We will continue to provide consultation to local summer camps and other organizations as needed.
• We welcome all past Camp Unity participants ages 12 years and up to access Woodview’s Youth Hub at Woodview in the Square, 120 Colborne St, Unit 106-107 (Harmony Square), in downtown Brantford.

Community FASD Support

• Contact Brant continues to provide Service Coordination support to families of children and youth who have FASD, or suspected FASD. These services are funded by the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services. For more information, please visit Contact Brant.
• A monthly FASD Caregiver Support Group is offered in Brant.

Last but not least… Thank You!

Woodview, along with our Camp Unity community partners, would like to extend a MASSIVE thank you to all who have supported this unique summer camp experience.

We are truly grateful for the support we have received from our Grant Funders, Donors, staff and volunteers. A special thank you goes to our campers and their families/caregivers. We are honoured to have been a part of your lives – you taught us so much through your enthusiasm and resilience. Camp Unity would not have been possible without you!

We hope you will continue to support Woodview and our many other programs and initiatives that support the children, youth, adults and families that we serve so we can continue to inspire hope and strengthen lives for years to come.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we journey together in supporting youth with FASD.