November 12, 2019   

By Dan Hunter B.A., Program Manager, Woodview-Churchill Day Treatment Programs (formerly Delta Day Treatment) in Hamilton

Partnership with Hamilton Mental Health Program

We have had the privilege of partnering with ProAction Cops and Kids through the Hamilton Police Services (HPS) for the last 3 years. This partnership was established when HPS assisted with one of our complex needs youths. A working rapport was established and the officers involved appreciated the type of work that our program was delivering and inquired,”How can we help the youths in your program?” Given our ever tightening “bottom lines”,a camp sponsorship program was the perfect fit. Having received a generous subsidy through the YMCA Camp Wanakita along with the significant donation of money and the gift of time from the Officers’ (through ProAction Cops and Kids),we are able to maintain THE highlight event of our school year.

Camp Wanakita Sponsorship Reaps Benefits

Our youth benefit from their camp experience in numerous ways. Firstly, they reap the benefits of exercise and exposure to nature to enhance their mental health. They are able to overcome any fears or anxiety associated with certain activities (i.e. the High Ropes Course). This in turn has a positive impact on individual self-esteem along with the sense of accomplishment associated with completing a group task. This also teaches our youths about trust and cooperation in attaining a collaborative goal. Our youths, along with our staff, participate in a wide range of outdoor winter games like broom ball, curling, XC skiing, night hikes, and the VERY popular High Ropes Course! These activities are cherished by our youth because they are F-U-N. It challenges their physical and mental limits and develops undiscovered talents and competencies. The impact is often immediate and awesome. To watch a youth move from”I can’t” or “I won’t” to “I DID!!” has numerous positive ripples and their success often resonates for months, even years following their camp experience.

Creating Positive Relationships Between Cops and Youth

Attending Camp Wanakita with Officers from the ProAction Cops and Kids allows our youths to engage with police in a positive manner, breaking down prejudices and negative stereotypes. They now see “cops” as caring and fun loving adults.

This year’s trip to YMCA Camp Wanakita takes place January 22-24, 2020.

On behalf of our programs, I would like to acknowledge the effort and partnership that we have developed with HPS Staff Sergeant Shane Groombridge for his role in bringing this GREAT ProAction-Cops and Kids opportunity to our youths and staff here at our Woodview-Churchill programs.

Renewed Sponsorship for 2020

We are thrilled to announce that our application to the Hamilton Police Services and ProAction Cops and Kids program has confirmed 100% sponsorship for the 2020 annual trek to Camp Wanakita in Haliburton during our semester changeover.Thank you ProAction Cops and Kids!