Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, July 16, 2007

HAY RIVER - Something brand-new for adults with disabilities in the Hay River area is happening this month - a summer camp.

"This is the first one ever in the NWT," said Betty Giesbrecht, a support worker in Hay River with the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities, which is presenting the camp.

The NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities is holding a summer camp in Hay River this month. The camp is being organized by Betty Giesbrecht, back, the council's support worker in Hay River, and among the participants will be, left to right, Caroline Arcand, Mike Lau-a and Mark McKay. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The Learning Skills Summer Camp is for persons 17-years-old and over,

It will offer a variety of activities, including bush survival, bird watching, fishing, trapping, beading, basket making, socializing, exercising, arts and crafts, berry picking, cooking and horseshoes.

People with disabilities in the Hay River area are eagerly anticipating the camp.

"I think it's a good idea," said Mark McKay, who is visually impaired. "It will give some people who don't get out a chance to meet other people and forget their disability for a while, if that's possible."

McKay added he hopes to have some fun at the camp.

Caroline Arcand is hoping the weather will be perfect for the camp and is looking forward to meeting people.

"It will be fun," Arcand said.

Lillian Crook, the chairperson of the Hay River Committee for Persons with Disabilities, said the camp will be good for the organization's clients.

"I think it is going to be such a great thing for these adults," she said.

Crook noted that people with physical and intellectual disabilities face a lack of opportunities for social interaction and recreation.

"It's going to get them out and socializing and doing some things they'd probably never have a chance to do," she said of the camp.

The camp will be held on private property at Delancey Estates, about 11 kilometres south of downtown Hay River.

The area features a teepee, gazebo, fire pits, a nature trail, horseshoes pitches and berry picking.

"Everything is there," said Giesbrecht, who is organizing the camp.

As of last week, 10 people in the Hay River area had signed up and there is room for a couple of more.

The camp will have two sessions - July 19-21 and July 26-28.

Giesbrecht explained one of the goals is to introduce the participants to various skills.

"It's to get them interested in something and get them out into the community to make a living," she said.

The camp is being funded with $8,769 from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

Giesbrecht hopes the summer camp will be the first of many. "We're hoping to run one every year.."