Camp for ex-foster kids bad for everyone

I grew up next to Boysdale Camp and I remember being chased by the boys and shot at with slingshots. Even when this camp was for children 14 and under, there were community issues.

I was surprised then to learn of the proposal to reopen this long-vacant summer camp to house ex-foster kids in 52 trailers for 22-day rotations, including theatre therapy and a Hawaiian holiday, with no after-care plans.

Any time there is the opportunity for a rehabilitation centre or shelter, there are issues for neighbours. I know this because, as a social worker, I have worked for 25 years on issues of marginalization, oppression and social justice. It would be an error to paint the concerns of neighbours — including my parents who have lived there for 40 years — as those of NIMBYs.

The lack of insight, planning, critical thinking and systemic change required to truly help this population of aged-out foster kids puts not only the neighbouring community at risk but the disenfranchised young adults they claim to serve. Housing 52 individual trailers on a site designed for a few cabins is like opening a revolving motel.

While I support the idea of theatre as a means for working through self-hate, shame, depression and attachment issues, a week or two of camp and a trip to Hawaii afterwards is a recipe for disaster, never mind the price tag.

Tania Zulkoskey, Vancouver