Camp is a ‘rare experience’ for youth
Matthew Carson has been giving back to Toronto’s underserved communities by helping youth try their hands at photography.
He has been involved with Leave Out Violence Ontario — “LOVE,” for short — for about four years and enrolled in its leadership program last September. The national organization, which has branches across the country, uses media arts to quell adversity in the youths’ lives, concurrently helping them discover untapped potential.
“I didn’t think I’d be this involved with this program, really, but ever since I was with LOVE it became second nature to come and visit here,” the 20-year-old said. “Everyone will be your friend and everyone is there for each other.”
The types of violence challenging youth are manifold.
“It could include bullying, gangs, homophobia, racism, self-harm, anything that hurts,” executive director Lana Feinstein said.
The way to combat this, she said, is to assure them that “they’re capable, resilient, that they can overcome obstacles and barriers, that they’re able to achieve success and become leaders.”
Participating youths at the organization are picked to go to a weeklong leadership camp. This year, it will be hosted near Bromont, Que., between Aug. 21 and 25.
The Star’s Fresh Air Fund, which helps send disadvantaged and special needs children to overnight and day camps each summer, is a supporter of the getaway.
To the youths at LOVE, going to camp is the highlight of the year, Feinstein said, adding that the Star’s fund is essential to the success of the program.
“It’s a rare experience for them,” she said. “They’re moving from their urban experience to a beautiful, peaceful setting where they experience a feeling of safety and community, so it’s an ideal environment for them to tap into who it is they want to be and what the issues are they want to overcome.”
There are two components to the camp: recreational activities and workshops where youths can deliberate how to prevent violence and make healthy choices.
“They become inspired and motivated to be agents of positive change,” Feinstein said. Carson was chosen to be a camp leader in August. And it comes as no surprise that he’s looking forward to working with youths the most, who are coming in from all over Canada to attend the camp. “They’re always so open,” he said. “I like the freedom of teaching kids because they listen.” Goal: $650,000 To date: $504,207 How to donate: With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special needs children to camp. The experience gives them a break in life and memories to last a lifetime. Our target is $650,000. > By cheque: Mail to The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, One Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5E 1E6 > By credit card: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover, call 416-869-4847 > Online: For instant donations, use our secure form at: thestar.com/freshairfund