Everybody Plays at Summer Camp

Vivo is dedicated to removing barriers and ensuring equitable access to sport and recreation for all children and families, particularly those from low income households and children with disabilities. As a charity on a mission to create healthier generations, Vivo offers a range of accessible, inclusive spaces and wellness programs like swimming, skating, climbing, group fitness, preschool and summer camps. The Everybody Plays at Summer Camp idea will provide financial support to reduce barriers and ensure children with disabilities and children from low income families can participate in Vivo summer camps.

For families of children with disabilities, the cost of camp registration along with the additional cost of an aide often makes participation financially impossible. By subsidizing the camp registration fees, families are only responsible for the cost of providing an aide to accompany their child, removing a significant barrier and ensuring their children can participate in the inclusive camp experiences.

Additionally, subsidizing summer camp fees for low-income families helps ensure that financial hardship does not limit access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality recreation experiences for their children. Rising living costs and tough economic conditions are making it harder for many families to afford recreation programs such as summer camps. By offering subsidies, we ensure that financial hardship does not prevent children from participating in Vivo’s summer camps that are designed to inspire healthier generations, encourage physical activity, foster social connections, and develop confidence and independence with a focus on safety and community.

As the recipient of a free week of camp for her two children this past summer, Camille expressed what it meant to her, “As a mother of three, this free camp helped me a lot, especially with my mental health.This gave me a break, even though I still have a toddler with me. And I’m so happy they were able to go to summer camp for the very first time with Vivo. My kids have never had any paid activity because it’s expensive and we can’t just afford it.”

Vivo operates as a charity and is currently running a deficit, meaning that without funding support, we would not be able to provide these subsidies. Offering subsidies directly impacts our ability to break even, making funding support critical in ensuring children and youth have access to safe and inclusive recreation experiences.

Vivo serves a young, diverse and growing catchment area of over 180,000 people. In North Central Calgary over 40% of residents are immigrants, over 50% identify as a visible minority and 35.5% of households earn less than $80,000 per year (Environics Demographic Executive Summary, 2023). Additionally, 27% of Canadians 15 years of age and older have a disability (2022 Canadian Survey on Disability). This means that over 40,000 residents in North Central Calgary have a disability.

The need for financial assistance is growing in our community due to tough economic times and a rising number of immigrant families settling in North Central Calgary who are not able to afford recreation programs.

The Everybody Plays at Summer Camp idea will benefit children with disabilities and children from low-income families living in North Central Calgary. These children are most at risk of being excluded from recreation opportunities due to financial barriers. In addition, parents and caregivers will experience reduced stress knowing their children are safe, supported, and engaged in quality programs. As children develop more confidence, competence, improved physical health, and a greater sense of belonging, these benefits contribute to healthier, more connected families and communities.