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Dear Parents, Guardians, Alumni, and Community;
We have some amazing news about Camp Banting. We’re going to need your help to make it happen.
As many of you know, Diabetes Canada made the decision in November of 2017 to discontinue its support of the Camp Banting program. This was difficult news to receive. For many of us, whether we’ve been involved with camp for a single summer or a lifetime, the thought of camp coming to an end was heartbreaking.
We’re not ready to mourn that loss just yet. We’re not ready to end sixty-four years of tradition in Eastern Ontario. We’re not ready to close the doors on the longest running diabetes camp in Canada.
For these reasons, we’re thrilled to announce that the tradition will continue.
In August 2018, camp will again open its doors to campers and celebrate its 65th season as the Sir Frederick Banting Memorial Camp.
Taking place at the end of August, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), the YMCA Bonnenfant Outdoor Centre, and a group of dedicated alumni will host an independently operated camp for children living with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Sarah Lawrence will resume her role as Camp Medical Director, leading her devoted team and continuing over two decades of experience in diabetes camping. Danielle McVicar, an alumni of the camp with over a decade of experience as staff and management in diabetes camps across the country, will take up the reins of Camp Director. Andrew Leonard, a former Assistant Director of Camp Banting and a substantial career in the camp industry will support the program as Operations Director. Dr. Sarah, Danielle, and Andrew have demonstrated an exemplary caring for diabetes camp programs in Eastern Ontario. All three are excited to be stewarding our camp into this new era.
Alumni and able others, we need your help. Running a program like this and starting new isn’t an easy option. We want to be able to provide camperships for families in need, we want to be able to continue the high-standard of programming that makes our camp special. If you are able, please consider donating to the #SaveBanting Fund to keep the spirit of camp alive.
Thank you so much for your kindnesses and ongoing support. We’re excited to have you on the shores of the Ottawa River this summer, whether it’s in spirit or in person.
Many thanks,
The Camp Team
