More Than Camp: Giving 60 Newcomer Kids Their First Camp Experience

We believe that every child deserves a chance to experience the joy, freedom, and growth that summer camp brings.

This year, we’re proud to announce a new partnership with CARI St-Laurent, a Montreal-based organization dedicated to helping immigrant families thrive. With a $30,000 donation from Valsef Dream Big Foundation, more than 60 children from underprivileged backgrounds are attending summer camps — almost completely free of charge.

For many of these kids, it’s their very first camp experience: discovering campfire songs, playing outdoor games, making new friends, and learning how to belong. Beyond the fun, it's a meaningful way for them to better integrate into the local culture and learn French in a playful, immersive environment.

Why This Matters

CARI St-Laurent works tirelessly with newcomer and vulnerable families, helping them integrate and access resources that can transform their lives. Summer camp isn’t just a fun seasonal activity — it’s a powerful tool for inclusion, socialization, and emotional well-being.

Many of these children might have experienced disruption, trauma, or isolation. Camp offers them the simple, vital opportunity to just be kids — free to explore, connect, and grow. And because we’re directly sponsoring the summer program, the cost has been brought down to less than $60 per child — for a full six weeks of camp. That’s impact at scale, where every dollar creates real, lasting change.

A Shared Vision

This partnership reflects our shared belief in the potential of every child, no matter where they come from. By supporting organizations like CARI St-Laurent, we’re not just funding programs — we’re building bridges, boosting confidence, and investing in a more inclusive future.

Looking Ahead

This summer, we’ll be following some of these incredible children as they step into their first camp experience — wide-eyed, full of hope, and eager to grow. We can’t wait to share their stories and video with you.

Thank you for continuing to believe in our mission to dream big and give big!