I wanted to write a blog about the May House family camp this year so others can hear about the success from the trip.

Camp took place from Aug 27 until 28, 2012 at Camp Okema on Emma Lake. May House had over 30 people attend the camp and most of our youth (seven out of nine) had family present. 

Some youth just had siblings attend others had mothers, fathers, aunts, and/or foster parents. It was great to see all the different faces and get to connect with the families in a more relaxed setting, tons of fun was had by all.

Each family had their own cabin and Camp Okema even has a private beach for us to use.  Unit manager Cam Banning and caseworker Dianna Stang attended the camp with a few youth care workers and it was a great group.

 Some of the planned family events included: 

• A trust walk…families had to walk each other blind folded through obstacles. Good comedy!!    


• A sand castle building contest.


• A relay race and obstacle course including a canoeing portion.


• A scavenger hunt with first place trophies.

May House also had the pleasure of using the EAT (equine assisted therapy)  horse program in Buckland. Families had to use teamwork and communication skills to guide horses into stalls. It was fun to see the adults struggle with this and the youth take charge as they were all much more comfortable with the horses. 

In the spare time families got to relax on the beach, swim canoe, play soccer, and basketball. There was also great food and a huge campfire with smores!

We plan on doing another family camp next year.