Staff help youth lean into new experiences by offering encouragement and support to face fears and overcome negative assumptions.

It was a beautiful Tuesday with scorching temperatures and sunny skies. While staff figured it was a perfect day for the beach others thought differently.

Convincing the youth at Samson House, an emergency receiving program at Corman Park, proved to be challenging but not impossible.

Once everyone was on board and at the beach, they enjoyed themselves and spent the day as every child should, wild and free.

“They got to be like every other kid doing fun things in the summer,” said Tandi van Tol, director of Group Living Services at Corman Park. “They enjoyed it so much they are making plans to go again.”

Youth and staff spent the day making memories and sharing laughs at Heritage Lake. They spent the afternoon swimming, canoeing, kayaking, floating on the maui mat, jumping on the water trampoline, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the sauna.

Kierra* a young girl intent on staying back, was gently encouraged to tag along and promised a day of adventure. Her hesitancy quickly faded as the group arrived at the beach. Kierra ended up having a wonderful day, spending nearly all the time in the water swimming with new friends and trying to canoe for the first time.  

“It was a great day for everyone,” said Cheryl-Ann Pambrun, youth care leader at Samson House. “It was rewarding to see the kids have so much fun with big smiles and laughs all day.”

Samson House is one of four Emergency Receiving (ER) programs at Ranch Ehrlo. The ER programs provide emergency care services to children and youth who need a place to live while the Ministry of Social Services determines the best care plan.

*Name changed to protect identity of the youth