A Summer of connection for military youth Thanks to donor support, the Support Our Troops Summer Camps Program is helping military children find friendship, stability, and joy, even during times of change at home. For many Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families, summer can bring unique challenges, especially when preparing for a deployment. Through the generosity of donors across Canada, the Support Our Troops Summer Camps Program helps ease that burden by giving children the opportunity to simply be kids, building friendships, confidence, and resilience along the way. For Captain Hector MacDonald and his family, the program made a meaningful difference during a time of transition. “We are a military family who learned about the Support Our Troops program through other service members as we prepared for an upcoming deployment. We were always planning to have a summer camp experience for our daughter, but the opportunity to attend an SOT Camp program provided the unique environment of sharing the experience with children in similar home situations.” Thanks to the grant, their daughter attended Camp Maple Leaf, an experience that offered more than just summer fun. Surrounded by peers who understood the realities of military life, she was able to form meaningful connections and feel supported during a period of change at home. “The grant enabled our daughter to attend the camp and connect with new friends to share new experiences which supported her during this time of imbalance at home. It was an invaluable experience that she is eager and excited to attend again!” The Summer Camps Program provides eligible CAF families with reimbursement grants for registered day or overnight camps, offering flexibility and choice while helping to reduce financial strain. More importantly, it creates opportunities for children to grow, connect, and thrive, especially when family circumstances are uncertain or demanding. Stories like this are made possible by donors. Your support helps ensure military children across Canada can experience the joy, stability, and sense of belonging that summer camp provides. Together, we are helping military families stay strong, one summer at a time.