The 2020 Family Retreats have given campers that had registered for our regular camp sessions the opportunity to enjoy everything camp has to offer while keeping their social circle within Government recommendations. It has seen the added benefit of welcoming the parents of campers to experience what their children have been telling them about every summer.
Our staff has been working tirelessly since we had to cancel the 2020 Medical Camp season to provide an alternative to the Zajac community. When the Province shared the idea of a family “bubble”, they got to work designing a cohort-based Family Retreat. It was evident we wouldn’t be able to run all of our activities because of sanitation concerns, but we knew a program would be created that checked all the required boxes.
Family groups have been able to enjoy swimming in Stave Lake, riding Abby through the trails, training to be the next Robin Hood, and visiting Jasmine the donkey. Each weekend has featured a jam-packed schedule of activities, meals, and entertainment.
The onsite staff this summer have been top-notch and we’d like to take a moment to properly recognize them. Camp Director Vera is exceptional in her leadership of Ranch staff and we don’t know what we would do without her! Stephanie, our Assistant Camp Director, and Kyla have been doing outstanding work taking care of the horses & petting zoo animals. Thank you to the counsellors who returned or joined us for the first time – you do truly amazing work.
Thoughts on our Family Retreats
“Horse! Fun! Yay! Teddy friend!” – Connor B.
“Zajac Ranch is a place of hope and acceptance for our campers. We’re excited to have found a way to invite them back and welcome their immediate family.” – Carmen Zajac, President
“Connor (who has Down syndrome & Autism) was very nervous about getting on a horse, it took him 3 tries to get on but once he did he loved it! All the rest of the day he kept saying ‘horse so fun!!’ The staff at Zajac are so wonderfully patient and supportive, our kids had a blast and so did we! Definitely coming back for family camp again!” – Christina B.
“Red Fox Healthy Living Society is grateful to the Zajac Ranch organization and donors for giving us an amazing experience at the Ranch…The staff at the Ranch were welcoming, friendly, and helpful. Everyone felt special and included. ”
– Emma Sutherland, Red Fox Healthy Living Society