Creating spaces for learning, laughter, and belonging for children and youth in Waterloo Region
The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund has an annual grant stream that provides funding to camps for children and youth who reside in Waterloo Region and need financial assistance to attend camp.
In 2025, $280,000 was provided to 43 organizations to support kids in having a camp experience. Since the fund’s inception, more than $1.9 million has been distributed from the fund*.
We’ve highlighted five examples of programs supported by The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund in the last year, which included financial assistance provided through the Registry Theatre, to share a bit of the impact this grant stream makes annually for children and youth in our community:
Campfire Circle
Since 1983, Campfire Circle has brought healing through happiness to kids and their families. Campfire Circle provides free year-round programs for kids with cancer or serious illness and their families in pediatric hospitals across Ontario, in local communities, and at two medically supported overnight camps. Their camps are medically supported, offering 1:1 support, medical care, and accessible activities like archery, swimming and high ropes. Families can benefit from accessible transportation, and specialized programming, ensuring all can participate regardless of medical or financial barriers.
“Camp was just so beautiful. It was a great opportunity to socialize, to have that break for myself, and to see your child doing all those activities that a child of his age without any medical needs could do.”
“Everything was accessible. It was amazing that I could take my son with his wheelchair on the high ropes. This makes me very emotional, but I could never have imagined Muhammad doing that kind of activity.”
To learn more about Campfire Circle, visit campfirecircle.org
Drayton Entertainment
Drayton Entertainment is known for engaging all generations of Canadians in the magic of professional live theatre. Their Youth Summer Camps are designed to cultivate community, encourage leadership, and boost confidence for youth, all while providing them with the opportunity to learn practical skills from professional theatre artists. The arts-focused day camps offer activities in acting, singing, technical theatre, stage combat, and more.
“I cannot tell you how much it means to me to see that Zaley has found like-minded people like all of you and the students who attend. She loves music and acting so much that at times it seems to be bursting out of her, so it’s just so amazing that this program exists!”
“Your program is absolutely amazing and so nice to have an opportunity to inspire youth to enjoy the arts.”
For more information about Drayton Entertainment, including their Youth Summer Camps, visit draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com
Kind Minds Family Wellness
Kind Minds Family Wellness is a Black-led organization comprised of Black professionals with over 15 years of experience in trauma-informed work with individuals, families, and groups. Their Black Youth Impact: Leadership and Entrepreneurial Program is a free, culturally grounded initiative designed to empower Black youth in Waterloo Region.
This program offers workshops on cross-cultural leadership, entrepreneurship, racial trauma, identity, holistic wellness, healthy relationships, community advocacy, and more. Participants learn practical skills, like financial literacy and job readiness, and attend field trips to local Black-owned businesses.
“One youth’s story particularly captured the essence of our mission. She shared her feelings of shock, excitement, and pride upon learning that one of her favourite local ice cream shops was Black-owned, a discovery she made during one of the field trips during our program. She spoke about the daily barriers she faces as a young Black person, but noted that seeing a Black business thrive was incredibly empowering. It inspired her to see her own potential.”
For more information about Kind Minds Family Wellness and the programs and services they offer, visit kindmindsfamilywellness.org.
Pride Stables
Pride Stables offers therapeutic horseback riding programs for individuals with disabilities across Waterloo Region. Their Camp Pride program is a summer day camp open to children aged 6-12 years old and designed with differing abilities in mind. Participants learn how to ride and care for a horse. They take part in crafts, play games, and make new connections. The program is designed to ensure that each camper has an active, challenging, and fun summer camp experience.
“Campers ride “their” horse every morning and participate in a theme and age-appropriate craft activity. The afternoon is filled with horsemanship activities geared towards the ages and abilities of the campers. The focus is always on fun and inclusion.”
“Hi Candy, I just wanted to thank you for working so hard. I liked how you were very cooperative with me. The thing is that you got excited at some points, but you are a good listener. Thank you for letting me ride you.”
To learn more about Pride Stables, visit pridestables.com.
Silverheights Neighbourhood Association
Silverheights Neighbourhood Association provides recreational-based programs, activities and events to children and youth, and their families in the Silverheights community of Hespeler. Their SNA Summer Camp offers activities such as recreational games, STEM programming, arts and crafts, outdoor exploring, guest speakers, field trips, and more.
“The camp has exceeded our expectations in every way. The organization, the staff, the quality of the programming, the outings and the inclusive nature of the camp. We feel so happy to have found you all and look forward to having Brayden back next year!”
“My kids love it at SNA camp with you. The leaders are so engaged and kind, my kids look forward to hanging out with you and seeing what you have in store for them. Great program and staff, keep up the amazing work!”
For more information about Silverheights Neighbourhood Association and the programs they offer, visit silverheightsneighbourhood.com.
If you would like to learn more about The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund, which will be accepting applications between December 8, 2025, and January 21, 2026, visit wrcf.ca/kidstocamp.
*Note: Between 2000 and 2022, these funds were distributed through the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation and Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation. With the unification of those organizations as Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), funds in 2023 and beyond were distributed through WRCF.
