BIRCH ISLAND—The UCCM Anishinaabe Youth Leadership Camp, held at the Rainbow Lodge At Sunshine Alley, has become a beacon of hope and transformation for at-risk Indigenous youth aged 13 to 17. Over the course of six days, participants engage in a unique blend of leadership development, cultural teachings and mentorship, all aimed at building self-worth and confidence.
Staff Sgt. Carrie Spry, representing the UCCM Police, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, emphasizing the critical role they play in fostering relationships and self-esteem within Indigenous communities. “This camp is not just about outdoor adventures; it’s about creating a safe and supportive environment where our youth can develop confidence and a deep respect for nature and wildlife,” said Staff Sgt. Spry.
The camp, which has been running since 2019, is a collaborative effort involving various agencies, including First Nations communities, the UCCM Police, and First Nations Health Centres. The program offers a wide range of activities, from traditional teachings by Elders to leadership training and problem-solving exercises, all designed to engage and inspire the youth.
“We also have our front desk lady, Anne Ziegler, and she cooks the whole week for us. Oh, and we have different officers come in and serve the kids as well. And so, it’s not like we’re not above you, we’re beside you. So, we serve you. We sit and eat with you. We do all the challenges with the kids,” said Staff Sgt. Spry.
“Building rapport with local youth through regular interactions and mentorship programs is at the core of what we do,” Staff Sgt. Spry continued. “Our approach is collaborative, focusing on re-education and community engagement. The Lighting the Fire Within program, for instance, has been a great success, winning grants that have made these vital community supports possible.”
Staff Sgt. Spry went on to tell The Expositor that it’s the UCCM Police’s focus to “build rapport with our youth, so that these kids, if they encounter something, they have very close bonds with police officers. Now we have officers who attend regularly in uniform. It just it normalizes the uniform.”
The camp also serves as a platform for personal growth, with many participants returning year after year, eventually transitioning from campers to mentors. Staff Sgt. Spry shared stories of youth overcoming challenges, describing how, by the third day, campers who struggled initially began to take ownership of tasks and support one another, regardless of their background.
Mental health support is another cornerstone of the camp, with counsellors like Sarah Seabrook offering free counselling services and helping youth connect with additional resources. This support fosters lasting bonds that extend beyond the camp, contributing to the ongoing development of these young individuals.
“Every year, we see remarkable progress in our campers,” said Staff Sgt. Spry. “They arrive unsure of themselves, but by the end of the week, they’re not only more confident but also more connected to their culture and community.”
The camp’s success is evident in the strong bonds formed among participants and the positive changes observed in their behaviour and attitudes. Staff Sgt. Spry and other organizers are committed to continuous improvement, regularly gathering feedback from the youth to enhance future camps. Plans are already underway to split the hikes into two days and provide more resources to further develop youth leadership.
As the camp concluded, the sense of community and shared purpose was palpable. “We are beside these kids every step of the way,” Staff Sgt. Spry said. “We eat with them, face challenges together, and ultimately, show them what life can be like in a stable, supportive environment.”
The UCCM Youth Leadership Camp is a powerful example of community, culture and compassion in shaping the futures of Indigenous youth. As Bonnie Pichoski, the camp’s founder, envisioned in 2019, this initiative continues to inspire and create positive change in the lives of young people, proving that with the right support, every child can thrive.
