Organizers hope the third annual Youth Backyard Campout will stoke the fire for people who give in order to help the teens who need the fundraising campaign the most.
The campout, which happens July 29 to Aug. 1, will raise money for the youth in Simcoe County who are experiencing homelessness.
Jennifer Kaplinski, the assistant to the executive director for Youth Haven, said the organization started the Youth Backyard Campout two years ago as a way to raise money during the pandemic.
“We rely on a lot of fundraising events, and when COVID hit, everything was shut down. We couldn’t gather for events and I know it affected everyone, but it could have devastated us,” Kaplinski said. “Then it was strictly about camping in your backyard or living room and popping in virtually when you could.”
In 2021, there was a small in-person aspect, but still relatively online.
Kaplinski said everyone is happy about this year’s event because getting together is encouraged to help with the experience.
During the four-day window, participants are encouraged to pick a night to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, or set up a makeshift tent in their basement or living room.
Kaplinski hopes people will get into the camping spirit, no matter where they’re doing it, whether it’s fireside treats, campfire songs and stories, or playing games.
“There are so many fun campfire things you can do and, of course, we want you to record or take pics if possible,” she said. “The more visible we make this event, the better. It’s already an annual event and we want to make it huge.”
All proceeds will go toward supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness in Simcoe County and will help Youth Haven with its many programs that assist youth.
“We have counselling, teaching life skills, outreach programs, anything we can do to help youth in crisis and then also transition out to be ready for the world,” Kaplinksi said. “They may come to us in a crisis and when we get them up on two feet, they then need to know how to adjust and be responsible in life.
“They may not have the family unit to get that information, and so we help them with that,” she added.
The Youth Haven emergency shelter has 14 beds and the transitional shelter has 10.
In 2020, Youth Haven raised $2,425 through the campout, while last year saw more than $5,000 raised. This year, organizers want to reach $10,000.
“That’s the goal and, my goodness, it would do so much good for our programs,” Kaplinski said. “I do not like to fail, so we’re going for it and hope the community will get behind us because we’ll be pushing this out there.”
To get involved with a team for Youth Backyard Campout or to sponsor the event, head to the website by clicking here.
