At this time two decades ago the Trent Summer Sports Camp (TSSC) was getting set to launch its first season. That year, 85 campers would participate in Trent’s newest camp, which was led by 14 energetic and passionate staff. Today, the camp has grown to more than 800 campers and nearly 40 staff and is known throughout the community as one of the best summer camps around.

On Saturday, May 12, more than 100 people, including past and present TSSC families and staff, gathered at the new Trent Athletics Centre to help celebrate the camp’s milestone 20th anniversary. Among the guests was founding TSSC director Chris Kitchen, as well as former camp directors Bruce Emmerton, Julianna Stonehouse and Melanie Sedge. City of Peterborough Councillor Andrew Beamer also attended and made a special presentation to the TSSC on behalf of the Mayor and the City.

“It is wonderful to be celebrating the 20th anniversary season of the camp,” said Mr. Emmerton, who is the TSSC’s longest serving director from 1997 to 2008. “It was exciting to be involved in the camp in the formative years because we had the opportunity to develop the traditions - all those songs, chants, routines and moments that we celebrate each summer.  It is also very rewarding to hear from campers and staff about how camp changed their lives. That is the essence of what camping is all about - a magical place where we can grow and learn, and have a blast doing it!”

During the anniversary celebration, guests were treated to a number of activities, including face painting, bouncy castle, indoor rock climbing, games, a free family swim, and more. A slideshow featuring photos and highlights from the first two decades of camp was also shown and a barbecue was held with partial proceeds going to the Sharecamp program, which was established in 2000 to help bring deserving kids to camp at Trent. Through the Sharecamp program to date, more than 160 kids have participated in the TSSC who might otherwise not be able to come. For the 2012 20th Anniversary season alone, this program will help bring 22 deserving kids to camp.

“Summer camp is a special experience for both the campers and staff. Camp provides a unique setting where kids are able to develop many important life skills, play and explore in an accepting social environment,” said Kate Pearce, acting camp director for 2012. “We are fortunate to be based in a facility that provides so many unique activities and opportunities. This camp has been blessed with long standing support from the community.  It is an honour to be a part of such an amazing program. We look forward to another 20 years of fun, friendship and adventure.”

Join us for the TSSC’s 20th Anniversary season! Registration is now open and limited spaces are still available for ages 7-11. For more information, visit the TSSC website or call the Camp Office at (705) 748-1670. www.trentsummersportscamp.ca