Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are working to minimize the impacts of the postal service disruption.
Les ministères, les sociétés d’État et les organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan travaillent à réduire au minimum les répercussions de l’interruption des services postaux.
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Every summer, the Ministry of Social Services seasonal respite camps provide people with intellectual disabilities a week of connection, recreation and independence.
Located in Candle Lake in northern Saskatchewan, Camp Thunderbird has been running since 1963. Each summer, it welcomes over 200 campers from across the province. Campers come from family homes, group homes, Approved Private Service Homes, and Supported Independent Living Programs. While they enjoy a week of activities and friendship, caregivers use the time to rest and recharge.
“For many caregivers, that week of respite means the chance to catch up on a variety of things like home renovations,” Camp Coordinator Dee Cole shared. “And for campers, it’s the best week ever because their needs, wants, and dreams are at the centre.”
Every day offers a new experience, from hiking, swimming and boating to participating in talent shows and singing around a campfire. Campers typically have their suitcases packed well in advance as they anticipate the fun activities, delicious food and seeing old friends.
“Every week ends with a Thursday banquet, a beloved tradition filled with themed costumes, awards and celebrations. “We always hear the same words that make it all worth it: ‘I’m coming back next year,’” Dee said.
For caregivers and campers, respite camps are just as important. Elaine Haldorson, who has provided full-time care in her home for over a decade, describes the week as a chance to recharge.
“My residents look forward to camp all year,” she said. “I do too, because I’m able to do chores I could not do the rest of the year, and take a little holiday to visit friends.”
Camp Thunderbird would not be successful without the dedicated people who bring the camp experience to life. Many of the camp counsellors and staff are students hired through the Government of Saskatchewan’s summer student program, and they find their own lives enriched, learning invaluable lessons in empathy, patience and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
“Every day feels brand new, full of excitement and love. Seeing how safe and joyful the campers feel, and knowing I get to help create that experience, is the most amazing feeling in the world,” Ava Helgason, a first-year counsellor, explained.
“I was kind of nervous at first because I've never worked a job like this, but it changed my thinking, and I changed what I was doing in university because of this job,” returning counsellor Macy Boesnch shared.
This past summer, when wildfires spread through northern Saskatchewan, Camp Thunderbird faced an unexpected challenge.
“We had more than 200 campers scheduled to attend,” Dee explained. “The fires were getting close, and there was a lot of uncertainty. But one thing was clear; camp couldn’t be cancelled.”
Through quick thinking, compassion and teamwork, Social Services and SaskAbilities worked together to relocate the entire operation to Camp Easter Seal at Manitou Beach, ensuring campers still received the week they had been looking forward to all year.
Steve Grove, Camp Easter Seal Manager at SaskAbilities, reflected on the summer. “SaskAbilities is dedicated to supporting people experiencing disability with programs and services to enhance their lives. It was a privilege to share in Camp Thunderbird’s traditions and create memorable experiences for campers together.”
This year also marks a significant milestone for SaskAbilities, and Steve further shared, “We were honoured to partner with the Ministry of Social Services to welcome campers and staff from Camp Thunderbird to Camp Easter Seal this summer, especially as our organization celebrates our 75th anniversary.”
The relocation of the camp wasn’t easy. “Some of our team members were just 19 and brand new to the work,” Dee recalled. “They expected to live five minutes from camp, but instead they had to relocate three and a half hours away. Still, every single one showed up. Their commitment made it possible.”
“It was hectic at first, but everyone pulled together,” said Ava. “Even though we weren’t at our usual site, our focus was on giving campers the same fun, safe experience they deserve.”
Macy agreed. “It doesn’t matter where we are; it’s the people who make camp special. For some of us, it might be our fifth or sixth week, but for the campers, it’s the one week they’ve looked forward to all year. That’s a big responsibility – to make it worth their while.”
“We are incredibly proud of the teamwork shown between SaskAbilities and the Ministry of Social Services,” Steve explained. “Together, we were able to pivot quickly and work side by side to create a fun, meaningful and memorable summer experience for all of our campers and staff. This collaboration truly demonstrated what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose.”
After two weeks away, Camp Thunderbird returned to Candle Lake to finish the season, serving more than 200 campers by the end of summer, just as planned.
“In the middle of chaos, our team stayed calm and focused on what mattered most: the people we serve,” Dee concluded. “That’s what being one team and serving citizens is all about.”
“It brought our team and community tremendous joy to welcome Camp Thunderbird campers and staff to Camp Easter Seal and SaskAbilities. Sharing our beautiful lakeside property and accessible facilities with others is at the heart of who we are. We are proud to create a space where people can connect, build friendships, and experience the magic of camp together,” said Steve.
To learn more about crisis and respite services, including our seasonal camps, download the Crisis and Respite Services About Sheet.
Students interested in meaningful summer work opportunities can visit the Government of Saskatchewan Summer Student Program web page.
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