YMCA Calgary is pleased to announce that it has received a $932,000 grant from the Government of Alberta's Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) for the revitalization of Camp Chief Hector YMCA (CCH), located in beautiful Kananaskis Country.
Operating year-round, CCH is a unique camping and outdoor education facility that focuses on youth but offers programs for everyone through summer camps, outdoor school, weekend programs for adults and families and meeting and event facilities. CCH is also the largest overnight camp in Alberta, hosting more than 12,000 guests annually and is home to approximately 275 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff every year.
"We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for their generous support of our Camp Chief Hector revitalization project,” said Shannon Doram, President and CEO of YMCA Calgary. “This grant will enable us to enhance this cherished facility and ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality camping and outdoor education experiences for Albertans of all ages and backgrounds. Camp Chief Hector YMCA is a special place where inclusion is encouraged, and where all people can connect with nature, learn new skills, make lasting friendships, and have fun. We are excited to share the magic of camp with more people for generations to come.”
This grant will help CCH continue to be that magical camp in the Rocky Mountains - where some of life's best stories come from. Funding from the CFEP grant will be targeted towards redeveloping fundamental camp amenities, replacing camper and staff accommodations, and implementing necessary infrastructure improvements.
“Summer camp is important for kids to grow, gain confidence, stay healthy and make new friends, and with this CFEP Grant, Camp Chief Hector YMCA can continue to share that magic,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Culture and Status of Women. “This funding will help upgrade and make camp facilities more accessible, allowing more young Albertans to take part in this tradition.”
Revitalizing CCH will allow YMCA Calgary to increase the number of campers it serves each year to 14,000 and will create approximately 200 construction jobs. It will also help to maintain a safe and sustainable camp for generations to come, supporting the physical and mental wellness of Albertans.