Tim Horton’s Camp life-changing for Kamloops kid

Jun 1, 2016 | 4:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — Camp day is the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, and through generous support, kids from communities across North America are benefitting. 

A Kamloops child and his family are sharing their experience, calling the camp, a life-changing opportunity.

When 11-year old Joshua Morin looks back at his time at camp, his face lights up and the memories come alive.
 

WATCH: Full report by Tanya Cronin

“It was awesome, I made a lot of friends,” says Morin.

Last year, Joshua attended Tim Horton’s Camp. He spent 10 days in Kananaskis County, Alberta, experiencing the Canadian Rockies, and doing things he never thought he would get to do.

“We went white water rafting, hiking, rock climbing, kyaking, and some nature stuff.”

A jam packed week full of fun, learning, building trust and friendships, Tim Horton’s Summer Camp is a much needed getaway for thousands of kids each year, kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go.

“Last year we were in a very difficult situation, came out of a very difficult situation as a family and we weren’t able to afford very much, we were living with many difficult struggles, leaving an unhealthy relationship, so to be able to afford a camp like this, we weren’t able to do,” says Lavina Boyd, Joshua’s Mother.

But through the Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops, during a tough time in his life Joshua embarked on what would become an unforgettable journey, that taught him to view himself differently, realize his true potential, and completely changed him.

“He was super shy and he was quiet and withdrawn but after the camp and after he made so many friends and connections especially with the group leaders, he had such an amazing time.”

Spread out over acres of picturesque property, the 7 different Tim Horton’s Camps in Canada and the United States, encourage kids to push forward, challenge themselves, and show them they are capable of doing anything.  

“With him going, now his siblings will be able to attend, and when he turns 13 he’ll be able to attend 5 years in a row, and train to become a leader in the camp and that’s one of his goals.”

“I want to teach other kids what the leaders taught me, they taught me new stuff, how to take over your anger,” says Morin.

With self-esteem, skills and the values he’s learned, Joshua is looking forward to the day he gets to give back, helping to turn other kids lives around, setting them on a more positive path. His mother is grateful for the life-changing experience her son was given.

“I would recommend many people donate and buy a coffee and support this day because it changed our family forever,” says Boyd.