Angela McArthur is a lady with a big heart, a love of children, and a vision to improve the lives of young people at White Bear First Nation. She was brought up in Tabor, Alberta and has been living at White Bear for the last six years. She's run the meals program at the White Bear School, and the restaurant at the golf course, and now she is directing her considerable energy and ability, to the implementation of a day camp for kids aged 6 to 12.
"We always had day camp programs in Alberta" she said, "and I wanted to do it here." And so, as part of the "Get Active Homemaker's Club," Angela and a dedicated group of volunteers, decided to use their spare time to create a camp that promotes both mental and physical activity in children. The camp is being held twice a week (weather permitting) at the Four Nations Care Lodge, through the months of July and August, and it is already a resounding success.
"We had 20 children the first day, then 25 the next, then 30 the next" McArthur says with smile. "We can probably go to a maximum of 50." And yet, even with these numbers, McArthur views this as a small start to something potentially very large. Looking ahead into 2012 she envisions more programs for not only the 6 through 12 age group, but also teenagers. "We've not gone to the Chief or Council" she explains, "and we've not gone for help to the government either, we want to show what we can do first. We want to demonstrate community willingness, the support of parents, and the help of local groups."
Certainly this first program has already exhibited all these factors. There have been several volunteers that have shown willingness to be part of the program by giving their time, and local individuals and businesses have helped out with donations too. "The Pentecostal Church sponsored the jump-jump, and we've been helped by Fields, Home Hardware, Carlyle Bakery, Pharmasave and the mini-golf" she said. "We're talking with other businesses too, and of course we are grateful to have the use of the Care Lodge."
McArthur is quick to thank the people who are making this program a reality. "Not everyone can make it every camp date, but I want their efforts to be recognized. Stacey Lonethunder, Wanda Lonechild, Leon Lonechild, Aaron Wasacase, Dylan Williams, Sheldon Lonethunder, Deedee Lonethunder, Shaneese Lonethunder, Janina Kakakaway and the custodians of White Bear School Joseph Lonechild and Clyde Lonethunder for being helpful with the gym equipment. Thanks also to Carolyn Standingready, Charlean Eashappi, Francis and Betty McArthur and Perry Isaac. Great appreciation also goes out to the parents that bring their children and other children as well."
McArthur would like to invite more people to share their talents with the children. "This camp is to bring more awareness and involvement not only within the community but also surrounding communities as well. I would love it if we could get demonstrations, for example skateboarders, motocross, equestrian, figure skaters, weightlifters, waterskiers, cross country skiers, dancers, yoga for kids, kayaking, canoeing... the list could go on and on! We don't need professionals, just need the experience to show the children that they too can learn to apply themselves! We have many children here that can learn from demonstrations, they just don't know how or where to go. Anyone interested in showing our children their area of expertise can contact me at my email, angelamcarthur@live.ca"
