Let's Talk About Homesickness!

by Colleen Wheatley MSW, RSW

For many of our campers, Camp Trailblazers is the first time they are away from home for several days at time. This means that one of the common concerns we hear from parents is "what if they get homesick?" The bad news is that it is normal for campers to experience homesickness at camp, the good news is that in the majority of cases (80%) or children experience low levels of homesickness that remains low throughout their time at camp and does not have a negative impact on their experience. Even more good news, is that there are steps we can take to decrease the level of homesickness in campers.

No More Excuses

by Patrycja Domurad

The first time I participated in an AboutFace program was the Adult Retreat this past June. I discovered AboutFace when I was 18, just past the cut-off point for Camp Trailblazers. My experience with the organization has been solely in a support-role through various fundraisers and volunteer stunts, advocating for programs that I believe in, but until this past June, I didn't really know.

When the opportunity came to attend this year's Adult Retreat, I was skeptical of myself. I thought I didn't need to get together and hash over some painful memories...

Events and Fundraisers

R.I.D.E. Muskoka

Sept 25-27, 2015, Muskoka, ON

Everyday, children and youth with facial differences face public and social challenges because they look different. Camp Trailblazers provides our youth with a life changing experience to help them cope, manage and embrace their daily journey.

YOU can be a help by participating in R.I.D.E. Muskoka - a cycling event. Funds raised go towards supporting programs including Camp Trailblazers so our youth can be champions too. Bring your friends, your family, or your corporate team, and support AboutFace. Our host for the weekend will be the historic Pow-Wow Point Lodge situated on the shores of the beautiful Peninsula Lake in the heart of Muskoka. Read about this and other events coming up...

Programs and Services

Camp Trailblazers

We are full swing into our Camp Trailblazers season with both our Nova Scotia and Ontario camps in the next couple of weeks. Camp Trailblazers provides a welcome escape for children ages 10 to 18 who are living with a facial difference. It is somewhere they can spend time together, throwing themselves into a whole range of outdoor activities, while challenging their own physical boundaries. Camp Trailblazers is also the perfect environment for simply sharing your thoughts, feelings and ideas with others. Registration is still open for our MB and NL camps!

Manitoba - September 17-20, 2015

*NEW* FAMILY CAMP TRAILBLAZERS (all ages)

Newfoundland & Labrador - Aug 20-22, 2015

Welcome to our new Board Members!

AboutFace would like to welcome our newest Board of Directors members - Dan McMullen and Dr. Michael Bezuhly. Both Mr. McMullen and Dr. Bezuhly have been involved with AboutFace in the past and have both volunteered at our Camp Trailblazers! They are a great addition to our board and we are very excited to welcome them.