GDI Partners with Camp Tamarack for Kids Camp

Gabriel Dumont Institute; Saskatchewan; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job description

GDI Partners with Camp Tamarack for Kids Camp

This year, GDI Training and Employment partnered with the Camp Tamarack Foundation to take Aboriginal children with learning disabilities to a summer camp. Established in 1977 by two Saskatoon teachers, Camp Tamarack enables Aboriginal children with learning disabilities to attend school during the summer while enjoying camp life. The camp helps keep children engaged in learning, while fostering independence and confidence. Children are referred by teachers and parents from across the province.

Lyla Phillips, a third-year SUNTEP student, participated in Camp Tamarack through the GDI Training and Employment student subsidy program. She observed, “It builds their confidence. The difference is visible; when the children arrive, they are shy and timid. A few days later, they are happy, confident, and enjoy new friends. At the end of the camp, many say they want to return next year.” Lyla’s supervisor, Linda Slough, also the Executive Director, noted that teachers like Lyla bring innovative pedagogies and learn new skills themselves.

I visited the camp for an on-site follow-up with Lyla and Linda, and was surprised to see two former GDI clients, Christine Quenelle and Amanda Goller, SUNTEP graduates who had previously participated as summer students. We discussed their contributions to Camp Tamarack, including starting a “Métis Evening” featuring Métis jigging, cultural discussions, bannock making, and storytelling. They expressed interest in returning for summer jobs, valuing the opportunity to develop skills in working with children with learning disabilities—skills they will carry into their teaching careers. This partnership benefits the camp by bringing in educated Métis youth who share their culture, and the students gain practical experience applicable to their future classrooms.

GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment, and cultural institute serving Métis communities across the province.