the reason for it all
not like you needed a reason but hey… it keeps it real
What is Camp Moomba?
Established in 1997, Camp Moomba is a specialized summer camp program for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Recognizing that isolation and discrimination are among the greatest challenges facing these children, we strive to give them a brief respite from their illness in a camp community based on equality, friendship, and support. For children whose lives are filled with instability and suffering from grief, loss, and illness, it is a place where the stigma of HIV/AIDS does not exist. 112 children, ranging from ages 6-17, attended Camp Moomba last year. Each year our wait list grows. Currently, we are the only camp in Canada for kids impacted by HIV.
Most children living with HIV/AIDS not only have to cope with the suffering and losses associated with the disease but also difficult socio-economic factors that may have helped bring the disease into their lives. Camp Moomba’s greatest impact comes from providing the children with respite from the difficulties in their lives, giving them the chance just to be kids.
"Moomba" is an Australian aboriginal word meaning "join together and have fun" and forms the Camp Moomba philosophy "Friends Together Having Fun."
Although HIV affects children from all walks of life, the majority of children at Camp Moomba cannot afford the cost of camp. For this reason, all costs, including transportation, are covered by the Western Canadian Pediatric AIDS Society and by the support and efforts of its many generous donors and volunteers.
A Poem from Camp
Each year at Camp Moomba, we end the week with a final campfire. It’s an exciting program because it is the last time that the campers are all together until next year. At the 2009 final campfire, Tony (name changed for privacy purposes), 15 years, read this poem that he had written. He is more than willing to share the poem with you.
It’s a place I wouldn’t want to leave
It has its charms and its quirks
It has its watered down juice
and its cold cold teepees
But it also has its bonds,
Which, though tested at times
Have always stayed strong
Whether it be those
Which have just been formed
Or those that have been made stronger
Than all others… those of siblings.
Where ever we go
no matter who we become
we shall not forget
who we were, what we did
what made us mad
what made us cry
what made us laugh
The Sun will always rise over Camp Moomba
The water will always be cold
But the memories will always be amazing
-Tony, 15, Camp Moomba Leadership Camper 2009
How do I Mail-in a Donation?
Donations can also be mailed to our office:
Camp Moomba
#223-119 West Pender Street
Vancouver BC
V6B 1S4
Charitable Tax #: 890618135RR0001
Contact e-mail: yoga@campmoombayogathon.com.
Contact phone: (604) 684-1701
Note: Cheques can be made out to: Camp Moomba.
