Title: An Unforgettable Outdoor Adventure with Vision Youth

 

From August 20th to August 22nd, Vision Youth Leadership Program participants - Visioneers embarked on an exhilarating 3-day, 2-night outdoor camp at Camp Enobanah. This adventure aimed to cultivate crucial skills in communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal dynamics within the Visioneers.

Our journey began at 10 AM, as we boarded a bright yellow school bus from the community center and set off for the campsite. Upon arrival, the Visioneers dove straight into an activity focused on establishing ground rules for their time together. This set the stage for a collaborative and respectful environment.

The fun kicked off with a game called “Viking and Jelly,” where everyone formed a circle and took turns being the Viking by pointing "horns" at others. If you were pointed at, you became the new Viking, and the game continued in a lively rotation. Another favorite was “Big Wind Blows,” which involved one person in the center making statements, while everyone scrambled to find a new seat based on the statement. These games were not only entertaining but also helped the group bond and interact playfully.

After a satisfying lunch, we took to the water for canoeing. The Visioneers learned essential skills for rowing and steering their canoes, which came in handy during the next day's adventures. Dinner featured a delicious barbecue followed by a modified version of “Capture the Flag,” before we all turned in for the night.

The next day began with a canoe race, a combination of competition and fun. Jessemar and Ethan emerged as the victors. Later, we played “Capture the Flag” on the water. During this game, a boat capsized, and Alex and Paco needed assistance. Addie and I took on the task of securing the boat using the canoe rescue technique -  “canoe over canoe” . This experience was not only a chance to learn new skills but also a testament to our teamwork. Thanks to Addie’s guidance, I also picked up how to steer from the back of the canoe.

As night fell, we gathered around the campfire for a skit performance. Travis, Tara, and Jessemar’s hilarious take on the Big Bad Wolf won the audience over. The evening took a spooky turn when Addie spun a silly, scary tale. While most of us found the story amusing, the girls were genuinely spooked by the “old white man” character. In response, we went to the boys' cabin for protection, receiving various makeshift weapons, including a pocket knife from Paco and some marshmallow roasting spears. The boys, even the pranksters, joined in the fun, throwing random objects as part of our playful defense.

On our final morning, we packed up, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, and tackled a few more games. My personal favorite was the spider web game, where a rope web was strung between trees, and we had to figure out how to pass everyone through without touching the ropes or reusing holes. Initially, our lack of communication made the challenge tough, but we eventually worked together and succeeded.

Reflecting on the trip, it was clear that this was more than just an outdoor camp adventure—it was a unique learning experience that offered both fun and growth. Whether or not I would choose to return with the Visioneers is still uncertain, but the memories and lessons from Camp Enobanah are something I will cherish.

Stem Cell Drive 9/8/2024 - 11/8/2024

 On August 9th, August 10th, and August 11th, Vision Youth organized a Stem Cell Drive in cooperation with the Canadian Blood Services. Our dedicated team embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of stem cell therapy and encourage individuals to register as potential donors. Our ultimate goal was to provide crucial support to critically ill patients in need of stem cell transplants.

The journey began with some challenges on the first day, as the festival was situated in a secluded area with fewer festival-goers than expected. However, undeterred by the circumstances, our team of volunteers worked tirelessly and managed to register 7 individuals. It was a testament to their unwavering commitment and determination.

Building on this momentum, the second day brought a remarkable improvement, with 22 individuals registering as potential stem cell donors. Despite facing moments of discouragement, our volunteers remained steadfast, their unwavering dedication leaving a profound impact on everyone involved.

The final day of the event was nothing short of extraordinary, as 25 individuals stepped forward and registered. With the support of our incredible team of 6 dedicated volunteers, we were able to achieve this remarkable feat. Their passion and enthusiasm, coupled with their unwavering resolve, truly epitomized the spirit of selflessness and community service.

The entire experience was nothing short of enriching, and I am immensely proud of the dedication and effort demonstrated by our team. Their unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark, and I am filled with gratitude for having been part of such a remarkable event. Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate future initiatives that will continue to make a positive impact in our community, inspired by the selflessness and dedication of all those who joined us in this meaningful cause.

Multicultural Walk 2024

 On July 21st, 2024, our Bronze Visioneers participated in our annual Multicultural Walk. The purpose of this event was to encourage youth to learn more about the history and culture of Toronto. 

The Visioneers worked in their teams to complete a scavenger hunt. They explored the various neighborhoods to solve riddles based on notable landmarks.

They started the day at Nathan Phillips Square, the home of Toronto City Hall. The Visioneers learned about the many sculptures and architectural features of the square that represent Toronto’s international population and Canada’s role on the global stage. One task took them to the Peace Garden. This garden commemorates the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It contains water from Nagasaki and an eternal flame ignited from the Peace Flame in Hiroshima. This garden symbolizes hope and a commitment to world peace. 

Group photo before a long day!

Team Raptors with Three Way Piece No.2: Archer by Henry Moore.

After completing all the tasks in Nathan Phillips Square, they made their way to Grange Park. This is a prominent park that neighbors important Toronto buildings such as OCAD University, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and The Grange (one of Toronto’s oldest surviving brick houses). One feature of this park is the many granite paving stones with quotes from notable Canadian figures. Do you know which Canadian author said this?

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”

Team West Virginia’s submission for a team photo that represents teamwork.

Next stop, Chinatown! Here, the students solved riddles about Chinese menu items, historical buildings, and cultural landmarks. Did you know that before this neighborhood became known as Chinatown, it was a Jewish community? The Visioneers traced this history through The Standard Theatre. When it was completed in 1921, it became the first theatre in North America built to perform Yiddish language plays. This theatre eventually became a Chinese movie theatre in 1975 before closing in 1994. 

 

Do you know what Chinese character the outline of these two sculptures make?

Afterwards, the Visioneers visited the vibrant Kensington Market neighborhood. This is a diverse neighborhood that is influenced by cultures such as Chinese, Portuguese, Caribbean, and Jewish. Kensington Market is home to many vintage and thrift stores, international cuisines, and street art. 

Team West Virginia with the Cat on a Globe sculpture.

Little Italy

Finally, the two teams arrived at the last neighborhood, Little Italy, known for its authentic restaurants and cafes. The Visioneers learned about famous Italian-Canadians by walking along the Italian Walk of Fame and visited an iconic neighborhood institution, Cafe Diplomatico.

Cafe Diplomatico or “The Dip”. 

After a long day of walking, the Visioneers reflected that they got to know each other better, practiced teamwork, and discovered new parts of the city.

A Day of Camaraderie and Sportsmanship: The 2024 Charity Soccer Tournament

 

The 2024 Charity Soccer Tournament organized by Vision Youth was a day filled with excitement and community spirit. With 22 teams across four categories, the tournament aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise funds for a noble cause. Over 400 participants and numerous enthusiastic spectators gathered at the Breczy Soccer Fields, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Arriving at 7:15 to help set up gazebos and soccer goals, the volunteers and teams prepared for intense competition. Amidst the sweltering heat, the soccer field buzzed with energy as talented kids and adults geared up for a day of friendly competition.

The Exhibition match between the York Region Police and the City of Markham Soccer Team and the friendly game between SFC and Millennium United were both a highlight of the event The intense matches drew cheers from the crowd, ending with a 2-0 victory for the York Region Police soccer team and a 1-0 victory for SFC. Congratulations to the winning teams!

The tournament raised over $9000, thanks to the generous support of sponsors such as Café Hollywood, Daily Seafood, ETC Insurance, along with other valued contributors. Their support played a vital role in making the event a resounding success.

Throughout the day, the tournament highlighted the community's exceptional sportsmanship and the remarkable talent of the participants, especially the young teams. After a day filled with intense competition, Seahorse emerged as the Over-Fifty Five tournament champion, with Super Friends Club as the first runner-up. In the Under-twelve category, TOCA claimed the top spot, and TCSA secured the first runner-up position. The Under-Ten division saw TOCA take the victory, with J7 as the first runner-up and LVLUP as the second runner-up. Lastly, in the Under-eight category, TOCA emerged victorious, with Bear Cubs securing the first runner-up position.

The tournament concluded on a high note, with a heartfelt thank you extended to all the participants and congratulations to the well-deserved winners. It was an unforgettable day filled with incredible displays of sportsmanship, fierce competition, and unwavering community support.

The event was a true testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and promoting a shared sense of camaraderie. As the sun set on the Breczy Soccer Fields, it marked the end of a day filled with meaningful connections, friendly competition, and a shared love for the beautiful game.

Stem Cell Drive 5/7/2024 - 7/7/2024

    On July 5th, July 6th, and July 7th, Vision Youth organized a Stem Cell Drive in cooperation with the Canadian Blood Services. Our primary objective was to raise awareness about stem cell therapy's importance and inspire individuals to register as potential stem cell donors, ultimately aiming to support critically ill patients in need of stem cell transplants.

    The first day of the festival presented some initial challenges as we faced rejections and struggled to capture the attention of festival-goers. However, with perseverance and refined engagement strategies, we successfully registered 15 individuals, making a positive outcome despite the initial obstacles.

    Day two proved to be more manageable, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. Although there were moments of discouragement, two exceptional volunteers, with training and guidance, successfully registered 30 individuals. Their unwavering determination was truly inspiring and served as a testament to the impact of their hard work.

    The final day of the event surpassed our expectations as we registered a total of 39 people. Our volunteers' determination and passion made the registration process smoother and more effective. Each volunteer was tasked to register at least five people, a target that was achieved by three volunteers who had faced challenges in the preceding days. Recognizing their accomplishments, they were granted a well-deserved half-hour break to celebrate their success.

    The entire experience was enriching, and we are immensely proud of the dedication and effort demonstrated by our volunteers. We are grateful to have been part of such a meaningful event and eagerly anticipate future initiatives that aim to make a positive impact in our community.