Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Amici’s mission is to foster personal growth and life-long skills in children and youth with financial need through multi-year access to the unique environment of camp. We believe that all children have the right to discover their full potential, regardless of financial position, through the power of camp. We believe that camp has many positive impacts, including improving teamwork, leadership, confidence and optimism and we acknowledge that those from marginalized communities have been historically excluded from this environment.
Alongside a team of consultants, Amici has developed an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Charter and Strategic Roadmap. To Amici, EDI means promoting fairness through the acknowledgement of the needs of different individuals, and celebrating each person’s authentic self. In turn, this promotes an environment where everyone feels they are respected, valued and appreciated for their unique identities. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be practiced across the way we work and the services we provide to campers and camper families.
Amici recognizes that we are in a position to work with our partner camps to increase representational diversity and create inclusive camping experiences for children from equity-deserving groups. We will strengthen the confidence and trust that new and existing camper families have in the quality and benefits of the camp experience. We will prioritize equitable access to our services, ensuring that our campers represent the wide diversity in Ontario. Implementing this strategy remains our top priority as we work to dismantle the barriers to overnight camp that are experienced by equity-deserving groups in Ontario.
As an organization, we are prioritizing the development of a diverse team, board, partners, volunteers and donors. Through this, we can ensure that our programming and services are relevant, innovative and meet the needs of the young people we support.
We recognize that work in this space needs to be consistent and ongoing. We will continue to learn, face challenges, and prioritize feedback and collaboration from our community
Amici's Land Acknowledgment
Amici Children's Camp Charity recognizes that its work, and the work of its partner camps, take place on traditional Indigenous territories across the province. Amici acknowledges that its office is located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now the home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
Amici is committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation. We are working to reflect, learn and unlearn. We recognize that camping in Ontario and across North America is rooted in colonialism, and that many camp traditions have stereotyped and misappropriated Indigenous cultural practices. Amici supports the decision of our partner camps in removing appropriated Indigenous cultural practices and events within their camp culture.
In order to honour the Indigenous history of canoeing, it is crucial to acknowledge the use of the canoe as a tool of colonialism. The canoe was stolen by settlers who took and used canoes to further settlements, occupy land, and perpetuate acts of genocide. Canoes can symbolize colonialism and violence, but for many Indigenous communities they also symbolize resilience and strength. Amici honours the strength and resilience of the Canoe during Amici’s Canoe Heads for Kids annual fundraiser.
Amici Children's Camp Charity recognizes that its work, and the work of its partner camps, take place on traditional Indigenous territories across the province. Amici acknowledges that its office is located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now the home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.
