BrainChild
The Cause
The mission of BrainChild is to provide children-in-need, regardless of segregating factor such as socioeconomic status, differently-abled or unique needs, the opportunity to discover a love and passion for learning and engagement. In previous years we have held BrainChild at Telus Wold of Science Edmonton with the theme of science and animation. Plugged In Community Centres' (Plugged In) goal is to provide future themes of art, music, sport and academics. It is our mission to create a fun, interactive program of events such that children leave inspired and optimistic for the future.
BrainChild's vision is a community where no child is left behind; where all are nurtured; and provided the opportunities to build skills and capacity that lead them to graduate high school and go on to be productive members of society in adulthood.
Children and youth currently involved with Plugged In experience inclusive and supportive programming regardless of age, ability or any other potentially segregating factors.
It is with the needs of these types of children in mind that the idea for BrainChild was born, and it is our goal to have these children attend our event such that their lives can be enriched and a more appealing future open up for them.
Who Will it Benefit?
BrainChild will take one-hundred (100) kids-in-need and seventy-five (75) volunteer adult chaperones (3 adults per 4 children) to camp for free.
Our target children will be 8-14 year old children from The Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area (BGCBigs), whom attended our inaugural event last year, as well as 10-14 year old children from Plugged-In Community Centre Organization (Plugged In). (Note: BGCBigs provides no involvement nor funding to BrainChild, and simply provides us the opportunity to invite their program kids to our event.)
Children and youth in the BGCBigs program seek safe places and positive mentoring relationships that address their physical, emotional, academic and overall wellness.
Children and youth currently involved with Plugged In experience inclusive and supportive programming regardless of age, ability or any other potentially segregating factors. Plugged In is particularly proud that their recreational programs are specifically inclusion-based, with special attention given to the motor, sensory, cognitive and social needs of its patrons.
It is with the needs of these types of children in mind that the idea for BrainChild was born, and it is our goal to have these children attend our event such that their lives can be enriched and a more appealing future open up for them.
Our chaperones and event organizers will also benefit from this incredible day. Parents and guardians, Plugged In volunteers, as well as 'Bigs' (the big brothers and big sisters paired with children in the BGCBigs program) will get to experience a free, fun-filled day with these special children and youth, specifically designed to let them 'let their hair down' as well. In this way, we believe the child-adult relationships of our attendees will be strengthened.