Christie Lake Kids

Building Skills, Transforming Lives Christie Lake Kids offers recreational and skill development programs at no cost to economically disadvantaged children in the Ottawa area between the ages of 6-17 years old. Through our programs we assist children and youth to develop skills in the arts, recreation and athletics, which in turn builds leadership skills, self-confidence and the positive outlook that they need to break out of the poverty cycle and become young people contributing back to society. Offering year-round programming within the urban housing envronment and at camp, Christie Lake Kids recognizes that in order to grow into healthy adults, all children need opportunities to: •Build life and recreational skills through artistic and athletic activities •Build and improve self-esteem •Be exposed to positive role models •Gain an appreciation for art and culture •Experience success and accomplishment Christie Lake Kids programs are based on the following basic principles: •All kids deserve a safe, healthy childhood. •All kids deserve the opportunity to learn, to achieve, and to succeed. •Teaching skills of all kinds not only builds that particular skill, it also builds self-esteem, social skills, and other positive qualities. •Children from low-income families deserve the same recreational and skill development opportunities as other children. •Caring for children and youth is not just a private issue, it is a collective responsibility