Camp Winfield is celebrating its birthday, 50 years after opening its doors to kids with disabilities in and around Lake Country.

Charlene Krepiakevich, president and CEO with BC Easter Seals Camp, said it鈥檚 the longest running operation the nonprofit has in B.C.

Lions Club of Lake Country was a big driver in the camp鈥檚 creation, she said, and estimated at least 10,000 kids have been through the door since its inception.

鈥淟ots has happened over the years,鈥� she said.

READ MORE: Camp Winfield makes dreams come true

The week-long programs allow kids to get a unique experience, as well as provide a bit of downtime for parents.

鈥淚t鈥檚 inspiring to see what these kids can do when they鈥檙e in an environment that is encouraging and supportive and inspirational,鈥� she said.

On Saturday, Sept. 15, a benefit concert will be held, featuring local acts like Tiger Moon, followed by a $5 family celebration on Sunday, with entertainment, music and food trucks.

The Easter Seals Camps have two other camps, in Squamish and Shawnigan Lake, but they were put on hold this year due to the lack of funding, Krepiakevich said.

READ MORE: Easter Seals Camp Winfield finds support

She explained that operating a camp costs about $700,000 per year, or roughly $3,500 per camper. The cost to parents and guardians is $550 for younger children and $750 for youth.

鈥淭his summer we had 240 kids go through the doors,鈥� Krepiakevich said.

But Camp Winfield has remained strong, in part because of community support.

鈥淲hen you think of the last 50 years and how things have changed in general, it鈥檚 really a really a testament to the wonderful support we have in the Okanagan.鈥�

There鈥檚 also been a growing demand for camps for adults from ages 18 to 29.

Disabilities don鈥檛 stop at 18,Krepiakevich said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a growing demand for the older demographic.鈥�

The benefit concert starts at 4 p.m. Saturday followed by the family festival at 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets for the benefit concert are $30 and available online though .

carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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