CAMP F.A.C.E.S. Support Camp
What is Camp F.A.C.E.S?
(Family and Children of Emergency Services)
Emergency services inherently entail high-risk occupations, where tragic losses are a stark reality, not only through line-of-duty deaths but also due to member suicides or sudden deaths. The impact of such losses on families is profound and exceptionally challenging to navigate. Regrettably, for children, this experience of loss is intensified, often accompanied by feelings of confusion, anger, fear, isolation, and depression.
Camp F.A.C.E.S. provides families grappling with such heartbreak a sanctuary where they can come together with others who share similar experiences. Supported by trained personnel and mental health experts, these families are offered invaluable opportunities to learn effective coping mechanisms, cultivate resilience, establish meaningful connections, and forge lifelong friendships.
Through shared experiences and compassionate guidance, Camp F.A.C.E.S. serves as a beacon of hope and healing for those traversing the journey of loss.
Our Story
Our Story
We've loved every minute of our journey
We've loved every minute of our journey
Established in 1999, The Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation (CCISF) is a charitable organization dedicated to bolstering the well-being of first responders by fostering peer support programs and mental health initiatives.
In 2011, CCISF underwent a revitalization with a renewed vision to extend its support to the families affected by these demanding careers. This included a commitment not only to active-duty emergency personnel but also to the families and children of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
In 2014, this vision materialized with the inception of Camp F.A.C.E.S. (Family and Children of Emergency Services) Support Camp, aimed at providing crucial support for this often overlooked demographic.
In 2015, CCISF proudly launched the inaugural Support Camp for families of fallen members. Since then, Camp F.A.C.E.S. has been a steadfast pillar of support for surviving families, offering education, oversight, and a vital sense of connection as they navigate the difficult journey of loss.
As the largest network of surviving families in Canada, we are committed to ensuring these families receive the guidance, connection, and resources necessary to navigate their daily lives.
We firmly believe in the transformative power of camp experiences and the profound impact that meaningful connections can have on the journey to healing. Through camaraderie, support, and joyful experiences, we aim to help mend wounded hearts and foster lasting resilience.
"We are honoured to have the trust and the opportunity to support these vulnerable families and know Camp F.A.C.E.S. has been instrumental in their healing journey and in their daily lives"
What to Expect at Camp F.A.C.E.S.
Families attending the summer program will enjoy:
Families attending the summer program will enjoy:
Kid Campers ages 4 - 18
Children aged 4-18 will delight in age-appropriate, fun-filled activities and engaging structured workshops at our camp. Our programs are designed to identify and enhance personal strengths while fostering peer support. Through creative arts, outdoor sports, an array of games, and a wealth of enjoyable experiences, our campers flourish with support. They'll forge new friendships, push their boundaries, and realize they're part of a supportive community.
Young Adults program ages 19-25
For numerous young adults, camp signifies a final opportunity to revel before embarking on their journey into adulthood. It's a chance to refine their skills while reconnecting with friends they've forged bonds with over years of camp experiences.
They engage in leadership training, actively contribute to team efforts, facilitate events, and lend support to younger campers, embodying the values of mentorship and camaraderie.
Spousal Campers
The Spousal program at our organization fosters enduring support networks nationwide among our participants. Through carefully crafted workshops, group and peer support sessions, as well as opportunities for rest and relaxation, attendees can connect, realign their focus, and replenish their energy with a renewed sense of hope and healing.
Little ones (ages 0-3)
Relax and recharge! We offer day care services for children under the age of 3, allowing adults to fully engage in activities and meetings worry-free. Fun, friendship and play are on the menu for this little group
What does support cost?
What does support cost?
The CCISF is proud to provide this program to qualifying Canadian families of fallen First Responders and Military families, at NO COST to them.
Accommodations, food, all activities, transportation
(if applicable) and support are all included.
What our families are saying....
“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”
What our families are saying....
“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”
The opportunity to spend quality time with caring, inspiring, and genuine people who understand or have been on the same rocky and twisted path trying to heal a broken heart is priceless.
Camp F.A.C.E.S. has been a unique vehicle that through the group discussions, team building, competing, learning and creative activities, it has reduced those stumbling blocks into steppingstones and greatly helped in the healing process.
Being able to listen and share experiences about a very traumatic and life changing event helps you realize that many of the same stumbling blocks blight all of our journeys. Those stumbling blocks conspire to trap us in a repeating or downward spiral and prevent us from moving forward in a meaningful or healthy way.
Camp F.A.C.E.S. has become the best part of the summer for my kids. Thank you for loving us and making us feel a part of a larger group. It truly is a family. It's our Camp F.A.C.E.S. family.
I had no real idea what to expect when I arrived but without doubt I left the Camp significantly richer and encouraged in so many ways due to the experience. Thank you!
Driving home I was feeling like there was hope for the future for the first time since my husband died seven and a half years ago. I wouldn't have believed it could happen in such a short period of time but admittedly, I feel relief, I feel there is hope for the future, I feel enveloped by everyone and most especially I feel that we are no longer alone on our journey to wellness. Thank you Thank you!!