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  • Welcome to the Halifax Camp Courage Application

    At Camp Courage, we, along with our dedicated partners, are committed to fostering an environment of diversity, respect, and inclusion. We strive to ensure that our selection process and the camp experience itself reflect these core values. Before you begin, we strongly recommend thoroughly reading the entire application form. To help you prepare, please draft your responses in a separate document before completing the application in one sitting. Once you exit the form, you will not be able to make edits, and a new application will need to be submitted if changes are necessary. Due to limited spots, we can only accept twenty-four (24) participants from the large pool of applicants. If you are not selected this time, we encourage you to apply again in the future. Good luck!

    Qualification Criteria

    Before you apply, please ensure you meet the following qualifications:
    1. Age Requirement: You must be at least 15 years old but no more than 19 years old as of the start date of camp.
    2. Eligibility: You should identify as a young woman or gender-diverse youth.
    3. Good Standing: You must be a citizen in good standing, as evidenced by your letters of reference.
    4. Community Commitment: You should be committed to implementing the actions described in your essay to improve someone else's life or the life within your community.
    5. Physical Fitness: An active lifestyle is important due to the strenuous nature of some camp activities.
    6. Attendance: You must commit to attending the entire camp each day.
    7. Preparation: You must commit to completing all Prep & Pep work the camp requires.
    8. Application Submission: Complete the online application form and submit two reference letters and proof of age by midnight on February 7, 2026
    9. New Participants Only: You must not have attended Camp Courage in the past to allow as many individuals as possible to benefit from this experience.
    Preference will be given to residents of Nova Scotia. Our selection process is thorough, unbiased, and conducted by a panel well-versed in our criteria. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

    Selection Process

    The selection panel will evaluate candidates based on the depth of their volunteer commitments and the completeness of their applications. All references will be checked, and personal interviews may be conducted to ensure fairness. The decision of the Selection Committee is final.

    Application Instructions

    To apply for Camp Courage, complete the following two steps by midnight on February 7, 2026:
    1. Fill out this online application form.
    2. Submit the following documents:
      • Proof of age (a photocopy of either your birth certificate or Driver's License)
      • Two letters of reference
    You can mail the documents to: Mailing Address: Camp Courage 281 Craigburn Drive Dartmouth, NS B2X 3V1 You can also scan and email them to admin@campcourage.ca. Please ensure that your documents are received by the deadline. We will notify you when we receive your application and inform you of the outcome in the month of February. If you have any questions, please email andrea@campcourage.ca. For urgent inquiries, please call 902-488-1188.
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  • Contact Information

  • Gender pronouns are the set of pronouns that an individual wants others to use to reflect that person's gender identity—for example, she, her, hers, they….
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  • Reminder

    Please read this application form all the way to the very end. Make notes as you read so that you know which questions you will have to prepare to answer. Exit from the application form and prepare your answers.

    Access the form again and complete it. If you want to add something to your application form once you have exited from it, you will have to enter everything all over again into a new application form.
  • Please include:
    • The organization name
    • A brief description or your role/responsibilities
    • The length of time (in months or total hours) you volunteered
    Example: Brownie Leader with the Girl Guides of Canada – led weekly meetings, organized community events, and mentored youth for 24 months.
    Organization NameRole / Description of ResponsibilitiesDuration (hours or minutes)Frequency (eg., 2 x weekly, 1 x daily, seasonally)Start DateEnd DateTotal Hours 2023Total Hours 2024Total Hours 2025 
  • Please use this space to add any explanations that don’t fit neatly in the chart — for example:
    • You volunteered occasionally or on-call (e.g., “Helped at events when available”).
    • Your hours varied by season (e.g., “Mostly in summer months”).
    • You had multiple short-term volunteer roles with the same organization.
    • You supported a community or family initiative not connected to a formal organization.
    • You require more space.
  • Participation in Camp Courage will be physically challenging.
    Please describe the physical activities you participate in regularly to stay fit.

    List any sports teams or physical activities you’ve participated in during the past two years, and include:
    • The activity or sport name
    • A short description of what you do or your role
    • The frequency or duration (in hours per week or total months)
    Example:
    Yoga – attend classes at least twice a week for the past 10 months.
    Activity or SportDescription of ParticipationDuration (hours or minutes)Frequency (eg., 2 x weekly, 1 x daily, seasonally)Start DateEnd DateTotal Hours 2023Total Hours 2024Total Hours 2025 
  • Please use this space for any explanations that don’t fit neatly into the chart — for example:
    • You train seasonally or when weather allows (e.g., “Only during summer months”).
    • You switched from one activity to another.
    • You maintain fitness through general routines (e.g., gym workouts, chores, or job-related activity).
    • You had an injury or temporary break but normally stay active.
    • You require more space.
  • What other activities, including those with a religious organization, have you participated in during the past three years?
    Please list any school, community, cultural, religious, or any other activities you’ve taken part in.

    Include:
    • The organization or activity name
    • A brief description of your involvement or responsibilities
    • The duration (in hours or months)
    Example:
    Student Council – attend monthly meetings, help organize events, and support school initiatives for the past 6 months.
    Organization or ActivityDescription of Involvement / RoleDuration (hours or minutes)Frequency (eg., 2 x weekly, 1 x daily, seasonally)Start DateEnd DateTotal Hours 2023Total Hours 2024Total Hours 2025 
  • Please use this space to include any explanations that don’t fit neatly into the chart — for example:
    • You participated occasionally or on-call (e.g., “Helped during holidays or special events”).
    • You were involved in more than one activity within the same organization.
    • Your participation varied by season or school schedule.
    • You took part in informal community or family activities that reflect leadership or teamwork.
    • You require more space

  • Have you held any part-time or full-time jobs during the past three years?

    Please list any paid work experience, including babysitting, retail, hospitality, seasonal jobs, or any other employment you’ve had. Include:
    • The employer or organization name
    • A brief description of your role and responsibilities
    • The duration (in months or years)
    • How often you worked (e.g., weekly, seasonal, casual/on-call)
    • Your hours for each year listed
    Example: "Superstore — Cashier. Serve customers, operate register, restock shelves. 10 months, 6 hours/week."
    Employer or OrganizationDescription of Role & ResponsibilitiesDuration (hours or minutes)Frequency (eg., 2 x weekly, 1 x daily, seasonally)Start DateEnd DateTotal Hours 2023Total Hours 2024Total Hours 2025 

  • Please use this space to include any explanations that don’t fit neatly into the chart—for example:

    • You worked casually or on-call (e.g., “Babysat when needed”)
    • Your work hours varied by season
    • You held multiple short-term jobs with the same employer
    • You helped with family business, farming, or informal paid work
    • You maintained work responsibilities despite school, sports, or caregiving
    • You require more space

  • Example:

    Yes – Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award – recognized for completing community service, skill development, and physical activity goals.
    Award / Honour / DistinctionOrganization or School Presenting ItReason for Recognition / DescriptionDate Received 
  • Please use this space to add explanations that don’t fit in the chart — for example:
    • You were part of a team or group that received a shared award.
    • The recognition wasn’t formal (e.g., a letter of appreciation or community thank-you).
    • You’ve been nominated but not yet received the award.
    • You’d like to explain the significance of a unique award.
    • You require more space.
  • Your references should come from people who know you well and can speak to your character, commitment, teamwork, and leadership potential — such as:
    • A teacher or guidance counsellor
    • An employer or supervisor
    • A coach or team leader
    • A community organization leader
    Before requesting a letter, you must:
    1. Contact each person and explain that you are applying to Camp Courage.
    2. Share the camp’s website (campcourage.ca) so they can understand the program’s purpose and values.
    3. Explain why you want to attend and ask them to write a short letter (maximum one single-sided page).
    4. Ensure each letter is sent or emailed to Camp Courage by February 7, 2026.
    Reference NameRelationship / RoleOrganization / School / TeamPhone NumberEmail Address 
  • Please use this space to explain any special circumstances or details about your references — for example:
    • One of your letters is in progress or will be sent separately.
    • A reference is from a unique situation (e.g., volunteer coordinator, mentor, or organization leader).
    • You’d like to briefly describe how each person knows you (e.g., “My coach for 3 years who encouraged my leadership development”).
  • (maximum 300 words)
  • (maximum 300 words)
  • (maximum 300 words)

  • Prepare an essay that articulates your 1. vision for improving someone's life or our community but also strategically outlines a 2. well-defined action plan, filled with 3. precise details, a timeline, and a projected impact. In your submission, ensure the inclusion of a) the key individuals involved, b) the specific objectives to be achieved, c) the geographical scope, d) the proposed schedule, and 4. the anticipated outcomes, all encapsulated within a concise 500-word limit.

    This innovative camp operates on a unique premise: Instead of traditional tuition fees, participants are required to fulfill the promises articulated in their essays. The only limit to what you can pledge and accomplish is the boundary of your imagination.

    Key Elements for Your Camp Admission Essay:
    1. 1. vision
    2. 2. well-defined action plan
    3. 3. precise details (who, what, where, when)
        a) the key individuals involved
        b) the specific objectives to be achieved
        c) the geographical scope
        d) the proposed schedule
    4. 4. the anticipated outcomes
    • under 500 words
    * VERY IMPORTANT: Reviewing the point-form and essay examples will improve your chances of getting selected! Click here to view Essay Examples
    1. 1. Camp Courage is a team-based program built on respect and inclusion. Can you share a time when you helped someone feel supported or treated fairly—or explain how you would respond if you saw someone being disrespected?
    (maximum 300 words)
  • Before submitting your application, please read and check off each item below to confirm your understanding and agreement. (You must check every box to be eligible for consideration.)
  • Please upload the required files here, or mail the three documents postmarked by February 7, 2026, to: Camp Courage 281 Craigburn Drive Dartmouth, NS B2X 3V1 Alternatively, you can scan and email the documents to andrea@campcourage.ca by midnight on February 7, 2026. Required Files:
    1. Proof of age (photocopy of NS Driver's License or birth certificate)
    2. First letter of reference
    3. Second letter of reference
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, jpeg, Max. file size: 4 MB.
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