TORONTO, April 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cambria, the first and only family-owned, American-made natural quartz producer in North America, and The Arthritis Society, are proud to announce the launch of Camp Cambria, a no-cost, six-day residential camp for Ontario children ages 8-17 who are living with childhood arthritis. Camp Cambria will be held at Camp Maple Leaf, a not-for-profit sleepover camp for children with unique challenges, in the popular Kawartha Lakes cottage country. In addition to traditional camp activities, Camp Cambria will provide important tools and resources related to positive self-esteem and effective disease management. An on-site medical facility will ensure that campers' health needs are met.
Registration for the Aug. 21-26, 2016 session is now open. Families of Ontario children are encouraged to visit campcambria.org soon to apply as space is limited.
"We're so pleased to be able to bring Camp Cambria to Ontario," says Marty Davis, Cambria President and CEO. "This camp will offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for local children with childhood arthritis to bond and form lifelong friendships with other kids experiencing similar circumstances."
Camp Cambria began in 2014 in Minnesota, where Cambria is headquartered, and so far 160 children from the surrounding region have taken part. This will be the first year Camp Cambria will be offered in two North American locations. There are 24,000 youth living with childhood arthritis in Canada, and 300,000 in the U.S. The Arthritis Society runs similar camps in BC, Quebec and Nova Scotia, but this is the only such camp in Ontario, which accounts for roughly half of the aforementioned Canadian children.
"Summer camp is a quintessential rite of passage for a young person," says Janet Yale, president and CEO, The Arthritis Society. "Thanks to the incredible vision and financial support of Cambria, and its dedicated employee volunteers, these children will now be able to share that experience – without putting any financial burden on their families."
"We look forward to welcoming our campers with programming designed specifically for them, facilitated by experienced counselors and medical staff," explains Joanne Simons, The Arthritis Society's chief mission officer and executive director, Ontario Division. "Arthritis symptoms are often invisible, which can make it difficult for other people to recognize or understand what a child is going through. At Camp Cambria, though, everyone understands their needs, creating a safe and supportive environment. Our campers will have an incredible time."
About Cambria
Cambria is the first and only family-owned, American-made producer of natural quartz surfaces. The premier source for the freshest and most-expansive quartz palette in the world, Cambria is harder, stronger, safer, and easier to care for than other stone surfaces. All designs are completely maintenance free and offered at the same price point, giving customers flexibility to explore possibilities without compromising style preference or budget. Headquartered in Le Sueur, Minn., Cambria is sold through an exclusive network of premium, independent specialty retail and trade partners that can be identified at CambriaCanada.com. #CambriaQuartz
About The Arthritis Society
The Arthritis Society has been setting lives in motion for over 65 years. Dedicated to a vision of living well while creating a future without arthritis, The Society is Canada's principal health charity providing education, programs and support to the over 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis. Since its founding in 1948, The Society has been the largest non‐government funder of arthritis research in Canada, investing over $190 million in projects that have led to breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with arthritis. The Arthritis Society is accredited under Imagine Canada's Standards Program. For more information and to make a donation, visit www.arthritis.ca.
About Camp Maple Leaf
Camp Maple Leaf is operated by The Camp Tanamakoon Charitable Foundation Inc. The camp was founded in 1955 by the Canadian Council of War Veterans, is a not-for-profit residential camp for children living with unique challenges, located on a 104 acre private island on Pigeon Lake in the Kawarthas. Maple Leaf provides campers with a safe, fun and life-changing summer camp experience.