Summer is here!

With one more week of school and the Summer Solstice this weekend, summer fun is on my mind! And the costs that come with it.

Both Bruce and Grey Counties have funding to help families cover some of the costs for activities. The details for the programs can be found below.

Bruce County – Child Activity Assistance Program (CAAP)

The Child Activity Assistance Program (CAAP) is a fund available to assist families with the cost of activities. Some of the activities that qualify are school trips, school nutrition programs, extra-curricular activities, arts and cultural programs, Scouts/Girl Guides, and many more. Bruce County families with a gross income of less than $49,466 can access this program for their dependent children under the age of 18, and receive up to $500 per child, per year.

There is a fillable application form at https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/services/human-services/child-activity-assistance-program or call 1-800-265-3022 for more information.

Grey County – Social Initiatives Funding (Recreation Subsidy)

The Recreation Subsidy is administered by the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. It can be used for sports, art, music or drama programs, swimming lessons, camps, and fitness memberships. Activities do not have to be done with the YMCA. Families with incomes of less than $70,000 having children under the age of 18 living with them on a regular basis can apply. There is a scale for how much per child per calendar year the family can receive. See the link for more information and application: https://www.ymcaowensound.on.ca/health-fitness-aquatics/financial-assistance/. Go to the bottom of the website page and click on the link for the Grey County Social Initiatives Funding (Recreation Subsidy). You can also call the YMCA at 519-376-0484 ext. 227 or email socialinitiatives@osgb.ymca.ca.

Some municipalities also have recreation funds. Call 211 or visit https://brucegreycommunityinfo.cioc.ca/ to find out if your municipality has a fund.