Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps kick-off today in
Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON, June 28 /CNW/ - Today, over 100 youth counselors were welcomed by the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief, Stan Beardy, as they begin orientation for the Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Reading Camp program. The camps, managed by Frontier College, will run this summer in an effort to help improve literacy skills among youth in NAN communities.

"Frontier College congratulates Nishnawbe Aski Nation on the kick-off of the camps", said Sherry Campbell, President, Frontier College. "Thanks to the commitment of the aboriginal community, the Lieutenant Governor and our dedicated volunteers, Frontier College is able to operate camps each year - helping improve literacy skills and opening up new opportunities to youth in aboriginal communities. We look forward to future support and hope to continue the camps in the coming years."

The Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Reading Camp program began in 2005 with the goal of empowering First Nations children and youth to develop their literacy skills and to help overcome challenges they may face within their communities. Run by Frontier College, the camps provide aboriginal youth the opportunity to enhance literacy and numeracy skills in a fun, activity-oriented setting, keeping youth engaged during the summer months. Last year over 2200 children within NAN communities participated in the camps.

About Frontier College

Literacy is an essential skill in today's world. At Frontier College, we believe it's a fundamental right. Low literacy skills are directly linked to poverty, poor health and high unemployment. Through a network of thousands of volunteers, Frontier College is helping children, youth and adults to realize their potential and seize the opportunities that come their way. For more information about Frontier College visit www.frontiercollege.ca

For further information: Kendra Tedford Devine, Frontier College Foundation, 416-923-3591 ext. 335, [email protected]