Greater Vancouver Realtors Unite to Empower Youth Through Camp Choice BC

In a powerful display of community commitment and philanthropic spirit, a dedicated group of realtors from Greater Vancouver recently hosted an inspiring gala. This highly anticipated event successfully raised an impressive $52,000, earmarking critical funds for Camp Choice BC’s upcoming August camp. The generous contributions ensure that deserving youth facing significant life challenges can experience a transformative leadership development program, fostering growth and hope.

The annual gathering, a cornerstone of the region’s charitable calendar, saw over 260 real estate professionals converge at Vancouver’s elegant Italian Cultural Centre. Among the distinguished attendees were prominent figures such as Jeff King, CEO of Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR), and Trevor Koot, CEO of the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA). Their presence underscored the real estate community’s deep-rooted dedication to supporting impactful initiatives that benefit local youth.

An Evening of Philanthropy: Gala Highlights and Unforgettable Moments

The Camp Choice Gala serves as more than just a fundraising dinner; it is a celebration of resilience, transformation, and community. The evening was thoughtfully curated to showcase the profound impact of Camp Choice BC, featuring heartwarming stories, compelling testimonials, and vibrant performances by teenagers who have directly benefited from the camp’s empowering programs. These personal accounts provided a powerful testament to the life-changing experiences fostered at the camp, reminding everyone present of the critical importance of their support.

The Unforgettable Auction: A Testament to Generosity

Among the many memorable moments of the night, the highly anticipated silent and live auction emerged as the undisputed highlight, generating significant excitement and substantial pledges. According to Phil Moore, Vice Chair, event organizer, facilitator, and mentor at Camp Choice BC, one particular auction item captivated the room: a unique offer from himself, John Patricelli, and Juliana Vallee. They pledged four hours of their time to provide cleaning or chore services, an unconventional yet incredibly effective bid that sparked an astounding wave of generosity.

Moore recounted the overwhelming response: “Myself, John Patricelli, and Juliana Vallee offered four hours of cleaning services, which surprisingly raised over $20,000.” This extraordinary act of personal commitment deeply resonated with the attendees. Vallee, a board member who has been instrumental in the organization for over two and a half years, further elaborated on the dynamic bidding process. She noted how bids, starting modestly at $200, quickly escalated by hundreds, then into the thousands. “Finally, a business owner jumped up and bid an incredible $20,000, which translates to sending approximately 20 youth to the camp,” she highlighted. This single bid exemplifies the realtors’ profound commitment to dismantling financial barriers, ensuring that 50 to 60 youth can access this invaluable leadership experience each year without being turned away.

From left to right: Phil Moore (Camp Choice BC), Trevor Koot (CEO of BCREA), and Jeff King (CEO of GVR) at the successful Camp Choice Gala, showcasing key leaders in both community and real estate.

Igniting Potential: The Camp Choice Leadership Experience

Each year, Camp Choice BC dedicates its fundraising efforts, typically securing between $50,000 and $70,000, to host an intensive one-week leadership camp. This transformative program is held at the picturesque Zajac Ranch in Mission, British Columbia, a facility renowned for providing accessible and engaging camp experiences. The camp welcomes 50 to 60 youth, many of whom are navigating complex and often overwhelming challenges such as substance abuse, issues with self-harm, or the profound disadvantages of underprivilege. Every single dollar raised is meticulously allocated to maximize its positive impact on these young lives, ensuring that each participant receives the fullest benefit from their time at Camp Choice BC.

A Week of Growth and Self-Discovery at Zajac Ranch

At the heart of the Camp Choice experience are the dedicated facilitators and mentors, including Phil Moore, John Patricelli, and Juliana Vallee. They lead a diverse array of sessions designed to provide invaluable guidance and unwavering support, not only to the camp attendees but also to the volunteer youth coaches who play a crucial role in the program. The curriculum is expertly crafted to empower, inspire, and transform, encouraging participants to look beyond their current circumstances and envision a future filled with possibility. Each day at camp is a dynamic blend of structured workshops and engaging, fun activities, all meticulously designed to foster self-growth, convey powerful messages, and create abundant opportunities for participants to connect deeply with one another.

John Patricelli, Camp Choice’s president and lead workshop facilitator, articulated the unique needs of the youth they serve: “These individuals have unique life situations and stories. Most of their experiences up to now have built in them emotional and rational processes that have not been serving them to choose well or receive all possible opportunities in life. There are levels of challenges they have had to face.” He emphasized that the camp’s core philosophy revolves around “exploring their thinking process and opening up if they feel comfortable.” This sensitive and supportive approach allows youth to process their past experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate new perspectives in a safe environment.

The impact of the camp is often palpable by the end of the week. Patricelli observes, “In a short period of time, we notice a lightness to their smiles, a confidence we didn’t see before, and a desire to return as well as continue growth. They have fun, meet new friends and build bonds that last.” Vallee wholeheartedly concurs, highlighting that the camp “allows kids to be kids and brings out and pushes them to be the best they can be.” Many alumni attest to the profound changes, with Vallee stating, “Youth come out of the camp inspired and empowered. Many who have attended stated that because of this camp, their lives have changed.” She further explains that the connections forged at camp extend beyond the week-long program, with ongoing relationships, mentorship, and follow-up support continuing long after the official camp concludes, ensuring sustained positive change.

The Driving Force: Inspiration Behind Camp Choice BC

The genesis of Camp Choice BC is rooted in the personal histories and unwavering dedication of its founders. Phil Moore’s career with the Vancouver Police Department, particularly his admiration for the school liaison program, laid a foundational understanding of the critical need for youth support. His vision crystallized upon discovering a program through PSI Seminars that offered leadership opportunities to young people from Oakland at a ranch in Napa Valley. This innovative model sparked the idea for Camp Choice BC, envisioning a similar transformative experience for youth in British Columbia.

John Patricelli’s journey offers a powerful testament to redemption and the profound impact of choice. He candidly describes his youth as “filled with wrong choices and living consequences of those choices to experiencing the power of redemption from personal mistakes.” His personal transformation, learning that “at any moment one can make a choice that will also lead to success and better relationships with others,” fueled a deep desire to give back. Coupled with a powerful sense of “higher calling,” Patricelli became deeply involved with Camp Choice, eager to guide others towards their own paths of empowerment and positive decision-making.

With Vallee’s active involvement on the board of directors, the trio united their distinct experiences and shared passion. As Moore recalls, their collective aim was to “create a similar beacon of hope and leadership for youth in British Columbia.” Together, they have built an organization that not only addresses immediate challenges but also cultivates long-term resilience and leadership potential within the youth it serves.

About Camp Choice BC: A Legacy of Empowerment and Growth

Camp Choice first originated in San Francisco, establishing a proven model of youth empowerment before extending its reach to British Columbia in 2016. Since its inception in Canada, the organization has consistently grown and adapted. As Patricelli notes, “Over the last eight years, the Camp Choice vision has maintained strong and the board of directors has evolved.” This continuous evolution reflects a commitment to best practices and expanding impact.

Initially established as a non-profit organization, Camp Choice BC hosted its inaugural leadership youth camp in 2017, immediately demonstrating its potential to change lives. Recognizing the critical need for enhanced fundraising capabilities and the ability to provide tax receipts to attract larger, more substantial donations—many of which originate from the generous realtor community—the organization strategically registered as a charity in 2019. This pivotal step significantly bolstered its capacity to secure the necessary resources, ensuring the camp’s sustainability and its ability to reach even more young people in need.

The Indispensable Role of the Realtor Community

The success and growth of Camp Choice BC are intrinsically linked to the unwavering support of the realtor community. Phil Moore expressed profound gratitude, stating, “We’re deeply grateful for the support from the realtor community, which has been instrumental in our ability to make a difference in these young lives.” This support extends beyond financial contributions; many of the dedicated volunteer camp counselors are realtors themselves, embodying the spirit of community engagement and personal commitment. Their direct involvement ensures that the youth benefit from a diverse range of experiences and mentorship, further enriching the camp program.

The synergy between Camp Choice BC and the real estate sector exemplifies how targeted community partnerships can create powerful, lasting change. This collaborative spirit not only provides essential funding but also builds a network of compassionate individuals dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders. Looking ahead, the Camp Choice BC team is inspired by the profound transformations they witness each year, eagerly anticipating the continued growth and positive impact of their work. They remain committed to empowering youth, helping them navigate challenges, and unlocking their full potential for a brighter future.

Learn more about Camp Choice BC and how you can support their vital mission by visiting their official website here.

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