About us
What is Shader Kids
Shader Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children from underprivileged backgrounds through outdoor education and leadership development. Our journey began with the tragic loss of Tim Ross, a remarkable individual whose passion for outdoor education inspired the creation of Shader Kids. Tim's legacy as a leader in outdoor education was profound. With years of experience working at summer camps and eventually serving as the Camp Director at Camp Chief Hector in the Alberta Bow Vally, Tim touched the lives of countless young people. He possessed a rare gift for making everyone he encountered feel inspired to do better. Tim believed in the transformative power of nature and was committed to providing opportunities for youth to experience the outdoors firsthand. His dedication to fostering leadership skills and a love for the environment ignited a spark in those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the community. In honour of Tim's memory, Shader Kids was founded to continue his mission of providing underprivileged children with access to outdoor experiences and leadership development opportunities. Through our programs, we aim to empower children to explore, learn, and grow in a supportive outdoor environment. Join us as we carry forward Tim's legacy, inspiring the next generation of leaders and environmental stewards. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and honour the spirit of a truly remarkable person.
Who are we
Shader Kids is lead by a small board dedicated to this organization's mission. Each member of the board had a connection to Tim and is dedicated to carrying on his legacy and memory through the life-changing impact that summer camps can have on the young people who pass through their gates.
camps we support
Kilcoo Camp
Found on the shores of Gull Lake in Haliburton Ontario, Kilcoo Camp was a home to Tim and his memory lives on in its programs to this day. Tim was an instrumental part in developing Kilcoo's leadership program. Kilcoo is also where Tim got the nickname Shader, the name we use today in his memory. Today, Shader Kids sponsors a camper to attend this camp to carry on Tim's legacy.
Camp Chief Hector
Located in the beautiful Alberta Bow Valley, CCHY was fortunate enough to have had Tim hold many roles from camp counsellor to its director. To this day, the impact Tim had on this camp can be felt and seen with every camper. Shader Kids carries on Tim's legacy at this camp in the form of a financial bursary for staff attending post-secondary education.
Camp Summit
Nestled in the Upper Squamish Valley of British Columbia, Camp Summit is the newest addition to the Shader Kids family.
Founded based on a vision shared with Tim for what a camp would look like, Summit stands as a testament to the impact Tim's memory has to this day. To share this place with future generations, Shader Kids sponsors a camper to attend this camp.
