(506) 857-2125

NBFL Blair Doucet Summer Camp: Participants learn about solidarity

Aug 15, 2017

NBFL Blair Doucet Summer Camp: Participants learn about solidarity

Last week, from August 7 to 11th, the New Brunswick Federation of Labour hosted its 17th annual Blair Doucet Youth Summer Camp (BDYSC) at the Moncton campus of l’Université de Moncton. It saw 13 campers come together from across the province: 6 boys and 7 girls.

“Many of the youth tell us that they look forward to attending this camp every year, that it is the best part of their summer. Year after year they feel the spirit of the camp founder, my Dad, Blair Doucet, at camp,” says Paula Doucet, BDYSC camp coordinator and Union Vice-President with the New Brunswick Federation of Labour. “My Dad’s vision of hosting a camp that includes both an educational component on the labour movement with fun activities lives on,” adds Doucet.

“I am proud to have been part of this camp for the past 7 years, previously as a young worker representative, and now as President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour” says Patrick Colford, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour.  “I want to say a special thank you to the camp counsellors who generously give their time and to the organizations who donate funds towards the costs of the camp. Without them, this camp would not be possible.”

In the mornings, camp participants learned about their rights as workers, the history of the labour movement and the role it plays in society, sweatshops and health and safety in the workplace. The afternoons were focussed on team-building exercises and fun activities.

“I want to thank the parents for sharing their sons and daughters with us this week,” says Paula Doucet at the camp’s closing ceremony, “It is an honor to have the opportunity to get to know these young adults who will make their mark in the world.”

Blair Doucet, NBFL President from 1999 to 2005, founded the camp. He believed that the union movement should be brought to the youth of the province. Doucet passed away in February 2009. The summer camp is named in his memory.

 

For more information please contact:

Paula Doucet, Camp founder Blair Doucet’s daughter & Union VP, NBFL
(506) 543-2255 (cell)

Patrick Colford, President, NBFL
(506) 381-8969 (cell)

Release NBFL Blair Doucet Summer Camp