Sunday July 18 Afternoon - Michael Ballard of Resiliency for Life

Imagine Yourself - 7 to 16 years olds

Monday July 19 Morning - Michael Ballard of Resiliency for Life

Imagine Yourself - 3 to 6 year olds

The Imagine Yourself programs by Michael Ballard - How to keep making a difference on the days you've got nothing left... For over 18 years Michael has worked as a consultant, facilitator, workshop leader and writer assisting individuals, families, teams and organizations build resiliency skills for greater levels of durability and success - Resiliency for Life - Building and restoring spirit www.resiliencyforlife.com

Helping children, youth and adults gain a greater sense of inner control and confidence that can be applied and used in many other situations.

Michael will also be offering copies of his program and coaching chart to CanGrands participants at his once a year special CANGRANDS price to assist build on what the children and youth learn at the camp workshop.

Tuesday July 20 Morning - Jonathan Spencer of TaxWise Inc
Medical/Disability Tax Solutions

Ensuring people with disabilities receive all the tax credits, refunds and reductions they are entitled to (including familiy and caregivers if applicable).

Our epxerience an success in tax reduction for people with disabilities and medical issues is unique and fulfills a large and growing need for professional attention to this segment of our population.

Contact us for your FREE TAX Review: 1-866-448-2188

Tuesday July 20 Afternoon - The Outcomes for Grandparents and Grandchildren of Kinship Care: Developing  a strategy plan by Esme Fuller-Thomson

Findings from the Research Literature This presentation will provide an overview of the promising outcomes for children being raised by grandparents.  It will also provide grandparents with evidence-based data to use in advocacy efforts.

Esme Fuller-Thomson is an associate professor in the Faculties of Social Work and Medicine at the University of Toronto . Esme has been researching grandparent caregiving issues for the past 15 years. She is currently studying what resources and services make a difference for grandparents in kinship care or kinship service programs.   She is a long-time friend of CANGRANDS and a passionate advocate for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Wednesday July 21 Morning -  Developing a strategy plan - cont'd - by Esme Fuller-Thomson

What are our major targets for advocacy in 2010 and beyond?  This session will be focused on participants' identification and prioritization of the key policy changes they wish to see (eg. Ontario Works' Temporary Care Assistance, eligibility for Kinship Care payments).  We will also summarize what has worked and what has not worked in our advocacy efforts to date. We will generate advocacy strategies for the coming year.

Wednesday July 21 Afternoon - Free time

Friday, July 23 Morning -  Katharine Dill, PART Director (Practice and Research Together) http://www.partontario.org Toll Free: 1-866-285-0941 ext. 2473

Katharine Dill will  review a  study that sought the perspective of  22 caregivers, 14 workers and 9 youth, from both kinship and foster care populations. Recruitment for the study was generated through various child welfare organizations and a kin grandparents support network. Findings from each of the three populations include the following: (1) specialized kin workers recognize the complexities and unique needs of kinship placements; (2) foster parents and kin caregivers have very different needs related to training, financial remuneration and support; and (3) youth experience feelings of loneliness and frustration when moving to different placements, but also acknowledge the importance of relationships, particularly to their assigned worker. The analysis of these three populations converges to a very simple conclusion: kinship programs are unique and require a level of intervention that is separate and discreet from foster placements .

Friday, July 23 Afternoon - "Let the Laughter Begin" ( The Healing Power of Laughter) by Mike Moore , B.A. M.ed.

A recognized motivational speaker, Mike Moore will be giving a 90 minute morning presentation on the healing power of laughter. All Mike's presentations include helpful content packaged in fun and humour.   Mike really is a speaker with a difference. He weaves a very  uplifting, fast paced message using threads of humor, enthusiasm, music and story. Mike believes strongly in the ability of humor, appreciation and praise to bring about positive  changes in the lives of people everywhere.  He speaks to organizations, businesses and professional groups throughout Canada and the United States on the role of humor in human relations and human wellness. Mike is the author and illustrator of two very popular books- Light Up With Laughter and Embracing the Mystery. For more information, e-book, etc, visit his web site: www.motivationalplus.com