Frequently asked questions

What is Camp Uganda?

Camp Uganda is an educational camp in wildlife conservation for underprivileged Ugandan children and their teachers. Its mission is to build a brighter future for Africa's endangered species by nurturing a new generation of well-educated, active young citizens.

At Camp Uganda, children develop a better appreciation and understanding of local wildlife, and of the habitat that is so important to its survival. The primary focus is on chimpanzees, a species whose population has decreased by over 85% in recent decades. In Uganda it is estimated that only 5000 remain.

Who attends Camp Uganda?

We sponsor primary grade 7 students who live near wild chimpanzee habitats in Uganda. These underprivileged children attend rural public schools. They have a good understanding of English so they can communicate with others at camp in this common language. They are well-behaved and demonstrate both an interest in wildlife as well as leadership abilities. Each camp brings children from two or more different districts so that the campers also have a chance to learn about other people and cultures within their own country.

Where is the camp held?

The camp is held at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) located in Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria in southern Uganda. UWEC is a zoo that currently only receives animals that are found injured, orphaned or are confiscated from illegal possession.

Why "empower youth to save endangered chimpanzees"?

Young people are the future decision makers and leaders. When you educate youth you also reach their parents, relatives and friends. Youth absorb education and new experiences easily and are keen to translate their lessons into action, both immediately and throughout their life as they continue to learn.

Why save chimpanzees?

Chimpanzees are very easy for children to relate to. They are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, resembling us in many ways. Even their babies have needs similar to those of human babies. Chimps are like family who we learn so much from, yet destroy so quickly. 100 years ago there were about a million chimps living in the wild in Africa. Today there are roughly 150,000 remaining – a number that declines every day. We owe it mostly to them, but also to ourselves, to allow these few cousins a forest home. And, when we save the chimps and their forest homes, we also save thousands of others species of fauna and flora within the forest ecosystem.

Why do the children dress so well for camp? Are they wealthy?

The children who we sponsor are by no means wealthy. Most of their parents are subsistence family farmers who struggle very hard to ensure that their children get a primary education. This means they have to pay for school uniforms and teach their children to keep their uniforms in top notch shape. Looking good for school or work (and camp!)is very important to Ugandans, and many visitors to the country are amazed at how well people dress. Often our photos show the campers in their school uniforms.

Who leads camp activities?

Generally, the volunteer Camp Director is one of our board members from Canada and the volunteer Program Director is an educator from Uganda. Many activities are also led by the excellent zoo keepers and educators at UWEC where the camp is held.

What are the camp activities?

Camp activities include: forest conservation study; primate study; chimpanzee study; a visit to a veterinary clinic; waking up birds, rhinos and chimps; feeding animals; a beach clean-up; cultural exchanges; campfire songs & stories; journaling; artwork; and games.

How much does the camp cost? What's covered?

The camp costs, not including any administration costs, are $32 per person per day, or $160 per person for the 5-day camp. This covers transportation to and from camp (usually a 7-hour bus ride), entry fees to UWEC, program supplies, classroom fees, accommodation, all meals, drinks and snacks, a camp completion certificate, some awards and "Thankyou!" gifts for our Ugandan volunteers.

How many children have the opportunity to attend the camp?

To date we have empowered 72 students of whom 64 were sponsored by CUCES.

In 2007 (our inaugural year) we were able to sponsor 14 children, 2 teachers and 1 Camp Director for a 4-day camp. In 2008, an increase in donations allowed us to sponsor 25 children, 6 teachers (2 snuck in!), a Camp Director and a Program Director for one 5-day camp. In 2009, we sponsored 25 children, 4 teachers, a Camp Director and a Program Director, again for one 5-day camp.

Now that we have official charitable status in Canada, we hope to attract sufficient funding to run three 6-day camps in 2010, each with 30 campers and 6 teachers (i.e., sponsoring a total of 90 campers and 18 teachers).