A Way Home Kamloops is once again calling on the community to brave the cold for a cause. The organization’s 9th Annual Campout to End Youth Homelessness will take place on December 5, 2025, at MacDonald Park, with a goal of raising $100,000 to support local youth housing programs and to purchase a van for residents of Katherine’s Place.
The event invites community members, businesses, and students to spend one night outdoors — in tents, cars, or makeshift shelters — to gain a glimpse into the realities of homelessness faced by young people in Kamloops. The evening will feature presentations, awareness activities, and opportunities to connect virtually for those unable to attend in person.
During a presentation to Kamloops City Council this week, Nicole Larsen, Housing Coordinator for A Way Home Kamloops, was joined by Harm Reduction Coordinator Tre Rhiness and Thompson Rivers University Human Service practicum students Farjad Chowdhury and Nikita Dhakal to share updates on their programs and the significance of this annual fundraiser. “The Campout gives people just a small glimpse of what youth homelessness looks like,” said Larsen. “It’s not just sleeping on the streets — it’s couch surfing, sleeping in cars, or moving from place to place. Every dollar raised goes directly to youth programming at A Way Home Kamloops.”
Honoring Catherine McParland’s Legacy
The Campout was started by the late Catherine McParland, founder of A Way Home Kamloops, as both a fundraiser and a public education event. December 5 also marks the anniversary of McParland’s passing in 2020, making the event an emotional tribute to her ongoing legacy. “Catherine was a shooting star who shined a huge light on Kamloops,” said Councillor Arjun Singh Sarai during the council meeting. “You’re all carrying her torch and continuing her vision.”
Since its founding over a decade ago, A Way Home Kamloops has expanded significantly, offering a range of housing and support services for at-risk youth. Katherine’s Place, the organization’s 24/7 staffed residence, provides housing, food, and wraparound supports — including mental health, wellness, and life-skills programming — for 128 young people.
Larsen explained that while the organization has several housing options, including scattered-site and semi-independent living units, demand continues to outpace capacity. Around 75 youth remain on the waitlist, many of whom are currently unhoused but not yet ready for supportive housing.
Raising Awareness Through Action
Student presenter Farjad Chowdhury highlighted data from the city’s first youth homelessness count in 2016, which identified 136 youth experiencing homelessness in Kamloops. Many had been homeless for six to twelve months, and 40 percent first experienced homelessness between ages nine and fifteen — a critical developmental period. “Early intervention can prevent the cycle of trauma before it starts,” said Chowdhury. “Homelessness at that age can cause lasting harm to mental and physical health.”
He also emphasized the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth — who made up 55 percent of the youth counted, despite representing only about five percent of the population — underscoring the need for culturally connected support programs.
This year’s fundraising goal aims to address some of those needs directly. Funds raised through the Campout will go toward purchasing a community van to help youth attend appointments, participate in cultural activities, and connect with programs both in and outside Kamloops. “We don’t believe healing can take place inside a building,” said Rhiness. “Having a van will help us bring youth to the land — to learn, connect, and heal.”
Community Encouragement and Support
Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson commended the group’s efforts, sharing his own experience with homelessness as a youth. “It’s something you never forget,” he said. “This event is a way for people who are more fortunate to understand, even for one night, what others go through every day.”
Councillors praised the organization’s work, encouraging residents to participate or donate even if they can’t camp in person. “If we could fill MacDonald Park, we could always find more pizza,” said Councillor Sarai with a smile. “The real goal is awareness — and making sure no young person has to sleep outside in Kamloops.”
How to Get Involved
Participants can register individually or as teams to camp at MacDonald Park or from home. Presentations and activities will be streamed online for remote participants.
Donations can be made directly to A Way Home Kamloops, with all proceeds supporting youth housing and programming initiatives.
