Cam’s Kids Ambassadors: Inspiring Hope for Youth
Cam’s Kids was founded by the Hicks Family in honour of their son Cameron Hicks, to raise awareness and support young people struggling with anxiety. Now, as part of Kids Help Phone, Cam’s Kids youth ambassadors continue their vital mission to unlock hope and reassure other young people that they’re not alone. To learn more about Cam’s story, you can check out his bio here.
For anyone struggling with their mental health, you can text the word CAM to 686868 for free, 24-7 confidential mental health support.
What is the Cam’s Kids Ambassador program?
The Cam’s Kids Ambassador program is a student-led initiative of Kids Help Phone, made up of chapters in high schools and post-secondary schools across Canada. This peer-to-peer support network aims to create awareness of mental health and the range of services and offerings available to them through Kids Help Phone so students can Feel Out Loud any time they need.
Cam’s Kids Ambassadors are young people who care about mental wellness, helping others and who are inspired to carry on Cam’s legacy of love, kindness and compassion. They offer valuable resources to their peers and encourage others to learn more about their own mental health. They also play an important role in educating their peers about reaching out for support.
Responsibilities of a Cam’s Kids Ambassador include:
- Participate in Events & Initiatives: Lead events with your fellow ambassadors on campus supporting creating awareness of Kids Help Phone’s programs and services as well as volunteering with Kids Help Phone’s events in the community such as the BMO Walk so Kids Can Talk
- Take Our Training: Gain knowledge and understanding of Kids Help Phone services and programs and become confident in discussing them with your peers. Additionally, ambassadors have opportunities to participate in other trainings like our Peer Support Training and Mental Health First Aid if they wish.
- Resource Distribution: Share mental health resources with peers on campus, in the community, etc.
- Digital Advocacy: Use social media platforms to spread awareness and share relevant resources.
- Feedback Participation: Take part in surveys or advisory committees to provide insights and help improve the organization’s programs.
- Other Activities: Engage in additional opportunities as they arise such as in person workshops and conferences with leading mental health professionals, engage with peers and younger students through hosting presentations, and so much more!
Potential benefits:
- Mental Health Training: Students will participate in training provided by Kids Help Phone, gaining the skills to raise awareness, educate their peers on services available to them, and to share mental health resources.
- Leadership Development: Ambassadors will develop leadership and public speaking skills as they plan events, lead discussions, and engage their school community.
- Peer Connection: Cam’s Kids provides a platform for ambassadors to foster meaningful peer relationships, create a supportive mental health network on campus and within their communities, and promote peer-led initiatives to enhance social-emotional learning.
- National Impact: Ambassadors will contribute to Kids Help Phone’s nationwide efforts to ensure every young person can access mental health support and “Feel Out Loud.”
How can I become a Cam’s Kids Ambassador?
To become an ambassador, interested students in high school or post-secondary must apply using the application form. A member from our team will reach out with the next steps that include our KHP Ambassador Training the must be completed and a Volunteer commitment form that must be signed (parent signature if under 18). Once all training and paper work is filled out, the ambassador will be introduced to their network of ambassadors (school chapter) and added to communications across all ambassadors nationwide. **Please note that due to high volume of applicants, the process can sometimes take a few weeks to complete, and may pause at certain times of the year. If there are any questions – please email [email protected]
Interested in becoming a Cam’s Kids Ambassador? You can fill out the form below to submit your application!
