Families under tight budgets will have more opportunities to send their children to camp this summer.

The Chance 2 Camp BBQ fundraiser sends local kids to camp who couldn't otherwise afford to go.

Foster parent Sarah Neufeld attended the event and says children flourish and grow through receiving the love and attention kids receive at camp.

"I think it's a great cause to send kids to camp... because a lot of these children don't get that."

Nancy Funk of Children and Family Services Foundation (Central Manitoba) explains summer camp can be hugely influential.

"They get to make new friends, try new things, for some kids it's their big holiday of the year," she says. "It's an important thing for a lot of the kids we help out."

Sydney took part in a practicum at CFS and worked first-hand with many of the children that will be able to attend camp.

"I just see the hard lives they live and it's just such a cool opportunity to give them a week of fun at camp," she says.

Funk says parents are especially grateful for the program, knowing their children will have these experiences despite budget limitations.

The Chance 2 Camp BBQ in Winkler earlier this week raised thousands of dollars for the cause.

"People are recognizing the need is there," Funk says.

Last year the program sent 69 children to summer camp.

Volunteers at the Chance2Camp BBQ fundraiser