Author:  Jodie Peart, friend and former co-worker of Shelley-Ann Brown, bobsledder

My name is Jodie Peart and I had the great privilege to work with Shelley-Ann at Camp EDIFY.  The other night I took a walk down memory lane and found some pictures of our camp days.  I was thinking how exciting it was to work with Shelley-Ann.   She created such a bond with the children that at times every one wanted to sit beside the Camp Director because she was so cool.

Shelley-Ann saw a great need in the Scarborough, Ontario area for a camp that was reasonably priced and different.  After a brief conversation with a volunteer, she founded Camp EDIFY in June 2005 and directed it for a few years.  The camp  continues today and keeps her mission statement and songs at the top of its mind.  Shelley-Ann believes that God wants all children to be whole and healthy in every aspect of their being: whole in heart, whole in spirit, whole in mind, and whole in body.

To this end she committed herself to developing a program that provided children the capacity and skills to achieve this goal.  E.D.I.F.Y. stands for the Education and Direction of Intelligent, Fit, Youth.  Camp EDIFY provides an opportunity for children to stimulate their minds during the summer months.  She emphasizes that Nutrition, Exercise, Education and Training will help to promote their healthy physical bodies and the lifestyles that she believes children need in order to grow into their best selves and to be an asset to those around them.

I remember children who tried to challenge Shelley-Ann's athletic abilities on the playing field, because they wanted to be just like her. How wonderful it is now for these children to see Shelley-Ann as a greater role model on television representing Canada for Vancouver 2010.

Shelley-Ann most definitely represents the meaning of E.D.I.F.Y.   She will forever be an inspiration to those children who attended camp because she taught them all to achieve their best through good sportsmanship, teamwork and faith.  I truly believe that whatever Shelley-Ann puts her mind to will occur in her life.

I hope you're reading this Shelley-Ann.  Have fun at the games and enjoy every moment of it.  Continue to be passionate about what you do in the community.  I will be here cheering you on...GO SHELLEY GO!!!...... GO SHELLEY GO!!!