The Women of Colour Hockey Collective Camp, now in its fourth year, has evolved from a modest gathering into a North‑American hub for aspiring female players. What began as a small initiative has grown into a vibrant community where over 200 girls from Canada and the United States converge each summer to hone their skills on the ice.
Foundations of a movement
The camp was co‑founded by Saroya Tinker and Sophie Jaques, two trailblazers who saw a need for a dedicated space that combined high‑quality instruction with cultural affirmation. Tinker, a former collegiate defenseman, and Jaques, a defender for the Vancouver Goldeneyes and a board member of the Professional Women's Hockey League, leveraged their networks to secure mentorship, equipment and scholarships for participants.
Participants travel from coast to coast, with many journeying to the camp’s primary location in Toronto, Ontario, while others arrive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The logistical diversity underscores the camp’s reach and the shared desire among BIPOC women to claim their place in a sport historically dominated by a different demographic.
Breaking down barriers
Beyond on‑ice drills, the program offers free mentorship, life‑skills workshops and a suite of support services that remove financial obstacles. Equipment is provided, team fees are covered and travel assistance is available, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to participation. This model has attracted attention from organizations such as Black Girl Hockey Club Canada and the Professional Women's Hockey League, which see the camp as a blueprint for inclusive growth.
The impact extends beyond the rink. Young campers learn to tie skates, buckle helmets and navigate first‑day nerves under the guidance of experienced mentors. The camp also introduces participants to career pathways in hockey operations, from analytics to community outreach, broadening the horizon of what a future in the sport can look like.
A community that keeps growing
The sense of belonging cultivated at the camp is reflected in its rising attendance and the loyalty of its alumni, who return year after year as coaches, volunteers and board members. As the camp’s community expands, it reinforces a simple truth: the demand for hockey among BIPOC women has never been the issue — access has been. By addressing that gap, the Women of Colour Hockey Collective Camp is reshaping the landscape of the sport, one player at a time.