For children with special needs, camp isn’t another place to feel left out or left behind.
Special needs and integrated camps can be a wonderful opportunity for youth with physical, developmental, emotional, behavioural or medical challenges to build their confidence, expand their skill set and experience new adventures in a safe environment.
A Fully Supportive Special Needs Camp
Since most children with special needs already experience integrated environments at school and at home, they may appreciate the chance to mingle with other kids facing similar challenges at a special needs camp.
Trained staff, facilities and activities are focused on supporting these children at this type of specialized camp.
With the camp’s high staff-to-camper ratio of 5:6, each camper receives the individual attention and support he or she needs.
“It’s geared toward having the kids push themselves at their own pace without being compared to others,” says executive director Henri Audet of the special needs camp near Kirkfield, Ont.
Finding Acceptance at an Integrated Camp
Children with special needs can also feel welcome and receive the support they need at an integrated camp. Many camps include programs that give youth with special needs the opportunity to interact with "typical" peers, as well as with siblings or friends.
"When children are exposed to a special need and the needs are explained, that awareness usually creates understanding and acceptance," says Vicki Harvey, a board member for Autism Society Canada who has a son with ASD.
Campers often have support staff, and the camp program may be adjusted when necessary to accommodate particular challenges.
Camp Awakening, for example, operates out of two mainstream summer camps (Kilcoo Camp for boys and Camp Oconto for girls). Campers with physical disabilities form a cabin group and take part in regular programs with able-bodied campers. At the same time, they enjoy activities that allow them to focus on building their physical skills, says executive director Tracy Morley.
From activities and facilities that accommodate campers to close supervision from well-trained staff, special needs and integrated camps offer every child the chance to experience the magic of camp while giving parents peace of mind.
Video: A Chance to Grow and Have a Blast, Too
For Jack, the best part about special needs camp was, well, everything. “I wish we could live here because there's so much fun, there's so much stuff to do,” says the seven-year-old. Find out how special needs camp gives children a chance to grow and gain wonderful memories, too.
Camp Kirk Special needs summer camp offering various activities including martial arts, leadership building, swimming and many other sports.
Camp Specialties: ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities
Overnight – Special Needs
Northern Kawartha Lakes — Ontario
Brightstart Camp This North York camp offers educational programming with support for kids with autism and other language delays. Ages range from preschool children to grades 1-7.
Camp Awakening Two residential summer camps for kids who have physical disabilities. Camp activities include kayaking, arts and crafts, much more.
Camp Specialties: Physical Disabilities
Overnight – Special Needs
Minden — Ontario
Land O' Lakes Tourist Region — Ontario
Camp Kennebec Offers special needs kids a summer camp in eastern Ontario. Individualized programs and more than 50 activities including sports, arts and more.
Camp Specialties: ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities
Overnight – Special Needs
Sharbot Lake — Ontario
Camp Kodiak Integrated residential summer camp for children & teens with and without ADHD, LD, NLD and AS. Social skills program, academic program and 50+ activities.
Camp Specialties: ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities
Overnight – Special Needs
Parry Sound — Ontario
CH.I.L.D. Camp Exemplary program for children with autism and other special needs, ideal for kids from Brampton, Mississauga and the rest of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Camp Specialties: Autism/Pervasive development delay, Behavioural disabilities
Day Camp – Special Needs
Vaughan — Ontario
Easter Seals Ontario These camps, located throughout Ontario, offer a focus on special needs, with leadership building activities, sports including sailing and more.
Camp Specialties: Physical Disabilities
Overnight – Special Needs
Perth — Ontario
London — Ontario
Kinark Outdoor Centre A northern Ontario summer camp focused on special needs, including ADHD and behavioural disabilities. Open year round.
NEW STRIDES DAY CAMP Ideal for families from throughout the GTA, this special needs day camp includes children with ADHD and other learning disabilities.
Camp Specialties: Learning Disabilities
Day Camp – Special Needs
Toronto — Ontario
The Gow School Summer Program A New York summer camp where kids with special needs participate in horseback riding, swimming and more, including overnight camping.
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