Summer Overnight Camps
Camp Kodiak (Parry Sound)
Who: Ages 6-18 (Camp Kodiak), ages 19 plus (Club Kodiak)
Format: Integrated overnight camp, specialized cottage resort (ages 19 plus)
Description: Camp Kodiak is a unique, integrated, non-competitive summer camp for children and teens with and without learning disabilities, ADHD, and High-Functioning ASD. Over 50 exciting activities are complemented with an integrated social skills program and an academic program. Sessions are 3, 4 or 7 weeks. The Kodiak Jr. program offers a 6 day introductory camp for boys and girls ages 6-9.
Club Kodiak is a specialized cottage resort experience for young adults with ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities and High-Functioning ASD. An in-depth life skills program is offered with a focus on social and recreational activities.
Support: 2:1 camper to camp staff ratio, 1:3 camper to staff ratio within cabin groups
Registration: Opens Oct 1st
Contact: Email or call 905-569-7595
Website: Camp Kodiak or Club Kodiak
Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp (New Hamburg)
Who: Ages 6-15 (Overnight camp), ages 16 - 35 (Supported Young Adults Overnight camp)
Format: Inclusive overnight camp, specialized overnight camp, day camp options available
Description: Hidden Acres is a summer camp and retreat centre located in the rolling hills of Perth Country between Stratford and
Kitchener-Waterloo. Hidden Acres focuses on the development of the whole person – physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. To ensure that as many campers as possible can have a fantastic experience at camp, an Inclusion Program has been providing extra staff support to campers with special needs since 1974.
Support: 1:1 & shared support available
Registration: Opens February 1st
Contact: Email or call 519-625-8602
Website: Hidden Acres
Camp Shalom (Cambridge)
Who: Ages 6-17 (Overnight camp), ages 18 plus (Supported Adults Camp) for individuals with disabilities
Format: Inclusive overnight camp for ages 7-17, Specialized overnight camp for adults 18+ with special needs
Description: For over 50 years Camp Shalom has been a meeting place for friends and family to have fun and grow in their relationship
with Jesus Christ. Camp Shalom strives to provide campers and special support guests with fun and educational programming in a safe, accepting, and above all, Christ-centred environment.Special Support programming offers a general camp, or a week to focus on art, sports, or outdoor adventures. Nursing staff available on site.
Support: Buddy Program offers a 1:1 camp counsellor for campers aged 7-17 within the inclusive kids’ camp or bring your own for a small fee. Special Support program offers a specialized summer vacation experience for adults with developmental disabilities who are
reasonably independent with their personal care routines.
Registration: Opens March 1st
Contact: Email or call 519-625-8602
Website: Camp Shalom
Shadow Lake Centre (Stouffville)
Who: ages 7 to adult with developmental disabilities
Format: Specialized overnight camp
Description: Owned and operated by Community Living Toronto since 1965, Shadow Lake Centre offers a year-round facility that
provides those with special needs a chance to experience the magic of camp, as well as off-season rental facilities for community groups. Come June, Shadow Lake becomes a bustling home-away-from-home for both our guests and staff members. The summer camp is
self-directed, meaning guests choose the activities they participate in. Parents and caregivers can have peace of mind that their camper will have an adventure all their own. Our enthusiastic staff are dedicated to making the campers’ experiences one they will never forget.
Support: Currently only offering programming with 5:1, 4:1, or 3:1 support due to COVID, however Shadow Lake plans to resume 2:1 and 1:1 support in the future. Support is available to help with toileting and activities of daily living.
Registration: Opens December 1st
Contact: Email or call 905-640-6432
Website: Shadow Lake Centre
Belwood Lodge and Camp (Fergus)
Who: Ages 7 – adult with special needs
Format: Specialized overnight camp, program is offered in 1 week sessions, the 1st two weeks of summer are dedicated to campers under age 18
Description: Belwood Lodge and Camp is an overnight residential summer camp dedicated to providing a meaningful summer camp experience to children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our program provides an exceptional holiday experience for our participants, provides caregivers valuable respite time, and builds a foundation for energetic staff to become future leaders and advocates. Nursing staff available on site.
Support: We screen our applicants to ensure they can be safely supported at our facility. We are not able to support individuals who require 1:1 care, G-Tube feeding, have been physically restrained in the last year, or require lifting assistance (participants in wheelchairs must bear their own weight while transferring).
Registration: Registration will open January 2022.
Email: director@belwoodlodgeandcamp.com or call 519-843-1211 if you have any questions.
Contact: info@belwoodlodgeandcamp.com
Website: www.belwoodlodgeandcamp.com
Camp Kennebec (Sharbot Lake)
Who: Ages 6 to adult with special needs
Format: Specialized overnight camp with sessions ranging from 1-8 weeks.
Description: Camp Kennebec is a camp for kids and teens with special needs, leaning disabilities, and developmental delays including autism, Aspergers, ADHD, ADD, Down syndrome, OCD, brain injury, anxiety, social skill and other challenges. Each summer, Kennebecers have a great time and accomplish more that they expect. At Camp Kennebec, we help our campers create the fabulous summer camp memories they deserve.
Support: 2:1 camper to cabin staff ratio, 1:1 academic tutoring with onsite teachers and educators
Registration: Opens December 2022
Contact: Email or call 613-335-2114
Website: Camp Kennebec
C.Y.O. Camp Brebeuf (Rockwood)
Who: Ages 5 - 16 (Overnight camp)
Format: Inclusive overnight camp, day camp options available
Description: Adventure. Faith. Unplugged. C. Y. O. Camp Brebeuf is operated by the Catholic Youth Organization of Hamilton, and offers both day camp and overnight camp options for children ages 4-12, plus leadership training opportunities for teens. Programming includes arts and crafts, drama and music, high ropes, pool, canoeing, faith, adventure skills, sports, and nature/camping.
Support: Inclusion program available to provide 1:1 or 2:1 support for both day campers and overnight campers; Option to bring your own 1:1 support
Registration: Opens January 15th
Contact: Email or call 519-856-4671
Website: Camp Brebeuf
Camp Awakening (Boys camp in Minden, Girls camp in Tichborne, co-ed leadership retreat in Bancroft)
Who: Ages 8-29 with physical disabilities
Format: Inclusive overnight camp.
Description: Camp Awakening offers summer camp programs that give youth with physical disabilities the opportunity to increase independence, make lasting friendships and accomplish things they never thought possible. Awakening partners with established summer camps to offer a specialized accessible program within a larger, traditional summer camp. All-boys or all-girls camp and leadership development programs for ages 9-18, a co-ed Leaders-In-Training program for ages 18-24, and a co-ed 3-night canoe trip for ages 21-29.
Support: Campers are expected to be reasonable independent with eating, dressing, and toileting, however camp staff are trained to provide help and support with these activities. Approximately 75% of campers use assistive devices, however the camp properties are rustic with gravel and dirt pathways and hills. Power wheelchairs can be difficult to accommodate at camp. A Terra-Trek all-terrain wheelchair is available for shared use at each camp.
Registration: Applications for 2023 are open now!
Contact: Email or call 416-487-8400
Website: Camp Awakening
Easter Seals Ontario (Camp Merrywood, Perth & Camp Woodeden, London)
Who: Ages 6-26 with physical disabilities who can be supported with a 2:1 ratio, make choices, express needs, follow directions, and communicate a consistent yes and now (verbally or with signs or augmentative communication). Campers must be registered with Easter Seals Ontario.
Format: Specialized overnight camp, family overnight camp; virtual camp and camp @ home will continue to be offered in 2021
Description: A camp where children with physical disabilities can discover new physical capabilities while making friends, trying new activities, and navigating a world designed for their special needs. Multiple programming options and two camp locations allow families to select the camp that best meets their camper’s interests and needs. Camps offered include individual camp, Sports Camp, Discovery Camp, Leaders in Training, GEAR-UP, Out-tripping Adventure Camp, and Family Camp. Campers ages 6-19 are eligible for subsidized
fees.
Support: 2:1 camper to staff ratio, campers requiring 1:1 for medical or behavioural reasons are welcome to send a personal care attendant
Registration: Opens March 1st
Contact: Email or call 1-800-668-6252 x325
Website: Easter Seals Camps
Extend-A-Family Summer Program (Waterloo Region)
Who: Youth and Adults ages 15+
Format: Specialized
Description: A fun-filled, friend-making summer experience of swimming, outings, dancing, sports, arts and crafts, special guests and a variety of activities while also giving families a break. Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region Summer Program offers themed weeks for individuals with disabilities ages 15+. Activities accommodate a wide range of abilities ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to contribute. We offer fun and interactive activities that draw on each week’s theme. Participants can choose from a selection of
activities that appeal to them, while also enjoying weekly swimming, day trips and special guests. (Day programs also available for youth ages 13+).
Support: 4:1 Ratio.Staff are trained and experienced young adults who are committed to
providing a safe and fun-filled experience.
Registration: Registration begins on My Community Hub on March 1, 2023
Contact: Ben Sauder 519-741-0190 ext 290,
ben.sauder@eafwr.on.caWebsite: Coming Soon
Camp Concord (Schomberg, ON)
Who: Youth and
adults with developmental disabilities ages 7 and up
Format: Specialized (with some integrated)
Description: Concord is looking for campers that are excited about making and keeping friends, enjoying the outdoors, wanting to build their social skills, gain confidence, and having a summer of laughs and fond memories. Concord provides a safe environment for campers to learn, grow and have fun. We pride ourselves in meeting every new camper and family before coming to camp to ensure proper placement in cabins and activities. We will design your camper’s individualized program around their interests. It’s also great to make a
connection and to see a familiar face on the first day of camp. We’ll be there to lend an ear or give a high five!
Support: 3:1 support offered
Registration: Usually full by May
Contact: Melissa Ray,
melissa@campconcord.ca or 647-746-6339
Website:www.campconcord.ca
Who: Youth ages 10-18, with a formal diagnosis of a Learning Disability/Disorder.
Format: Overnight camp, in 2 week sessions, divided by age group.
Description: Camp Towhee is a unique and intentionally designed therapeutic summer camp experience for children and teens with learning disabilities and co-occurring mental health challenges (ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, etc.). Provided by CDI, an accredited
children's mental health organization, Towhee brings evidence informed practices to the fun of overnight camp. Campers will experience mature and specifically trained staff, intentionally designed cabin groups based on camper needs, a challenge by choice philosophy, and a focus on safety, belonging, and group social interactions all designed to build self-esteem, emotion regulation, and social competence skills.
Support: 2:1 camper to staff ratio.
Registration/Application: Opens Oct 1st
Contact: Email HWenban@childdevelop.ca or call 416-432-8327
Website: https://www.childdevelop.ca/towhee/