Teen & Young Adult Summer Camps
The following information is provided to assist families with identifying day camps that are specialized for teens and young adults with disabilities, or inclusive camps that are welcoming to all abilities and may provide additional supports to youth with special needs. Families are encouraged to contact the camp directly to discus your campers unique interests and support needs to determine if the program will be a good fit.
Who: Ages 16+ with developmental disabilities Format: Day programDescription: "Camp Days" are flexible and can be built around your schedule by choosing specific days or desired weeks. "Camp days" can be used for PD days, school holidays or as an opportunity to try out Adults in Motion's day program. Activities include community excursions, volunteering the community, music, art, physical activity, life skills and social connecting. Campers will be accepted based onmeeting criteria and space available. Camper criteria is: generally independent in the washroom, no aggressive or disruptive behaviors and able to be supported in the community with 5:1 supports.. Support: Low ratio program (5:1). Experienced and trained staff providing safe, compassionate and knowledgeable care and support to participants. Support encourages independence and self determination and provides new opportunities and experiences.Contact: 519-577-3723 or Email (Kitchener-Waterloo)
519-277-3723 or Email (Cambridge)
Registration: 2023 registration now open
Who: Campers ages Jk- Grade 8, students with special needs who need frequent breaks, have non violent behaviours (ie crying or hiding under desks,) students who need time to adjust to routine, transitions, movement breaks, extra support, individually catered activities, quiet rooms, etc.Format: Individualized day campDescription: Learning math and language through interactive games and activities catered to each student's needs. Afternoon engineering and STEM projects- robots, hydraulic claws, pinball machines etc.Support: low ratio 10:1 with additional volunteers. Experienced staff who are able to support transitions and facilitate breaks, help manage emotional regulation for non-violent outbursts.Contact AIM KW School Camp Program Registration: Open weekly from July 12- August 16,2021 $380/week. Any campers who register for AIM KW School year 2021/2022 will receive a free week of camp.
Who: Completed grade 9 and older
Format: Summer day programming
Description: The Summer Opportunities program is for individuals with developmental disabilities who have been attending highschool during this past year and who are interested in participating during the summer months and March Break. The program runs daily Monday to Friday and March Break. Participants are involved in social, leisure, and recreational opportunities in the community at their level of interest.
Support: Low ratio, contact the program to discuss your teen’s support needs
Contact: 519-662-5174
Registration: See website for updates
Who: Ages 4-teenFormat: Specialized day campDescription: Arts Abound programs help children and youth discover and develop their creative side, whatever their ability! Day camp programs integrate music, dance, drama and visual arts. The Arts for All Exceptional Camp runs for one week each summer specifically for children with special needs. This program includes smaller class sizes with more one-on-one support. Visit the website to register.Support: Arts Abound is founded on principles of inclusion. Contact us to discus your child’s support needs. Contact: 519-206-2787 or Email Registration: visit the website for updates
Who: Ages 6-14 with special needsFormat: Day camp for children with special needs and their siblings/friendsDescription: Program ON HOLD for 2021. Arts Express provides an inclusive arts experience for children with special needs, their siblings, and friends. This camp is run by Wilfrid Laurier University’s Music Therapy program in partnership with KidsAbility, Conestoga College's ECE program, University of Waterloo, and Carousel Dance Centre. This camp is hosted for one week each summer at KidsAbility’s Waterloo site with a final performance taking place at WLU on Friday afternoon for friends and family. Support: camp volunteers available to provide 1:1 support. Support workers welcome. Contact: Contact Emily at WLU at 519-884-0710 x2658 or Email for more information. Registration: Program on hold for 2021
Beechwood Brainery (Waterloo and Cambridge)
Who: Ages 4-14Format: Inclusive day camp, specialized day campDescription: Beechwood Brainery offers an exciting theme-based summer camp filled with games, crafts, and art activities for children at both our Cambridge & Waterloo locations. Campers will have the opportunity to learn new skills, try new activities, and build lasting friendships in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We take pride in knowing that our activities and experiences are challenging, inspiring, and, most importantly, fun!Support: Low ratio, family-provided workers are welcome.Contact: 519-624-8728 or email info@bbrainery.ca
Website:www.bbrainery.caRegistration: Opens April 1, 2023
Who: ages 5 - 17 Format: Inclusive day camp (overnight 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. The Inclusion Program is available to both day and overnight campers from ages 5-17. 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 supportContact: Call Katie at 519-856-4671 or EmailRegistration: Summer 2021 registration will open January 15, 2021
Who: Ages 5-15 Format: Inclusive day camp Description: Camp K welcomes, with open arms, all children to flourish as individuals and as a team, regardless of ability, to a fun outdoor experience in God’s natural environment, providing a deep love and respect of the earth. We do this by showing respect for each other, providing opportunities for friendship, fellowship, and belonging, leading to a sense of community and fostering a shared experience. Accredited by OCA. Support: Inclusion program provides 1:1 support to campers with special needs. Five Inclusion spots available each week. Contact: 519-578-4430 or Email Registration: Summer 2023 registration will open February 1st
Who: Ages 6-12 with and without special needs, ages 13+ with special needsFormat: Inclusive day camp ages 4-12, specialized day camp ages 13+ Description: Camp Pride is a fully integrated day camp open to children ages 6-12 with or without special needs, and offers two weeks of programming specifically for teens with special needs. The program is designed to ensure that each camper has an active, challenging, and fun summer camp experience. The camp day includes a morning riding lesson with the horses, and during the afternoons campers will participate in exciting and stimulating camp activities including arts, crafts, sports, games, and horsemanship activities. Support: Staff and horses are experienced with children with special needs, contact Pride Stables to discus your child’s support needs. Personal Support Workers welcome. Contact: 519-653-46686 or Email Registration: Summer 2021 registration is open
Who: Ages 5-13+ with and without special needsFormat: Inclusive Day CampDescription: Sunrise is proud to offer inclusive day camps for children and youth aged 5 – 13+. We provide structured programming and theme days throughout the summer. One of our camp sessions has an Interdenominational Christian theme. Our welcoming family atmosphere places an emphasis on teamwork and respect for others.Sunrise provides a safe and friendly atmosphere along with:- Ontario Camp Association accreditation
- Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association certified instructors
- Certified lifeguards
- Low ratio of counsellors to children (1:6 ratio plus each group will have a Leader-in-Training)
- Mature, experienced staff with First aid and CPR training
Support: Low ratio (6:1) with experienced staff (and horses!)Contact: 519-837-0558 or Email Registration: Check the website for updates
Who: Ages 4-12, Ages 10-25 with special needsFormat: Inclusive day camp, specialized day camp for ages 10-25 with special needsDescription: We believe that all individuals should have the opportunity to experience dance and we have developed a unique program which builds a repertoire of movement technique adapted to meet the needs of children and adults with both physical and developmental disabilities. Our co-ed program fosters creative and artistic expression within a socially interactive environment and encourages enjoyment of dancing through participation. In addition to our specialized programming for children with disabilities, we also encourage integration within both our full year programs and our summer dance camps. Support: Carousel has a long history of running inclusive and specialized programs. Contact the centre to discus your child’s support needs. Contact: 519-746-8877 or Email Registration: Check the website for updates
Who: Ages 13-25Format: Specialized day campDescription: Come join the fun! Youth on the Move is a camp for teens and young adults with disabilities. Participate in daily outdoor activities, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, theme days, trips within the community and special guests. Campers will meet new friends, build self-esteem, and enjoy physical activity and skill development in a safe and secure environment. Support: Every effort is made to provide support to participants with disabilities either through staff, volunteers and/or the use of adaptive equipment. Support is based on available resources and is not guaranteed. Contact: 519-822-1260 x2701 or Email Alternate WebsiteRegistration: Registration opens March 8, 2023
Who: Ages 11-17 with special needsFormat: Specialized day camps for ages 11-17 with special needsDescription: A fun, inclusive and safe experience your camper is sure to enjoy! Camp programs will maximize outdoor spaces and include active and quiet games, activities that encourage social connections with new friends, and opportunities to be creative.Support: Specialized camps for youth with special needs including YOUth Sense (Ages 11-14) and All About YOUth (Ages 13-17) offer low ratio programming (1:3 staff to camper). Campers must have an inclusion membership to register: City of Kitchener Inclusion in Sport Website.. Contact: 519-741-2200 ext. 7228 or marina.dotzert@kitchener.caRegistration: Summer 2023 registration will open March 21, 2023
Who: Teens and Adults with developmental disabilitiesFormat: Specialized summer camp day programDescription: Community Living Cambridge offers 6 weeks of summer camp July – mid August for individuals with developmental disabilities. This camp has a ratio or 10-12 campers to 4 camp councillors. Support: Low ratio program (3:1) Contact: 519-841-0396 or EmailRegistration: 2023 registration is open now
Who: Children entering grades 2-9
Format: Inclusive STEM-focused day
camps, in-person on the University of Waterloo campus, will be
available for Summer 2023
Description: Our camp participants
explore the world of science, engineering and technology through participation
in hands-on activities and projects. ESQ is thrilled to offer
STEM programming and integrate classic summer camp fun, such as water
games during Friday Fun, physical activity games, outdoor/nature
exploration, and more! Each year, our staff from diverse
post-secondary programs such as engineering, science, and
education develop exciting new activities for their camp that
explore:
- Physics, chemistry, biology, and health science
- Math and arts
- Various disciplines in engineering, such as civil, mechanical, electrical and computer
- Robotics and coding
Inclusion Support Offers: EngineeringScience Quest strives to ensure that all campers have the support they need to be successful in camp. Our Program Support helps children with special needs and exceptionalities attend our program. Examples of areas of support we can help with:- Motor Skills (fine or gross motor skills)
- Physical support (accessibility around campus and in programming, gender-inclusive washrooms, etc.)
- Behavioural support
- Emotional support
- Social support
With our Program Support, we are able to offer two levels of support: (1) "Low Ratio Program Support” (LRPS) and (2) "as-needed" support. Our Program Assistants provide LRPS by facilitating personalized accommodations for children with exceptionalities in the ESQ Summer Camp program with a ratio of 1:3-4 campers. Examples of this level of support might include: - Consistent time reminders
- Help staying on task, redirection of focus
- Frequent breaks/walks away from the camp room and/or time in a quiet space
- A modification to the schedule or activities
The Program Assistants receive in-depth training in preparation for this position. Our camp leaders (University Leaders) will also be trained in program support and facilitating inclusive and equitable programming, who will provide the “as needed” support. Examples of this level of support might include: - Assistance with transitions
- Reminders regarding social interactions
- Identified UL to go to when the identified camper is overwhelmed
Please note that a limited number of Program Assistants are available each week. However, every effort will be made to ensure that every child will receive the support they need. Program Assistants are assigned based on the degree of the need and on a first-serve basis. Contact: 519-888-4856 or email Registration: Visit the ESQ Website for
updates! Summer Camp Registration date coming soon! Sign
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Extend-A-Family Summer Program (Waterloo Region)
Who: Youth and Adults ages 13+ 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 13+. 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. (Overnight retreat available for those ages 15+). 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 or ben.sauder@eafwr.on.ca
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 Contact: 519-625-8602 or Email Registration: Summer 2023 registration will open February 1st, 2023
Who: Children and teens with Autism Spectrum DisorderFormat: Specialized day campDescription: We are pleased to offer a summer day camp experience for children with autism. Children will participate in an exciting and educational program facilitated by trained counselors to encourage and support your child while at camp. This camp is designed for individuals who are able to participate with minimal support. The individual may need some prompts to stay on task, and is able to communicate wants and needs effectively. The individual does not require a lot of behavioral redirection. Should you require extra support to participate in the activities you are welcome to join with the support of your own 1:1 worker.Support: Low ratio programming by professional staff, families welcome to provide workerContact: 1-833-775-3779 or Email Registration: Check website for updates
KidsAbility Camps (Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph)
Who: Ages 4-12 with special needs, high school aged with special needs, siblings often welcomeFormat: Specialized day camps, therapy campsDescription: A variety of day camps designed to meet the needs of KidsAbility families. All camps begin with a focus on fun, and then build learning and practice opportunities into the camp programming for campers to achieve their therapy goals – social skills, communication skills, physical skills, independent living skills, and recreational skills. **Summer 2021 camps will only be held at the Waterloo site, teen programming on hold for summer 2021** Support: Low ratio programming, families are welcome to provide a support worker, camp volunteers may be available to provide additional support to camper groupsContact: 519-886-8886 x1349 or Email Registration: Summer 2021 registration scheduled to open April 1, 2021
Who: Individuals 18+ with developmental disabilitiesFormat: Summer day programmingDescription: Program for individuals who wish to be part of a community based program and continue their learning of life skills, social skills, and meet new people. Support: Must be able to attend a program independently with a 1:6 (staff to participant) ratio and manage own behavioursContact: 519-338-2681 or Email Registration: Contact the program for more information and availability
Movin’ and Groovin’ (Waterloo)
Who: Programming designed for ages 6-12 with special needs, teens welcome if programming will be an appropriate fitFormat: Specialized day camp, typically two weeks of half-day programmingDescription: A fun, fit, and fab camp for children and adolescents of all abilities run by Kinesiology at WLU. The camp typically runs two weeks of half day programming. Support: Low ratio programming, typically 1:1 support available Contact: 519-884-0710 x3637 or Email Registration: TBD
Who: Teens and adults with special needsFormat: Specialized summer camps and day programsDescription: Our studio is a creative community hub for anyone interested in the arts. This space is a supportive environment where both peers and facilitators will help you to develop your talents. We specialize in open arts, music and theatrical opportunities and develop our actions to support your interests. Support: low ratio programsContact: 519-501-6747 or Email Registration: visit the website for more information
Who: Ages 6 and up with special needs Format: Specialized day campDescription: Playsense is a fully accessible play center for individuals of any age with developmental disabilities. Diverse play activities & specialized adapted equipment promote fun, creativity & movement exploration, maximizing the physical, cognitive, and social development of individuals with special needs. Fun outings into the community complement the fun and festivities found within the walls of PLAYSENSE. Separate summer camps are offered to youths, teens and adults. We believe everyone deserves the right to play. PlaySense is a fully-accessible recreation center that addresses the physical and educational needs of disabled people of all ages and ability levels. The PlaySense program includes camps, PD day recreation, evening programs, and moreSupport: Low ratio, family provided workers welcome Contact: 519-780-5052 or 226-820-6933 or Email Registration: Check website for updates
Who: Ages 12-18 with special needsFormat: Specialized Teen camp and Tween camp for youth with special needsDescription: Rainbow Programs for Children offers Guelph and the surrounding area a summer recreational day camp experience for children and youth, providing quality programs in a caring and open environment which embraces diversity and encourages personal growth, according to each individual’s uniqueness, strengths, needs, and abilities. Support: Inclusion Counsellors available to provide 1:1 support. Low ratio and 1:1 programming available for Teen or Tween CampsContact: 519-837-0387 or Email (rainbowdaycamp@gmail.com)Website: www.rainbowdaycamp.com Registration: Summer 2023: Early registration (for campers requiring support at camp) March 6th, 2023 (12:00 noon)and General registration March 20th, 2023. Registration can be completed on our website.
Who: Ages 5 to 12 with special needs; Leadership opportunities for older campers up to age 18 with special needs are available
Format: Therapy Day camp; Half days and partial weeks can be negotiated. August 28 – September 1, 2023Description: September can be a difficult transition where children have to stop their summer routine and direct their attention, emotions, and tasks to the school transition. Sliding into September offers an exciting opportunity designed for children returning to school in September through promoting physical activity, motor learning, and skill development through a safe and interactive environment. We provide a space where children can engage in play to promote the development of executive functioning and self-regulation to ensure children are excited, happy, and ready for school! We offer a high ratio of counsellors/occupational therapists to children allowing for unique programming, designed for children of all skills and abilities including those with ASD or ABIs. Leadership opportunities for older campers up to age 18 with special needs are available. This camp will be hosted at Creative Therapy’s Waterloo location.Support: Low ratio, individualized programming and support available.Contact: 519-954-5026 or email info@creativeot.comRegistration: Open January 1, 2023. Visit website for updates www.creativeot.com
Who: Summer Camp for Children and Teens (MFTD) is for people ages 4-18 who are medically fragile or technologically dependent. Our Summer Fun Days program is for adults aged 18+ with developmental disabilities.Format: Specialized Day SupportsDescription: Come join in on the fun at the summer day camp for children and teens who are medically fragile and/or technologically dependent at the Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services. Sunbeam also offers a Summer Fun Days program for people 18 years and older. We provide an exciting theme-based program for children and teens that includes crafts, swimming, Snoezelen room time, community outings, physical fitness and games in the gym. All activities are geared towards having fun and making new friends.Support: Low ratio programming provided by experienced staff.Contact: Nicole Tailby at 519-893-6200 x 1234 or Email programbookings@sunbeamcommunity.caRegistration: Summer 2023 registration will open on March 1, 2023, via www.mycommunityhub.ca
Who: Ages 13-21 who meet eligibility for Developmental Services Format: Summer day programDescription: YEP is offered for 8 weeks each summer and focuses on exploration of community resources, recreational activities, work place and volunteer sites, while developing confidence in the community by utilizing Grand River Transit as the primary mode of transportation. Support: Low ratio group program (1:4) Contact: 519-208-2225 or Email Registration: Typically opens in late April/May