Family Camp
A day of fishing.
Since 1979, Easter Seals Ontario has been providing a unique camping experience where parents and their children with physical disabilities can relax and have fun at a fully accessible campsite.
The whole family can enjoy activities such as crafts, games, archery, swimming and campfires, in addition to having lots of free time at the heated pools and other great facilities.
While at camp, parents are responsible for supervising and providing the medical needs for their children. However, supervision is provided during scheduled children’s activities so that parents can attend adult-only programs or just relax. Childcare is available in the evenings.
- 5-day camp for families who have a child with a physical disability between ages of 1 - 18 years as of July 1st of the camping year.
- Family Camp gives families an opportunity to meet other families, have a family vacation in a fully accessible setting and to become familiar with recreational camping.
- Families will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of programs that are geared to various age groups.
- Special programs are also run for parents.
- Youth who do not meet the criteria for the Individual Camping Program are encouraged to apply to Family Camp.
| Age | Length | Cost | Session | Date | Merrywood Code | Woodeden Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 18 Years | 5 days | $900 per person* |
FAMILY CAMP |
Aug 16 -21 | Not Offered | WF1 |
| Aug 23 - 28 | MF1 | WF2 |
*Subsidy available
Criteria
The child or youth with the disability must be between 1-18 years old as of July 1st of the camping year. Priority will be given to first-time families and those children who do not meet the criteria for Individual Camp or who have complex medical or behavioural needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO PARENTS HAVE TO ATTEND ACTIVITIES?
No, activities are optional. Some parents choose to participate in all the programs while others choose to read a book.
DO MY CHILDREN HAVE TO ATTEND ACTIVITIES?
We encourage your children to participate in the activities. If they choose not to, a parent must supervise them.
CAN I ATTEND ACTIVITIES WITH MY CHILD(REN)?
Yes, that is why we are a Family Camp!
WILL THE STAFF ASSIST MY FAMILY?
All campers will be supervised during scheduled program times by the camp staff. Outside of structured program times, you are responsible for them. Evening supervision is provided, allowing you to enjoy the adult-only programs. You can request additional assistance for morning and evening care. (The amount of assistance the camp staff are able to provide is dependent upon the needs of the campers. Our staff are not trained in caring for tracheotomies, or respirators and they do not perform any suctioning).
WHAT ARE THE CABINS LIKE?
Families will have a room to themselves and share washroom facilities with others. The number of family members, the age of the children and any special requests will determine the cabin assignments. Linen and towels are provided. Side rails are available upon request.
WHAT ARE THE MEALS LIKE?
A catering company that specializes in camp cooking provides family-style meals, served in our dining hall. Please keep in mind that Easter Seals camps are not staffed with Registered Dieticians or Nutritionists trained to implement specialized diets. We will do our best to accommodate common diets, such as vegan, low fat and high fibre diets. Families can bring food from home to supplement the camp food in order to meet their special dietary needs. Easter Seals camps offer a peanut aware environment. We ask that you not bring any nuts or nut products to camp.
ARE THERE LAUNDRY FACILITIES AT CAMP?
Yes, there are washing machines and dryers available for families to use during their stay.
A Typical Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Early morning fishing, swimming or another activity |
| 8:00 am | Flagpole & breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Morning activities begin |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Quiet time—activities in cabin |
| 2:15 pm | Juice break |
| 2:30 pm | All camp activity |
| 3:30 pm | Family bonding time (pool open) |
| 5:00 pm | Camper dinner |
| 6:00 pm | Parent dinner/camper program |
| 7:00 pm | Campfire |
| 8:00 pm | Older camper evening program |
| 9:00 pm | Parent program |
| 10:00 pm | One parent back in cabin |
Applications are available by mid December.
Please visit our downloads area for the Family Camp Application.
