Discovery Camp
Laughter
Every child is different, and we realize that some children (or their parents) may not be ready for a full 10-day camp experience. For this reason, Easter Seals has developed a 5-day program especially for young, first-time campers.
Merrywood Camp offers a nurturing environment, carefully organized to provide the support, supervision and structure that first time campers require. Merrywood has a staff/camper ratio of 1:2 with 3 registered nurses on site. There will be no more than 8 campers per cabin to ensure your child receives the attention they require.
Campers will have a more structured schedule, spending at least 3 periods a day with their cabin group. During the 4th period, campers can choose an activity of their choice.
Parent’s Frequently Asked Questions…
How many campers are there in a cabin and how many staff?
There will be eight campers living together in a cabin. Boys and girls will have their own cabin. There will be five counsellors for each cabin. Three counsellors will stay in the cabin overnight.
What are the cabins like?
Our cabins are large, air conditioned (if required) and fully accessible. We do not have bunk beds at camp. Bedrails are available upon request. The washrooms have large roll in showers and there are lots of grab bars for campers who require them. Basic commode chairs and Hoyer lifts are available.
What activities do you have?
We offer swimming (in a heated pool), sailing, kayaking, canoeing, arts & crafts, pottery, archery, sports & games, music & drama, environmental studies, life skills, media arts, fishing, beach day, an overnight camping trip, camp wide programs, campfires and lots more!
My child is a picky eater. What are the meals like?
A catering company, specializing in summer camps, provides family-style meals served in our dining hall. Fresh fruit and vegetables, home made soups and alternative meals are served three times a day, so campers have enough food choices that everyone finds something they like. There is even a snack before bed! Camp staff eat with the campers to provide assistance as required. At Merrywood, we are able to accommodate some special diets such as vegan, high fibre, soft and puree. If your child has a more specialized diet, please contact Easter Seals Ontario Recreation Department. Merrywood is a nut aware camp and does not use any nut products in our meals. We ask that you do not send any nuts or peanut products to camp.
My child takes medication every day. How do you deal with that?
There are three nurses at Merrywood Camp who administer all medications and treatments. Upon arrival at camp, you will have the opportunity to meet the nurses and review with the nurses the health care needs of your child. Rest assured, if the nurses have any concerns about your son or daughter, they will contact you for further advice.
Where is this program being offered?
At Easter Seals Camp Merrywood in Perth. The camp is located on Rideau Lake, half way between Ottawa and Kingston.
A Typical day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Breakfast |
| 10:00 am | Activity Period #1 |
| 11:00 am | Juice Break |
| 11:15 am | Activity Period #2 |
| 12:15 pm | Lunch |
| 1:15 pm | Hang Time |
| 2:45 pm | Activity Period #3 |
| 3:45 pm | Juice Break |
| 4:30 pm | Activity Period #4 |
| 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 pm | Evening Activity |
| 7:00 pm | Campfire |
| 7:30 pm | Snack |
| 8:00 pm | Story Time |
| 8:30 pm | Bedtime |
For more information, visit our Individual Camps page, or contact Sharmeen Rarooq at 416.421.8377 or 1.800.668.6252 ext. 325 or camp@easterseals.org
Please visit our downloads section for the Discovery Camp Application Form.
