Discovery Camp is an introductory program for campers. Discovery campers have the opportunity to take part in all of the great programs as older campers, while learning about everything camp has to offer.
*Funding is available for campers who will be 18 and under as of July 1st and are not a Crown Ward of the government – please scroll down for more details.
Easter Seals Camps offer a nurturing environment, carefully organized to provide the support, supervision and structure that first time campers require. Both Camp Merrywood and Camp Woodeden have a staff/camper ratio of 1:2 with 3 registered nurses on site. There are no more than 8 campers per cabin during any session, to ensure your child receives the attention they require.
Campers 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.
Discovery Camp will give your child a feel for being away from home and a taste of independence. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in nightly campfires and enjoy all of the camp activities.
Discovery Camp Eligibility:
Between the ages of 6-10 years as of July 1 (of the program year)
Registered with Easter Seals Ontario (Please note that the Incontinence Grant is a separate registry)
Meet the criteria for participation in Easter Seals residential camps (please see our “General Information / FAQ” page for more information).
A Typical day at Discovery Camp
| 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, contact the Easter Seals Program Administrator at 1.800.668.6252 ext. 325 or camp@easterseals.org.
Please note:
Easter Seals camps are thrilled to offer exciting non-traditional camp programs. Please be aware however, that for safety reasons, specific criteria exists for participation in high ropes activities. Not all campers are well-suited for these activities.
Frequently asked questions…
How many campers are there in a cabin and how many staff?
There will be no more than 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 Mechanical lifts are available.
What activities do you have?
We offer swimming (in a heated pool), arts & crafts, pottery, archery, sports & games, music & drama, environmental studies, life skills, media arts, camp wide programs, campfires and lots more! Exclusive to Camp Merrywood are additional water activities such as sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. At Camp Woodeden, participants will be able to play sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball and try the fully accessible high ropes course.
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 camp, we are able to accommodate some special diets such as vegetarian, soft, puree and gluten-free (we do not provide Halal, Kosher, low-sodium meals etc). If your child has a more specialized diet, please contact Easter Seals Ontario Recreation Department. Easter Seals camps are nut aware camps and do 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 each camp who will administer all medications and oversee all treatments. Upon arrival at camp, you will have the opportunity to meet the nurses and review with the nurses the heath care needs of your child. Rest assured, if the nurses have any concerns about your camper, they will contact you for further advice.
Where is this program being offered?
At Easter Seals Camp Merrywood in Perth and Camp Woodeden in London.
