Discovery Camp is a 5-day introductory program for campers and families who are ready for a full 10-day session. 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.
2020 SESSION DATES:
MERRYWOOD (Perth, ON)
Discovery (6-12yrs) | 5-day | $1000
MD – Dates TBD
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WOODEDEN (London, ON)
Discovery (6-12yrs) | 5-day | $1000
WD – Dates TBD
Summer 2021 applications will be available in January 2021! Check back later for more details!
The full cost for Discovery camp 5-days at Camp Merrywood or Camp Woodeden is $1,000*.
*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.
Every child is different, and Easter Seals Ontario realizes that some children (or their parents) may not be ready for a full 10-day camp experience. For this reason, Easter Seals offers Discovery Camp, a 5-day program directed towards young, first-time campers, which takes place at both Camp Merrywood and Camp Woodeden.
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 4 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.
Campers under the age of 19 years as of July 1 (of the camping year) and who are not a Crown Ward, are eligible to receive funding from Easter Seals Ontario. Families are asked to pay what they can, with a minimum non-refundable payment of $225. The remainder will be funded by our generous donors.
Discovery Camp Eligibility:
Between the ages of 6-12 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 Recreation Co-ordinator at 416.421.8377 or 1.800.668.6252 ext. 325 or camp@easterseals.org.
Please note:
Easter Seals camps are thrilled to offer exciting non-traditional camp programmes. Please be aware however, that for safety reasons, specific criteria exists for participation in: out-trips and 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 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, beach day, canoeing, fishing and an overnight camping trip. At Camp Woodeden, participants will be able to play sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball and try the fully accessible high ropes course.
How much does this program cost?
The cost of this program is $1,000 for a 5-day session. A minimum $225 (non-refundable) payment is required in order for applications to be processed. Please note, if you want to attend a regular 10- day session as well, you would be required to pay full fees for this camp. Easter Seals Ontario does not receive government funding and all of our programs are funded by the generous donations from individuals, service clubs, businesses and foundations. Easter Seals asks families to contribute what they are able to towards the cost of this program.
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 son or daughter, 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.
Applications
Summer 2020 Applications will be available online on January 7, 2020 at 9:30am est. Click Here to be taken to the Application Page
