Family Camp

Family camp sessions are five or seven days long and available to families who have a child with a physical disability and are registered Easter Seals Ontario Clients. This camp gives families an opportunity to meet other families, have a family vacation in an accessible setting and to become familiar with overnight camping. Families will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of programs that are geared to various age groups.

We are so pleased to be able to offer more Family Camp sessions than ever before for the 2026 camping season!

Since 1979, Easter Seals Ontario has provided a family camp program, a unique camping experience for parents and their children with physical disabilities to relax and have fun at an accessible campsite.

Family camp provides families with the opportunity to meet other families, enjoy a vacation in a accessible setting and become familiar with recreational camping. The whole family can enjoy activities like crafts, games, archery, swimming and campfires, in addition to having lots of free time at the heated pools and other facilities.

During Family Camp session, parents are responsible for supervising and providing the medical needs for their children. Easter Seals Ontario staff will run various camp activities throughout the day. Families can decide what they would like to participate in and are under no obligation to attend activities. Easter Seals staff are available to support campers and families during their time at camp, but will not provide primary care for campers.

Family Camp  Eligibility

The child or adult with the physical disability must be between 1-42 years old and a registered client of Easter Seals. Priority will be given to first-time families. Those who do not meet the criteria for the Individual Camping Program are encouraged to apply to Family Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?
The actual cost of Family Camp is $1,250 per person. Thanks to generous donations from the community and our fundraising efforts, the cost to the family is significantly subsidized. Please see our Fee Chart for details. We kindly ask families who are financially able to contribute more than the minimum camper amount to allow Easter Seals the ability to send more children and their families to camp.  Fees include all accommodation, meals, activities and equipment for the entire Family Camp Session.

Do parents have to attend activities?
This depends on that activity and the needs of the camper. If we can safely offer a camper a chance to participate in an activity independent of their parent or caregiver, we will do so. Otherwise, we ask that family members commit to being present and involved in the activities they choose to attend.

Do my children have to attend activities?
Activities are made available, but attendance is not mandatory! Family Camp is about enjoying your time together, and if that means doing your own thing, that’s okay with us. As long as everyone is supervised, safe, and respectful, we encourage families to bond and spend time together in the way that best suits them.

Can I attend activities with my child(ren)?
Yes, that is why we are a family camp!

Will the staff assist my family?
Camp staff will facilitate and supervise activities and check in with you at your cabin to see if you need assistance with meals, evening care, or morning care. You can request additional assistance for morning and evening care. The amount of assistance the camp staff is able to provide is dependent upon the needs of the campers. Our staff are not trained in caring for tracheostomies, or respirators and they do not perform any suctioning. It is important that you attend Family Camp with the understanding that primary care for campers and young siblings is the responsibility of the family.

What are the cabins like?
Families will have an accessible room to themselves with four stand-alone beds 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.

Are there laundry facilities at camp?
Yes, there are washing machines and dryers available for families to use during their stay.

I sent my application back right away but was placed on a waitlist. Why wasn’t I approved?
Due to the limited availability and popularity of family camp, you may have been waitlisted for any of the following reasons:

• There was a high volume of new applicants. Priority for Family Camp is first given to new families and then to all returning families on a first come first serve basis. If there is a high volume of new applicants, even if your completed application with payment is in right away, you are not guaranteed a space as there may only be a few spots for returning families for that year. Please note: If you have been to any of Easter Seals Camp locations in the past, you are still considered a returning family.
• How soon your application was received. You may have sent in your application within the first week that the applications became available online, however, we often receive an influx of applications on the same day applications are posted. Please note: it is your responsibility to follow up with Easter Seals that your application has been received.
• Your camper is not eligible. If your camper is not a Registered Easter Seals Client, they are not eligible for our Family Camp program.

A Typical Day at Family Camp