A summer camp tradition for over 50 years, Easter Seals offers one of the best nature-based, accessible overnight summer camp for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. Campers participate in a variety of outdoor sports designed for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair sports and leadership training. There are also talent shows, swimming, campfires, crafts—every activity you would see at any summer camp.
We provide a place where our community can be themselves, and explore and develop their abilities in a safe, warm, fun and supportive environment. Whether they attend day camp, or overnight camp, or class programming, participants find new friendships, improve their skills, and become more independent and active members of their communities. Our camps offer both a magical experience for campers and are an important time of respite for families and caregivers.
What makes your summer camp unique?
Everyone is welcome and no one hears the word ‘no’ at Easter Seals Camps – something our campers hear a lot when navigating the world around them. With fully accessible facilities and specially trained staff, our programs can accommodate campers with (but not limited to) developmental challenges, anxiety disorders, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and epilepsy/seizure disorders. All camps have a direct care ratio of 3:1, a 24-hour medical team on-site, and multi-sensory snozelin rooms.
We know that every camper and family has unique needs, so we've designed our camp programs with that in mind. Our programs are structured to ensure safety and enjoyment, with sensitivity to each camper’s social and learning style. Staff are trained to provide nurturing care that assists campers with having fun-filled experiences, and encourages development in life skills, self-confidence and independence.
For children and teens that are new and are feeling nervous, we also offer a New Camper Weekend that is included in their week of camp. This is a great way to introduce camp on a smaller scale.
No matter what type of camp you choose – overnight, virtual or day camp – your camper will have the same fun-filled experience.
What are some of the highlights of your camp?
There are three locations of Easter Seals overnight summer camps to choose from: Squamish, Lake Shawnigan on Vancouver Island, and in Lake Country in the Okanagan.
Each week is planned around a fun theme that engages everyone. Throughout the day, there are various activities that include swimming, water sports, climbing walls, rope courses, giant swings, movie making, canoeing, waterslides, in-ground trampolines, camp fires and a night of sleeping under the stars. There are also scavenger hunts, off-site walks, prank pulling, plus a banquet night and dance, talent show and lots more fun!
What kind of feedback have you received about your camp?
We get so much positive feedback from our families. Here’s what one mother has to say:
“At camp, they don’t hear the word no, which is what they hear a lot of when navigating the world around them. Here they can try any activity because it’s set up to be fully accessible. The staff are trained to work with all abilities and needs. And if a camper is nervous to try something, there is such a supportive environment to make them feel safe.” ~ Barb, mother of 20-year-old Dillon who has Down syndrome and has been attending camp since he was 9 years old.
“My favourite part of camp is making the tie-dye shirts, getting goo’d, dressing up and being silly, making new friends, and going out at night for pool parties.” ~ Dillon
