A camp experience like no other

Summer is a time that most kids and families look forward to, filling their days with outings, beach days, sporting events or camping trips. The same activities can be terrifying for families with autistic children. With the last day of school quickly approaching, summer means a change from daily routines to unstructured confusion for many of these families.

Earlier this month, we sat down with Janine O’Brien, Regional Fund and Volunteer Coordinator, Allyesa Stewart, Regional Program and Volunteer Coordinator, and Jessica Morrison, Program Assistant, at Autism Ontario South Region to learn about some of the incredible programs supporting our autistic community. The conversation was informative and deeply emotional, highlighting the profound impact this work has on our Niagara autistic community.

“Caring for an autistic child can be very isolating. There are very few places that families can go, where they feel they belong, are safe and there is no judgement. There are even less services to help.”

“Too many families hesitate to take their autistic children on day trips or to new places, fearing public judgment if their child has a meltdown or concerns about their child’s safety if they run. These worries can make what should be enjoyable, feel daunting and stressful,” explained Janine. “Caring for an autistic child can be very isolating. There are very few places that families can go, where they feel they belong, are safe and there is no judgement. There are even less services to help.”

Autism Ontario’s summer camp is described by families as a true safe haven for autistic individuals and their families, who often face stigma and isolation everywhere else. The camp is a place where acceptance, growth, and belonging are the top priorities every day for every camper. What makes this camp truly special is the personalized one-to-one support campers receive, to ensure that their unique needs are met with care and compassion. To make it accessible to as many families as possible, camp sessions run weekly, accommodating up to 25 individuals each week based on their support needs. Detailed family interviews prior to camp ensure each child’s preferences and requirements are fully supported.

“Communication can be difficult with our non-verbal campers but it warms my heart to see deep connections being made with staff. One particular child had never connected with anyone before and when his mom saw him engaging in ways she had never seen with our staff, she broke down in tears of gratitude.” This camp had given her son something priceless – the feeling of fitting in.

During our conversation, Janine was emotional as she explained their staff’s guiding principle: “how can we fit them, versus how can they fit us”.  This simple yet powerful statement embodies their compassionate approach, where the environment and the activities are adapted to meet the varied needs of each camper. Rather than forcing children to conform to a world that often misunderstands and excludes them, camp creates a space where they are celebrated for who they are.

A parent of a camper shared, “Allowing children with disabilities to experience a camp with 1:1 support gives us incredible peace of mind. We know our child is safe, welcomed, and accepted.” Another mother revealed a heartwarming transformation in her child after watching him run into camp each day with excitement. Her son, who had always struggled to make friends in ordinary settings, would eagerly run into camp each day and interact in ways she had never witnessed before. For the first time, he was engaging with others, forming connections, and experiencing the joy of being a kid. Her astonishment and deep emotion were evident as she witnessed this profound change in her child’s behaviour.

Janine was emotional as she explained their staff’s guiding principle: “how can we fit them, versus how can they fit us”.  This simple yet powerful statement embodies their compassionate approach, where the environment and the activities are adapted to meet the varied needs of each camper.

Allyesa has been with the Autism Ontario for nearly ten years and has watched the program grow and flourish. She has seen many success stories over the years but one memory stood out. “Communication can be difficult with our non-verbal campers but it warms my heart to see deep connections being made with staff. One particular child had never connected with anyone before and when his mom saw him engaging in ways she had never seen with our staff, she broke down in tears of gratitude.” This camp had given her son something priceless – the feeling of fitting in.

Allyesa emphasized the importance of communication for non-verbal children, utilizing visual schedules and other tools like headphones and weighted blankets for regulation. “Behavior is communication,” she explained. “Our goal is to adapt to each camper’s needs, rather than make them adapt to the situations that make them uncomfortable.”

The uplifting stories shared by Autism Ontario South Region and the families they serve were more about triumphs and victories than the challenges they face. United Way is proud to support amazing programs like this one, creating opportunities for every child to thrive. These success stories are made possible by our generous donors.