Summer Day Camps
It may not seem like it if you look out the window, but February and March are the months to plan for summer!
If your child would enjoy a weeklong summer adventure, here’s a list for you. These are a few; feel free to comment below about other opportunities you know about! Not all programs for the general population offer disability supports, but many more are accessible if you have self-managed respite.
Note: information such as costs and dates are subject to change. We’ll do our best to keep up, but please consider this a rough guide to what’s available.
Click on titles for links to program websites.
If you are interested in having a child attend a particular program with Children’s disAbility Services funded staffing support, you will need to provide the needed forms to your Family Services Worker by mid-April. If you are using self-managed respite, deadlines depend on the specific program. Make sure you check with your Family Service Worker about your plans – they will keep you aware of deadlines and requirements for support funding!
Inclusive Day Camps
Mini-U Sports Camp (University of Manitoba)
- Ages: 5-18
- Duration: One or two week camps; sessions run all summer
- Time: 9 am to 4 pm; supervision is available before and after.
- Location: University of Manitoba, with some activities off campus.
- Cost: varies – around $200 per week
- Inclusion Supports: Inclusion supports are described on their webpage, but essentially, his camp is a good fit for children who can be with a larger group for at least 60% of their day. Participants who require additional support as part of their experience can:
- bring a support leader.
- request a Mini U support leader.
Support leaders may be available to those that qualify for funding for support through Children’s disAbility Services. If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact your case manager at CDS.
- Registration: Brochures/online information are available starting in February. Parents of children with disabilities must register in person, and identify their Children’s DisAbility Services support worker.
Mini U offers a variety of recreational options, including fun and fitness, drama, art, computers, sports, and swimming (included in all camps).
Rady Centre – Summer Day Camp
- Ages: 6-12
- Duration: One or two weeks; one or two week sessions run all summer
- Time: 9 am – 4 pm
- Location: Rady Centre, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg
- Cost: Varies according to theme, $170-220 per week
- Inclusion Supports: Support staff are hired by the camp. It is best to check with the camp about the level of support available.
- Registration: Information is available on the website. Register directly with the Rady Centre.
Activities range from sports, gym time, swimming, outdoor play, some excursions and more.
YMCA/YWCA Day Camps
- Ages: 5-12
- Duration: one week sessions all summer
- Time: 9 am to 3 pm; early drop off available starting at 8:15
- Location: Gordon Bell High School, 3 Borrowman Place
- Cost: $150/week
- Inclusion Supports: This program accepts five special needs children per week. A “To Whom It May Concern” form must be sent to the camp once families register, confirming that the client is eligible to receive supports through CDS. Staffing support is arranged through the Children’s disAbility Services summer coordinator.
- Registration information is mailed out to past campers or can be picked up a local Y, or online. Contact the Children’s Program Coordinator (South Branch: 233-3476; E.K. Branch: 668-8140; Downtown Branch: 947-3044; West Portage Branch: 889-8052)
The YMCA day camps offer onsite activities including arts & crafts, music & dance, co-operative games, gym time and swimming.
Day Camps for Children with Disabilities
LIFE Sun and Fun Summer Camp – Rehabilitation Centre for Children
- Ages: 7-11 (with complex needs) can attend one week of camp. Age 12-20 can attend up to two weeks.
- Duration: Six week period from the beginning of July to mid-August – families can register their child for up to two weeks. If families require more weeks of programming, their names will go on a wait list and be given the space if it is available.
- Time: 9 am to 4 pm; early drop off available starting at 8:00
- Location: Four locations throughout Winnipeg
- Cost: $120/week, up to two weeks. The cost is funded by the child’s supporting agency (e.g. Children’s disAbility Services) and attendance must be discussed with your community services worker before submitting a registration form.
- Inclusion Supports: Support staff are a part of the program, provided by RCC.
- Registration is through the Rehabilitation Centre for Children. The deadline is March 22, 2024.
The Sun and Fun Camp is designed for children and teens who haven’t had access to supports they need to be successful at community-based camps, and require a more flexible environment to flourish. Acceptance into this camp is conditional on follow-up discussion, and acceptance last year does not guarantee acceptance this year. It is designed for children to experience fun-filled days structured around interest-based themes to challenge their abilities and expose them to new activities with opportunities to learn new skills. Options include swim, music, art, chef, wilderness, and exploring the city.
Contact the SSCY Centre at (204) 452-4311 for the registration form and for more information.
Manitoba Possible (formerly SMD) Day Camp
- Ages: Children (age 6-12) or Youth (age 13-21) day camps
- Duration: Campers can register for 1 or 2 weeks – program runs throughout the summer.
- Time: Full day (approx. 8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
- Location: Various locations throughout Winnipeg and in West Manitoba
- Cost: $130-165 per week, including transportation to and from home.
- Inclusion Supports: Support staff are provided by the camp.
- Registration in 2024 opens January 18 for returning campers and is open to all beginning February 20.
SMD Day Camp operates under a field trip structure with campers visiting different locations throughout the week. For more information including camp activities you can check the website.
Camp yAAC
- Ages: School Age to 21
- Duration: 1 week (July 23-25, 2024)
- Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: Camp Manitou – in Headingley, just past the Perimeter
- Cost: TBD; paid once camper is informed of acceptance into camp.
- Inclusion Supports: parents arrange for and pay a skilled support worker, preferably someone other than a family member.
- Registration begins in February. Application forms will be available on the website. You can also call Open Access Resource Centre at 204-949-2430.
Camp yAAC is coordinated by a community based committee committed to increase the success of children using technology to communicate. Spearheaded by the Open Access Resource Centre, the aim is to offer children a camp experience with a special focus on using their communication device.
- Ages: 8 and up
- Duration: 1 week, July 1st to 5th & July 8th to 12th, 2024. Sessions are 75 minutes.
- Location: East End Arena & Community Club 517 Pandora Avenue, Winnipeg
- Cost: $150 in the past; current fees TBD
- Inclusion Supports: Volunteers support riders 1:1
- Registration: for information or to register for this bike camp please e-mail Sean and Lori Frain directly at icanshinewpg@gmail.com. Information can also be found on the Facebook page.
This is not a day camp in the usual sense, but an opportunity for people with disabilities to learn to ride a bike. 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime – which is why this program exists.
Another Idea: Day Care
All children up to age 13 may be able to access school age daycare spots for the summer as children who regularly attend day care may be away on holidays. For listing of school age daycares in your area, call Child Daycare at 204-945-0776. You may also access a listing of daycares in your area at the Child Care Registry online. Day care subsidy information is also available on the website.
For more summer planning ideas, check out these websites:
For opportunities out of province: Camps.ca: Autism Camps
I read the article and it is very good. This article is very helpful for parents looking for summer camps for their children.