Contributed by: Tatiana Rasco

What better way to spend the summer than by joining a summer camp? There’s a wide array of camps across BC that explore a range of different activities from wall climbing to canoeing all within an inclusive environment. Don’t worry if you missed out on registrations for Canucks Autism Networks (CAN)’s summer programs here’s a list of other accessible summer camps to consider!

NUKO Summer Camp

Hours: 9AM – 4PM

Dates:

• August 12 – 16, 19 – 23

Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization (NUKO) is a registered Canadian charity that supports the needs of children and youth with neuro-developmental disabilities and their families. Their program is designed with individualized support and accommodations to ensure that every camper can fully participate and thrive in activities.

Activities include playing at water parks, playgrounds, petting zoos, lakes, and so much more! NUKO’s summer camp provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all campers to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Register now by contacting manager@nuko.ca or 250-591-0102.

ABA Learning Center

Hours: 1PM – 4PM

Location: Richmond, BC

For Ages: 5 – 12 years old

The ABA Learning Centre offers an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) summer camp for children with autism and other complex developmental disabilities. Professionals at ABA Learning Centre are dedicated to providing quality services based on procedures validated in the scientific literature.

Activities include AAC device practice, expressive language development, communication strategies, peer interaction, sensory exploration, and motor skills. Contact joseph@abacentre.ca or 604-232-4122 to register for their inclusive summer camp!

Zajac Ranch Summer Camps

For Ages: 4 – 40

Dates:

• June 24 – 28
• July 1 – 5, 15 – 19, 22 – 26, 29 – Aug 2
• August 5 – 9, 19 – 23, 26 – 30

Zajac Ranch is a fully inclusive summer camp with three distinct camp programs to accommodate a range of different ages and medical conditions. Their Young Adult Camps are open to a variety of chronic illnesses and disabilities and offers exciting summer camp activities and fun peer-oriented communication for the campers. Their Mixed Diagnosis Camps provide leadership training for individuals with various medical concerns. Lastly, their Autism Spectrum Disorder Camp is a specialized camp for children with autism. Here, campers will take part in a variety of activities including horseback riding, ropes courses, wall climbing, canoeing, swimming all while being among, and communicating with, their peers. Don’t miss out on the chance to make meaningful memories and exciting new experiences. Sign up now through the website and make the most of your summer in an inclusive and accepting environment!

EASTER SEALS

For Ages: 16 – 49

Easter Seals offers summer camp to children and adults with different physical and cognitive disabilities! From day camps, to week long overnight camps, to in-person and virtual, there are options available for everyone. Trained counsellors bring out the fun and silliness in every activity, creating experiences that inspire confidence, and memories that last a lifetime.

Their programs are structured to ensure safety and enjoyment, with sensitivity to each child’s social and learning style. No matter what type of camp you choose, your camper will experience the same fun-filled experience!

Cloverdale Summer Day Camp: Theatre Sports

Hours: 9AM – 3PM

For Ages: 8 – 14

Dates:

• July 8 – 12, 29 – Aug 2
• August 19 – 23

Welcome to Cloverdale Summer Day Camp, where imagination takes center stage in their Theatre Sports adventure! Calling all young adventurers, dreamers, and creative minds! Join now for a week-long journey where the worlds of Dungeons and Dragons, Minecraft, and other thrilling adventures come to life in exciting real-life activities. From crafting epic stories to making daring choices on a game board, every moment is a chance for your child to unleash their imagination and embark on an unforgettable quest!

Theatre Sports Day Camp believes in the power of play to inspire self-confidence, creativity, and social growth. Through improvisation, role-playing, and group presentations, your neurodiverse superstar will develop essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and peer interaction in a supportive and inclusive environment.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Their camp is designed to celebrate your child’s unique strengths and passions, helping them shine brightly on and off the stage. They ensure that every child has the opportunity to join in the excitement! So, mark your calendars and let your child’s imagination soar at Cloverdale Day Camp! Secure your spot now in this thrilling theatrical adventure where every day is a new chapter waiting to be written!

Keep an eye out on the CAN site and the Laurel Behaviour Support Services (LBSS) site for more exciting camps and activities coming up this summer. And don’t forget to check out the Autism Community Training (ACT)’s list of summer camps and activities for all ages submitted by the community. From Cloverdale’s Theatre Sports Camp to Zajac Ranch’s inclusive summer camps, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Make this the most memorable summer ever and join in one of these accessible camps!