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Family Respite review

Parent — Parent

My family and I went to the kinark respite camp on October 16-18th. It was the most wonderful experience we have had as a family since we started on our journey into the world of Autism 4 years ago. Of course, it was so beautiful, and Jonny loved the giant play room you have. I couldn't have designed a room that he would like better myself. He didn't want to leave that room! We felt safe, we felt included, we felt happy, and your staff was amazing. The two workers that were placed with Jonny, and with his brother Andrew for the sibling program were really nice. It was nice to have someone sit with us, and chat with us. We got really lucky because the cabin we were in had everything we needed for Jonny (because I brought his meals and milk bottles); we had a mini fridge and microwave. And the kitchen staff provided vegetarian options, and that was so amazing. I just wanted to say on behalf of our family, thank you, thank you, thank you. I cried all the way home, because I hated to leave that positive feeling we had while we were there.

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Family program review

Mother — Parent

We are spending a 5 day respite and training with the camp in minden. I have nothing but amazing things to say about the camp. From initial contact with Ryan and Leslie I was so impressed. We received prompt and accurate emails returned with lots of info pertaining to any questions we asked. They were always upfront about all info and always offering additional info. When we arrived at the camp Ryan and Leslie were still in contact and knew us by name. We instantly felt as if we were a family. Our camp counsellor Katie was amazing. There was an instant connection with her and the boys. My boys (even the oldest who was refusing to come) couldn't get enough of her. They would have chose to spend every second with her if allowed. She was kind, patient and fun! She met their needs constantly. She was so enjoyable for me to eat meals with. She will always have a place in our hearts. There were others that made an impact on our family. Ryan, Leslie,Katie, Joey and Scott all made camp feel like we were family. We had so much fun. We had the most wonderful time and have fingers crossed that we will be chosen again for this wonderful opportunity. I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone with a special needs child. My kids have lifelong memories to go home with and my husband and I are headed home feeling relaxed and refreshed. The staff at this camp are highly recommended. There is only the best here. I felt relaxed when the kids were with the staff because I knew that they were always safe. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity.

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Grade 6 teacher review

Teacher at Stonebridge PS. — Camper

“The kids still talk about how great our time was at Kinark -- probably the best school trip I've been a part of in many years! “

Jane Isbister, Program Director and Business Manager

At the Kinark Outdoor Centre, individualized programming is our specialty! I am incredibly proud to be working at KOC. I began working as an Outdoor Educator and was inspired by the high level of support we were able to provide for children and youth on the autism spectrum.  On the outside we look like a traditional summer camp: bunk beds and grilled cheese, hiking trails and canoes, campfires and crafts; but our low staff to client ratios, ability to accommodate all dietary needs and food aversions, and an understanding of autism has allowed us to provide unique camp programs since 1985.

As the Program Director, I am pleased to support an amazing staff team. With backgrounds in teaching, outdoor education, social work, and development, they share a common thread of being passionate about making a difference. Our diversity allows us to constantly learn from each other and continually strive to bring positivity and energy with us everyday!

Before sending your child to camp, you will have the opportunity to let us know all about your child’s needs and strengths to ensure we are a good fit for them. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the outdoors is an incredibly therapeutic setting and most people, regardless of their diagnosis, thrive here! It is inspiring to share such positive experiences with our campers and their families.

I invite you to call us to learn more about our camp, family programs and school programs.

Jane Isbister

Program Director and Business Manager

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Autism Family Camp Testimonial

Just wanted to let you know that our family had an amazing time at camp this passed weekend.
It was a wonderful experience for the whole family.
 
Kai was paired with Kait who was awesome with him. We felt very comfortable leaving him in her care. She put me at ease with everything and took care of any issues Kai had with anything. He needed that....He needed someone that would just let him do his thing and be okay with it. And she was great.
 
We needed that too.
 
It was nice to finish off the summer on such a positive note.
 
Our girls had a great time as well with Andrea and A.J. They both did a great job with all the siblings. Our girls will now find it easier to go to day camp next year because the two ladies made it such a fun experience for them.
 I thought it was going to be hard to let my 3 year olds go....but the "andrea's" as my girls called them, were great. They got right down at their level and played with them. Our girls needed this as well. It was nice for them not to have to compete for attention with eachother but also with their brother.
 
We  want to thank everyone at Kinark for giving us this opportunity and hope to come back soon.
 
We're hoping to do family camp as well. If we could get some information as to how to apply for this it would be greatly appreciated.
 
Again, we thank everyone for this wonderful experience.
 
The Jones Family

 

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Camp is for Everyone

This letter is intended to offer our sincere thank you for your work in operating a camp for children with autism. Our son has attended traditional camps but with the support of a worker that we trained... Until this camp, he has never met another autistic child. There are few words that could express the depth of our gratitude for the Kinark experience; the intake staff and the camp staff themselves could not have been more friendly, professional and enthusiastic. My husband and I were totally at ease leaving our son with these individuals. He met new friends, learned new skills and developed some much needed self-esteem. Kieran absolutely loved his Kinark Camp experience. ...