Kirkfield, ON
Our programs are designed specifically for kids and youth with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and other types of exceptionalities. Through non-competitive programs, high staff to camper ratios, and a nurturing environment, we put the spotlight on each child's strengths.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Include your camper in the planning process: as early as possible, include your child or youth in the process of looking for a suitable camp. Normalize homesickness: build the expectation that going to a new environment is an adventure, which means they may feel unsettled at first and miss home — that's a totally expected and normal feeling. Monitor your own feelings: quite often family members are the ones that have the toughest time with their child being away from home. Role model how to manage anxious feelings about camp, and remember that you are helping your child build independence.
Homesickness is quite common, and is a normal part of developing independence. Camp Kirk staff keep their eyes peeled for signs of homesickness, and know that these feelings are most likely to pop up during unstructured or less active points in the day. We validate the feeling, make a plan to connect with home through writing, and then create a plan to connect and get busy — who is one person you'd like to build a friendship with, and what is an activity that we can look forward to doing together? Keeping the body busy can help keep the mind busy — both help with easing the feelings of homesickness.
"That is a pretty important thing for our population of kids, no one gets lost in the mix. And, I think physically, that adds to the sense of belonging and community. When they come to Camp Kirk, we want to give them the opportunity to get all the benefits of being part of a group and social community and give them that space where they can mess up, make mistakes and give them the courage to try again. That leads to confidence." — Erica Park-Coutts, Executive Director
We have watched our son struggle to find his place among peers, and it has been so hard to see him miss out on fun and friendships because of his anxiety. When we came to pick him up, he was beaming. He was tangled up in a group of friends and he was hugged tightly by each of them as they said their good byes. He has changed in so many positive ways from that 10-day experience. He is confident and believes in his worth. He knows he has something to offer as a friend.
2027-08-09 – 2027-08-16
$2,424
Overnight camp
15-17 years old by June. Focus on life-skills & independence, path to Classic LIT, no canoe overnight trip.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-07-30 – 2027-08-06
$2,424
Overnight camp
16-18 years old. Focus on life-skills & independence, continued camper experience, no work placement, no canoe overnight trip.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-07-10 – 2027-07-27
$3,478
Overnight camp
16-18 years old by June. Full LIT experience with canoe overnight trip, 2 work placements.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-06-30 – 2027-07-07
$2,424
Overnight camp
Campers age 7-16. Duration stated as 8 days.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-07-10 – 2027-07-17
$2,424
Overnight camp
Campers age 7-16. Duration stated as 8 days.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-07-20 – 2027-07-27
$2,424
Overnight camp
Campers age 7-16. Duration stated as 8 days.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-07-30 – 2027-08-06
$2,424
Overnight camp
Campers age 7-16. Duration stated as 8 days.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-08-09 – 2027-08-16
$2,424
Overnight camp
Campers age 7-16. Duration stated as 8 days.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗2027-08-18 – 2027-08-22
$1,515
Overnight camp
Campers age 7-16. Duration stated as 5 days.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗We strive to offer a menu that is 'kid-friendly', nutritious, and adaptable to many types of eaters. All our meals are served 'family-style' in our Dining Hall. Each meal has a main dish and side dishes served at the cabin table, but campers also have the option of cruising the salad bar (lunch + dinner), or breakfast bar (breakfast). Two healthy snacks are served each day — one in the mid-afternoon, and another before bed. A snack table is also accessible at all points in the day and night for campers whose appetites may be affected by their medication. Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can be accommodated at camp.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗We play team games, however, there is not a big focus on winning and 'being the best'. We aim to provide campers with an environment where the focus is on trying (and trying again!), learning from mistakes, and being part of the group. We often find our campers opt-out of programming when there is attention drawn to who wins/loses, and they end up missing out on the benefits that come from just joining in.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗I witnessed the 'magic' of Camp Kirk for myself — where differences are celebrated, confidence is developed, and youths are empowered. As a parent, I am passionate to support an organization that helps kids reach their potential.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Campers can stay in touch with family and friends through 'Snail Mail' and email (send to camper@campkirk.com — printed and placed in their mailbox). Generally, campers are not allowed to call home as a method to stay in touch. In our experience, phone conversations can often be more detrimental than helpful — calls with family members can prevent campers from tapping into the support system at camp. Calls are only done on a case-by-case basis as arranged with the Camp Director. Families, however, are welcome to call the Camp Director at any time to receive an update on their camper's stay.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Camp Kirk offers a Financial Aid program to ensure our services and support are financially accessible. Any family is welcome to apply for our Financial aid program, and we work on a 'pay-what-you-can' model. In the 'Financial Aid' section of the application, state what you can reasonably contribute towards camper fees. We work on an honour system, and do not require 'proof-of-need' documentation. Our office staff works hard year-round to build our subsidy fund, and they will reach out to donors and community funders on your behalf.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Centrally located at camp, the Health Hub is the place to go for all matters concerning health and wellness. From cleaning scraped knees to distributing medication, our Health Care Coordinator ensures we're in tip top shape to enjoy camp. For any health concerns requiring additional care, we use the support of the local medical clinic (5 minutes away) and the local hospitals (20 minutes away). For campers with special health concerns, we work closely with families to create individualized care plans.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗