Halifax-based Club Inclusion focuses on building friendships, skills and memories, and their summer camp is no exception. Justin McGarragh, a peer engagement manager with Prescott Group, says people of all abilities can join. “You don’t have to have a disability to come here, but a lot of our friends do,” he said in the St. James Anglican Church Hall, where Club Inclusion events take place. “We’re an inclusive space. We make sure that everybody, no matter what their ability level is, is included in all our programs and activities. I think it’s just a great place where people can really get out of their shells, don’t have to worry about being judged and really feel like they have a place to belong.” Christine Riley has been attending Club Inclusion since it was founded in 2008. “It started just as a theatre group and now it has grown into an amazing place. We have day programs, we have cooking clubs, the best part is a drama club, which we get to act every year and put on plays for people to come and see us and just to have fun. We do so many programs, but in the summer is the best time because we have our summer camps,” said says. Riley was among those who painted bright blue ocean pictures at camp this week as part “Aqua Action” week. She says she loves that camp participants are “all different” but have similar interests. “We can just hang around and talk for hours. The staff are amazing here. Like if we did not have the staff here, this club would not exist. But I’m glad we have lots of staff here and I have lots of friends because it’s more than just friendship, it’s like our family here.” McGarragh says the camp is also valuable for caregivers and parents. “Because they know when they drop off their child or whoever they are caring for that they’re going to be safe, they’re going to be looked after, that they’re going to foster independence and they’re going to have a good time,” he said. “It’s really just a positive environment and you always leave with a smile.” Registration for Club Inclusion’s Summer Camp opens each year in mid-April, though other clubs and drop-ins are held throughout the year. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
