A camp in Muskoka wants every child to experience the magic of overnight camp. For kids who are unable to thrive in a traditional camp setting, Camp Lionheart in Muskoka welcomes them with open arms. The camp is operated by Kayla’s Children’s Centre (KCC) in Toronto, an organization that offers opportunities for kids with special needs through a variety of programs. From soaring through the trees on a high ropes course to zipping across the lake on an inner tube, the opportunities are endless. “Our goal with this entire operation is basically to create Disney World for them at camp and up in Muskoka. And that’s really the vision,” says Mira Lax, director of marketing for KCC. “So, we’re building that piece by piece.” Kids can partake in a variety of traditional camp activities that are accessible for those who require accommodations. For example, the high ropes course gives kids opportunities to get out of their wheelchairs, get strapped to ropes and fling into the air on a wild ride up to the trees. Kids can be on eye level with their peers and staff when out on the water in specialized water chairs. Staff say kids are so used to being looked down on when they are in the confines of their wheelchairs, so when that shift in positioning takes place, it’s a welcome change. Other activities include dance parties, camp songs and cheers, beach games, sports and boating. Blasting upbeat music, a little train transports the kids from activity to activity, weaving along the trails throughout the forest and around the lake. The camp is suitable for kids as young as age 3 up to 21, who are non-verbal, on the autism spectrum or live with mobility challenges. However, staff say kids don’t need a diagnosis to attend camp. What began as a day camp for 10 kids, has evolved into an overnight camp accommodating more than 100 kids throughout the entire month of August. “I knew fairly early on that our kids need big experiences,” says Yaffi Scheinberg, CEO of KCC. “Their lives are limited by their diagnosis. They spend a lot of time in hospitals. They spend a lot of time at appointments, hearing what they can’t do – especially their parents. A whole long list of things they shouldn’t expect their kids to do. I was committed to finding all the ways in which we could defy that.” Historically, KCC has rented campsites for the past few summers but now, with their new location in Bracebridge, they’re able to do even more. “I know that we’re changing the landscape of how kids and, subsequently, people with disabilities, are treated,” says Scheinberg. The campers are having the time of their lives as shown through smiles on their faces. Emily Higgins, a camper who is non-verbal and uses a communication device to speak, tells CTV News about her camp experience. “I love being adventurous. My favourite activities are tubing, the high ropes swing and the motorboat,” says Higgins. “I also love getting to hang out with my friends every day.” Michael Gordon’s son, Nathan, goes to Camp Lionheart and he says it’s “all smiles” when it’s time for overnight camp. “He gets every opportunity that a neurotypical or regular child can get,” says Gordon. “I know here, he comes here, he’s loved, he’s safe, he gets to participate in amazing things - probably better than most camps. And he just gets to have the time of his life and gets to enjoy summer like every other kid.” “If you ever want perspective or happiness, this is the place to come and visit.” Most children have one-on-one support from specially trained staff. The site is also equipped with nurses and therapists on staff along with hospital beds in cabins. Member of Parliament for Parry Sound—Muskoka Scott Aitchison was on site Monday exploring the camp, expressing his support to have such a special place like this in the region. “It’s important, I think, for all kids to feel the dignity and joy of childhood,” says Aitchison. When it comes to costs, staff say they do everything in their power to not turn families away due to financial barriers. They say they are grateful for community donors to help subsidize costs. Camp Lionheart has grand plans for the future, including rebuilding and renovating so the camp can support more than 200 kids across North America.
