Summer Camp For Everyone
Community Living Port Colborne–Wainfleet
Summers can be long and
grueling for families of children with developmental disabilities, but when their kids can go to camp, everyone is happier.
A $2,500 Summer Camp Grant to Community Living Port Colborne– Wainfleet meant 10 children could attend camp last summer, and more than a dozen parents got a much-needed break.
As part of its mandate, Community Living Port Colborne–Wainfleet makes it possible for children with developmental disabilities to attend a local day camp—by assessing their needs and making a plan for adequate support. But those children often have siblings who would also enjoy a summer camp experience, and that’s where financial support from Niagara Community Foundation made all the difference.
Summer camp can be expensive and sending more than one child to camp can overtax a family’s budget, said Sara Wencel, Coordinator Children supports at Community Living Port Colborne–Wainfleet. The grant meant siblings could attend camp together, Wencel said, which is good for everyone.
This has provided my sons with a sense of belonging.
Camp Parent
The children of the family enjoy a positive summer experience together, and sometimes having the sibling attend is a much-needed resource, who can help the child with a developmental disability enjoy the camp more.
This is the second year CLPCW was able to offer the sibling summer camp. The demand was higher than she could fill, and she hears from the campers and their parents how thankful they are. As well as the break it gave to them, which is especially important when children have high needs.
“My family is incredibly grateful,” said one mom. “This has provided my sons with a sense of belonging and they both thrived over the summer.”