MS Society of Canada - Living with MS - Summer Adventure Camp for Children and Teens with MS

finding a cure - enhancing quality of life

MS Summer Camp
is proudly funded by:

HOLD THE DATE: The tentative dates for the 2012 MS Summer Camp are August 11th – 18th. Application forms will be online in March!

» Register Now for the 2011 Summer Camp.
To register by phone, please contact 416-922-6065 extension 3135.

* required field.

First Name*
Last Name*
Street Address
Address 2
City
Country	Canada USA

Province

Postal/Zip Code

Date of Birth

mm/dd/yyyy

Gender

Male

Female

Primary Contact

Relationship

Daytime Telephone Number*

Evening Telephone Number*

Email Address*

How do you wish to be contacted?

Preferred language of communication

English

Français

Yes, I authorize the MS Society to contact me by email

August 2011 marked the 5^th annual MS Summer Camp program for children and teens living with MS, a collaboration with Easter Seals, the Hospital for Sick Children’s Paediatric MS Clinic and the MS Society. These programs offer the opportunity for youth who are impacted by MS to take part in camps that not only boast fun and adventure, but also provide respite from the stresses associated with MS while allowing youth to share similar experiences and just be kids! Sign up to receive an information package.

The MS Summer Camp is an opportunity for children and teens with MS to meet at the banks of the beautiful Big Rideau Lake for a week long adventure full of fun and new friends. The camp also allows participants to enjoy a break from the stress associated with MS, in a supportive environment. See photos from past events.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the camp?

Camp Merrywood, an Easter Seals camp, is a 30-acre site on the banks of Big Rideau Lake. The camp is between Perth and Smith Falls, in Eastern Ontario.

2. Who can apply?

In order to apply, you must:

Be 8-21 years of age
Have a diagnosis of MS confirmed in writing by a neurologist
Not plan to attend another Paediatric MS camp in summer 2011

Applicants from the United States are invited to apply, though preference will be given to Canadian applicants.

3. What kinds of things can you do at the camp?

This year, the camps have been divided into two different programs. The MS Summer Camp is for youth age 8-15 and will include choices that suit every camper’s interests – from sports, nature study, performing arts to more traditional recreational activities like canoeing and swimming. The MS Leadership Camp is for youth age 16-21. This program will focus on leadership development, learning self-sufficiency and self-confidence while still enjoying the traditional camp activities. Campers develop skills in leading a group, grow in character and learn much more about the value in community and helping others.

4. How much does it cost to go to the camp?

The camp is free to attend. All costs associated with attending the camp (including travel) are covered, thanks to a fifth year of generous funding from the RBC Foundation and the Fondation Bergeron-Jetté.

5. When is camp?

This year's camp was held from August 13 - 19, 2011.

6. What are the camp facilities like?

The camp is fully accessible, and cabins are air conditioned. There are many different camp buildings and facilities.

7. Who is at camp to support the participants?

Easter Seals counselors lead camp activities with experience and lots of energy. Nurses from the Paediatric MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children will also be on site to support medical needs of participants.

8. Who else will be there?

There will also be a small number of MS Society personnel on site, as well as peer support counselors who are successful young adults living with MS. This gives campers the opportunity to meet older peers who have followed their dreams despite their MS diagnosis.

9. Is there anyone who speaks French at the camp?

There are bilingual counselors at camp however, the camp takes place in a predominantly English-speaking environment and it is recommended that camp participants are comfortable speaking English.

10. I have more questions about camp and/or paediatric MS. Who can I ask?

For more information about the camp please contact:
Camp Coordinator
Toll-free:	1-866-922-6065 ext. 3135
Local:	416-922-6065 ext. 3135
E-mail:	kidsandteenscamp@mssociety.ca

For more information about peadatric MS in general, please contact:
Mandy Joseph, Senior Coordinator, National Client Services
Toll-free:	1-866-922-6065, ext. 3198
E-mail:	Mandy.Joseph@mssociety.ca

Find more information on our website about the Paediatric MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children.

» Interested in receiving more information about the MS Summer Camp for Kids and Teens? Sign up to receive an information package.

* required field.

Title*

First Name*

Last Name*

Address*

City*

Province*

Postal Code*

Telephone

Fax

E-mail*

Preferred language of communication*

English

French

Yes, I authorize the MS Society to contact me by e-mail

Thank You!

Summer Camp Photos

Share in the experience with photos from the camp!

See photos from the 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 MS Summer Camps.

“For me, the best thing about camp was everything!”
– A camper

“[My child] still talks about her camp experience like the best time for her since all this MS started!”
– A parent

“I liked that the kids were able to do a lot of activities out of doors. That they were able to have rest breaks when needed. [The counselors] were very friendly and helpful. The MS Society was very helpful with planning for the event.”
– A parent