Is Your Child Ready for the Challenge of Camp Awakening?

Would your child enjoy the chance to explore our beautiful Ontario northland in a canoe with 10 other people?

Imagine the excitement of a rushing rapid or swirling eddy, the thrill of nighttime noises as you sleep under the stars and wonder if there really is a wild bear out there or a deer, peering at your campfire. Best of all, after the agonies of 12-hour paddles and pitching tents in the rain, feel the comradeship and friendships forged through trials and joys.

Camp Awakening is a unique program for teenagers with physical disabilities in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands. It offers a wide range of wilderness and recreational experiences in a mainstream setting. Operating out of the two established camps of Kilcoo Camp for boys and Camp Gay Venture for girls, the Awakening cabin is centrally located within the camps and is equipped with ramps and fully accessible washrooms. Our staff is well qualified and is given special training by a doctor on various medical needs and conditions. While in camp, Awakening campers participate in all activities and programs of the host camp.

Camp Awakening was founded in 1982 on the belief that youth with physical disabilities require a challenging and exciting summer program, giving them the opportunity to discover their potential and self-worth. The rigours of canoeing, portaging, setting camp and cooking their own meals in areas such as Algonquin Park help campers develop the skills necessary for fuller participation in society. Interaction with host camp youngsters is a stimulating and beneficial experience for both groups.

Camp Awakening offers four two-week sessions during the summer. Canoe tripping is the central focus of the program. Each session, campers participate in two wilderness canoe trips in central or northern Ontario. The trips vary in length and difficulty according to the age and ability of the campers. In addition to canoe tripping, campers are exposed to a wide variety of recreational activities offered at Kilcoo Camp and Camp Gay Venture. These activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, wind-surfing, archery, handicrafts, sports, tennis, Outward Challenge (Kilcoo),and riding (Gay Venture). All activities are carried out under the guidance and supervision of qualified instructors.

There are four counsellors and seven campers in each session at Camp Awakening. This small group size fosters a cooperative atmosphere which allows campers to feel comfortable in novel and challenging situations.

Camp Awakening accepts applications from boys and girls 10 to 18 years of age. Individuals who attend the camp may have one of a variety of physical, hearing or visual disabilities. Campers must be keen to participate in this unique program; they must be able to move independently on level ground whether they use a wheelchair, crutches, or walk; and they must be self-reliant, i.e., they must be able to manage their own eating, dressing and washroom use (with minimal assistance). Awakening campers have good social skills and maturity. A representative from the organization visits all prospective new campers to determine the suitability of the Awakening program for that individual.

All camping gear and food and transportation from Toronto are provided. Participants need only supply their personal belongings, although items such as baseball gloves or fishing equipment are encouraged. Neither special skills nor experience is required. Financial assistance is available for those unable to pay the full fee.

For more information on Camp Awakening, write to: 150 Eglinton Ave. E., Ste. 204, Toronto, ON M4P 1E8, or phone (416) 487-8400.