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Andy is a typical seven-year old who was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Last summer, he attended a camp for children with diabetes to learn about living with diabetes and to be more physically active.

Andy was placed in a cabin with several other boys and a counsellor who all had diabetes. Everyone tested blood sugars and went for their insulin injections together. They all ate snacks and meals together and talked to a dietitian about what types of foods they should eat. Several nurses and other health professionals were present to educate and provide health care.

The days were spent doing what kids love to do at camp - canoeing, swimming, archery, hiking, games (like 'Capture the Flag'), arts and crafts, cook-outs and sitting around the campfire sharing stories.

Besides all the activities and friendships, the camp taught Andy about living with his diabetes. He learned how to better control blood sugars with proper diet and exercise. Andy even gave himself a needle for the first time while at camp.

It's the middle of winter and hard to imagine that summer is right around the corner - but it is!

It's time to start thinking about how to keep your kids busy and active this summer, and find activities that are accessible to children or youth with a disability or disease.

Sports, sun, and water are all hallmarks of our warmest season, but the lack of organized activities and learning opportunities that keep kids busy can make summers seem very long for everyone. Finding information on summer activities is often time consuming, and it can be even more difficult to find activities that accommodate your child's special needs.

Luckily, there are many different summer camps, sport camps and special interest activities all over Canada that are designed especially for children and youth living with disabilities or disease. These activities promote active living through exercise, sports and games. They encourage the growth of social skills and help build confidence, and also educate kids about living with their disability or disease.

Benefits of summer camps

There are many benefits to staying active through summer camps and organized activities. At camp, your child can make new friends, build social skills, stay active, and have fun!

There is also the benefit of skill building! Camps and activities not only keep participants physically active and socially involved, they also teach them specific skills such as how to sail, play basketball or ride a horse. Learning these new skills can have an important impact on your child's sense of confidence and self-worth.

Some camps are specific to a certain type of disease or disability. In addition to the other fun activities, these camps teach children about their condition and how to take care of their health.

How to find a camp

Summer camps are available in almost every community in Canada, big or small - but they are rarely all listed in one place. You will have to do some research!

The Canadian Camping Association is a national federation of provincial camping associations for which many day camps and residential camps are listed. There are many specific disability organizations in Canada, some of which offer specialty camps. The camps may vary from year to year and from region to region.

You can contact the local chapters of large disability or disease organizations that provide services to your child. For example, the Canadian Diabetes Association and Easter Seals Canada provide direct links on their websites to camps across Canada. Information is also available by contacting the Canadian Cancer Society the Autism Society of Canada, the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada and the Canadian Association for Community Living and asking about their camps. If there is no specific camp information on the websites of organizations you are looking for, contact the national, provincial or regional organization by email or phone. Ask about camps in your area.

Other helpful sources of information include:

• Religious organizations
• City or town
• Social workers/case workers
• Teachers or other specialists through school
• Health professionals like doctors or therapists
• Community groups such as the YMCA or Boys and Girls Clubs
• Local university or community college
• Other parents

Steps to help you choose the right camp

There are a variety of things you need to consider when choosing a summer camp. The Canadian Camping Association lists a number of factors to consider:

1. Include your child when you consider the options—after all, he or she is the one going to camp!
2. Decide whether your child wants or needs an inclusive camp or a specific disability/disease camp.
3. Determine what type of activity you and your child are looking for, i.e. a week-long sports camp or a day computer camp.
4. Now, find out what's available in your area that best suits your families needs.
5. If possible, visit the camp to see the facilities and meet the director, and talk to other parents whose children have attended this camp.

Other important questions may include:

• Is the camp co-ed, or just for boys or girls?
• Are the facilities physically accessible for children who have physical disabilities or use mobility devices?
• Does the camp make efforts to include children with disabilities in all activities and provide opportunities for social interaction?
• What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
• What certification and training do the camp counsellors have?
• What is the background of the camp director?
• Are there health professionals on site, and how far is the nearest hospital?

What about the cost of camp?

Don't let the cost of camp deter you - there are always options.

The cost of the camp registration fee is an important factor. If camp fees pose a challenge to families, alternatives for financial assistance, subsidies or sponsorships include:

• Service clubs such as the Kiwanis Club, Lions and Kinsmen Club, to name a few, may fund individuals, sponsor groups, or own and manage their own camps. Find the club in your area to inquire about funding for camps.
• Churches and religious organizations across the country often sponsor children to attend summer camps.
• Disease and disability organizations may fund individuals or groups.
• Some camps may have bursaries themselves - ask the director.
• Special funds such as the "Sunshine Fund" through the Manitoba Camping Association, enable children in some regions of Canada to attend camp. For more information, contact your provincial camping association.

Some children with disability or disease require a special care or support worker to assist with activities at camp. This service is often funded, and should be arranged through your social worker, case worker, or disability or disease organization. Camp directors can also help you with this issue.

With proper planning, you can ensure that your child has wonderful memories of a summer at camp.