August 2011 marked the 5th 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
2012
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?
Camp will be held August 11th – 18th, 2012.
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:
“[the best thing about camp was] seeing friends from last year and meeting new friends this year, and having a network of MS family”
– A camper
“[camp] allowed my daughter the opportunity to meet and get to know children of the same age with the same illness, which has made her feel less isolated than before”
– Parent of a camper
“[the best thing about camp was] that it enables the teens to get together and share their experiences with their disease, so that they see they are not alone!”
– Parent of a camper
