Community Services

Amicus Camps & Recreation

Amicus Programs Develop Social Skills in Young People with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD

Camp 2024 Information & Registration

Registration is open!

Camp Amicus and Recreation Programs provide fun, experiential education programs focused on social skill development for children and teens with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD ages 8-18. Amicus programs offer activities that kids and teens enjoy while supporting their social skill development, independence and friendship. From 3D printing, science, and engineering, to sports, archery, and rock climbing and, art, music, and cooking, we explore different areas of interest and support a sense of competence in a range of activities.

Intake Criteria


*Click here to complete the intake process.
**Click here to contact our Intake Coordinator to discuss your application.

We serve children and teens from ages 8 to 18 diagnosed with a Learning Disability and/or ADHD with lagging social skills. 

All programs require the completion of an intake process to ensure a good fit between the needs of the participant and what the program can provide. If you are unsure if your child is within the scope of our intake criteria, feel free to call our intake coordinator. 

See the full explanation of our Intake Criteria on our Amicus Intake Criteria page. Specifically, the intake criteria are:

  • Diagnosed Learning Disability and/or ADHD - Must be diagnosed by a psychologist or pediatrician (ADHD only) and is considered the child's primary diagnosis.
  • Average to above-average IQ - A full-scale IQ (FSIQ) or general ability index (GAI) of 85 or above as indicated in the psycho-educational assessment
  • No significant emotional or behavioural regulation challenges - The individual must be able to participant in a 3:1 camper to staff ratio
  • Participants are able to stay in large groups consistently - The child will be in groups of up to 36 campers plus staff for camp programs

What are considered significant emotional and behavioural regulation challenges and outside of the scope of our intake criteria? 

  • Significant emotional regulation challenges would include: consistently running away and/or hiding when upset, consistently unable to regulate emotions with support from adults, etc. 
  • Significant behavioural regulation challenges would include; frequent physical contact with others (hitting, biting, spitting, etc.), unable to leave a situation with support from an adult, etc.

Staff

Our enthusiastic front-line staff consists of current university students studying in related fields (teaching, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, medicine). Luke, our year-round manager who has an extensive background in experiential recreation and camping, oversees all programs and staff. Since completing a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with a specialization in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Laurentian University, he has continued his professional development and is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Non Violent Crisis Intervention, ASSIST suicide prevention and NCCP coaching. In addition, he is a SIVA certified trainer, Wilderness First Responder, ACMG certified Top Rope Climbing Instructor and Paddle Canada level two certified whitewater canoeist. 

"This was my son's 2nd year as a camper at Camp Amicus. It is the best 2 weeks of his summer! It is an environment where he feels welcome, safe, accepted, and understood. We are extremely grateful for this unique program and for the funding assistance. Thank you for your support of this wonderful camp!" — Camp Amicus Parent