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Amicus Camps & Recreation

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

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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

We serve children and teens from ages 8-18 with lagging social skills. All participants must have a primary diagnosis of a Learning Disability and/or ADHD, can function well in a one staff to three participants ratio, and have no significant emotional or behavioural challenges. Please note that although we can accept children with additional diagnoses of Anxiety or ASD Level 1, these diagnoses alone are not sufficient for eligibility. All programs require the completion of an intake package to ensure a good fit between the participant and program.

Staff

Our enthusiastic front-line staff consists of current university students studying in related fields (teaching, kinesiology, psychology, sociology, medicine). A year-round manager who has an extensive background in experiential recreation and camping oversees all programs and staff. She holds numerous certifications, including Outdoor Council of Canada Instructor, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor, Paddle Canada Instructor, Challenge Course Level 2 Instructor, Wilderness First Responder Certificate, National Lifeguard Service certification, and NCCP Coaching certificate.

Upcoming Camps and Programs

Amicus Programs Develop Social Skills in Young People with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD
Manager, Amicus Camp and Recreation Programs
Kathleen Gurski, BA
403-270-9400 ext. 217
More about Kathleen

Kathleen (aka “Quack Quack”) has been working in the field of camping, outdoor education and recreation since 2002, working with special populations for over 10 years. Since completing a degree in Psychology through York University, she has continued in professional development and is an Outdoor Council of Canada Instructor, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor, Paddle Canada Instructor, and a Challenge Course Level 2 Instructor. In addition, she holds her Wilderness First Responder Certificate, National Lifeguard Service certification, and NCCP Coaching certificate. Kathleen joined the Foothills Academy team in 2015 as the Manager of Camp Amicus & Recreation programs.  She leads professional development for other recreation and camping programs on topics such as ADHD, Learning Disabilities, emotional regulation, behaviour management, and increasing empathy in staff groups.  Kathleen is passionate about working with her staff team to ensure that camp and recreation programs evolve to align with the changes in participants’ lives, interests, and needs.

Intake Coordinator - Please contact for all intake questions
Anna Mason, M.A. Ed, M.Sc.
403.270.9400 ext. 252

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"We wanted Ronan to be able to come to camp and feel successful, supported, understood, to have fun, for people to understand him. He has suffered such low self-esteem and now he has been able to shine. It has been such a blessing and so needed. We will be wanting to come every year and participate in other activities all year. It is a life line."— Camp Amicus Parent
"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