Camp Amicus
Build friendships, develop social skills, and gain confidence through Amicus summer camp programs.
Resources on this page
Registration is ongoing.
Camp Amicus is a one-of-a-kind summer camp designed for children and teens aged 8-18 with ADHD and/ or Learning Disabilities (such as Dyslexia). Since 1982, we’ve been providing campers with an unforgettable experience that combines skill-building, fun, and friendship in a structured and supportive environment.
Through evidence-based social skills programming, campers develop confidence, self-esteem, and lasting friendships while enjoying a wide variety of camp activities. Whether it’s through team games, creative projects, or exploring nature, Camp Amicus ensures every camper feels included, celebrated, and successful.
We offer both day and overnight camp options, as well as specialty programs like Horsemanship, youth-to-adult transition (S.T.A.R.), Counsellor-In-Training and hiking/ wilderness programs (POLARIS). Every program is designed to help campers learn and practice age-appropriate social skills, making every moment of camp both meaningful and fun.
Check out the links/photos above for specifics on each camp.
Why Choose Camp Amicus?
- Specialized Support for ADHD and LD: Our camp is tailored specifically for youth with Learning Disabilities (such as Dyslexia) and ADHD.
- Small Group Sizes: A 3:1 camper-to-counsellor ratio ensures every child receives personalized attention.
- Evidence-Based Social Skills Programming: Grounded in proven behavioral and social learning theories, campers learn essential skills like emotional regulation, teamwork, and communication.
- Mature, Caring Staff: Our staff are extensively trained in ADHD and LD support, as well as certified in SIVA (Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments) safety management.
- Inclusive Fun: Campers engage in exciting activities that build confidence and encourage teamwork in a safe, supportive space.
- Proven Results: Research shows that Camp Amicus enhances social competence and reinforces skills that youth with ADHD and LD carry beyond the camp setting. See below
Research-Based Impact
"Camp Amicus provides a rewarding and successful summer camp experience where adolescents with ADHD learn social skills, build relationships, confidence, and self-esteem. Overall, the present findings provide evidence that adolescents with ADHD enhanced their social competence. The camp structure, programming, and counsellor approaches provide practice and reinforcement of age-appropriate social skills in a fun and safe environment. These results support the premise that evidence-based social skills programs can be effectively implemented in community settings such as summer camp and can help adolescents develop social competence in a short amount of time." (Neprily, 2020, p.76).
This is a quote from the 2020 study entitled "Summer Camp for Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Naturalistic Context for Enhancing Social Competence" that looked at the impact of Camp Amicus.
The above study was also published as Neprily, K & Climie, E. (2022). Happy Campers: Enhancing Social Competence in Adolescents with ADHD at Summer Camp. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, & Leadership, 1-15.
See Camp Amicus in action
Intake Criteria
Camp Amicus serves youth aged 8-18 diagnosed with ADHD and/or Learning Disabilities. If your child is new to Amicus programs, please complete the Intake Process before registration. Full details about our Intake Criteria and Intake Process can be found here.
Financial Accessibility
Most Amicus Camps are eligible for FSCD funding, and we can bill FSCD directly for camp fees. Families needing additional financial assistance can visit our Financial Accessibility page for support.
Camp Amicus
Jana has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and is registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. She has a history of working with children, youth, and families, and is passionate about early intervention, prevention, and meeting children’s social, emotional, and developmental needs. Jana is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and the Nurturing Parenting Program Curriculum. She utilizes a trauma-informed and strength-based approach in her social work practice, aimed at mitigating the effects of trauma, strengthening family resilience, increasing natural supports, and building on existing strengths.
Intake Criteria & Financial Accessibility
Intake Criteria Information
Check our Intake Criteria to ensure that we can meet the needs of your child.
New Amicus Participants
Intake approval is needed prior to registration if your child has not participated in any Amicus programs before. Please complete the Intake Form to begin the process.
Financial Accessibility
Depending on the program or service you are accessing, there may be a government program to help offset some of the cost. We request that you explore these possibilities before applying for any financial assistance directly from Foothills Academy.
Camp Amicus is a member of
Thank you also to all the generous donors who have contributed to the Camp Amicus Bursary Fund: The Prosser Family Foundation, B’Nai Brith and Children’s Hospital Aid Society and many individual donors. With their support, we try to keep Camp Amicus financially accessible to all eligible campers.