Amicus Camps & Recreation
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Amicus Program Information
Amicus Camps and Recreation provides fun and unique programs for youth, teens, and young adults with ADHD and/ or Learning Disabilities (such as Dyslexia) aged 8-23. Through both summer camps and year-round recreation programs, we create supportive, structured, and fun environments where participants can be themselves and thrive. All Amicus programs have a specific focus on developing social skills that will help participants find success, create lasting friendships, and build confidence in their daily lives.
To achieve this, we offer a wide variety of programs to cater to the interests of all our participants. Whether you are exploring the outdoors at Overnight Camp, learning to cook during rec, connecting with your horse at Horsemanship Camp, or volunteering in the community with our S.T.A.R. program, we have something for everyone. Our staff are trained and specialize in working with neurodiversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment in every program.
To find out specifics about each program, click the corresponding photo/ link at the top of this page. Take note of our Intake Criteria below- which we have in place to ensure Amicus programs are a good fit for each participant.
Amicus at a Glance
- Who We Serve: Children, teens, and young adults aged 8-23 diagnosed with ADHD and/ or Learning Disabilities (such as Dyslexia)
- Program Options:
- Summer Camps: Includes Day Camps, Overnight Camps, Horsemanship, Hiking, Youth-to-Adult Transition (S.T.A.R) and Counsellor-in-Training programs.
- Recreation Programs: Fall, winter, and spring programs every week in the evenings/ weekends. These programs include cooking, sports, science and engineering, teen leadership, art and more.
- Group Sizes: A 3:1 participant-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention, connection, and skill building. Small group sizes in both camps and recreation programs
- Focus Areas:
- Social Skills: Evidence-based and age-appropriate lessons in communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving and more integrated into every program.
- Fun, Friendship, and Community: Engaging activities that help participants build friendships, confidence, and lifelong memories.
- Staff: Mature, experienced, and trained in supporting youth with LD/ADHD with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Locations: Most programs are held at Foothills Academy Society in Calgary, with some off-site partnerships for overnight camp, and specialized activities.
- Intake Criteria: To ensure a good fit between our programs and participants, we require all new participants to complete the intake process. See below or the sidebar for the complete criteria and steps.`
Intake Criteria
*Click here to complete the intake process.
**Click here to contact our Intake Coordinator to discuss your application.
All programs require an intake process to ensure a good fit between the participant's needs and the program. If you're unsure about your child's eligibility, please contact our intake coordinator.
Our intake criteria includes:
- Diagnosed Learning Disability (e.g., Dyslexia) and/or ADHD (diagnosed by a psychologist or pediatrician) as the primary diagnosis
- Average to above-average IQ (85+ as indicated in a psycho-educational assessment)
- No significant emotional or behavioral regulation challenges (ability to participate in a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio)
- Ability to stay in large groups (up to 36 campers plus staff)
Examples of significant emotional and behavioral challenges outside of the intake criteria:
- Emotional: consistently running away or being unable to regulate emotions with adult support
- Behavioural: frequent physical contact (hitting, biting) or inability to leave a situation with adult help
For more details, visit our Amicus Intake Criteria page.
Upcoming Camps and Programs
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Multisport 1Soccer, climbing, floor hockey, belly baseball and more! (Grades 3-6)Multisport 1 -
Chef AmicusLearn cooking fundamentals and make delicious meals! (Gr. 5-8)Future dates to be announced. -
Multisport 2Badminton, soccer, gaga ball, rock climbing, basketball and more! (Grades 7-9) -
Science and EngineeringExplore new science and engineering concepts every week (Grades 3 to 6) -
Teen Dinner PartyLearn cooking skills, make delicious meals and connect with peers! (Grades 9-12) -
POLARIS Teen LeadershipPersonal Opportunities for Leadership Activities, Recreation, Inclusion and Social Skills (Grades 7 to 9) -
Creative ExpressionsUnleash Your Child's Inner Artist (Gr. 3 - 6)Future dates to be announced.
Amicus Camps & Recreation
Luke (aka Yoda) has been working in the field of camping, outdoor education and recreation since 2014 and working with youth in a variety of roles since 2009. 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 a trained SIVA (Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments) instructor. He is also trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, ASSIST suicide prevention and NCCP coaching. In addition, he is a Wilderness First Responder, ACMG certified Top Rope Climbing Instructor and Paddle Canada level two certified whitewater canoeist. In 2020, Luke joined Foothills as the photographer for Camp Amicus, then later worked with the school as an Educational Assistant. In 2022, he began his role as Manager of Camp Amicus and Recreation Programs. Luke has always had a passion for program development in specialized populations and makes it a priority to work with his team to ensure camp and recreation programs evolve to align with the changes in participants' lives, interests and needs.
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.
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.