Camp Amicus Overnight
Unplug, build friendships, and explore the great outdoors- Amicus Style! (Grades 4-12)
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Program Overview
Amicus Overnight Camp offers a unique summer experience for children and teens (grades 4–12) with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. Over five fun-packed days, campers engage in daily social skill lessons, build independence, and make lasting friendships. Located at Pioneer Lodge in Sundre, this technology-free camp offers activities like swimming, horse riding, archery, games, canoeing, climbing, wilderness exploration, and more. With a 3:1 camper-to-counsellor ratio and tailored social coaching, Camp Amicus is where your camper can thrive.
Overnight Camp at a Glance
- Ages: Entering grades 4–12
- Location: Pioneer Lodge, Sundre, Alberta
- Date & Duration: 5-day sessions (Monday to Friday)
- Focus/Goal: Building social skills, independence, and friendships
- Activities: Archery, climbing, swimming, art, sports, horse riding, low ropes, wilderness skills, and more
- Transportation: Bus provided from Foothills Academy, Calgary
- Intake Criteria: Completion of the Intake Process is required for new campers. Details below
- Cost: $1290- Financial assistance is available. Eligible for FSCD funding. Details below
About the Overnight Program
A Day in the Life at Amicus Overnight Camp
The adventure begins Monday morning at Foothills Academy, where families check in campers, review medications, and leave technology behind (Camp Amicus is a tech-free zone). Campers are introduced to their counsellors before boarding a bus for the scenic trip to Pioneer Lodge, nestled in the beautiful foothills near Sundre.
After a welcome tour and orientation, campers dive into the fun. Each day offers a mix of exciting activities, structured social skill lessons, and opportunities for personal growth:
- Morning: Start the day with an optional Polar Bear Plunge in the lake or pool, followed by breakfast and a camp-wide game like Capture the Flag or Amicus originals like Temple of Doom. The Social Skills block follows, with lessons tailored to each age group. Younger campers focus on foundational skills like reading body language, emotional regulation, and understanding the size of the problem, while older teens tackle advanced topics like group dynamics and using humour effectively. Through a research-backed curriculum and hands-on activities, campers practice these skills in engaging ways, reinforced throughout the day to help them build meaningful friendships and thrive socially.
- Afternoon: Campers enjoy Choice Blocks, selecting activities such as climbing, swimming, horse riding, archery, sports, camp games, low ropes, art, Dungeons & Dragons, wilderness skills, and so much more. Activities are designed to appeal to different energy levels, from high-energy challenges to more relaxed options.
- Evening: After dinner, campers participate in another camp-wide activity before gathering for STEPS—a daily meeting to celebrate successes, highlight funny moments, and recognize the kindness and accomplishments of their peers.
Campers benefit from the camp’s small group size (maximum 30 participants) and a 3:1 camper-to-counsellor ratio, ensuring personalized attention and strong connections are built with staff and peers. The tech-free environment encourages face-to-face connections, a distraction-free environment, and a deeper appreciation of the outdoors.
Before and After Care
Before care is offered on the first day of Overnight sessions. After care is offered on the last day of Overnight sessions.
- Hours: 8:00 AM–9:00 AM and 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Cost: $25 for each offering
Registration and Intake Process
Campers with ADHD and/ or Learning Disabilities within the accepted grade/ age range are eligible.
New Campers: Complete the Intake Process to determine eligibility. Eligible families will receive registration details.
Returning Campers: Families will receive a direct registration link. A $100 deposit secures your child’s spot.
**Once approved, you do not need to re-complete the intake process for subsequent camps or programs. This is only for first-time families.
Financial Accessibility
Camp Amicus is 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.
Amicus Overnight Camp
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 Traning, 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
Check our Intake Criteria to ensure that we can meet the needs of your child.
New Campers
Intake approval is needed prior to registration. Please complete the Intake Form to begin the process.
Returning Campers:
If your camper has been to Camp Amicus before, do not complete the Intake Form. You can register directly. Please check your email for a registration link.
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.