"For me, Camp Awakening lead to a sudden burst in personal independence. At 16 years old, I learned how to tie my shoes!"
- David (former camper)
Outdoor recreation for youth with physical disabilities since 1982.
Camp Awakening celebrates 30 inspiring camping seasons in 2012.
Our History.
In the late 1970’s, Joan Cameron, Lois McLaughlin, Iain MacInnis and Harry McMurtry flirted with the idea of founding an alternative camping program for children with physical disabilities who were not being challenged by existing camping or recreational programs. A six-page proposal was prepared and presented to John “Chief” Latimer in October of 1982 and two weeks later, John offered Kilcoo Camp as a base site for operations. This summer, Camp Awakening marks thirty seasons at Kilcoo in Cabin 25! David “Lub” Latimer continues Kilcoo’s commitment to youth with physical disabilities as a dedicated volunteer and member of the Camp Awakening Board of Directors.
Our Program.
Camp Awakening campers, ages 9-18, have a wide variety of physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, juvenile arthritis, acquired brain injury, vision and hearing loss, and amputation. Cabin 25 is just like the other cabins in camp, except it’s modified to meet special needs. Our campers participate in every activity available at camp, just at their own pace and at their own level of ability. Enthusiastic support from our specially trained staff helps campers to build new skills and self-confidence.
Our Campers.
Limited spaces are still available for the summer of 2012. Campers must be independent in their daily living routine (eating, dressing and using the bathroom by themselves, for the most part); be able to walk (with or without an assistive device) or use a manual wheelchair by themselves; be comfortable boating and swimming in a lake; enjoy group activities and the great outdoors!
Our Supporters.
As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations – and the Kilcoo Community – to be able to show our campers how to live fuller, more independent lives both at camp and at home. Camp Awakening sincerely thanks Kilcoo Camp for twenty-seven summers of providing opportunities for growth; building of self-esteem; and creating lasting friendships for hundreds of children and youth with physical disabilities.
To learn more, please visit www.campawakening.com or call the camp office at 416-487-8400.