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The Child We Serve

Camp Kirk welcomes children from all over the world with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorders, some Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and those with incontinence or enuresis (bedwetting) issues. However, it does not offer a clinical setting and therefore, cannot accept children who require primarily one-on-one supervision or have a history of agressive, violent or abusive behaviour.  Like most similar organizations, we do adhere to a very strict low tolerance policy when it comes to those types of conduct. Your child is very precious. For children with learning disabilities, a positive residential camping experience could mean the difference between succeeding and struggling in life, and here is why. The significance of interpersonal relationships in our lives from birth onwards is very clear. Our parents, friends, colleagues and enemies all play an important role in how we define ourselves and how we come to experience and understand the world around us. Psychologists talk about the ability to open oneself up to relationships as the fundamental goal of growth and development. Certainly, the absence of friends and family relationships has dire consequences for social, emotional and cognitive development. Children who have no friends are at a much higher risk of developing psychological or psychiatric disturbances as adults. On the other hand, for those who develop friendships, they serve as a protective factor against psychological stress, provide companionship, mutual activity and shared risk taking, provide stimulation through excitement and also provide new information, encouragement and a feeling of self worth. We work closely with the public as well as with various school boards, associations and professionals in the field of health and child care in order to reach those children who would benefit most from the Camp Kirk experience. If you have specific questions about camp, may we suggest that you refer to the FAQs (frequently asked questions) section under the "resources" menu.