Future Plans
Camp Kirk is still relatively young. Indeed, the whole subject matter of learning disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder is one which is only just beginning to gain some measure of recognition in the fields of mental health, education and recreation. For that reason, our goals and aspirations are flexible and acknowledge the fact that we will have to make adjustments along the way to suit the demands of the children and the families we service.
Camp Kirk is presently seeking to expand in the following "in camp" programmes, hence the purpose for our fundraising:
- Experimental Learning and Adventure Based Programming through the expansion of the ropes course, the climbing wall and the canoe tripping programme.
- Ecology and Natural Sciences, through the enlarging of the gardening programme and the inclusion of small farm animals care programme.
- Drama and Music through the building of an indoor facility, which could serve as a Recreation Hall for rainy days but also as a drama and music programme facility.
- Leadership, through the establishment of a L.I.T. (Leader in Training) and a C.I.T. (Counsellor in Training) programme, allowing some of our former campers the opportunity to return to camp and give back some of what they have gained from their camp experience. For this, we need to build modest facilities (2 or 3 person tend platforms with tents and flies) and also, we may need to hire appropriate leaders.
- A Residential Camp Programme for Teens (13 to 16), which would be based at a different location than Camp Kirk and would focus primarily on canoe tripping and other adventure based programming, building on what has already been accomplished.
- A Winter Programme in the city to serve both as a feeder programme to the camp for children who may eventually be coming as campers, but also as a "follow up" programme for our existing campers.
- A Family Support Group to allow parents of our campers the opportunity to come together, socialize, discuss issues and network with each other in an informal yet structured setting.
- An Advocacy Programme involving public speaking and media coverage throughout the year.
- Employment service for adults suffering from learning disabilities.
It is important to note that, for most of these initiatives, additional staff and space will be needed. |
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