Camp Limitless is Manitoba’s only summer camp for kids ages 8-17 with a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Campers come from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Northern Ontario to attend camp. From the beginning, the focus of camp has been to provide a place where children and youth with arthritis can come together and participate in fun, barrier-free activities in an environment where their medical and social needs can be supported.
At camp, campers are given an opportunity to increase their independence, learn new things, engage in social activities and meet new friends. Along with the many fun activities campers enjoy like, crafts, sports, ropes courses, and canoe/kayak, camp also offers the chance for children and youth to learn about their disease and discuss coping skills with peers just like them. The medical team and camp staff are sensitive to the camper’s medical needs, and young adults with arthritis serve as mentor group leaders. Our Manitoba camp promises a life-time of memories and lifelong friendships!
Please note: Your child must have medical clearance from their primary healthcare practitioner to attend camp (i.e. – Pediatric Rheumatologist, Pediatrician, or Family Doctor).
Camper Information
Highlights
- Accredited member of the Manitoba Camping Association (MCA)
- Camp Manitou has been in operating for over 90 years!
- All staff are certified in standard first aid/ CPR training
- Enclosed supervised swim area with certified life guard
With its forests, grass playing field, small man-made lake, NHL size hockey rink, cabins, gym, meeting spaces and the Assiniboine River on three sides, Camp Manitou’s 39-acre oasis provides lots of space in which to enjoy nature.
Check out our 2025 Camper Guide for information on all things camp – packing lists, activity options, policies & procedures!
Registration
We look forward to welcoming our campers back to camp this summer! Registration for camp will open February 12, 2025. Please note that we will be prioritizing campers who have never had the opportunity to attend camp.
Important dates
- Phase 1: Application
February 12 – March 5, 2025 - Phase 2: Conditional Acceptance
March 24 – March 31, 2025 - Phase 3: Final Acceptance
Campers will be notified of their final acceptance by April 30.
Please see our registration guide below for more information on this year’s registration process.
Qualifications
To qualify for selection, the following criteria must be met:
1. A confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition.
2. Covered by a provincial health care plan, or private health insurance. Proof of a provincial health card or private health insurance is REQUIRED for camp.
How to register
Families will be able to apply online using our secure registration website. Please note: Registration will be online only. The registration portal can be accessed via this webpage beginning on February 12, 2025.
Please note that an application does not guarantee a spot at camp. All applications will be reviewed and officially confirmed via email from Arthritis Society Canada.
When all spaces are filled, we will start a waitlist. Even if the camp is full, we still encourage interested families to apply. Cancellations are common throughout the year.
Costs
Living with childhood arthritis can put a strain on a family’s time, energy, and financial resources. Our goal is to keep camp free for all campers across the country, and our fundraising team is working tirelessly to make this possible. However, we can’t do it alone—we rely on generous donations and community fundraising efforts to cover the cost of camp.
You can help ensure every child gets the chance to experience the joy of camp!
Join Us in Making Camp Possible
Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing an unforgettable camp experience for children living with arthritis. By fundraising or making a donation, you play a direct role in making this possible.
If we are unable to raise the necessary funds, a registration fee may need to be introduced. Should this be required, we will make every effort to notify families as soon as possible.
We will continue to offer travel bursaries to those who require additional support to attend camp.
FAQs
Where is the camp located?
Camp Manitou is located about five-minutes outside of Winnipeg at 850 Green Oaks Ln, Headingley.
How will my child get to camp?
Transportation to and from Camp Manitou will be via parent /guardian drop off/pick-up at Camp Manitou.
Who are our campers?
Camp Limitless campers range in age from 8-17 and include children and teens with a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition. We have campers that come from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northwestern Ontario. Campers are placed into cabins based on their age group and gender identity.
What activities are offered?
All of our camp activities are planned with a view to teaching skills, building confidence and improving self-esteem. We achieve this by carefully structuring all of our activities to ensure success. Skilled instructors who can modify the activities as needed do the teaching. Recognizing the unique needs of children living with arthritis, this includes incorporating rest and transition time.
Camp Limitless offers a wide range of age appropriate, educational and recreational opportunities. Campers will enjoy socializing and learning with their small cabin groups, as well in larger camp-wide programming. Activities include kayaking, water games, volleyball, hiking, climbing wall, zip-line, archery, campfires, field games, basketball, fishing, drama/skits, swimming, art & crafts and more!
How do you deal with homesickness?
It is natural for most children away from home for the first time experience a certain amount of homesickness. If your child becomes homesick, camp will work very hard to help them overcome the problem. This is because most children who leave camp before the end, experience it as a failure. They need to know that what they may be feeling is not abnormal or unusual. In the vast majority of cases, any feelings of homesickness passes quickly.
Camp has an enormous arsenal of techniques to combat homesickness, developed over several years. When dealing with homesickness, campers will get some one-on-one attention. Our goal is to keep the children busy – at first doing the things most familiar and enjoyable to them. Usually homesickness subsides after a day or two, because the pace of camp life is so busy and distracting from thoughts about home. The good news is, like all things, time heals homesickness too. With your support, the likelihood that we will achieve positive results is extremely high.
How do you accommodate dietary needs?
We attempt to balance good nutrition with institutional cooking needs and popular foods that campers enjoy eating. Camp Manitou is able to accommodate most reasonable dietary restrictions. The meals at camp cater to dietary needs that include, but are not limited to: lactose-intolerance, gluten-intolerance, vegetarian, and vegan. Additionally, camp is a nut aware facility. We cannot guarantee that nuts are not in the facility, but all of our food is made nut free and we ask that people do not bring food to camp that has nuts in it. If your child has any special dietary needs, please note this information on the medical form.
How are medications administered?
Camp Manitou’s Health Centre is open 24 hours a day, staffed by a registered nurse or medic. The camp’s medical facility is antiseptically clean, well ventilated and well equipped. The Health Centre keeps on-hand over the counter pain medication such as pain relievers, antiseptic, etc. All medications will be kept and administered by the camp nursing team. All medication times will be accommodated.
Can I contact my child while at Camp?
Camp Limitless is a great opportunity for kids to be fully immersed in camp their experience. For some it may be their first time away from home and are building their independence and confidence. For this reason, family and friends are not able to contact their children while they are at camp. If there is an emergency and you need to reach your child please contact Lauren Handler at [email protected]. Lauren is at camp for the entire week and will be able to assist you in these rare instances.
Photos will be uploaded to a private photo album as well as our Arthritis Society Canada Childhood Arthritis Community Facebook group.
Can my child have cell phones or electronic devices at the camp?
Camp is unplugged! No electronic devices are allowed at camp. If the campers would like to capture memories at camp, they will be allowed to bring a disposable camera or, if you wish, a small, inexpensive digital camera. Please note that Camp Manitou and the Arthritis Society Canada will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items at camp.
What should we pack for camp?
An extensive packing list is available under the Camper Information tab. Don’t forget to label camper clothing and bags!
What are your communicable illness policies at camp this summer?
We take every measure to ensure the health and safety of all campers and staff when planning camp. We continue to follow Public Health guidelines, and the recommendations established by our medical team. Campers who are symptomatic/ill should NOT attend camp on day #1. Please note that parents/guardians will be required to pick up their campers promptly and directly from camp if our onsite medical team deems it necessary. Stay-tuned as we will update families with more information as camp approaches.
Volunteers
Volunteers are a huge reason why so many children and families get to enjoy camp each summer.
The Arthritis Society Canada is recruiting for dedicated, caring, and enthusiastic volunteers to ensure that all campers have the best experience at Camp Limitless. Volunteers will assist with the development and execution of camp activities; engage with children, helping integrate them into camp life; monitor camper safety; and assist with the development of promotional photo and video materials.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of our camp positions, please submit a volunteer application form by March 5, 2025! Upon application submission, we will reach out to you with regards to next steps (e.g., Zoom interview, etc.). Please direct any questions to [email protected].
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