Camp Ontario

This is your initial registration through our CampBrain platform. You must fill out all fields to be considered for camp. Minimal medical information will be required at this time, but you will be expected to provide any important medical, behavioral, or mental health related information that should be considered when reviewing your child’s application.

We will be prioritizing youth who have never had the opportunity to attend camp, and thus registration will not be based on a first come, first served basis. Phase 1 of registration, the expression of interest application, will be open from February 12 – March 5.  

Please be sure to save your username and password as you will need it for phase 2 of the registration process.

After all expressions of interest are collected and phase 1 of registration closes, your initial registration will then be reviewed by Arthritis Society Canada’s team. This process may include reaching out to your child’s rheumatology clinic and/or family doctor.  

Once approved, you will receive an email from the Arthritis Society Canada indicating that you have been conditionally accepted as a camper and inviting you to complete your additional registration forms. At this point you will need to go back into your registration on CampBrain and complete all required forms and submit medical information by March 31. At this time, you will be expected to provide: 

• Proof of OHIP (Ontario Health Card) 

  • Please note that all campers must be covered by OHIP, Ontario's health care plan, or private health insurance. Proof of an Ontario Health Card or private health insurance is REQUIRED to be accepted as a camper.  
• Pertinent medical information, including diet and allergy information
• ​Up-to-date immunization history 

Those campers who we are unable to accept into this year’s camp will be notified via email. 

Once all required phase 2 forms and medical information have been submitted, they will once again be reviewed by Arthritis Society Canada’s team. This process may include reaching out to your child’s rheumatology clinic and/or family doctor. All campers will be notified of final acceptance or otherwise via email by the end of April. If forms remain incomplete at the March 31 deadline, your spot will be given to another camper on the waitlist. 

Our Host Camp, Camp Tamakwa is located on South Tea Lake in the beautiful Algonquin Park, just over two hours north of Toronto.

Founded in 1936 Camp Tamakwa is a playground of endless forests and crystal-clear lakes. A place with countless outdoor activities, a community of soon-to-be lifelong friends and a place where kids are encouraged to learn, play and grow.

We will be providing bus transportation from four locations across Ontario: London, Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. You also have the option to drop your child off at the camp location.

Everyone lives in cabins, substantial wood cottages with electricity. There are bathroom facilities (we call them “biffies”) in all cabins. The cabins have been the focal point of a major rebuilding program begun in 1982. Since that time, Camp Tamakwa has restored or totally replaced every camper cabin.

Camp Ontario campers range in age from 8-17 years-old and include children & teens with a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition. We have campers that come from across Ontario. Campers are placed into cabins based on their age group and gender identity.

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. Teaching is done by skilled instructors who can modify the activities as needed. Activities offered include canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, ropes course, zip line, climbing wall, musical theatre, arts and crafts and more!

Our experienced staff members help camper's transition into the camp schedule. Most campers are so busy having fun at camp they don’t have a chance to think about things they are missing at home. When a camper does become homesick, we work on letter-writing, or another task to help them connect with home, but we also direct them right back into the camp schedule, so they can focus on having fun. We also have a social service worker on-site 24/7 to provide support to each camper.

We offer a low sugar, low-additive diet, which consists of breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks during the day. The meals at Camp Ontario caters 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.

Camp Ontario has a full medical centre with full-time nurses. All medications will be kept and administered by the camp nursing team. All medication times will be accommodated.

Camp Ontario 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 they 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 email camp@arthritis.ca.

Camp Ontario is unplugged! No electronic devices will be 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: Camp Tamakwa and the Arthritis Society Canada will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items at camp. Bring at your own risk!

Yes! All campers who are conditionally accepted into camp will have the option to create their own Move Your Way campaign on our website. All proceeds will go directly to Camp Ontario. For more information or to create your on Move Your Way Campaign, please contact camp@arthritis.ca.

An extensive packing list is available under the Camper Information section. This list will also be sent out to accepted campers via email closer to camp. Don't forget to label all clothing, bags, pillows, etc. with your camper's name!

There will be no camp store or tuck shop at Camp Ontario. Everything your child needs should be packed ahead of time or will be provided at the camp.

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.