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Camp Cambria

A camp for kids living with childhood arthritis

 
photo to supplement event

August 19, 2019

Camp Kodiak
200 Kodiak Rd
McKellar, ON
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Register For Camp

Camp Cambria is a six-day overnight retreat for Ontario children and youth ages 8-17* who are living with arthritis. Camp Cambria is back for its 4th year, set to take place Aug 19-24, 2019, at Camp Kodiak north of Parry Sound in the heart of Ontario cottage country.

Registration for Camp Cambria 2019 will open on Saturday, Jan 26, 2019, 8:00am. First come, first serve basis.

Campers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of exhilarating activities including canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, waterskiing/tubing, high ropes, rock climbing/bouldering, archery, horseback riding, land sports, and arts and crafts at their own pace. They will also have the opportunity to:

  • Build friendships with peers who experience the same health challenges
  • Learn about their disease and discuss coping skills
  • Enhance their self-confidence
  • Gain a sense of independence
  • Have a TON of fun!

Check out the fun from Camp Cambria 2018 by looking through the photo album!

Costs

Camp Cambria is free of charge to qualified families. To qualify for selection, a confirmed diagnosis of Arthritis is required.

Living with childhood arthritis can put enough of a strain on a family’s time, energy and financial resources. With that in mind, the costs for this camp have been covered thanks to the generosity of Cambria, and in particular the leadership and vision of the Davis family. We thank them for their incredible support!

Health/medical considerations

Camp Cambria is for children from Ontario who are living with a diagnosis of arthritis.

Camp is a physically active and busy time, and we work to ensure our campers get the most out of the experience. Camp Cambria has a medical staff  consisting of 6 nurses and 2 social workers and Arthritis Society staff on site 24 hours a day to assist campers with their medical needs.

Camper Information Join our Closed Facebook Group; Camp Cambria Ontario. This group is created by the Arthritis Society to keep family members informed about all things camp related.
FAQ
  • What is required for Registration?

    Registration will be online only. For those unable to register online, they can contact Christine Bilsky, Education Specialist, and the registration will be done for them. Registration can be accessed from the Arthritis Society Website, or the Camp Cambria Website.

    Information Required for Registration:

    • Proof of OHIP (Ontario Health Card)
    • Up-to-date Immunization History
    • Details Related to Medications (including strength, dose quantity, does form, time of day, etc.)
    • Information on Health History / Allergies
    • Camper Head Shot
    • Top 8 List of Camper’s Preferred Electives at Camp
  • Where is the Camp located?

    Camp Cambria is located about 25 minutes northeast of Parry Sound, near the town of McKellar, ON at Camp Kodiak. We are on a 425-acre site with approximately 2.5 miles of waterfront on Lake Moffat.

  • What is Camp Kodiak?

    Camp Kodiak will be the host camp for Camp Cambria. Camp Kodiak was established in 1991 for children and teens with and without Learning Disabilities, ADHD and high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

  • How will my child get to camp?

    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.

  • Where do campers sleep?

    While at camp, campers and staff are housed in bright, lakeside, modern, log cabins. Each cabin has electricity, a full bathroom with a shower and a large deck overlooking the lake.

  • What is the camper to staff ratio?

    At Camp Cambria we have a 3:1 ratio on site of campers to staff members. Within the cabins the ratio is 10:2 with staff available on site if needed.

  • What is the make-up of your campers?

    Camp Cambria campers range in age from 8-17 and include children & teens with a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis. We have boys and girls that come from across Ontario. Campers are placed into cabins based on their age group and gender.

  • 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. Teaching is done by skilled instructors who can modify the activities as needed. Activities offered include horseback riding, waterskiing/tubing, high ropes, rock climbing/bouldering, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, archery, land sports, arts and crafts, education sessions and more!

  • How do you deal with homesickness?

    Our experienced staff members help campers transition into the camp schedule, so that 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 with their friends at camp.

  • How do you accommodate dietary needs?

    At Camp Cambria we offer a low-sugar, low-additive diet, which consists of breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks during the day. The meals at Camp Cambria are made by a catering company that caters to dietary needs that include, but are not limited to: lactose-intolerance, gluten-intolerance, vegetarian, and vegan.

  • How are medications administered?

    Camp Cambria has a full medical centre that will staff six full time nurses. 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 Cambria 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 Christine Bilsky, Education Specialist, Education Programs and Services at 289-675-8015 as she is at Camp Cambria for the entire week and will be able to assist you in these rare instances.

  • Can my child have cell phones or electronic devices at the camp?

    Camp Cambria 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 CAMBRIA AND THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS AT CAMP. BRING AT OWN RISK!

  • What should we pack for camp?

    An extensive packing list is available under the Camper Information section. This packing list will also be provided via email by Christine Bilsky, Education Specialist, Education Programs and Services, in June 2019.

  • Is there a camp store/tuck shop?

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

Required Forms

Learn More about Camp Cambria    Volunteer at Camp Cambria

For More Information Call: Christine Bilsky, Education Coordinator, Education Programs and Services, The Arthritis Society, 416-979-7228 ext. 3535.

Camp Cambria

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