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L'Arche Antigonish
4 West St. Antigonish, N.S.
Canada B2G 1R8
Tel (902) 863-5000
Fax (902) 863-8224
info@larcheantigonish.org
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Summer Camps
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A few years ago in our ongoing desire at L'Arche Antigonish to reach out to families in our area, we were made aware of the lack of summer programs and activities for students with special needs in our local schools.
These students often had limited summertime opportunities and were sometimes isolated and lonely until school reconvened in September. This awareness and subsequent meetings with teachers in the local high school, encouraged us to begin a summer camp. We have just completed our fifth summer and have been delighted by the new circle of friends and family who have mutually benefited from this experience.
The camp operates on a Monday to Friday basis during the months of July and August in a local space donated by the Knights of Columbus. Campers are of various ages and abilities. Our admission process involves an application and personal interview as well as resourcing the local teachers and parents to identify particular strengths and challenges of the students. As L'Arche, we provide an orientation and ongoing supervision to the five young staff members who are paid through summer grants, fundraising and donations.
The camp activities include: outings to local beaches, public summer events, shopping excursions, baking, craft and social games. Picnics and a sleepover in one of our L'Arche homes complete the summer experience.
We are truly amazed by the fun that both the campers and student volunteers enjoy and the life that this new circle of friends brings to the whole L'Arche Antigonish community. The visible integration and role modelling of these relationships in our town also help people to discover the gifts and beauty of people with special needs.
Families have as well benefited from the support and have expressed an interest in maintaining these friendships throughout the year. We are hoping to plan occasional pizza/movie/music times over the fall and winter weekends, in order to facilitate these new friendships and circle of support to families.
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For a collection of related photos see the Summer Camps Photo Album
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