Camp Registration opens Feb 1, 2024

How it all started!

We launched our unique therapeutic nature camp in the summer of 2021. Over 35 children were welcomed to Larchwood Farm that first year. Highlights included our water activities in the pond and Traverston Creek; building forts in the forest and our weekly field trip to Firefly Ridge for picnics under the big apple tree and spending time with the goats, pigs, chickens, horses, donkeys and honey bees! This field trip continues to be a highlight for all of us each camp session. Over the years our camp has grown to include both Occupational Therapists and Social Workers. This year we are offering add on services to allow for assessment and treatment while your child is at camp!

Larchwood Farm

Larchwood Farm is located just west of Markdale, Ontario. We have 101 acres of mixed forests, wetlands, and fields, as well as rolling hills and walking trails. There is a large spring-fed pond and a creek running through the property, both of which are home to lots of interesting creatures!

Therapeutic Camp Highlights

Inclusive, therapeutic nature day camp
For ages 4-12 with physical, cognitive, social, and/or emotional challenges.*
Play Partners are welcome! We believe that all children can learn and grow from each other.
Led by Registered OTs and Social Workers
We support each child in achieving goals most important to them
Ratio: 4 adults to 10 children
Daily communication and a final report summarizing your child’s strengths and strategies
Weekly campfire chat for parents/caregivers - a safe space to connect, share and learn with an OT or SW facilitating.
* Campers must be independent in mobility (without a mobility or gait aid) and toileting.

A typical day at camp…

9:00am - Free, guided play with various stations set up

9:30am - Opening Circle

10:00am - Nature Hike with a Purpose (may be collecting items for an art project, completing a scavenger hunt or building a structure in the forest)

11:00am - Cooperative Game in the Paddock

11:30am - Lunch & Free Play (playground equipment, craft tables, dress up theatre, mud kitchen)

12:30pm - Story Telling with Yoga

1:00pm - Nature Crafting or Water Play

2:00pm - Free Play / Journaling

2:30pm - Reflections and Closing Circle

On Wednesdays we travel to Firefly Ridge for a picnic and interactive learning with the farm animals! A truly fun day that we all look forward to!

Day Camp Sessions 2024

Each session accommodates a maximum of 10 campers. Play Partner* spots are limited to 2 spots per week.

Session 1: July 15 - July 19 [only 1 spot left!]

Session 2: July 29 - August 2 [only 1 spot left!]

Session 3: August 12 - August 16 [only 2 spots left!]

Camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Campers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and lunches. Snacks will be provided on Food & Fire Friday as we prepare foods with our garden harvest.

*Play Partners are children without therapeutic needs. They may be a sibling, cousin or friend that is accompanying the OT child. The spots are limited to 2 per session and are priced differently.

Camp Fees

Full Session (Mon-Fri) $700
Play Partner Full Session (Mon-Fri) $400
Half Day Option (9am-12pm) $95/day
Full Day Option (9am-3pm) $150/day
Before or After Care $20/hour

A nonrefundable deposit of $200/child/session will be due on April 1, 2024. Remaining payment due will be processed on June 1, 2024.

Additional Add-On Services

To optimize the experience for each child at camp and offer the opportunity to work on individual goals we are offering “add-on” OT and SW services this year. This 1:1 time can take your child’s camp experience to the next level and allow you to take advantage of the amazing team at Larchwood Farm. Services are often hard to come by in Grey Bruce so this is a wonderful opportunity to get some guidance.

Social Work Assessment & Treatment for PARENTS/CAREGIVERS
Occupational Therapy Assessment & Treatment for CHILDREN

Accommodations

If you’re a family coming from a nearby city, there are some great Airbnb options in the area to make your camp experience a little vacation. Here are a few:

Firefly Ridge: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/35023156?source_impression_id=p3_1673884724_PyyMPXbbkW2Y5PrK (Please connect with us and we will put you directly in touch with the owners).
Priceville: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/51520100?source_impression_id=p3_1659058237_c%2FyFQiUivR0tjuFW

Funding Opportunities

We understand the financial challenges of sending your child to camp and have outsourced a number of grant opportunities that may provide financial support. Click here to download our funding resource document. OT and SW are also covered by many extended health benefit providers. Here is a list of providers currently covering OT. We also acknowledge that funding sources vary widely - if you have any financial limitations to getting your kid to camp please just reach out!