Building belonging at camp

Accessible activities and facilities make Camp Manitou a place where everyone belongs

Since 2018, Manitoba Possible—a non-profit that provides programming and services to Manitobans with disabilities, their families and communities—has chosen to host its annual summer camp at Camp Manitou.

“At Camp Manitou, our campers can have a genuine camp experience alongside others, not a modified version of one, and that is really important to us,” said Jaylene Irwin, Program Manager of Recreation, Leisure and Accessible Sport at Manitoba Possible.

Accessible upgrades to facilities and activities over the years have set Camp Manitou apart from other camps in the province. This season, a wheelchair lift was installed in the pool and a swing set with accessible seats in the playground, adding to other upgrades like an accessible dock for kayaking, canoeing and fishing and an overnight cabin with a wheelchair ramp. Campers also have accessible bathrooms, meeting spaces and paved pathways to travel around camp.

“We prioritize accessibility because our goal is to welcome as many people as possible, especially those who may face barriers to attending camp,” said Jeff Hofer, Director of Camp Manitou. “Everyone should get to experience camp and its benefits, like connecting with other people and making new friends, overcoming fears, getting away from screens and being outdoors.”

Another bonus for Manitoba Possible was camp’s proximity to Winnipeg.

“We wanted somewhere close enough to Winnipeg to be accessible to families, while still providing that feeling of getting away to camp,” said Irwin. “Having the opportunity to spend time away from home, build relationships, participate in camp activities and experience that sense of independence can be incredibly meaningful for our campers.”

Along with providing accessible activities and facilities, Camp Manitou also makes sure staff are prepared to best support each camper and group. Activities, food and programming can be tailored to each group’s needs and trained “host staff” are assigned to each specialty group to make sure they’re fully supported while at camp.

“Our campers have a wide range of support needs, and sometimes following a traditional camp schedule isn’t realistic. Some of our campers with intellectual disabilities may need time to regulate, which can mean taking a quiet break, going for a walk or participating in an alternate activity,” said Irwin. “The Camp Manitou team was incredibly understanding when campers needed to step outside of the schedule. They didn’t see those moments as disruptions in the day, they gave our campers the time and space they needed and helped us find ways to continue with the planned activities.”

With many of Manitoba Possible’s campers Deaf or hard of hearing, Camp Manitou staff also adapt the ways they communicate, whether providing verbal instructions, using gestures or writing and texting, or with the help of a ASL interpreter.

“Camp Manitou staff demonstrated a willingness to learn, which is so important,” said Irwin. “Accessibility isn’t always about knowing exactly what to do before someone arrives. It’s about being willing to listen, ask questions, adapt and find a solution together.”

The collaboration between the Camp Manitou and Manitoba Possible teams has resulted in many meaningful and memorable experiences for campers with disabilities.

“When we hear our campers tell us that their day or overnight stay at Camp Manitou was the highlight of their summer, we know that the partnership is making a real difference,” said Irwin. “For me, that’s what accessibility is ultimately about: creating opportunities where people don’t have to wonder whether they belong. They can just show up, participate, try something new and be a kid at camp.”

Camp Manitou is available year-round for groups looking to host day or overnight events. For more information about rental options or school groups at Camp Manitou, visit campmanitou.mb.ca.