YMCA Day Camp One to One Counsellor Support Program
The YMCA’s goal is to have a Day Camp where everyone feels safe and included. One to one counsellor support is available for children with exceptionalities and/or disabilities that are eligible and require assistance to successfully participate in all camp programming. One to one support is facilitated by our friendly one to one counsellors (youth with at least one year of camp experience) and is offered at all day camp locations!
Camper and staff safety is our top priority and therefore it is important to acknowledge that there are limitations within certain YMCA locations, as well as limitations to the level of support our day camp one to one staff can provide. Camper needs will be accessed individually, and some families may be recommended to alternative locations or programs, and at times family hired support may be required in order to ensure a successful camp experience.
Registration for our One to One Counselor Support Program
Registration for our One to One Counsellor Support Program for School Year Camps will open on August 10th at 8am.
How to Register for 1:1 Counsellor Support
- Expression of Interest
Families interested in 1:1 Counsellor Support must submit an Expression of Interest form in our registration portal found here as one to one support has a high demand we will prioritize all interested families who submit their expression of interest between August 10 at 8:00 a.m. and August 11 at 11:59 p.m.. Submission of the form is required to be considered for placement. Click here for the instructional video.
- Financial Assistance and Child Care Subsidy
Families requiring financial assistance or child care subsidy support should contact daycamp@ymcaswo.ca for assistance with the registration process.
Please note that submitting an Expression of Interest form does not guarantee placement in the 1:1 Counsellor Support program. Placements are based on available resources and program capacity a member from our camping branch team will reach out to you to confirm your camp registration.
How 1:1 Camper Support Placements Are Determined
We are committed to creating positive and inclusive camp experiences for all campers. Because 1:1 support spaces are limited, placements are made thoughtfully using the following guidelines.
- 1:1 support placements are based on availability during the Expression of Interest period.
- Some camp sites have higher demand for 1:1 support than others, which means space at sites may vary based on location.
- Families who submit an Expression of Interest during the designated submission period are prioritized.
- When requests are received during the designated submission period, we do our best to review them as a team and assign available spaces as fairly as possible.
- When demand is greater than available space, we aim to distribute 1:1 support placements as evenly as possible across campers and sites.
- This helps ensure that as many families as possible have equitable access to available supports.
- Families who select multiple sites during the Expression of Interest increase their possibility of having multiple camp weeks spread between various sites.
- Each camp site is unique in its environment, activities, and supports.
- We carefully consider each camper’s individual needs when making placement decisions, as some sites may be better suited to support a camper’s success and enjoyment at camp.
- In some cases, we may recommend an alternate site if it is a better overall fit for your child’s needs.
For more information or questions on our One to One Counsellor Program, please contact daycamp@ymcaswo.ca.