Special Needs Integration and Registration
Helping Hands
All children deserve a chance to make new friends, try new skills and experience the exciting opportunities that are available to them at summer camp. The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford along with Project Rainbow; the program wing of Reach for the Rainbow, is pleased to offer summer experiences for children with special needs through the Helping Hands program. The Helping Hands program offers 1:1 support for children with physical and/or developmental disabilities. Children in this program receive 1:1 support from trained YMCA staff while still being fully integrated into a camper group. Through this support, campers can be included in all aspects of camp while still addressing the unique needs of their disability. 1:1 support facilitates friendships, skill development and independence while attending to the personal care and safety needs of the children.
- Cost: $275/week (pro-rated at $220 for week 5) - includes both camp fees and one to one worker costs
- You can register your child for a maximum of two weeks (more weeks may become available)
Reach for The Rainbow
Reach for the Rainbow is a registered charity serving children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities from across Ontario. Working within the existing framework of programs supported by partnering agencies, Reach for the Rainbow works to provide integrated recreational, respite and outreach opportunities. Reach for the Rainbow's goal is to promote an environment where children with exceptionalities can grow and mature with their peers, and discover their full potential. In partnership with the YMCA of Hamilton/ Burlington/Brantford, Reach for the Rainbow helps to maintain a commitment to providing integrated experiences for all children by assisting with staff training, consultation with families and weekly visits at camp.
In order to register your child in the Helping Hands program, please:
1) Contact Reach for the Rainbow at (416)-503-0088. If you are new to Reach for the Rainbow then request to sign up as a new participant (you can express your interest in the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford Day Camps during this process)-this service is free of charge. If you are already registered with Reach for the Rainbow then express your interest in the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford Day Camps. By becoming a registered participant, your child will then have access to any camp (both residential and day) that Reach for the Rainbow is partnered with.
2) In consultation with our Program Consultant from Reach for the Rainbow (Karen Francis), request the weeks you would prefer your child to attend camp:
Karen Francis
Telephone: (416) 503-0088 x189 Fax: (416) 503-0485
Email: kfrancis@reachfortherainbow.ca.
3) Once your camp weeks are confirmed with the Program Consultant, fill out the YMCA Day Camps Official 2010 Registration form (please put "Helping Hands" under the camp choice next to the weeks confirmed). Please indicate on the registration form if camp costs will be billed to another organization (e.g. SSAH, ACSD).
4) Fax, Mail or drop off the registration form with payment to:
Christina Wood
Special Needs and Behaviour Management Specialist
Telephone: (905) 317-4907 Fax: (905) 317-4917
79 James Street South, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 2Z1
