News & Updates
NEWMARKET ERA-BANNER AND YORKREGION.COM
August 21, 2007
Program helps Jolen feel part of summer camp
Denise Deveau
Bill Sandford
Jolen McPhee (second from right) and camp counselor “Pickles” (centre) playing the parachute game at Newmarket’s Kids Place Camp at Denne Recreation Centre. Jolen, who has Down Syndrome, is among more than 450 children with disabilities who are enjoying summer camp in York Region this year. Through inclusive recreation programs, these children receive one-to-one support from specially trained inclusion facilitators.
Every morning before he goes to summer camp, Jolen McPhee packs his knapsack, looks at his calendar and prepares for the day ahead.
“He’s grinning from ear to ear,” says his mother, Jennifer. “He’s just so excited about going and everyone there is always happy to see him.”
Without the support of Newmarket’s parks, recreation and culture department, York Support Services Network and Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York, this happy-go-lucky and affectionate 13-year-old from Newmarket might not have been able to join his friends at camp.
Jolen, who has Down Syndrome, is among more than 450 children with disabilities who are enjoying summer camp in York Region this year.
Through inclusive recreation programs, these children receive one-to-one support from specially trained inclusion facilitators.
Inclusive recreation services are now being offered throughout municipal and private camps in Newmarket, Aurora, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Georgina and Kettleby.
Inclusive recreation programs have been an important part of Jolen’s life and development over the past three years, Ms McPhee says.
“There simply isn’t enough staff to give him the extra attention he needs in daycare programs,” she notes.
“He sometimes needs an extra push to join in games, someone who will go that extra mile for him.”
That extra assistance is provided by the trained facilitators. Two of them, affectionately known by their camp nicknames “Leaks” and “Pickles”, have worked with Jolen at the Kids Place Day Camp held at Denne Recreation Centre in Newmarket.
“They’re awesome and Jolen is crazy about them,” Ms McPhee says.
“Even more important is the fact that having Jolen at the program benefits other children, because they can learn more about kids with special needs. He’s so loved and they always give a cheer when he comes back after a day off.”
“Every child should have an opportunity to experience a wide range of recreation activities, regardless of their ability,” says Jennifer Ralph, inclusive recreation co-ordinator for York Support Services Network.
The network partners with municipal, private and non-profit recreation providers to promote inclusive camps, swimming, sports and other activities.
It’s the partnerships that have made the program such a success, Ms Ralph says.
“We’re working to partner with more municipalities and agencies so we can continue to remove barriers, provide training for more facilitators and expand opportunities.”
To find out more about inclusive recreation services in your area, contact Children’s Treatment Network at 1-866-377-0286 or www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca, Jennifer Ralph, York Support Services Network at 905-722-6484, ext. 230 or your parks and recreation department. Demand for inclusive recreation services is high, so be sure to register now for next year.