Easter Seals BC & Yukon runs a 6-day, nature-based overnight summer camp program at Camp Shawnigan on Vancouver Island and Camp Winfield in Lake Country. The camps boast specially trained staff and recreational equipment that can accommodate any disability. Campers can take full advantage of the lakeside locations when going swimming or canoeing, touch the sky on the big swings and inground trampolines, and learn life and leadership skills from participating in all the typical summer camp activities.
Easter Seals began offering accessible camp experiences in 1952. New campers who are nervous about their first time at camp can attend a shortened 3-day version of the overnight program at Camp Winfield to get a taste of the experience.
A third Easter Seals camp in BC – Camp Squamish – was temporarily closed for 2 years due to lack of funding. However, operational changes were made and new fundraisers put in place, and the camp will reopen for the 2021 season.