Camp Kids First, is a summer day camp for autistic and other exceptional children aged 4-17-years-old in the Wood Buffalo region. Participants have the opportunity to experience typical summer camp experiences like their peers do. We offer experiences such as swimming, rock-climbing, music and dance classes, boat trip on the river, arts & crafts, visits to Heritage Park, Oilsands Discovery Centre, day trip to Gregoire Lake beach area, just to name a few.

The needs of every child are met individually, and one-to-one support is provided by our team of dedicated and experienced support workers. Children participate in a variety of activities that promote social skills, play and communication.

If you would like to sponsor our 11th annual summer day camp that will give children and youth aged 4-17 years-old with autism and other special needs the opportunity to experience typical summer camp experiences like their peers do. Please see letter for more details.

CKF.sponsorshipletter.2025

This year we were able to provide an amazing experience for 103 children and youth in our community!

There were 102 spaces available in Camp, we were able to offer all families that registered a space as well as everyone on the waitlist. 33% of parents completed the survey after their child attended Camp Kids First 2024.

Our summer day camp is unique to any other in our region as it is the only camp that accepts ALL children regardless of needs, medical conditions, and disabilities. While many of the children that attend camp are neurodiverse, we also had children attend camp that have Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, hearing and vision impairments, complex medical conditions and more. To provide the best summer camp experience for all we provide one-to-one support to meet each child’s individual needs.

Activities at Camp Kids First are planned intentionally to suit the needs of each child’s individual physical, cognitive, sensory, and social-emotional needs. Support workers adapt activities to ensure all children have a chance to participate.

This year Camp Kids First was based at two locations, Frank Lacroix Arena in Beacon Hill and Doug Barnes Cabin in Thickwood.

Some activities the group enjoyed this summer were, parks and water parks, crafts, music and dancing, Sports Day, Science Day, horseback rides, pottery painting at Color Me Mine, Total Ninja Warrior Gym, golf, a day at the lake/beach and a river boat trip with Running Bear Adventures – it was an amazing summer camp experience for all!

• 69% parents gave Camp Kids First an 10/10 overall rating
• 100% parents found the online registration process “easy”
• 90% parents were “very happy” with communications regarding camp
• 96% parents were “very happy” with camp leadership and support staff
• 86% parents were “very happy” with camp activities and field trips
• 72% parents reported that their children felt a greater sense of community after attending Camp Kids First
• Top three favourite activities were: Boat trip, Swimming at MacDonald Island and Horseback Riding
• Top three least favourite activities were: Arts & Crafts, Laser Tag and Color Me Mine

“My child was paired with a worker that gets him, and recognizes the support he needs”

“He really loved doing “real” golf”

“My child having amazing staff made her love everything about camp”

“Finally, a camp that fits her needs! Having a support person made all the difference and helped her have a great time without getting “in trouble” like at other camps we’ve attempted.”

“The best thing about camp is to be able to socialize with her other friends similar to him & have fun!”

“Getting to try new experiences in a safe environment”

Every year parents tell us that they wish camp ran for longer hours, more days, and more weeks each summer.
One day we hope to have the capacity (space, staff, and funding) to provide this for families.
The smiles on the kid’s faces are always the best feedback we have for Camp Kids First

Camp Kids First would not be possible without the generosity of our community partners… we thank the following organizations for supporting Camp Kids First in 2023.