The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, was joined by Jason Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador, in Marystown today to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 Summer Camp Inclusion Grant.
Piloted in 2023, the Provincial Government is pleased to continue the Summer Camp Inclusion Grant in Budget 2024 to provide financial assistance to pay for a support person so children with disabilities can participate in summer camps.
This support person may be an inclusion worker, a caregiver, an attendant, an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, a designated camp staff member, or any other person deemed appropriate by the family to support the child’s needs and participation at summer camp.
The Summer Camp Inclusion Grant provides funding of:
- Up to $1,000 to families with children with disabilities who require a support and/or inclusion worker to attend summer camp; or
- Up to $5,000 to organizations providing summer camps who wish to hire support and/or inclusion workers to accommodate children with disabilities.
Nine organizations and eight families availed of the Summer Camp Inclusion Grant in 2023. Further details on organizations that received the grant can be found in the backgrounder below.
The grant guidelines and application form can be found here. You can also call toll-free 1-888-729-6279; text 709-725-4463; or email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats. The deadline to submit an application is May 31, 2024.
Quotes
“I am delighted to open applications to the 2024 Summer Camp Inclusion Grant, which facilitates the inclusion of children with disabilities in summer camp activities which contribute to improved physical and mental health and well-being. Our government remains committed to removing barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in their communities. I encourage eligible families and organizations to reach out to my department for more information and to submit an application as early as possible.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
“The YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to have been a past recipient of the Summer Camp Inclusion Grant. Every day the YMCA strives to break down barriers, so everyone has equitable access to programs that improve their well-being. Inclusion is a founding principle at the YMCA and is critical to the healthy development of children and families. We are excited to share in today’s announcement which will help ensure an enriching summer camp experience for children with disabilities.”
Jason Brown
President and Chief Executive Officer at YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Learn more
Summer Camp Inclusion Grant
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