Waterloo group runs its first summer camp for children with down syndrome

The Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome Society's first-ever summer camp for children with down syndrome has become a great success after running a one-week pilot project at Creekside Church.

Co-chair of WRDSS Tara Hart says the idea to run a camp for children with down syndrome came at a time when the society was looking to add new programming.

It was an idea that had been discussed among parents and members of the society before, and Hart says that with her background of running summer arts camp, she became very interested.

“So that was something that really spoke to me,” says Hart, “so I thought, 'Alright, we'll try it. We'll give it a go!' “

In the months leading up to the big event, Hart says she worked on organizing the program, starting with finding a location.

Creekside church became the location after a family from the WRDSS suggested them, as they run an annual summer camp for children with autism.  

“They are very familiar with the idea of running camps for children with special needs,” says Hart, “Everyone at Creekside made us feel so welcomed, so we are very thankful for them sharing their space with us.”

Since the camp was for children with down syndrome, Hart says they also had to ensure that all children coming would have an experienced educational assistant for one-on-one support.

The camp opened on July 29th and ran until August 2nd.

Eight children participated, ranging in ages four to eight. 

Children played games like 'duck, duck, goose' and 'What time is it Mister Wolf?' as well as worked on different skills they would need for September.

“We worked on all sorts of skills like literacy, numeracy, fine motor skills, printing …all of the things that young kids need to be able to do in school.” says Hart.

“So these were skills that were taught along with having fun and building relationships, for these kids to build other relationships with kids who have down syndrome.” 

After getting much positive feedback from parents, Hart says the group is looking to expand the event next year to possibly a two week program with a bigger age group.

“At this point, I'm not entirely sure what our plan will be moving forward, but everyone from the kids to the adults had a great time.” says Hart.

To find out about more about programming being run by the WRDSS, go to wrdss.ca.

We were thrilled to have the Waterloo Region Down Syndrome Society host their first summer camp at Creekside! The cutest kids ever! pic.twitter.com/2omsAeiI43

— Creekside Kids (@CreeksideK1ds) August 2, 2019