Our Values

Our Kids + Youth

Our campers and leaders-in-training are neurodivergent kids and youth, age 7-18. The majority of participants typically have one or more of the following diagnoses:

• Learning Disability
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Tourettes or a tic disorder
• An anxiety disorder
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Note: Participants do not need a formal diagnosis to be eligible for Camp Kirk.

What is neurodiversity?

Simply put, neurodiversity is the diversity of the human mind. There are natural variations in how humans learn, think, and experience the world. Neurodivergent individuals are people who have more distinct ways of learning and thinking than what has been deemed the ‘average’ standard. The concept of neurodiversity sees these differences as normal, rather than deficits.

All our campers and leaders-in-training are neurodivergent, which is a fact we value and celebrate!

Our Programs

We create spaces where kids and youth who think and act ‘out-of-the-box’ can thrive. We meet with every camper before they come to camp to ensure we have the right program and supports in place for them to have a successful experience.   Through small group environments, non-competitive programming, and a focus on strengths, our programs create a safe space for our campers to discover what they have to offer the world.   

To learn more about our approach and what makes Camp Kirk unique, head to Our Programs page.

OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMP
The traditional overnight camp experience- all within a nurturing and non-competitive environment.

LEADER IN TRAINING PROGRAMS
Our LIT Programs are designed to provide growth in independence and leadership skills through practical work experience in a supportive and nurturing environment, while providing ongoing tailored support and mentorship.

Take a look at our new brochure to learn more!

Reducing Financial Barriers

We believe that a family’s financial situation should not stop their child from taking part in our programs.  We fundraise year-round to subsidize all of our Camper Fees, and provide financial aid to families that need a extra help getting their child to camp.   

Help a neurodivergent child take part in our programs with a donation today.

Land Acknowledgement 

We acknowledge that our camp operates on the traditional territory of the Mississauga and Anishinaabe peoples, covered by Treaty 20. We honour their history, culture, and enduring connection to this land.

As a camp dedicated to empowering neurodivergent children and youth, we value diversity, resilience, and unique strengths—qualities celebrated in many Indigenous traditions. We also recognize the harmful legacy of cultural appropriation in summer camp history, including within our own practices. We are committed to examining our traditions, dismantling any harmful elements, and fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.

We invite our community to join us in learning about the intersections of camp culture and Indigenous history. For further exploration, we recommend Christine Luckasavitch’s article on this topic.

Together, we strive to build relationships rooted in understanding, honor the original caretakers of this land, and create shared experiences that promote growth, respect, and joy for all.

Camp Kirk is a registered Canadian charity. While most people know us as Camp Kirk, our legal name is Friends of the Learning Disabled, Camp Kirk. Since 1993, we have been creating life-changing recreational experiences that empower neurodivergent children and youth.

Our story began in 1989, when the Lions Clubs of District A-16 were gifted the property that Camp Kirk now calls home. The Lions had the vision, volunteers, and resources to build the cabins and infrastructure needed for a summer camp, but they needed a partner to develop and deliver specialized programming.

Through a connection with the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, they found a group of passionate advocates who recognized the importance of providing recreational opportunities designed specifically for children with learning disabilities.

Together, they created two complementary charities. Friends of the Learning Disabled, Camp Kirk was established to develop and operate the camp program, while the Lions Clubs Camp Kirk Foundation was formed to build, maintain, and steward the camp property.

Working side by side, these two organizations transformed a vision into reality, laying the foundation for what has become one of Ontario’s most respected overnight camps for neurodivergent children and youth.

Here’s a quick look at some of our biggest milestones: