Camp Tidnish
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Camp Tidnish is appreciative of the support from suppliers for product donations, as well as various services clubs and individuals throughout Nova Scotia.  Special mention to the Rotary Club of Amherst as a partner of the Camp Tidnish program, as well as the Rotary Club of Truro, as leading provider of sponsored campers. |
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This summer camp is available to any Nova Scotian with a physical disability over the age of 6 years. Camp Tidnish is a fully accessible facility that offers campers an environment that is stimulating, active, fun and safe.
Campers will often come home having learned new skills, developed greater self-confidence, made new friends, and achieved greater independence through their experience at camp. Most importantly, no matter what the situation, our philosophy is “Campers Come First!”. At Camp Tidnish you can be certain that campers always have been, and always will be, our #1 priority
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Challengers 2008
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Wayfarers 2009
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How to Apply
Camp Tidnish is for Nova Scotia campers who have a physical disability or a mental challenge. If space allows, campers from outside Nova Scotia may be admitted, but first priority is to Nova Scotia Campers.
Camp Tidnish is not able to accept campers with the following behavioural concerns:
- Psychiatric disorders that have the potential to cause harm to themselves or to others;
- Emotional disorders such as continuous crying or screaming or severe mood swings;
- Learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders as the sole diagnosis, unless in conjunction with a physical or mental disability;
- Aggressive and/or violent behaviours;
- Those that pose an elopement risk.
Does Camp Tidnish sound like an amazing summer experience?
If you are interested in attending Camp Tidnish, we would love to send you an information package that includes an application form.
Please contact Community Outreach Coordinator at 902-453-6000 ext. 227 OR; email: camping@easterseals.ns.ca
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, address any potential concerns and send you any information on Camp Tidnish.
Or if you would like more information please fill out the form below.
Programs and Sessions
Camp Tidnish 2009
Every year we strive to make Camp Tidnish even better than the previous summer, and 2009 is no exception! For campers and staff alike, changes are on the horizon that will no doubt make the summer of 2009 at Camp Tidnish possibly the best ever!
- All camp sessions are now seven days in length;
- A new session of Commanders, adults with a physical disability, means smaller numbers of campers receive better and faster care by our awesome staff so that you can get out to enjoy all the activities at camp that you love;
- No sessions are scheduled during the statutory summer holidays, so make plans to fully enjoy Canada Day and Natal Day Weekend celebrations;
- Lots of newly donated equipment means greater variety of activities and better care for our campers!
- We are always looking for interested staff and volunteers including counselors, and kitchen staff. See you at Camp Tidnish!
Special Requirements
Allergies at Camp Tidnish
Many Campers and Staff have allergies. Conditions can range from mild itching to life threatening conditions. All efforts will be made to lessen the chances of a severe allergic reaction. We need your help to do this by adhering to our scent free and latex free policies. As much as possible, Camp Tidnish is a scent free zone. Please bring only non-scented hygiene products to camp. Perfumes, body sprays, scented deodorant and antiperspirants can all trigger reactions. They also attract bugs!
Food and Food Allergies
We can accommodate puree diets, but do NOT provide specialized food diets or items (such as calorie counted diets, tofu, millet, yogurt, gluten free, etc.) You may send any necessary special foods to camp labeled with the camper’s full name. When a camper is allergic to certain foods they should bring enough food with them for the camp session. Should campers be found to have allergic reactions to a particular food, that food item will not be served for the duration of the camping session. If a camper has a food allergy that is life threatening, such as peanuts, no peanut products will be served for the duration of the camper’s session. Please do not send any foods with known allergies (especially peanuts, chocolate bars, etc.) with your camper without confirming with the Camp Director ahead of time.
Personal Care Attendants
Camp Tidnish may be able to accept campers who require Personal Care Attendants (PCA). If a camper requires one-to-one care or has high medical needs then a PCA is recommended. However, our space for PCA’s is limited. You are responsible for paying your camper’s PCA fee ($210 for room and board per session). The PCA must be a minimum of 18 years and have successfully completed criminal records and abuse registry checks. The PCA must adhere to all camp policies and know the camper well enough to meet the required one-to-one care needs.
Seatbelts, helmets and safety equipment
We ask that all campers who require safety equipment, such as seatbelts for wheelchairs, helmets for those who fall frequently, canes, walkers, etc. to please bring this equipment to camp. Falls can be serious! Please send all safety equipment and footrests.
Camp Rules and Guidelines
Arrivals and Departures
- Because staff is busy getting ready for you, please arrive after 1pm on the first day of camp.
- Be prepared to meet the cabin counselors for your camper and to meet with the nurse to go over any necessary medications or medical information.
- Please be patient while waiting your turn with the Nurse.
- Departure must be before 11:00am on the last day of the camper’s camping session.
Behavioural Concerns
Camp Tidnish is not able to accept campers with the following behavioural concerns:
- Psychiatric disorders that have the potential to cause harm to themselves or to others;
- Emotional disorders such as continuous crying or screaming or severe mood swings;
- Learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders as the sole diagnosis, unless in conjunction with a physical or mental disability;
- Aggressive and/or violent behaviours;
- Those that pose an elopement risk.
It is important that your camper be in the appropriate session for their abilities. Age is relative, the camper will be assigned to the session we feel is best suited to the individual.
Smoking
Easter Seals Nova Scotia is a smoke free environment. We do not encourage smoking. Those campers who do smoke must do so in designated areas, at designated times.
General Behaviour
If a camper’s behaviour becomes dangerous to themselves or to others while at camp we will manage the situation to secure the safety of everyone. Depending on severity of behaviour, parents/caregivers may not necessarily be contacted for input/advice. In some cases, camp staff and camper’s family/caregivers will agree it is best for the camper to go home. The safety and security of the campers and staff is our first priority. The Camp Director has the final decision in sending a camper home who poses a threat to the safety and security of our campers and staff. Fees will not be reimbursed in this situation. The Camp reserves the right to send a camper home for any reason. In the case of damaged property or camp equipment, parents or guardians may be asked for reimbursement of the cost of the item in part or in full. Please keep in mind that omitting details about behaviour on the application form will create hardship for everyone involved.
Staff and Volunteers
The staff at Tidnish are not only attentive and provide personal care and supervision, they also really care about these kids. They want them to have a good experience while away from home and for the families to have a little fun and relaxation as well. Thanks doesn’t seem like much to say, but please be assured that it comes from our hearts. You made a difference in our lives.
Available Staff Positions for summer 2010:
Click on the job titles below or job description and how to apply
Application deadline for all positions is March 19, 2010.
Volunteers are always welcome to apply to Camp Tidnish:
Please download complete the following form and/or contact
Easter Seals Nova Scotia
3670 Kempt Rd
Halifax, NS B3L 4X8
902-453-6000
Staff Responsibilites
Camp Tidnish Staff are recruited based on their skills, sensitivity and maturity.
Leadership is provided by an experienced Assistant Camp Director under the supervision of the Community Outreach Coordinator, who ensure quality programs are offered by competent and enthusiastic counselors.
Campers benefit from a ratio of at least one staff member for any three campers on site at all times. These staff are all required to have current 1st AID/CPR skills.
In addition to the previous experience of the camp staff, all staff participate in an intensive training program prior to the start of the camping season. This prepares them to meet the various needs of our campers who have disabilities.
- These sessions, given by professionals, include:
- Lifting and Back Safety Procedures
- Professional Ethics and Teamwork Skills
- Sign Language
- Child/Adult Abuse Detection
- Emergency Procedures
- Personal Care
- Programming and much more
Staff responsibilities vary but all share a common goal – to ensure that every camper who attends Camp Tidnish has a positive, safe and enjoyable experience.
Staff will go out of their way to plan activities, assisting campers when necessary and encouraging independence. They are always available to share a concern, a smile, or a laugh.
FAQs
Do you have questions? Well, we have the answers.
Whether a first time camper or a seasoned Camp Tidnish camper, there are always questions you would like to ask but are unsure who to ask, or maybe there are questions that you just don’t think of asking.
The following are the most common questions asked and the appropriate answers.
How is it decided what session of camp is most suitable for my camper?
Each session of camp is designed based on the age and ability of the camper. An inappropriate mix of campers makes it difficult to run a program that best meets everyone’s needs, therefore the decision cannot be based on vacation times, parental desires or what session a friend may be attending. The Community Outreach Coordinator makes the final decision.
Can my camper go to Camp Tidnish more than once in the same summer?
Because each session of camp is age and ability specific, campers qualify for only one session of camp. This allows an equal opportunity for other potential campers to enjoy a Camp Tidnish camping experience.
My camper has been going to Camp Tidnish for many years. Am I still required to fill out all areas of the application, even if nothing has changed?
Yes, it is very important to fill out the application in full. Staff changes every summer and the camper will not likely have the same staff as the previous summer in their cabin or at their table. As well, missing information can cause serious problems in the event of a medical emergency.
My camper is on medication. Can he/she keep them in the cabin?
No. All medications are kept securely locked in our Infirmary and distributed by the Camp Registered Nurse. This is for the safety of the other campers.
Can I fax the completed application to your office?
We are not allowed to accept faxes of this nature. The original application must be mailed to our Halifax office along with the required deposit fee.
We are having financial difficulties and cannot afford to send our son/daughter to camp. Are there any financial resources available to help us?
There are many options available to help your camper get to Camp Tidnish. There are many different clubs and organizations in your community who are quite familiar with the Camp Tidnish Program and often have funds set aside to assist campers in financial need. While the Easter Seals Nova Scotia staff may be able to suggest potential sponsoring organizations in the community, it is the responsibility of the camper to seek this sponsorship. Sponsoring organizations may include service clubs such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, etc; church clubs, school associations, local businesses, or family and friends. If you are not successful with this approach, contact the Community Outreach Coordinator, as many clubs will often send in their donations to our office with the stipulation that they be used for a camper in financial need.
Transportation may be a problem for us. How can we get our camper to camp?
Transportation to and from the campsite is not provided by Easter Seals Nova Scotia and is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver. However, we may be able to help arrange a carpool with another camper from your area going to the same camp session. For those campers living in the Annapolis Valley, there is a service club that will provide transportation for Valley campers.
Contact the Community Outreach Coordinator for further information.
Our Camp Facilities
Camp Tidnish facilities include:
- A main building that houses the kitchen, dining area, staff residence and a well equipped Nurse’s Station
- Five cabins shared by campers and counselors, including a specialized cabin for our campers with more severe physical disabilities
- A fully enclosed solar heated swimming pool
- Two large playing fields
- A newly expanded playground area; an ocean waterfront area which houses our accessible floating dock, canoes and pontoon boat
- A library for campers to utilize during their camping session.
- Wheelchair accessible ramps to all buildings, paved walkways and accessible cabin features
Travel Directions
Camp Tidnish is located 27 km from Amherst, near the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border, on the shore of the Tidnish River, where it meets the Northumberland Strait.
If traveling toward Amherst:
Follow Victoria St. heading east toward Pugwash (route 366) and turn left onto Tyndal Road. Follow the Tyndal Road to the Riverside Restaurant. Turn left onto Tidnish Road and drive 1.6 km to the Camp Tidnish sign. Turn right onto Irwin’s Point Road and follow the road to the end.
If traveling Route 104
Take the Port Elgin NB and PEI exit. Continue on Route 16 for approximately 18 km. Turn right onto Baie Verte exit and follow the Tidnish Road. Turn left onto Irwin’s Point Road at the Camp Tidnish sign. Follow the road to the end.
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