Camp Tidnish

For general program information as well asto register, find schedules, directions, and staff and volunteer applications, choose from the following menu options:

Camp Tidnish is appreciative of the support from suppliers for product donations, as well as various service 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. 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. Camp Tidnish is proud to be fully accredited under the Camping Association of Nova Scotia and a member of the Canadian Camping Association since 2002. This accreditation assures that Camp Tidnish consistently meets the highest standards in camping regulations, policies, and procedures.  

Challengers 2008	Wayfarers 2009

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:

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 2011 Every year we strive to make Camp Tidnish even better than the previous summer and 2011 is no exception! For campers and staff alike, changes are on the horizon that will no doubt make the summer of 2011 at Camp Tidnish possibly the best ever!

Dates for 2011 Camping Season: Thursday, June 2nd, 2011: Coordinator – Community Outreach Programs, Assistant Camp Coordinator, Cook, and Programmer/Clerical Assistant arrive at campsite.  

Saturday, June 4 to Thursday, June 9, 2011: Remaining staff will arrive for Staff Training Week in progress. Six Days

Sunday, June 12 to Saturday, June 18, 2011: Wayfarers 1, adults with a mild cognitive delay.  Seven Days.  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Monday, May 9, 2011 (This session now FULL)

 Wednesday, June 22 to Tuesday, June 28, 2011: 1st Commanders, Adults with primarily a physical disability. Seven Days  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

Friday, July 1 to Thursday, July 7, 2011:  Wayfarers 2, adults with a mild cognitive delay.  Seven Days.  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Friday, May 27, 2011 (This session now FULL)

 Wednesday, July 13 to Tuesday, July 19, 2011: 2nd Commanders, Adults with primarily a physical disability. Seven Days.  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Saturday, July 23 to Friday, July 29, 2011:  Explorers, children ages 6 to 13 years with a physical disability or cognitive delay.  Seven Days.  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Friday, June 17, 2011  

Wednesday, August 3 to Tuesday, August 9, 2011: Challengers, teens age 13 years to young adults age 24 years with primarily a physical disability.  Seven Days.  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Wednesday, June 29, 2011

 Saturday, August 13 to Friday, August 19, 2011: Travelers, teens age 13 years to young adults age 21 years and older with a moderate to severe cognitive delay.  Seven Days.  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Friday, July 8, 2011

Monday, August 22 to Sunday, August 28, 2011: Navigators, teens 13 to 21 years with a mild cognitive delay.  Seven Days.  Payments and all paperwork due NO LATER than Monday, July 18, 2011

These dates were set prior to the dates of the Special Olympics Summer Games. For those campers who attend the Wayfarers Session, please select the July session if you are NOT a Special Olympian.

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 allergens (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 PCAs 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

Behavioural Concerns Camp Tidnish is not able to accept campers with the following behavioural concerns:

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 the 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 campers. 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 2011: Click here to view more detailed information about staff positions.

COUNSELORS: Salary of $59.72 per Day. These key staff people work directly with campers to facilitate their daily care needs and ensures smooth operation of the program. They should have strong leadership and initiative skills, be a team player and have a good sense of fun and humour. The ability to manage stress and multiple demands is necessary. Swimming skills, First Aid, CPR, previous experiences working with people who have disabilities are all assets. Room and board included. Period of employment: June 4th to August 28th, 2011 *Start date of June 4th, 2011, please apply ASAP. Please note: There is a particular need for Male Counselors, as we have all male cabins and many of the males require personal care. Contact Heather MacDonald for more information or questions: 902 453-6000 x227

Volunteers are always welcome to apply to Camp Tidnish: Please download and complete the following form and/or contact Easter Seals Nova Scotia 3670 Kempt Rd Halifax, NS B3K 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:

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, assist campers when necessary, and encourage 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. Our 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 all 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 Active Living/Community Outreach Coordinator for further information: (902) 453-6000 x227 email: camping@easterseals.ns.ca

 

Our Camp Facilities

 

Camp Tidnish facilities include:

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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