PaddleAll Summer Camp (Ages 12 - 35)

Lets Go!
The Ottawa River Canoe Club offers unique and inclusive options for youth and adults with developmental disabilities.
Developed by a team of Registered Recreation Therapists and supported by future Therapeutic Recreation graduates from Algonquin College, the camp is designed with a person-centered approach and strengths-based care in mind. With our specialized intake method, our team will provide guidance and ensure that all health considerations, unique characteristics, strengths, interests, and personal goals are shared and integrated into the camper’s recreation plan.
Key Information
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Date
2024 Dates TBD
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Cost
$475 Per Camper / Per Week
$385 Per Camper / Per Short Week***Subject to change for Summer 2024
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Hours
Drop-Off: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
Pick-Up: 3:00 - 3:30 PM
*Early Drop-off & Late pick-up available 8:00AM - 4:00 PM for $80.00*
Event Details
Camp Details
PaddleALL camp is so much more than just paddling! We spend our summers outside, playing sports in the field, going on nature walks and scavenger hunts, and doing other intentional activities to engage the mind, body, and soul. The week-long camp runs throughout the summer with a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio. While we will provide the necessary level of support for each individual, we require all of our campers to be comfortable on the water and with their personal care needs; otherwise, providing their own personal support companion during camp hours, if necessary.
Our Staff
The Paddle All summer camps will be led by a team of highly qualified and experienced staff. Our on-site daily team will consist of one lead instructor and our qualified team counselors, which include Developmental Service Workers, Youth service workers, Physical educators, Kinesiologists, Recreation therapists, and Recreation therapy students.
All our staff members have sport-specific and specialized training in supporting individuals of all abilities safely and effectively.
Integrated Options
Join our traditional youth or intro to comp camp groups! You will spend more time in boats, developing skills, and paddling longer distances. This is an excellent option for previous competitivepaddleALL athletes and campers with special needslooking for a faster camp pace.
Available select weeks: Dates TBD
Please note that Paddle All camp will not be running these weeks; instead, 1-2 campers will join in a youth camp experience. Extra support is provided as needed, with the goal of successfully integrating into a traditional camp setting (*limited spaces).
One-on-One Support
We maintain a staff ratio of 1:3; however, participants are welcome to provide their own support worker if that is deemed the most appropriate course of action.
With our specialized intake method, our team will provide guidance and ensure that all health considerations, unique characteristics, strengths, interests, and personal goals are shared and integrated in the camper’s individual recreation plan. While we will provide the necessary level of support for each individual, we do require all of our our campers to be comfortable on water and with their own personal care needs, otherwise providing their own personal support companion during camp hours.
Schedule
Sample Day
- 9:00 AM: Welcome
- 9:15 AM: Water Activity #1
- 10:30 AM: Snack / Break
- 11:00 AM: Water Activity #2 or Land-based games
- 12:15 PM: Lunch
- 12:45 PM: Freetime
- 1:15 PM: Water Activity #3
- 2:30 PM: Clean Up
- 3:00 PM: Pick-Up
Sample Week
- Monday: Staying around the ORCC - Intro to Kayak
- Tuesday: Dragon boat to Aylmer Island
- Wednesday: Intro to canoe & SUP
- Thursday: Choice of boats and/or try a racing boat
- Friday: Fun-gatta (fun race), which includes campers at all levels.
What to Bring
- Government Approved PFD (if you have one)
- Backpack
- UV resistant clothing
- Change of clothes & plastic bag to put wet clothes in
- Bathing suit & towel
- Running shoes & water shoes (watershoes of some sort are necessary as we have a rocky shoreline)
- Hat, spray on sunscreen & insect repellent (apply the first layer before coming to camp)
- Lunch, snacks & water bottles
Note: Campers must be able to apply sunscreen, change their clothes, and use the washroom on their own. We will ensure sunscreen is applied safely and properly during the many break times throughout the day. Staff are not permitted to apply sunscreen, insect repellent or accompany campers to the washroom.
Appropriate Watershoes: These may include crocs, watershoes, waterproof sandals such as keens or any other shoe that can be worn in water. Flip-flops are not a viable option.
Safety: Our Number One Priority
Water Safety:
- All campers undergo a swim assessment on their first day of camp that includes swimming 50 meter and treading water in the river. This assessment allows our counsellors to determine each campers comfort level in and around the water. No camper will be turned away due to swim ability as ALL campers, regardless of swim ability, are required to wear a Government of Canada Approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on or near the water.
Realizing that our participants have varying swimming abilities, the ORCC recommends that all paddlers strive to attain a progressive swim competency following the Red Cross Swim Kids program.
Coach to Camper ratio
- Youth Camps: 1:9 ratio
Camp Fees
***Information below is for 2023, prices and dates subject to change for 2024. Details will be finalized and updated by January 25.
Camp Rates are as follows:
- $475 Per Camper / Per Week
- $385 Per Camper / Per Short Week
Short Weeks
- July 4 - 7
- Aug 8 - 11
- Aug 28 - 31
Late Pick-Up
- Late pick-up is offered until 5:00PM for $80 per week/per camper
Credit Card & Cancellation Policy
Credit Card Policy
- ORCC offers a variety of payment methods such as e-transfer, credit card, and PayPal. However, credit card/PayPal transactions cost the club thousands of dollars every year. In an effort to keep program pricing reasonable, we ask those participants who wish to pay by credit card or PayPal to ensure you also pay the credit card/PayPal convenience fee to help offset the costs to the club. No convenience fee is charged for electronic transfers to treasurer@orcc.ca
Cancellation Policy
Please be aware of the ORCC Cancellation Policy:
- Program registration cancellations which are received two weeks prior to the start of the program will receive a full refund less the $15 non-refundable administration fee.
- No refunds are available within two weeks of the start of the program or once the program has started; a prorated credit only will be issued.
- In the case of injury or illness, a medical certificate may be required, and refunds will only be offered as camp fee prorated credit to be used for a future ORCC camp or program registration.
How to Register
Accessibility
- 4+ accessible parking spots
- Ramps and Mobi mats providing a smooth and accessible path of travel
- EZ docks: Dock addition that supports transfers in/out of boats
- Rough terrain wheelchairs
- Adaptive paddles
- Adaptive seating and in-boat support systems
- Floaties: Boat stabilizers
- Wheelchair accessible changerooms and outdoor washrooms
What are your access needs? Do you have any access needs or disability accommodations that you would like us to know about? We will work with you and support a positive experience. Feel free to reach out to us at info@orcc.ca
Questions?
Reach out to our Program Coordinator at keisha.lewis@orcc.ca


