Robin Hood was the first day camp to fully include children with special needs; an unheard of concept back in our early years. It came from a natural desire to care for every child and it has been truly gratifying to see staff and campers of all abilities embrace each other’s differences.
Inclusion at Camp Robin Hood
Under the direction of Camp Owner/Director Sari Grossinger, we are proud to be recognized internationally as leaders in the field of inclusion. As a paediatric Occupational Therapist, Sari and her team of professionals, work with families throughout the year to ensure a successful summer for all. This includes special training for our staff, providing adaptive equipment where needed, and planning modified programs.
Before enrolling in this program, Sari and the Inclusion Team (formerly known as Camper Relations) will often liaise with members of campers’ home and school teams to assess if our camp is the right fit for their child. Camp Robin Hood is not a traditional therapeutic environment therefore the assessment process includes important discussions between camp, family, teachers and other professionals as necessary. Our goal is always to provide a positive camp experience for all of our campers. We recognize that we cannot meet every child’s needs but do our best to work towards a safe and successful summer for all involved.
It should be noted that our very well-known inclusion program for campers and staff with identified special needs is quite limited. Applications will be accepted, however confirmation will only be provided once our intake process is completed by our Director Sari Grossinger.
The Inclusion Team & Our One-to-One Services
Our Inclusion Team consists of experienced Camp Robin Hood staff members who, during the school year, work professionally in the field of “Special Needs”. At camp they focus directly on campers, their families and our staff. Throughout the summer, a senior member of our Inclusion Team provides a consistent point of contact for families requiring extra attention.
We are able to support campers with various special needs. In consultation with our Director, Sari Grossinger, we help families determine the level of support required in our camp setting. When one-on-one support is determined as necessary, either Camp Robin Hood can provide the staff for this directly or the family can provide an appropriate individual to support the camper. In both cases, the Camp Robin Hood Inclusion Team is on-site to support the child and their support staff. Visit this link for more information detailing our Inclusion Program, including the additional fees associated with additional staff support.
The goal of this team always remains the same, including campers & staff of all abilities in our regular programs, ultimately providing a great social experience for all. We know that an environment where campers of all abilities prosper together is a truly unique experience! If you have questions, please book a consultation with our Director Sari Grossinger to discuss further.
