Recreation & Camps

recreation opportunities

 

Community Programming

 
Access 2 Card

A program that helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural, and recreational opportunities are accessible to all. It is available for people of all ages and all types of permanent disabilities which require extra support. For more more information on how to access an access 2 card and which venues are partnered with this program, please visit the website.

     
    Autism Aspergers Friends Society (AAFS)

    An organization founded by a small, dedicated group of parents who saw a need for social and recreational programming with those living with ASD. AAFS provides a multitude of diverse programs offered under the umbrellas of specialized programs, community outings, clubhouse nights, and specialized care programs. Summer programs and activities run from July to August and members can sign up for these programs. They offer a ratio support of 2:1 and may have participants who require 1:1. Families who require financial support can apply for a subsidy. For more information on all the different programming, please visit their website.

       
      Between Friends

      A charitable organization that focuses on the abilities of people living with disabilities. This organization provides quality social, recreational, and developmental opportunities to grow, connect, and belong. The camp runs from July 1 – August 23 in 2 week sessions at two different Calgary locations. You can check with the membership team to determine if an aide is required by emailing . Fee assistance program can be applied for, and the membership team will review eligibility. They also provide financial assistance on top of FSCD funding. For more information on programs and how to register, please visit their website.

         
        Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart (CAH)

        Here to help you find the right program. Utilizing their program navigation service they aim to support families, educators, and allied health professionals with finding a program that is a good fit for a group or an individual child interested in participating in sport and recreation. Their collective of Calgary-based organizations is committed to providing quality sport and recreation opportunities for children, youth, and families living with disabilities.

           
          Calgary Public Library – Special Services

          Offers a wide range of specialized materials, facilities, and programs that are available for people of all ages with special needs.

             
            Calgary Society of Opportunities

            Helps participants realize their recreational, educational and volunteer capabilities. The organization offers community-access day programs for people with developmental disabilities, with a focus on recreation and being active. These are aimed to provide quality programming to individuals outside of their core day program, and encourage social interaction outside of paid staff and family.

               
              City of Calgary Recreation Discovery Guide

              An online directory which lists the agencies and organizations which offer recreational programs for those living with a disability. This guide should be used as a starting point to guide your search for active recreational programs for you or your family members.

                 
                Haven Family Wellness

                Working with experienced behavioural aides who support, social skills, social/emotional regulation, life skills, experiential learning, strategies and parental support. They offer Recreational Activities, Respite, Social Activities. They can Direct Bill FSCD, offer FSCD Rates, are Jordan’s Principle aware.

                   
                  Recreational Respite

                  Works to identify the barriers to participation that exist for a child, youth or adult who has a disability or mental health. Their team members offer 1:1 services or group programs in various communities across Alberta. In their work, they promote inclusion and access to recreation and other community programs that could benefit the individual and their family. Participants may be eligible for funding or reimbursement.

                     
                    Scouts Canada

                    Builds leaders and prepares Canada’s young people for future success through a youth-led program where they take on challenges that help develop their abilities to think critically, to plan, to innovate and; to use information in an original way. Rooted in the Scout law, youth are taught to be positive and trustworthy; embracing values like kindness and acceptance to make meaningful contributions to creating a better world. Calgary now also has an ASD-friendly troupe,Group 295 Infinity Scouts, which is dedicated to Beavers and Cubs (ages 5-10) on the spectrum.

                       
                      SOGO

                      SOGO Access enables children with challenged abilities – behavioural, mental and/or physical to access the outdoors and be a part of SOGO. Offers two streams of programming: separate as a stand alone group or integrated with each level/hour of SOGO programs. The small group program is a seven-week program for all ages.

                         
                        Trico Centre for Family Wellness, Skill Builder Program

                        An inclusive program series that supports the mental, social, emotional, and physical development of children and youth.

                           
                          Vecova

                          Vecova is a leading, registered and accredited charitable organization that has been meeting the lifelong and changing needs of persons with disabilities and the community since 1969 through their programs and services, social research and innovation and enterprises. Their main centre is home to aquatics, health and fitness facilities, recycling facilities, social research and innovation spaces. Summer camps run from July to August for children between 3 and 12 years old. All abilities are welcome and aides are welcome to attend.

                             

                             

                            Music & Theatre

                             
                            Canary Music Therapy

                            Offers personalized, engaging, and professional music therapy services to individuals and groups in the Calgary area. Music is utilized in sessions to help clients accomplish physical, social, emotional, cognitive and behavioural goals. Canary Music Therapy travels to client homes and facilities to run their sessions to alleviate the stress of travel and transitions.

                               
                              Calgary Young People’s Theatre (CYPT)

                              Provides numerous development opportunities to young people to explore the performing arts and develop their creativity and teamwork skills through camps, classes, workshops and production opportunities. CYPT runs summer camps in July and August for youth ages 4-18 in 4 different locations (website). Families are welcome to bring their own aid if needed. Families facing financial barriers can apply for partial or full bursaries to participate in a program. For more information on all the different programs, please visit their website.

                                 
                                Inside Out Theatre

                                Offers community-based drama programs to Calgarians with disabilities that foster a love of theatre, the joy of community, and the rewards of self-expression.

                                   
                                  JB Music Therapy

                                  Provides professional music therapy services to help individuals boost their mood, recover from injury, decrease stress, foster learning, improve focus, restore memories and ease the challenge of difficult life transitions. Visit their website for dates of current Milestones Music Therapy, FunDrum and Music Express Camps group programs.

                                     
                                    MasterworX Music Therapy

                                    This organization strives to use music and musical experiences to create positive change in their clients. Programs are designed to the specific needs and preferences of those they work with to ensure that they are getting the most benefit from the program. In addition to music therapy, they offer Early Childhood Music, a program that is designed specifically for the children attending, to address both their current musical ability and important developmental skills such as social interaction, communication, gross and fine motor skills, on-task behaviour, pre-academic knowledge, and other skills that will benefit them in school and later in life.

                                       
                                      Music with Bryan

                                      These are small, inclusive, group-directed sing-a-long music classes for people of all ages and abilities to express themselves through the wonder of song. Join a small group of friends who meet weekly — it’s a great way to spend an hour at home, at a park, or wherever you are out in the world!

                                         
                                        Quest Theatre

                                        A touring Theatre for Young Audiences company based in Calgary, Alberta that creates community through exceptional theatre adventures for young people throughout Alberta. This program uses theatre to help a child explore who they are, discover the world around them and build the kind of world they want to live in. Quest Theatre offers summer camps from July to August. Spring Break Camp and evening drama classes are also offered. Participants are welcome to be accompanied by a caregiver who can tend to their specific needs. Quest Theatre has a bursary program. There is more info on their website.

                                           
                                          Youth Singers of Calgary

                                          A Calgary-based performing arts organization that offers choirs, classes, and programs for singers in preschool through adult. Their STAR (Special Talents in Arts and Recreation) is an interactive experience that allows youth (Grade 4 to Young Adult) with cognitive delays to participate in a tailored program that uses music, movement, and instruments to further benefit their current abilities and strengths in the performing arts. STAR aims to develop a love for music and dance in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment. STAR encourages and allows young people to grow and gain confidence, build friendships and find an appreciation for the performing arts. No membership is required. Aids are welcome. The organization has a bursary program that families can apply to.

                                             

                                             

                                            Outdoor Activities

                                             
                                            4:13 Therapeutic Riding

                                            A registered charitable organization that offers programming aiming to relieve conditions related to disability by providing therapeutic riding sessions to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and families.

                                               
                                              Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Association Calgary (CADS)

                                              A volunteer-based organization dedicated to assisting those living with a disability to lead richer and fuller lives through active participation in recreational and competitive skiing and snowboarding. CADS promotes adaptive sport by teaching people with disabilities how to ski/snowboard by using skills and equipment tailored to their individual needs. CADS programming consists of 8 two hour sessions which typically tun in January to February on Friday evenings at Canada Olympic Park (COP). For more information, please visit their website.

                                                 
                                                Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta (DSAA)

                                                A largely volunteer-based organization that provides recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. DSAA believes in giving opportunity, accessibility, and independence to those who are living with a disability. Provides specially adapted sail boats, sailing programs, and facilities for people with various disabilities. There are individual as well as community sails. For more information on programming, please visit their website.

                                                   
                                                  Equine Facilitated Wellness

                                                  Provides an opportunity for people to partner with a horse on the journey towards Emotional Growth, Self- Awareness and Healing. Horses offer us genuine, honest, authentic feedback which provides a unique opportunity for personal growth. Rein Forth offers one on one Equine Facilitated wellness sessions, Group workshops, Summer Camps and Team Builds as well as some Introductory Western Pleasure riding lessons. Bookings as available.

                                                     
                                                    Opening Gaits

                                                    Provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience all the benefits of riding on and spending time with a horse.

                                                       
                                                      Prairie Sky

                                                      Offers equine therapy for those living with emotional, mental or developmental disabilities. Okotoks and Springbank locations.

                                                         
                                                        Ultimate Para Sports

                                                        A non-profit organization, based out of Calgary, that provides a variety of recreational and competitive sport opportunities to para athletes, coaches and volunteers. Their mission is to facilitate sport opportunities from the developmental to the elite level of participation, in the areas of athletic competition, technical development, leadership, and integration. Offering a new program “Jr Adapted Cycling for Children with Neaurodivergence.”

                                                           
                                                          Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA)

                                                          An adaptive sport organization whose aim is to provide any individual (both youth and adults) with a disability the chance to access all sport, recreational and adventure activities in the Canadian Rockies.

                                                             
                                                            The Sage Mustang, Lifeskills Unbridled | Sandra Graham B.Ed.; M.A.

                                                            Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator & Certified Horse Powered Reading Facilitator. The Sage Mustang partners with previously untouched wild mustangs to provide an amazing experience that enhances personal growth. This innovative opportunity offers powerful solutions to acquire invaluable knowledge, skills, and experiences through engaging, fun, objective-based learning activities that will last a lifetime! Sessions will begin in spring, weather dependent. Individual sessions are available by request while group sessions are scheduled.

                                                               
                                                              Spirited Connections

                                                              Offers nature-based therapy, animal assisted interventions, and equine assisted therapy. Supporting clients through hands-on learning wherein they can interact with the animals on the farm, develop significant relationships with their primary animal co-therapist, and practice their skills while developing new awarenesses, tools, and capabilities. Sessions are customized to meet the unique needs of every client; working with improving confidence and self-esteem, boundaries and assertiveness and responding to feedback, emotional awareness and regulation, behavioural awareness and regulation, and overcoming interpersonal challenges. Provides counselling sessions for individuals, sibling units, and families. Located 15 minutes north of Calgary. Offers FSCD rates (for counselling), direct bills NIHB, offering social skills programing & more.

                                                                 
                                                                URSA Retreat Centre

                                                                Nestled in 18 acres of truly Albertan streams, trees and wildlife is the URSA Retreat Centre. A gathering place for small groups and organizations to reconnect and learn. Our retreat centre welcomes people of all abilities and supports a mission of inclusiveness and accessibility.

                                                                   
                                                                  William Watson Lodge

                                                                  Provides year-round, barrier-free, wilderness lodging for persons with disabilities, seniors and their families. It’s situated in beautiful Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, overlooking Lower Kananaskis Lake. The goal of this facility is to connect people of all abilities, all ages and all cultures to recreational opportunities in nature.

                                                                     

                                                                     

                                                                    Physical Activities

                                                                     
                                                                    Bloom Wellness Collective

                                                                    A not-for-profit organization on a journey to make Dance and Expressive Arts accessible to those living with disabilities. They use movement as a catalyst for self-expression, connection, sustainable health, emotional regulation, and, above all, JOY! Bloom strives to ignite imagination through thoughtful, “outside of the box” program content and intentional interactions. They aim to build and foster natural connections to create a community that, together, can encourage, support and love enough to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

                                                                       
                                                                      Calgary Gymnastics Centre

                                                                      The Aspiring Abilities program is designed to allow children who require greater attention and adaptation to participate in the captivating sport of gymnastics. In this program, trained coaches, under the direction of a specialized coach, are grouped together to provide greater support and aid in your child’s success. Coaches ensure a safe environment conducive to your child’s learning and development, shifting the focus from disability to ability. 2/1 Athlete to Coach Ratio. Registration required.

                                                                         
                                                                        The Dance Compound

                                                                        Provides students of all levels with more than just dance classes, but a unique community and inclusive experience in which the students can grow both mentally and physically as a dancer. Their highly trained and certified instructors have a wealth of experience in teaching and performing various styles and disciplines. Some of whom are Neurodivergent themselves. They offer Neurodivergent specific Dance Classes and have a variety of regular classes and events for all ages.

                                                                           
                                                                          Glenmore Gymnastics Club, Adapted Gymnastics

                                                                          A non-profit gymnastics club offering adapted gymnastics classes and inclusive programming that aims to support all participants to reach success in gymnastics, while also developing social skills and general physical literacy.

                                                                             
                                                                            Junction 9 & WYMBIN

                                                                            Sketch & Stretch (Ages 12-15) for students with Autism and Adapted Needs. Children and families will be guided by our qualified instructors/educators as well assisted by instructors in training. Takes place over a registered 6-week period.

                                                                               
                                                                              MOVE (GoodLife Kids)

                                                                              A free adapted physical activity program exclusively designed for youth 12 to 21 years with autism or intellectual disabilities. MOVE currently runs virtually year-round focusing on physical literacy and building a love of fitness. Having fun and creating relationships is a major component of MOVE; their coaches work with the participants to learn what they like, and those preferences get incorporated into the program.

                                                                                 
                                                                                Ringette for All

                                                                                Any player aged 5-18 years, with developmental and/or physical challenge is welcome. Ringette for All is designed to empower our athletes by teaching them the core life skills inherent to Ringette including: Teamwork, communication, resilience and inclusion, all while having fun.

                                                                                   
                                                                                  Soccability

                                                                                  Soccability Canada is about soccer and the culture shift towards a barrier-free soccer landscape for anyone with a disability. Established to support the myriad of accessible soccer programs run in Canadian communities and to grow many more. They are building a single platform to expand the opportunities for players, coaches, match officials and leaders.

                                                                                     
                                                                                    Special Olympics Calgary

                                                                                    5 & 10 pin Bowling, Alpine Skiing, Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Cross Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Golf, Powerlifting, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Snowshoeing, Soccer, Softball, Speed Skating, Swimming, Young Athletes, Masters, Unified, and Health & Wellness programs offered. Special Olympics Calgary cannot offer 1-1 support. It is the responsibility of the guardian to provide this support if required. Registration required.

                                                                                       
                                                                                      Spectrum Yoga and Wellness Ltd.

                                                                                      A mobile yoga company that teaches city-wide, offering therapeutic yoga classes for children, adults, and seniors with neurological and physical disabilities. They teach private, semi-private, and public classes, which are individualized specifically to meet each person’s needs and abilities. Spectrum Yoga and Wellness also offers Developmental and Behavioural Supports (PUF, PDD, and FSCD), as well as community aide supports and respite services. Siblings, family members, and community aides are also welcome to participate and assist.

                                                                                         
                                                                                        Taking Strides

                                                                                        A non-profit initiative which aims to promote and refine physical literacy amongst children with mental and physical disabilities through an adaptive program which incorporates 1-on-1 pairing with passionate student volunteers.

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                          Swimming

                                                                                           
                                                                                          H2Able Swim Program

                                                                                          Offered through Mount Royal University, this is an adaptable swimming program that provides critical life skills with those living with a disability. For ages from 3 to 18.

                                                                                             
                                                                                            Splashtemp.com

                                                                                            Provides water temperatures for city of Calgary swimming pools and hotels. Pools are ranked as ‘most accessible’, ‘most family fun’, or ‘most relaxful’, with a number of other searchable features. This includes if the facility has life jackets, hot tubs, waterslides, type of pool entry, and many more items.

                                                                                               
                                                                                              Trico Centre for Family Wellness

                                                                                              Sensory Swim time is set to provide a more relaxed and quiet pool environment for those with hyper sensory needs. All participants wanting access to the pool deck MUST be a paying participant. This includes non-swimmers unless companying as an aid WITH and access 2 card. Any children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult 16 years or older who is also fully in a bathing suit and in the water within arm’s reach. 11:15am – 12:45pm on Fridays, registration required.

                                                                                                 
                                                                                                Vecova

                                                                                                Vecova is a leading edge, registered and accredited charitable organization that has been meeting the lifelong and changing needs of persons with disabilities and the community since 1969 through their programs and services, social research and innovation and enterprises. Vecova has programming for everyone. They have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols to serve you safely. Their barrier-free facility features a fully-accessible warm 34.5° salt-water pool among their other facilities.

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                  SPECIALIZED CAMPS AND PROGRAMS:

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                  The following list is from the Children’s Link Website. For a complete list of all camps or for more information on Children’s Link, click here.

                                                                                                   
                                                                                                  Ascend Pediatrics

                                                                                                  Ascend Pediatrics Offers in-home Private Therapy Support Services in Cochrane, Canmore, Chestermere, Banff, Airdrie, and Calgary, AB. Their service providers are approved to work within FSCD contracts. Assessments they offer are ASD Diagnostic, Psyco-educational assessments, Giftedness, Fluency, Language and speech sounds, language and literacy, sensory processing, fine motor and visual motor integration, Gross motor and Developmental coordination.
                                                                                                  They have a social thinking program and offer small interactive Respite Groups where kids can explore activities and play with friends. They have summer camps and more.
                                                                                                      Professionals Available: Aides, Behavioral Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, Respite, Social Activities, Speech & Language Pathologists
                                                                                                      Therapy Approach: Play Therapy
                                                                                                      Billing: Sliding Scale rates available

                                                                                                       
                                                                                                      Autism Aspergers Friendship Society (AAFS)

                                                                                                      Runs a variety of weekly activities. Contact Executive Director Dean Svoboda for more information.

                                                                                                         
                                                                                                        Calgary Humane Society

                                                                                                        The Calgary Humane Society offers a variety of summer camps themes, such as Fantastic Feline, Pets 101 and Creative Critters! During camps children connect with animals, learn through play, games, crafts and meeting adoptable animals. The summer camps welcome children of all abilities. Please note at this time, the Calgary Humane Society is not equipped to assist campers with daily living tasks or children who may experience unsafe outbursts. Calgary Humane Society is wheelchair accessible and Aids are welcome.

                                                                                                           
                                                                                                          Camp Bloom

                                                                                                          Bloom offers week-long summer camps for individuals living with disabilities. Each day will be spent exploring a different location in Calgary, connecting with nature, and fostering connections with each other. As a capstone to a fabulous week of fun, we will take a bus trip to a location outside of Calgary for a final day of nature-filled adventures. Camp activities throughout the week will include dance, yoga, social games, sensory activities, art, adventuring, and more! All activities are adapted to participants’ abilities.

                                                                                                             
                                                                                                            Camp Bonaventure (Between Friends)

                                                                                                            Provides quality outdoor day camp experiences for youth aged 4 – 17 with and without disabilities. Integrated Camp Opportunities are offered, which involves partnering with various summer community day camps around Calgary (I.C.A.N. program). Before- and after-camp care services are also offered.

                                                                                                               
                                                                                                              Camp Chestermere

                                                                                                              Camp Chestermere is a multi-denominational camp situated on the shoreline of Lake Chestermere. Operating year round, Camp Chestermere hosts overnight and day camps during the summer, as well as weekend camps and various rental groups throughout the year.

                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                Camp Connection

                                                                                                                Empowering Kids to Navigate Screen Time! A Camp For Kids Aged 8 – 11 Who Struggle With Camps. Designed & Run By Calgary Registered Psychologists. An inclusive opportunity to build connections while learning how to recognize emotions and assess one’s strengths and challenges.

                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                  Camp Evergreen

                                                                                                                  Camp Evergreen is a Christian-based year-round camp located 14 kilometers south of Sundre, Alberta, situated on 480 acres of gorgeous forest. Note that it’s not a specialized disabilities camp, and only accepts children with special needs on a case-by-case basis. Camp Evergreen has a financial aid program called Campership Aid for eligible participants.

                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                    Campfire Connections

                                                                                                                    A series of Youth Events taking place on Friday nights in the Courtyard behind Cardel Rec South. These diverse, inclusive events aim at providing a fun safe space for youth to meet new people and try new activities.

                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                      Camp Health, Hope, and Happiness

                                                                                                                      A residential camp that provides recreational and leisure opportunities suited to the special needs of children (6+) and adults with physical and mental disabilities. Those who require 1-on-1 assistance must bring their own aide. Registration is first come first serve.

                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                        Camp Horizon (Easter Seals)

                                                                                                                        A residential camp that provides outdoor recreation programs to Albertans (6+) with special needs. Those who require 1-on-1 assistance must bring their own aide.

                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                          Camp Kiwanis

                                                                                                                          This experience is offered by the Kiwanis Club of Calgary Kamp Kiwanis who since 1951, through several major fundraising initiatives, have offered this experience at 100% subsidy for every 9-12 year old who attends Kamp Kiwanis. Summer camps run from July to August for children in grade 4 to 11. Please visit their website for more information.

                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                            Camp Kuriakos

                                                                                                                            Christian-based camp for all ages located near Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Note that it’s not a specialized disabilities camp, and only accepts children with special needs on a case-by-case basis.

                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                              Camp Maskepetoon

                                                                                                                              Camp Maskepetoon offers exciting residential camping experiences for ages 6-15 in July and August. Note that it’s not a specialized disabilities camp, and only accepts children with special needs on a case-by-case basis.

                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                Cassidy Brown behavior consulting services

                                                                                                                                Offers kids summer camp. They specialized in working with children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, Anxiety, ODD, and giftedness from ages 5 to 18 years. Summer camp runs from July to August and groups are based on similar interests. Please visit their website for more information.

                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                  Quest Adventure Camp

                                                                                                                                  Calgary Quest runs a number of summer camps each year, with a variety of themes and a broad age range. They are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable camp experience for all Campers of all ability levels. They are happy to work closely with Aides attending to ensure they have what they need to fully include the camper they are supporting.

                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                    University of Calgary Active living summer Camps

                                                                                                                                    Offers many different camps for families to choose from, including business, design, STEM, arts, aquatics, sports, outdoor camps and more. Summer programs run from July to August for everyone from age 4 to 17. Each child and parent requires an online account within the system. Summer camps do not provide aides, so families are welcome to provide their own. To help accommodate parents’ schedules, the program offers Before and After Camp Care. For more information, please visit their website.