Camp Programs

Easter Seals Camp Horizon

Easter Seals Alberta’s Camp Horizon is a fully accessible camp located just outside of Bragg Creek, Alberta. Built in 1965, its mission is to provide children, youth, and adults with disabilities and medical conditions with life-changing outdoor recreation experiences.

Being included is not the same as finding a place where you truly belong. It’s a rare experience for people with disabilities to be just a person – to be “Joe” instead of ‘the guy in the wheelchair.”

At Easter Seals Camp Horizon, we focus on the person and their abilities. We offer an inclusive and accessible environment where everyone can feel at home. From our dormitories and pathways to our challenge courses, campers never have to worry about being able to participate in an activity. On-site, we have accessible high ropes, ziplines, a giant swing, backcountry campsites, yurts, and fireside adventures. Campers have the opportunity to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, gain independence, have shared experiences with peers, develop leadership skills, and become advocates for themselves and others.

Limited spots are still available for 2023, but registration is now being managed through a waitlist. Once you complete your registration and are on the waitlist, please contact camphorizon@easterseals.ab.ca to flag your application. Registration for all camps will formally close on May 26, 2023.

Camp Pricing

Easter Seals Camp Horizon requires adaptive and specialized equipment to ensure our activities and facilities are accessible to people of all abilities. The unique, individualized needs of our campers require a higher staff-to-camper ratio, on-site nurses, and medical staff. These accommodations allow us to host camps for many individuals who may not be able to attend summer camp.

At its core, Easter Seals Alberta advocates for accessibility, equity and inclusion. We understand that people with disabilities face a higher cost of living, and as a result, camp is subsidized by donations. We offer tiered camp pricing with a minimum subsidy of 45% and a maximum of 65%. If the reduced cost of camp is still unattainable, please reach out to camphorizon@easterseals.ab.ca for additional information on bursaries.

Easter Seals Overnight Summer Camps

For anyone ages 8-99 with a physical and/or cognitive disability or medical condition who wants to get outdoors and have fun with friends. This overnight camp is an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as rock climbing, hiking, karaoke, arts and crafts, and more! All programming at Camp Horizon is designed to be inclusive and accessible.

Overnight Summer Camp Pricing

The cost of the camp includes 3 meals a day and snacks, 24-hour care and supervision, personal care, specialty programming and a special Camp Horizon t-shirt. Pricing for Summer Camp is offered on a tiered system. It is up to you to decide which tier you feel is financially accessible.

• Tier 1 includes a 45% subsidy and is priced at $1,400
• Tier 2 includes a 55% subsidy and is priced at $1,150
• Tier 3 includes a 65% subsidy and is priced at $900

Easter Seals Leadership Programs

Easter Seals Leadership Programs are funded in part by the RBC Foundation in support of RBC Future Launch, a commitment to helping young Canadians prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

Horizon Mentors (HOME)

Horizon Mentors is for those experienced campers (aged 16+) wanting more leadership responsibility but may need some assistance with personal care or direct guidance throughout the day. This program includes learning skills for effective volunteering and hands-on mentoring of other campers. Horizon Mentors is perfect for campers who have been coming to Camp Horizon for years and are looking to give back.

What You Can Expect

• Training in appropriate and effective ways to interact with campers
• Placement in a cabin full of campers and assisting for the week
• Mentoring and building relationships with campers, helping with activities, and encouraging campers

HOME Program Pricing

The cost of HOME includes 3 meals a day and snacks, assistance with personal care and supervision, leadership programming and a special Camp Horizon t-shirt. Pricing for Summer Camp is offered on a tiered system. It is up to you to decide which tier you feel is financially accessible.

• Tier 1 includes a 35% subsidy and is priced at $1,185
• Tier 2 includes a 45% subsidy and is priced at $975
• Tier 3 includes a 55% subsidy and is priced at $775

Please note: Horizon Mentors is an application-based program. It requires a registration form to be completed by the camper. Upon receipt of the registration, interviews will be conducted to be sure that this is the program best suited for them.

Counsellor in Training (CIT)

Counsellor in Training is a classic summer camp leadership program for youth aged 15-21 of all abilities. The first week consists of training and skill development, with the following week offering practical experience. CITs will develop skills in leadership, camper supervision, program planning, behaviour management, and relationship building. Throughout your weeks at camp, you will also learn about different disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other skills needed to be a counsellor at Easter Seals Alberta’s Camp Horizon.

Education Bootcamp

• Learn all there is to know about camp and how it runs
• Learn to facilitate games and activities
• Learn what to do in an emergency
• Sessions on leadership, group management and teamwork
• Learn about the different types of disabilities we support at Camp Horizon
• Bonding with fellow CITs and Camp Horizon staff

Hands-On Practice

• Rotate through cabins and assist counsellors with real campers for the week
• Bonding with fellow CITs and Camp Horizon staff

CIT Program Pricing

The cost of CIT includes 2 weeks at camp, 3 meals a day and snacks, leadership education and hands-on experience. The reduced pricing for this program reflects the volunteer and supervisory component of this position. CIT pricing is offered on a tiered system. It is up to you to decide which tier you feel is financially accessible.

• Tier 1 includes a 35% subsidy and is priced at $1,030
• Tier 2 includes a 45% subsidy and is priced at $850
• Tier 3 includes a 55% subsidy and is priced at $665

Please note: Counsellor in Training is an application-based program. It requires a registration form to be completed by the camper. Upon receipt of their registration, interviews will be conducted to be sure that this is the program best suited to them. Successful CITs will attend 2 weeks of camp, Sunday through Friday. CITs can stay through their Saturday off or choose to return home for the day. CITs can choose to sign up to volunteer for more weeks if interested.

Partner Group Camps

Easter Seals Alberta works with the below organizations to host camps specifically for children and youth with their respective medical conditions. Please contact your Partner Group representative to ensure you/your camper qualify for camp.