At Rainbow we offer a fully inclusive environment for all children and youth. In order to have a positive experience at Rainbow, we provide some children with a qualified Inclusion Counsellor to ensure their day at camp meets their individual needs.
Rainbow Inclusion Counsellors are assigned on a first-come, best-served basis and families are limited to ONE session due to high demand. However, families do have the option of sending their own Private Contract Worker with their child or youth to camp based on available space. Rainbow may limit the number of Private Contract Workers each camp session in order to maintain our inclusion ratio in accordance with our Mission Statement and Policies.
While our facilities at East Residence on the University of Guelph campus do not meet all accessibility requirements, we are able to accept children and youth using wheelchairs.
Please indicate on the Camp Registration Form your need of a Rainbow Inclusion Counsellor for your child. All families/guardians who intend to enroll a camper with (any) special needs at Rainbow will be required to complete the Medical Protocol and Camper Interaction and Development Forms provided at registration. If your child is taking ANY medication, a completed Medication Form will be required. All families are required to fully disclose any and all of their child's medical and behavioural needs.
"Rainbow provides care giver relief to families and guardians in a recreational environment. The program is not designed to provide respite care to children and youth with severe special needs. Rainbow has determined that if an individual is unable to be included in the daily program, in any way, or requiring extensive periods of seclusion for the child and the assigned Inclusion Counsellor, this is contrary to the Mission Statement of Rainbow. Children and youth with special needs will be assessed by the Camp Director on a home visit or, with consent, in consultation with other community professionals regarding each individual's ability to interact with others and be included in the program to ensure a positive experience at Rainbow for the child and staff member assigned to support that individual. Rainbow reserves the right to decline enrollment."
Please contact our Executive Director for further information at 519-837-0387.
Rainbow offers families the opportunity to send their own privately paid Contract Worker with their child to camp. To ensure that your Contract Worker feels welcome and understands the operations of Rainbow, we ask that they review the attached job description and policies and complete and return the Letter of Agreement to Rainbow prior to participation. Your Worker may also be invited to attend a portion of our staff orientation and training in June.
Notes to Private Contract Workers:
1. Parking fees are the responsibility of Private Contract Workers. Rainbow will not be responsible for any parking fines received.
2. Private Contract Workers agree, by signing the Letter of Agreement, to assist other campers or staff when their child does not require their immediate support.
3. Private Contract Workers will not receive any remuneration from Rainbow for work completed. Contracts are between families and Private Contract Workers.
4. Private Contract Workers do not receive a camp staff t-shirt or keys to the facilities.
5. It is the role of Private Contract Workers to provide support and to facilitate inclusion for their child in all camp activities.
6. Private Contract Workers must participate in the swimming program every day.
Policies for Families Using a Private Contract Worker
Letter of Agreement for Private Contract Workers
The Bag is filled with over 65 pieces of adapted equipment adding more fun in our play! See our staff with our new Get Active Now Adapted Equipment Bag!
"Kids with disabilities are experts in wisdom and beauty and fortitude that come from deep inside. They nurture their nuturers against fear, ignorance and closed minds that seek to block them from belonging." Sept. 8/07
