Inclusion and Support

Learn how to create an account and complete your registration in our Recreation and Culture Registration and Booking system. Please contact Support Services staff at 905-815-2000 or email recreation@oakville.ca if you have questions.

Personal support workers assisting individuals in a program are admitted at no charge and are not required to register. For more information, please speak to a Customer Service Representative at your local recreation and culture facility.

Please note: Healing Waters is a drop-in program for those who require space and time in the pool to work through prescribed exercises independently or with a personal therapist. Both therapist and client are required to pay admission.

Spaces in our CampOAK and specialty camp programs with support are very popular and offered first-come, first-served. We recommend that you browse program offerings in advance and be prepared to register promptly when online registration opens.

Customers registering in an Inclusion Support camp do not need to process a second registration. You will be placed in your specific camp at the location of your choice upon completion of the intake meeting.

Please email us at recreation@oakville.ca before registration opens if you are unsure of the level of support required.

Families can send an adult who has a good understanding of the participant and their needs (for example a family member or caregiver) to provide support in any program.

Specialty programs offered include:

• One-on-one Aquadapt swimming lessons for participants with disabilities.
• A non-instructional swimming drop-in called Healing Waters for those who require space and time in the pool to work through prescribed exercises independently or with a personal therapist. Both therapist and client are required to pay admission.
• Sensory Skates and Sensory Swims are inclusive community drop-ins with a lower participant capacity, a more relaxing environment and sensory-friendly space.
• The Teen Adventure Program, which provides youth aged 14 to 21 with exceptionalities the opportunity to get active and make friends in a summer camp setting.

For information on pool accessibility features such as wheelchair accessible lifts, please contact the facility directly.

Can I attend with my own support worker?

Support personnel are welcome to attend all programs, are admitted at no charge and are not required to register. Staff may request additional personal information from the support worker for emergency purposes.

Support persons assisting individuals in registered child and youth programs must:

• complete the support worker waiver (pdf),
• provide a satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening, and
• hold a valid certificate in First Aid and CPR ‘C’.

Please return the completed waiver and documentation requested to the Recreation Coordinator or Assistant at the location you will be attending.

Enhanced Support

Participants requiring accommodations to participate in any recreation and culture program should fill out the program questionnaire at the time of registration. Caregivers are encouraged to contact the Recreation Coordinator or Assistant at the facility you will be attending to discuss support options.

General day camp programs for children aged 4-12 operate at a 12:1 participant to staff ratio. Participants must be group-ready and able to remain with their camp group and safely participate in activities within the 12:1 ratio.

This program may not adequately support participants who frequently wander away or those who require individual support for behavioural or emotional regulation.

New low-ratio Kid's Adventure Program!

Enjoy a traditional camp day with a lower 1:4 leader to child ratio. Days will be filled with games, crafts, stories, and songs as participants build lasting friendships with one another. For ages 8-12.

Inclusion Support program

The town offers additional support for camp programs where participants with exceptionalities will be paired with staff trained in inclusive recreation at their location of choice to ensure a safe and fun camp experience.

Participants who may benefit from inclusion support include those who:

• Need or currently have additional support in a school setting
• Benefit from individualized support to understand instructions in a recreational setting
• Need individualized support to regulate emotions and behaviours
• Requires support to participate safely in a group setting
• Need extra support at home for personal care such as feeding or toileting
• Currently access services from a disability or mental health agency

Spaces are offered first-come, first-served and typically fill up much faster than our general camp programs. We recommend that you browse program offerings in advance and be prepared to register promptly when online registration opens.

Customers registering in an Inclusion Support camp do not need to process a second registration. You will be placed in your specific camp at the location of your choice upon completion of the intake meeting.

Teen Adventure Program

The Teen Adventure Program is run in partnership with Community Living Oakville and provides youth aged 14 to 21 with disabilities the opportunity to get active and make friends in a summer camp setting. Participants must be able to remain with their camp group and safely participate in activities within the 3:1 ratio.

Which level of support is right for my child?

Please contact us before registration opens if you are unsure of the level of support required.

If your child is currently participating in a program and may benefit from extra support, you may be contacted by our staff to discuss support options. We encourage ongoing communication and collaboration with parents and guardians. Help us help your child succeed at camp!

If your child engages in behaviours at camp that may pose a safety risk to themselves or others, you will be contacted by town staff to discuss support options. This may include providing your own qualified support person to attend camp with your child.

About our staff

Town of Oakville camp staff training includes sessions on inclusive recreation. While our staff are passionate about helping every child participate to their full potential, they are not able to provide the same level of support as educational assistants, behavioural therapists, or other professionals in this field.

Universal changerooms are fully-accessible spaces that provide everyone with dignity and privacy. Cubicles are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate individuals as well as multi-gender families and anyone needing support from a caregiver.

Accessible changerooms are available for patrons requiring additional support. Features include an adult change table and support bars, as well as extra room for a support person and mobility aids.

Visit the Swimming page for universal changeroom user guidelines and more information.