Embers Low-Cost Inclusion Summer Camp
Bridging the gap, one summer at a time.
An accessible, structured summer program for children on the Ontario Autism Program waitlist who are not yet receiving consistent funded support. Built to reduce barriers to care while keeping clinical standards high.
Each summer the RISE partnerships come to life through the camp. It gives children opportunities to build skills, confidence and connection, and gives families reliable support during a critical period of waiting.
The program is made possible in part through the Government of Canada via the Canada Summer Jobs program, which lets us expand staffing and reach more families.
How the camp runs
Ratio
- 2:1 child-to-clinician. A deliberate choice that balances individual support with real opportunities for group interaction and peer connection.
Group size
- A maximum of 6 children per site, so programming stays genuinely individualised.
Who it is for
- Children currently on the OAP waitlist and not yet receiving consistent funded support, between Kindergarten and Grade 4.
Cohorts
- Two age cohorts, starting with Kindergarten to Grade 1, so peer grouping reflects developmental and social needs.
Commitment
- A full week. Consistency matters for clinical planning and for your child's experience.
Funding
- Families who qualify may also use Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding toward participation.
Where it runs
Durham Region
- Mount Etna Child & Family Services, Oshawa and Bowmanville
West Toronto
- Mount Etna Child & Family Services, 1649 Dufferin Street W
Scarborough
- Zalik Academy, 3015 Kennedy Road
Host sites for July and August 2026. Location is selected during booking.
Before you enrol: the meet and greet
A meet and greet is required before enrolment. It lets us assess whether the group setting and 2:1 ratio are the right fit for your child, and make sure every child can be safely and effectively supported. If camp is not the right fit, families may be offered a refund where that is determined before the start date, or alternative recommendations.
Deposit and payment
A $100 deposit is collected at enrolment. The remaining balance is invoiced following your intake call. Because the program is subsidised and staffed in advance, confirmed registrations are final and non-refundable once payment has been made.
Want to talk through fit before booking? We welcome that conversation. Call 1-877-708-1513.
PA Day respite
PA Day Respite Camps run on every school PA Day between Toronto and Northumberland, giving children a full day designed to support all levels of participation.