When do camper applications come out?
Camper applications will be posted here on the website on Monday June 2, 2025. While we are not a “first come/first in” program, it is important to complete your application promptly.
Submit your application, it will be reviewed and you will then be contacted by phone in early August and informed of your acceptance status. ONCE you are accepted, payment is due and you will be sent a medication form and waiver.
When and where is Camp Dawn?
Camp Dawn is a four-day event held September 11-14 , 2025. Camp is hosted at Campfire Circle Campground located at 433 Thompson Road West, Waterford Ontario.
Who can attend Camp Dawn?
Campers must be at least 18 years of age. Typically, campers from across southwestern Ontario attend camp, however, if you live further away and would like to attend, please contact us. Campers are survivors who have sustained a brain injury at some point in their lives. Campers must either be independent with their personal care or bring their own 1:1 leader if they require assistance with such activities as showering, dressing, toileting, feeding, taking medications, etc. There is no cost for a 1:1 leader. Our volunteer leaders may assist with such activities as pushing a wheelchair, memory, initiation, and organization.
What are the cabins like?
All campers will be placed in cabins with 2 leaders. Each camper will sleep on a bottom bunk only and there will be approximately 2-3 campers per room (a total of 5-7 campers in each cabin). There are 2 washrooms in each cabin, one with a shower, and each cabin has a wheelchair ramp. There is also an accessible cabin that has a fully accessible shower.
What is a typical day like?
Thursday -> Arrival day is quite busy. You will arrive by bus or your own car and join us for lunch. A board member will assist you to your cabin and review the camp schedule with you. You can have free time to get accustomed to your surroundings, to fish, connect with others, play cards in the dining hall, etc. Cabin meetings will occur around 4 pm which is when you will meet all your cabin mates. Official welcome to camp and dinner at 5 pm followed by camp activities for the evening.
Friday/Saturday -> Both days are jam-packed with activities that are all optional. Activities include canoeing, high ropes, crafts, karaoke, a dance, hikes, yoga/meditation, cards, campfires, trivia, spa time, golf, outdoor games, Blue Jays lounge and more! Join in the fun, relax in the dining hall or the great outdoors, have a cup of coffee or tea, chat with an old friend or make a new friend. The options are endless!
Sunday -> Pack up, breakfast, camp evaluations, and a beautiful closing ceremony to carry us until we see each other next year. Buses arrive for those taking the bus. Camp closes at 11:30 am.
What else do I need to know?
Campers are permitted to smoke cigarettes at camp, however, there are only 2 designated locations for this (the fire pit and a marked area near the dining hall). Anyone smoking in any other location may be subject to removal from camp.
Alcohol and non-medicinal drugs are not permitted at camp.
All campers and leaders will sign a code of conduct and anyone who violates this will be subject to removal from camp at their own expense.
No outside food is permitted at camp as per Campfire Circle Campground policy. Snacks are available all through the day and night in the dining hall.
There is wifi at camp, so bring your phone and take lots of photos!
Although there is a lake, there is NO swimming at camp (do not bring a bathing suit!).
Once accepted, all campers and leaders are asked to submit a completed medication form. Once at camp, all medications are locked up in the nurses' station which is staffed 24 hours a day by a board member. Campers and leaders can access their medications whenever they need them (they will be placed in a Ziploc bag and our staff will hand it to you when requested).
Camp Dawn is not responsible for ensuring a camper takes their medication.
Campers who consume THC for medicinal purposes are required to have proof from their healthcare provider. This must also be kept in the nurses’ station and can only be consumed in a designated area (different from the cigarette smoking areas) under the supervision of a board member. Campers will be contacted individually by a board member prior to camp with regards to the details of THC consumption.
There is zero tolerance for sharing of any medication.
What should I pack?
You will need to bring a sleeping bag or bedding, pillow, clothing and toiletries for 3 days. A full packing list will be sent to you once you are accepted.
Who can my family contact with questions?
Julie Dickison is available by text or phone call before and during camp at 519 281 9151. This number can be given to your emergency contact.