For 11-year-old Keira, inclusion isn’t something she experiences every day. Living with her family in Surrey with multiple disabilities, including a rare genetic disorder, autism, spina bifida, and bilateral hip dislocation, she often faces physical barriers that keep her from fully participating alongside other children. Her parents know the heartbreak of watching other kids unintentionally leave her behind because she simply can’t keep up physically.
When they first considered sending Keira to Easter Seals Camp, they carried one simple hope: that she could experience camp just like her older sister, Mila. “Our biggest worry was that the activities wouldn’t be accessible for her,” her mom recalls. “Our biggest hope was that she would feel included and have access to participate in everything along with the other campers.”
That hope became reality. After attending the introductory New Camper Weekend, Keira returned to Camp Squamish with the support of her aunt, Morgan, as her Personal Support Worker. For families like Keira’s, Personal Support Workers can also attend camp when additional support is needed, making experiences that once felt impossible become possible. With accessible facilities, specially trained staff, and the individualized support she needed, Keira wasn’t watching from the sidelines, she was right in the middle of the fun. She made new friends, proudly participated in the runway during the camp fashion show, and even found the courage to try the Big Swing. When asked how camp made her feel, her answers came quickly: “Included. Excited. Brave. Happy.”
For Keira’s family, the difference was impossible to miss. “Camp allows Keira to participate fully,” her mom says. “There are no physical barriers.” Her aunt, who is also an educational assistant, was deeply moved by what she witnessed. “No camper was ever forgotten,” she says. “Even if Keira chose not to participate, the staff kept coming back and inviting her to join or engage in another activity. Camp is a childhood rite of passage, and there shouldn’t be anything stopping a child from experiencing that.” Because Easter Seals Camp is intentionally designed to be accessible and inclusive, every camper has the opportunity to belong.
Today, Keira is more confident trying new things and proudly tells everyone that she gets to go to camp just like her big sister. She can’t wait to return this summer, especially to spend time with her friends and play in the sand pit. Your support helps make these life-changing experiences possible for children like Keira. With your generosity, more campers can discover what it feels like to be included, to build confidence, and to know they truly belong. Thank you for helping create a place where every child has the chance to grow.
