Every summer, magic happens at Easter Seals Camp Squamish.
For children, youth and adults with disabilities, camp is a place to feel a sense of belonging—to be surrounded by people who understand them, encouraged to try something new, and given the space to discover what they are capable of.
For Georgina, who lives with an extremely rare genetic condition that is known to affect only three people, Camp Squamish has been that place of belonging for the past 10 years. Now 24, Georgina has experienced firsthand how camp can help someone build confidence, discover new strengths and develop a greater sense of independence. But when she first arrived at camp at just 14 years old, taking that first step was a big one—not just for Georgina, but for her parents too.
“Sending a child away to camp, we had so many worries,” Simon, Georgina’s father, recalls. “It is a big unknown step to share responsibility that you had for years and years and years. We know now that there’s nothing to be worried about.”
At Camp Squamish, Georgina found a safe, welcoming place where she could try new experiences at her own pace, surrounded by caring staff, supportive friends and fellow campers. And she embraced every opportunity.
There was the Big Swing, one of her favourite activities, and rock climbing. There were meals shared with hundreds of other campers in the dining hall, choosing which activities she wanted to try, and spending time with friends. Each experience gave Georgina another chance to make her own choices, challenge herself and discover something new about what she could do.
“Every time she comes back from camp, she returns with an attitude that she can do things,” Simon says. “She’s less worried about new experiences and more confident.”
That confidence doesn’t stay at camp. Georgina brings it home with her. Over the years, camp has even helped her discover new interests and passions, including a love of making beaded jewelry. What began as a summer experience has become part of a much bigger journey—one where Georgina continues to grow, year after year. Some of the most meaningful things she has found at camp aren’t activities at all. They’re friendships. Georgina has built lasting connections at Camp, including with her friend Jillian, whom she first met there. Later, they discovered that they also attended the same day program in her home town.
For Georgina, these friendships are part of what makes camp feel like home. Camp brings together people with different needs, abilities and levels of independence, creating a community where everyone gets to share in the same camp experience.
Simon has seen just how powerful that sense of inclusion can be.
“There are people with all kinds of backgrounds here,” he says. “Some have caregivers with them 100% of the time, some can’t speak, some are in wheelchairs and some are more independent. They all share the same camp. It’s quite inclusive.”
For Georgina, it means being somewhere she feels safe, included and excited about what might come next and for her parents, camp means something too.
While Georgina is busy making memories, building friendships and discovering new things she can do, her family can take a breath. They know she is surrounded by people who care about her, understand her needs and are committed to making sure she is safe, supported and having fun. That peace of mind is incredibly meaningful for families who spend so much of their time supporting a loved one.
Simon knows how precious these opportunities are. “Donations support children and adults with disabilities, like my daughter, who wouldn’t otherwise have the ability to come to such a wonderful, safe, secure, and inclusive environment,” he says.
“We don’t know the life expectancy of a lot of campers, so each moment is so precious. Donations make these moments happen on a regular basis.”
Camp has become one of the highlights of Georgina’s year—and an important part of the person she has grown into. Her story is a reminder of what can happen when someone is given the opportunity, support and space to discover what they are capable of.
Your generosity can help make the magic of Easter Seals Camp possible for the next camper.
