Get to know our program
Camp Lion Maxwell, originally named Camp Atlantic, was founded in 1964 with an inaugural program of 23 campers from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In 1997, the camp was renamed after Lion Peter Maxwell of Truro, in recognition of the tremendous support the Lions Clubs of Nova Scotia have provided the camp.
For the past 10 years, Camp Lion Maxwell has called Camp Kadimah, in Barss Corner, home. Situated on beautiful Lake William in Lunenburg County, camp has a spacious waterfront, large playing fields, a comfortable dining hall and lots of program options.
Camp life
Campers stay in rustic cabins in groups of up to 10. Each cabin has one washroom with toilets and sinks. Showers are located in a shared space within the dining hall. There is storage space under each bunk and shelves for campers’ small items. Clotheslines are located outside the cabins in order to dry out towels and bathing suits.
Land acknowledgement
We recognize that our work takes place on traditional Indigenous territories across Canada. We also wish to acknowledge that Camp Lion Maxwell, hosted at Camp Kadimah, is located on the traditional Indigenous territory of the Mi’kmaq. Today, Camp Kadimah is still home to many Indigenous people, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to meet and work on this territory. We wish to express gratitude for the resources on this land we are using, and honour all the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people who have been living on the land since time immemorial.
Diabetes Canada knows that land acknowledgement is only a first step in the essential act of reconciliation and relationship building with Indigenous peoples.
About the Camp
Campers & Staff
Our campers
Camp Lion Maxwell accommodates 64 campers, ages 7 to 12.
Families are invited to join us for our closing ceremonies on pick up day. You'll be able to celebrate lots of camper achievements and see our week in photos!
Our staff
Counsellors and instructors
The Camp Lion Maxwell counsellors and instructors come to us from:
- D-Camps’ Leadership Development Program
- Local universities
- Other D-Camps teams
Each cabin has two counsellors who travel with and supervise campers 24 hours a day.
Health-care team
The Camp Lion Maxwell health-care team comes to us from:
- Diabetes education clinics across Nova Scotia
- Family practices
- All departments within the Nova Scotia Health Authority
Diabetes educators, nurses, physicians, registered dietitians and medical students make up this wonderful group and are part of the cabin team.
Activities
Art
Our art program helps campers explore their creative side, expand their knowledge of art techniques and history, all while using the beautiful setting of Camp Lion Maxwell for inspiration.
Electives
The Electives Program is designed to let your camper participate in activities that are unique and provide a different set of challenges than those listed above. Campers get to choose these activities individually. Some past examples include: yoga, mad scientist and pottery.
Overnight
Our specialty overnight program prepares our older campers for the transition to Camp Morton. Cooking over a fire, water walking and nature education are all a part of the overnight program! Campers get to spend one night of their week at this program.
Sports and Games
Campers will have fun in a safe environment where they will learn new sports & games not traditionally played at home. Past examples include: Quidditch, Field Hockey and Crab Leg Soccer.
Canoeing
Our canoeing program is lead by a Paddle Canada-certified instructor. Campers will learn the basics of operating a canoe on beautiful Lake William. All campers and staff will wear properly-sized personal flotation devices while canoeing.
Swimming
We offer a recreational swimming program where the activity instructor will run a variety of games and challenges for the kids. The waterfront are always supervised by a National Lifeguard Service (NLS)-certified lifeguard who is also assisted by others with NLS or Bronze Cross certifications.
Theme meals
The theme meals for Camp Lion Maxwell 2023 will be selected in June. Themes will be shared with families through email after June 15th 2023.
Theme meals are a great way to get involved and we encourage any campers who are interested to dress up. Remember costumes can be made from items found around the house or at your local dollar store. Get creative!
Guides
In the guide, you will find information on:
- Packing lists
- Directions and transportation for drop off and pick up
- Mailing address
Rates & Dates
| Date | Rate |
|---|---|
| August 20 - August 25, 2024 | $500 |
If this fee is a challenge for you and your family Diabetes Canada offers subsidies to those who qualify for financial assistance. These subsidies are made possible through the generous support of various donors.
It is our responsibility to ensure that donations go to support families experiencing financial hardship that would make attending camp impossible.
To determine eligibility for a subsidy, you will be asked to complete a financial assistance application. When reviewing applications, income will not be the only consideration in whether an applicant qualifies for subsidy. Our goal is to ensure that all campers have an opportunity regardless of their financial situation while using donations as prudently as possible.
Who is eligible for financial support?
You may be eligible for a subsidy if you:
-
Receive financial assistance from an identified government program, OR
-
Experience financial hardship and do not receive government financial assistance.
What does financial hardship mean?
Financial hardship means that a person has difficulty paying for basic daily living expenses (e.g. food, shelter, clothing), and does not have access to savings or other financial resources.
Note: Supporting documents will be required to determine eligibility. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your paystub, T4 or Notice of Assessment to accompany your application.
Important to note:
To ensure that we are providing equitable access to financial assistance we will not be able to consider you request until you have completed the financial assistance application form in full. This includes the requested supporting documents