Get to know our program
Camp Discovery was founded in 2004 and has since become an integral part of the D-Camps program. After almost a decade at its original site, Camp Discovery moved to Easter Seals Camp Woodeden on the western outskirts of London, Ontario.
Since its inception, Camp Discovery has been strongly supported by medical staff in southeastern Ontario, especially from the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre.
Camp life
Overlooking the Thames River, Camp Woodeden is situated on 107 acres of beautifully landscaped ground that includes a collection of trees and plants from around the world and beautiful Japanese-influenced architecture.
Woodeden currently has 18 buildings, including seven camper cabins, an outdoor amphitheatre, outdoor swimming pool, high ropes course (North America’s only fully accessible one), accessible indoor climbing wall, outdoor pavilion and a fully accessible tree house.
Campers live in dorm rooms or pods during their stay. Each of the two dorm rooms contain seven bunk beds and are attached to washrooms and shower, while each pod has three bedrooms with bunk beds and/or cots, washrooms and showers.
Land acknowledgement
We recognize that our work takes place on traditional Indigenous territories across Canada. We also wish to acknowledge that Camp Discovery, hosted at Camp Woodeden, is located on the traditional Indigenous territory of the Attawandaran (Neutral), Haudenosaunee, Lunaapeewak , and Anishinaabe people. Today, London, Ontario, 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 Discovery accommodates approximately 70 campers each session, ages 7 to 12.
Campers must be dropped off and picked up at Camp Discovery by their families.
Our staff
Counsellors and instructors
Camp Discovery program staff come from all over the world. Many of our staff have been campers at Discovery since they were first diagnosed. Our program team all complete a comprehensive one-and-a-half week of staff training as well as various assignments prior to camp.
Camp Discovery staff are all certified in Standard First Aid, CPR Level C, and have a clear criminal background check.
Staff working at the pool are National Lifesaving Society Lifeguards, and high ropes course and other speciality staff are certified at or above levels set out in the Ontario Camps Association Guidelines.
Health-care team
Our medical team is led by medical director Dr. Robby Stein and nursing coordinator Kendra Hastie, NP (nurse practitioner), Together, Dr. Robby and Kendra have more than 20 years of experience at Camp Discovery.
During each camp session, the Camp Discovery health-care team is on-site and on-call 24 hours a day. Medical staff supervise all insulin delivery, monitor blood glucose levels and are available to assist with all health-care concerns. Medical staff also join in for many camper activities and provide a wealth of wonderful learning opportunities for each camper.
Activities
Archery
Rain or shine, campers can improve their concentration and perseverance skills through archery. A large selection of archery equipment for campers of all sizes provides the opportunity for campers to learn and practice archery skills under the direct supervision of qualified staff members.
Arts and crafts
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 Discovery for inspiration.
Swimming
A free swim is held each day where the campers have a chance to cool off and get refreshed or participate in other beach activities. The waterfront staff are NLS and Bronze-Cross certified.
Wheelchair basketball
Most campers have tried their hand at basketball before, but have they done it on wheels?! Wheelchair basketball is a great way for all-stars and novices alike to hone their shooting skills and practice their team work!
High ropes and indoor climbing
As part of their experience on the high ropes course, campers are taught how to tie different knots and properly belay. On the climbing wall and high ropes, a harness and belay system is issued to keep the campers safe and help them climb. As the saying goes on the challenge course, “can’t” is spelled “T-R-Y.”
Land sports
Camp Discovery has several facilities that can accommodate many different traditional sports, which we refer to as “Adventures.” These sports include, but are certainly not limited to: basketball, beach volleyball, tennis, road hockey, baseball, badminton, table tennis and more!
Sledge hockey
Sledge hockey is an exciting sport that follows similar rules to stand-up floor and ice hockey. Campers sit in a special sled that has wheels under the seat and use two hockey sticks to pass, shoot and propel themselves around the rink.
Pottery
Camp Discovery’s pottery program consists of pottery wheels, kilns for firing pottery, as well as a wide assortment of glazing supplies and molds.
Guides
In the guide, you will find information on:
- Packing lists
- Directions and transportation for drop off and pick up
- Mailing address
Rates & Dates
| Dates | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sunday, August 13 - Friday, August 18, 2023 | $1100 |
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.