Get to know our program
The first Diabetes Canada camp for children with diabetes in Manitoba was held in 1959 at Camp Robertson Fresh Air Camp. Over the past six decades, the program has been held at a number of camps across Manitoba including B’nai Brith Camp, Camp Birchbark, Camp Stephens, Camp Arnes, Camp Nutmik, Roseau River Bible Camp and YMCA Camp Douglas. The camp name was changed to Camp Briardale in 1999 in memory of Pamela Dale Richardson and it remains the same today.
Camp Briardale is currently proud to operate out of BB Camp on a private island in beautiful Lake of Woods, Ontario.
Camp life
Camp Briardale takes place on the a private island in the beautiful Lake of the Woods, Ontario. The cabins at Camp Briardale are situated in two groups – the boys’ side and the girls’ side. Each of these beautiful, rustic cabins is equipped with bunk beds, electric lights and counsellor sleeping quarters.
Land acknowledgement
We recognize that our work takes place on traditional Indigenous territories across Canada. We also wish to acknowledge that Camp Briardale, hosted at Camp B'nai Brith, is located on the traditional Indigenous territory of the Anishinaabe people. Today, Lake of the Woods, 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 Briardale accommodates 80 campers per session, ages 7 to 15.
All campers bus to and from camp at the Sunova Recreation Centre, Winnipeg, MB. Please make sure to read the information guide for specific times and directions.
Our staff
Counsellors and instructors
We recruit, screen and train a team of program staff. The staff team all have standard first aid/CPR and attend a week-long training with a focus on camper care, medical processes and procedures for managing type 1 diabetes.
Many of our staff team also live with type 1 diabetes and live in the cabin alongside your camper. Because we provide 24-hour supervision, this creates endless opportunities for your camper to learn and relate to a young adult role model living with type 1 diabetes.
We are proud of our staff team at Camp Briardale and they look forward to meeting you and your camper!
Health-care team
Led by Dr Liz Sellers from DER-CA, our medical staff team is a dedicated, committed group of health-care professionals who understand how important the camp experience is for children and youth living with type 1 diabetes.
The medical team consists of about 10 professionals including pediatric endocrinologists, nurses and dietitians. Most of this team hail from the Manitoba Children’s Hospital Diabetes Education and Resource for Children and Adolescents (DER-CA). In addition, each cabin group is paired with a medical counsellor who, with the support of the medical director, assist campers with blood glucose testing, low treatments, insulin adjustment and administration. These counsellors are often either medical, nursing or nutrition students.
The medical team is a crucial element of the Camp Briardale experience. They are always on hand whether your camper is newly diagnosed or approaching adulthood, and they are a great resource for you and your camper throughout the camp experience.
Activities
Waterfront
Campers will have the opportunity to experience many activities on the stunning lake at Camp Briardale. Activities include: canoeing, kayaking, swimming, water trampoline, Stand Up Paddleboarding and the infamous polar bear swim. All activities that take place in the water are led by trained staff and supervised by lifeguards.
Land-based challenges
There is always something happening on land at Camp Briardale! At any time, you might find campers enjoying the initiatives course, climbing wall, various sports, archery and the state-of-the-art high ropes course (make sure to ask your camper about it when they get home!).
Creative arts
Campers can spend time focusing on arts-based programs like drama games, arts and crafts, and talent shows.
Outdoor living skills
While at camp, your camper will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while hiking, day-long canoe trips, shelter-building, orienteering and taking part in campfires.
Evening programs
Every night at Camp Briardale, the whole camp community comes together to take part in activities like skit nights and talent shows. Twice a week, there is a campfire where we sing songs, see skits and reflect on our time at camp. These campfires are a highlight of the camp experience. Make sure to ask your camper about their favourite song. You might even get to hear it on the trip home!
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 19 - August 23, 2024 | $700 |
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:
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Receive financial assistance from an identified government program, OR
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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
Supported by:
