1 to 1 Program:

Since 1972, the C.Y.O. has been integrating special needs' children into our mainstream camping programs. Our one-to-one programs for children with special needs' are available at both Camp Marydale and the Urban Hoops Basketball Camp. Catholic camping is committed to the dignity and respect of all people. C.Y.O. day camps provide children with a physically and spiritually enriching camp experience.

 Due to limited space availability for each session – we must ask that you limit your selection and payment to one week. Additional weeks can be requested on the order form and you will be place on a waiting list. A C.Y.O. representative will contact you when space becomes available - at which time you can pay for the additional week(s). Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Zachary Madia:
Zachary loves going to day camp, and loves playing basketball. He thrives with the encouragement and laughter of his peers and transforms into a happy “normal” teenage boy with the help of his fellow campers and counsellor. We look forward to every summer because we know he is well taken care of and will have an awesome time doing what he truly enjoys - thank you so much! (Age 13, Autistic)

Brian Di Prospero:
As a single parent to 4 children Camp Marydale is a place that both Brian and I look forward to every summer! I feel that the C.Y.O. has provided him a place where he can shine on his own! He always comes home to tell me about his day at camp, seeing him so happy makes me happier then you know! He loved drawing, playing the games, swimming, and getting to learn new basketball skills at the Urban Hoops basketball camp. He doesn’t often get the opportunity to do all of these things and camp gives us both a great sense of accomplishment. (Age 12, Down Syndrome)

Larissa Beaudet:
Larissa can be very shy and held back when it comes to new experiences, and hates being away from me. Our first day of camp she was very nervous to leave me however the counsellors were very sympathetic and caring about her needs, they made a huge difference! I spent almost a half hour waiting in the parking lot watching her play with the staff and campers - she always wanted to be the last kid to leave and was very sad to see the summer end. It was great to see that Larissa shined in the campers hearts as much as she shines in my own, camp is a truly loving place! (Age 9, ADD, ODD)

Nicholas Leduc:
Nicholas loves going to Camp Marydale, he’s been asking everyday “when can I go back”! The counsellors take such good care of him and he loved that they would let him dress them up in crazy costumes! Nick loved swimming and playing games with the other kids. He especially loved the unique theme day where he could dress up and do theme related games! I know he is always in good hands and will be accepted for who he is while he’s at camp. (Age 12, Autism)

James “Patrick” Carson:
Patrick attended Camp Marydale several times. His favourite activities are swimming, singing and the slippery slides. At old camp Patrick loved paddle boating and fishing - he can’t wait for the new park! Patrick always loves his special counsellor and talks about them all the time, he can’t wait to show them off to all the other kids! (Age 13, Cerebral Palsy & Autism)

Dante Coletta:
Dante enjoyed interacting with the other children and his camp leaders. His favourite activity was swimming, and he loved playing with the parachute! Dante is extremely sociable and active so this was a great experience for him! (Age 6, Angelman Syndrome)

Nicholas Watson:
Nicolas enjoyed swimming the most about attending Camp Marydale last summer. He also loved his one-to-one care and attention given by the counsellor. She always had positive things to say about him and the things they did each day. Nichols couldn’t wait to go to camp each morning! (Age 6, Down Syndrome)

2010 Honourary Camper – Julia Clanfield:

Julia was one of the campers your support helped this past summer.  Julia is 6 years old and has Cerebral Palsy. This was her first summer camp experience and she and her family loved it!  Julia was always making herself known, chatting away with all the campers and counsellors. Her favourite moments of camp were cheering on the kids at basketball camp, throwing wet sponges at her counsellors and playing catch with her new friends.

“Julia mentioned to me that she felt just like all the other kids at camp and she can’t wait to get back to camp next year. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”
- Lisa Clanfield, Julia’s mother