Larchwood Farm Nature Camp

Markdale, Ontario

Therapeutic Nature Camp

Each summer we welcome neurodiverse children to Larchwood Farm where they play and connect among hay fields, rolling hills, creeks and ponds.

We have been offering this camp for 4 years and have shaped it into an inclusive, neuro-diversity affirming space. We allow for choice and autonomy while also providing gentle encouragement to participate in new activities and learn about our environment. Our incredible therapy team includes Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Social Workers.

Camp Details

Larchwood Farm is located west of Markdale, Ontario. We have 101 acres of mixed forests, wetlands, hay fields, rolling hills and walking trails. There is a large spring-fed pond and a creek running through the property, both of which are home to lots of interesting creatures!
Our campers are typically ages 4-12 with physical, cognitive, social, and/or emotional challenges. Campers must be independent in mobility (without a mobility or gait aid) and toileting.
Play Partners are welcome! We believe that all children can learn and grow from each other. Play Partners are typically developing children who may be a friend or relative.
Each session allows for 10 campers and 5 adult team members. Our team is made up of OTs, MScOT Students, OTAs, Social Workers, Camp Counsellors and Volunteers.
Each summer the team participates in neurodiversity and safety training. All volunteers and students have their Vulnerable Service Sector Police Check.
Each session accommodates a maximum of 10 campers. Play Partner* spots are limited to 2 spots per week.
Session 1: July 14 - July 18
Session 2: July 21 - July 25
Session 3: July 28 - August 1
Camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Campers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and lunches. Snacks will be provided on Food & Fire Friday as we prepare foods with local fruits and vegetables.
*Play Partners are children without therapeutic needs. This may be a sibling, cousin or friend that is accompanying an OT child. These spots are limited to 2 per session.
- Full Session (Mon-Fri) $995
- Play Partner Full Session (Mon-Fri) $400
- Half Day Option (9am-12pm) $125/day
- Full Day Option (9am-3pm) $225/day
- Before or After Care $20/hour
A non-refundable deposit of $200 will be due upon booking. Remaining payment will be processed on June 1, 2025. Sliding scale is available for those families without funding.
1:1 Printing Sessions with an OT $160
1:1 Social Work Sessions for Adults & Children $160
Parent Coaching with an OT $160
We will do our best to communicate with you daily, sharing the highs and lows of the day. One therapist will be designated as your main contact; however the entire team will be supporting your child each day.
Every day we are observing your child with a therapeutic lens, seeking ways to challenge, progress and ignite their curiosity.
We use our clinical expertise to navigate big emotions, sensory preferences and motor skills.
At the end of each weekly session you will receive a summary of your child’s participation.
1. Go to the Store Page on the website
2. Choose the Summer Camp product
3. Make your selections (session, type of spot, etc.)
4. Add in your personal info
5. Pay your $200 deposit via credit card
We will then confirm receipt of registration and build you a profile in our Medical Record System. A parent guide will be shared in June. Phone calls will be placed to all families in early July.

A typical day at camp…

9:00am - Free, guided play with various stations set up

9:30am - Opening Circle

10:00am - Nature Hike with a Purpose (may be collecting items for an art project, completing a scavenger hunt or building a structure in the forest)

11:00am - Cooperative Game in the Paddock

11:30am - Lunch & Free Play (playground equipment, craft tables, dress up theatre, mud kitchen)

12:30pm - Story Telling with Yoga

1:00pm - Nature Crafting or Water Play

2:00pm - Free Play / Journaling

2:30pm - Reflections and Closing Circle

On Wednesdays we travel to Firefly Ridge for a picnic and interactive learning with the farm animals! A truly fun day that we all look forward to!

FAQs

Many of our campers come from elsewhere to participate in this unique offering! Their families make a vacation out of it! Dropping your child at camp each day gives you the time to explore the Grey Bruce area.
Here are some tried and true Airbnb options:
1. Firefly Ridge: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/35023156?source_impression_id=p3_1673884724_PyyMPXbbkW2Y5PrK (Please connect with us and we will put you directly in touch with the owners).
2. Priceville: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/51520100?source_impression_id=p3_1659058237_c%2FyFQiUivR0tjuFW
3. Chalet near Larchwood: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/1247793676597935847?check_in=2024-10-07&check_out=2024-10-12&guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=09d84d05-fdd2-42e9-a065-58db83572b36 (We can also put you in direct contact with the owners).
Our families are generally recipients of OAP (Ontario Autism Program) funding. We also have families that have extended health benefits through their employer that covers OT and Social Work. Check with your insurance company to see if either of the professions are covered.
We have identified some additional funding sources in this document.