Larchwood Farm Nature Camp
Therapeutic Summer Nature Day Camp
Markdale, ON
How It All Started…
We launched our unique therapeutic nature camp in the summer of 2021. Over 35 children were welcomed to Larchwood Farm that first year. Highlights included our water activities in the pond and Traverston Creek; building forts in the forest and our weekly field trip to Firefly Ridge for picnics under the big apple tree and spending time with the goats, pigs, chickens, horses, donkeys and honey bees! This field trip continues to be a highlight for all of us each camp session. Over the years our camp has grown to include both Occupational Therapists and Social Workers. We also now offer add-on services to allow for assessment and treatment while your child is at camp!
Larchwood Farm
Larchwood Farm is located just west of Markdale, Ontario. We have 101 acres of mixed forests, wetlands, and fields, as well as 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!
Therapeutic Camp Highlights
Inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming, nature day camp
For ages 4-12 with physical, cognitive, social, and/or emotional challenges.*
Play Partners are welcome! We believe that all children can learn and grow from each other.
Led by Registered Occupational Therapists and Social Workers
Ratio: 5 adults to 10 children
Daily communication and a final report summarizing your child’s participation
Weekly campfire chat for parents/caregivers - a safe space to connect, share and learn with an OT or SW facilitating.
* Campers must be independent in mobility (without a mobility or gait aid) and toileting.
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!
Day Camp Sessions 2024
Each session accommodates a maximum of 10 campers. Play Partner* spots are limited to 2 spots per week.
Session 1: July 15 - July 19
Session 2: July 29 - August 2
Session 3: August 12 - August 16
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.
Camp Fees
Full Session (Mon-Fri) $700
Play Partner Full Session (Mon-Fri) $400
Half Day Option (9am-12pm) $95/day
Full Day Option (9am-3pm) $150/day
Before or After Care $20/hour
A non-refundable deposit of $200 will be due on April 1, 2024. Remaining payment due will be processed on June 1, 2024.
Additional Add-On Services
To optimize the experience for each child at camp and offer the opportunity to work on individual goals we offer “add-on” OT and SW services. This 1:1 time can take your child’s camp experience to the next level and allow you to take advantage of the amazing team at Larchwood Farm. Services are often hard to come by in Grey Bruce so this is a wonderful opportunity to get some guidance.
Social Work Assessment & Treatment for PARENTS/CAREGIVERS
Occupational Therapy Assessment & Treatment for CHILDREN
Accommodations
If you’re a family coming from a nearby city, there are some great Airbnb options in the area to make your camp experience a little vacation. Here are a few that past families have visited and recommend:
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).
Priceville: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/51520100?source_impression_id=p3_1659058237_c%2FyFQiUivR0tjuFW
Cabin within 1km of 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).
Funding Opportunities
We understand the financial challenges of sending your child to camp and have outsourced a number of grant opportunities that may provide financial support. Click here to download our funding resource document. OT and SW are also covered by many extended health benefit providers. Here is a list of providers currently covering OT. We also acknowledge that funding sources vary widely - if you have any financial limitations to getting your kid to camp please just reach out!
Join our Camp Waitlist to be the first to know about 2025 registration!
