WDDS (Woodstock and District Developmental Services) is a community-based Association committed to supporting lifelong opportunities for individuals and their families to strive for independent living in the community through:  Services, Partnerships and Advocacy.

WDDS offers an annual 8-week Youth Summer Camp that provides much needed respite to parents and families of youth aged 13-19, with special needs who reside in Oxford County.  The summer months are a stressful time for families, as they seek suitable options for their children.  Parents attempt to maintain routines and consistency between the school terms, while ensuring that their children have a fun and stimulating summer in a safe and secure environment. 

The provision of a Youth Summer Camp will:

• Provide an 8-week day camp for youth, aged 13-18 years, who have special needs.

• Provide respite for parents and family members as per their needs, over the summer months.

• Provide a much needed summer option for young people with disabilities due to a lack of community programs that are unable to address these needs.

• Provide qualified staffing to address the diverse needs and barriers of the campers.

• Provide a fun, stimulating and positive social and leisure experience for the campers.

• Provide consistency and routine over the summer months, to assist with a smooth transition back to school in September.

•  

WDDS actively fundraises for this camp each year through various campaigns and requests to local businesses.  We have also been very fortunate in receiving student grants to assist with the staffing costs of the camp.  Fundraising ventures have included:  Cheese Sales, Cookie Sales, Garage Sales, Raffles and grant requests.  We fundraise throughout the year to reach our goal of operating the camp. 

Outline of Teen Camp

• The Teen Summer Camp is a non-government funded program, and consequently, a partnership has developed between the parents and our agency, to actively fundraise to help cover the costs of this camp.  Several projects occur over the course of the year, as well as solicitation of community and grant sponsorships to assist with the funding.

• Flexibility of registration assists parents with receiving the respite support that they require.  Some families request full time attendance, while others appreciate shorter time frames, or half-day attendance.

• We utilize full time experienced staff who have knowledge of the young  campers’ disabilities and behaviours.  In conjunction with these qualified staff we also hire post secondary summer students who have educational and work experiences in this field.  We ensure the best possible care and safety of the campers, and peace of mind for the families. 

• WDDS also utilizes volunteers from the community.  Working closely with staff, volunteers contribute their varied skills and time to help make the camp a success. 

• Community options are limited for teenagers with disabilities who require additional supports, and consequently additional staffing.  We continually seek means of partnering with other similar programs in the community if feasible and appropriate.

• Fun and stimulating activities are organized for the campers including theme days, day trips, gym activities, arts and drama, and a variety of games.  The camp experience helps to nurture and foster friendships that can be maintained during the school year.

• Providing a daily camp for the duration of the summer provides the routine and consistency needed by many of the campers, and consequently, the transition back to school is less stressful for the individual and the family.  The camp staff attempt to maintain the camper's basic academic skills over the summer through fun learning and cognitive games.

Recognition

WDDS recognizes the following foundations and community businesses for their generous support of the Teen Camp:

Toyota  Boshoku                                      The Raptors Foundation

Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation        Charles E. Ring Foundation

Woodstock Rotary Club                            City of Woodstock

Dover Corporation                                     Royal Canadian Legion 495

Ball's Plumbing Centre                              Chesney Mobile Wash Ltd.

Farrington Plumbing and Heating                Huron Pallet and Box Company Inc.

Owl Distribution Inc.                                  Dr. WM Rowe

Stevenson and Hunt                                  Whitelaw Machinery Company Ltd

2847906 Canada Inc.                                C & D Lanes Inc.

GEM Financial Group                                Crabby Joe's (Woodstock)

Reeves Land corporation                            Royal Land Corporation

Baker Sheet Metal Ltd.                              Gordon Wiseman Ltd.

Dr. KW McGaffey                                      1295022 Ontario Inc.

Glenile Electric