MS Society Camp for Kids with MS

"Don't let something like MS get in the way of following your dreams..."

These encouraging and inspirational words, from a young man who personally knows the challenges that multiple sclerosis brings, welcomed the 26 children and teens with MS taking part in the second annual MS Summer Adventure Camp last summer.

Aaron Solowoniuk, drummer for award-winning Canadian punk-rock band Billy Talent, spoke from the heart in a pre-recorded video message. He also has MS and juggles the demands of performing and touring while managing the often unpredictable symptoms of the disease. He quickly became a role model and inspiration to camp participants.

The MS Society developed the first camp in Canada for children and teens with MS in 2007 in response to a growing need. "Through our work with the Paedatric MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children, we became increasingly aware that more children were being diagnosed with MS. Doctors, nurses and parents told us the children and teens often felt totally alone in dealing with the disease, and needed the opportunity to get together with others their age who have MS," said Nicole Mellin, assistant vice-president of national client services for the MS Society of Canada.

Thanks to generous support from the RBC Foundation and the Foundation Bergeron-Jette, the MS Society collaborated with Easter Seals and Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children in making the event a reality. Thanks to their support, all costs associated with attending the camp, including travel, are covered.

Now in its third year, the summer camp attracts children and teens with MS from across Canada and even some from the U.S. It is held at the Easter Seals Camp Merrywood site near Perth, Ont. Experienced Easter Seals counsellors lead activities and channel the kids' abundant energy into games, outdoor adventures and crafts. Paediatric MS nurses from the Hospital for Sick Children are on-site to provide care, if needed.

"Campers have the opportunity to meet and connect with others who share similar experiences, try new things in an upbeat and supportive environment and just have fun," said Mellin.

Highlights of the 2008 camp included white-water rafting on the Ottawa River, a talent show, songwriting circle, drama workshops, organic candle making, canoeing on the Rideau Canal, an overnight camping trip, archery, and a banquet and dance on the final night. Every day was packed with exciting activities, with enthusiastic counsellors participating alongside campers. Fun-filled days came to a close around a glowing campfire every evening.

The MS Society is gearing up for its third camp in August 2009. Once again collaborating with Easter Seals and the Paediatric MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children, organizers expect this yearÕs camp to be bigger and better than ever.

For more information, visit www.mssociety.ca, or call the camp manager at 1-866-922- 6065, ext. 3049, or 416-967-3049, or e-mail atul.gadhia@mssociety.ca.

Article by Atul Gadhia, Manager, Information and Support, National Client Services