Kayla’s Children Centre (KCC), a leading non-profit organization based in Thornhill and committed to supporting children with disabilities and medical complexities, has announced the launch of Camp Lionheart — a transformative, year-round camp designed specifically for children with physical, developmental, behavioural, and medical needs. The new camp, located on the former grounds of Camp Tamarack in Muskoka, represents a significant milestone in KCC’s longstanding mission to empower children of all abilities to grow socially, emotionally, and therapeutically. Building on decades of expertise in inclusive education, therapy, and recreational programming, KCC’s leadership describes Camp Lionheart as one of the organization’s most ambitious and heartfelt undertakings to date.
The vision for Camp Lionheart was inspired by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families raising children with complex needs. Traditional camp environments, no matter how well-intentioned, often lack the infrastructure, medical support, or inclusive programming required to safely and meaningfully accommodate children with disabilities. Recognizing this gap, KCC sought to create an environment where every child — regardless of their diagnosis, mobility level, or developmental profile — could experience the joy and freedom of a true camp adventure. With its launch, Camp Lionheart aims to become a haven where children can explore nature, build friendships, and develop new skills, all while receiving the specialized support they require.
“Establishing our own overnight camp has been a longtime dream of our leadership team,” said Yaffi Scheinberg, CEO of Kayla’s Children Centre. “Creating a safe and supportive space for our campers to enjoy the beauty of nature and develop independence is a massive step for our organization and for the landscape of disability care in Canada.” Scheinberg emphasized that Camp Lionheart reflects years of planning, consultation, and advocacy aimed at reshaping what therapeutic recreation can look like for children with diverse needs.
A Camp Built for Every Ability
From the moment families arrive, the camp will demonstrate its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Every component — from architecture and recreational design to staffing and programming — has been intentionally crafted to address the needs of children with a wide spectrum of abilities. The site will feature fully accessible pathways, adaptive recreational areas, and accommodations that prioritize comfort and safety without compromising the authentic camp experience.
Central to Camp Lionheart’s design is the integration of therapeutic and developmental goals into traditional camp activities. Instead of separating therapy from recreation, the camp blends the two seamlessly. This approach ensures that campers not only gain essential developmental and communication skills, but also experience the thrill, creativity, and joy typically associated with summertime adventures.
Among the facilities and features planned for the site are:
- An accessible waterfront and adapted water sports, enabling children with limited mobility or complex medical needs to safely enjoy swimming, boating, and other water-based activities.
- A custom-designed ropes course and rock climbing wall, equipped with adaptive harnesses, supports, and modifications to ensure that children of varying abilities can participate.
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins, washrooms, and showers, built with thoughtful spacing, ramps, and assistive supports to maximize autonomy and comfort.
- Temperature-controlled cabins, ensuring that campers with medical sensitivities or reliance on medical equipment remain safe and stable regardless of weather conditions.
- Inclusive sports and recreational programming, featuring modified equipment and trained staff who can support children with complex physical or developmental needs in a wide range of athletic and creative activities.
These design elements underscore KCC’s belief that all children deserve the chance to explore, experiment, and experience joy — not in spite of their disabilities, but with full recognition of their strengths and individuality.
A Strong Medical and Therapeutic Foundation
One of the distinguishing features of Camp Lionheart is its robust on-site medical and therapeutic staffing model. Campers will be supported by a multidisciplinary care team, including medical professionals from some of the most respected healthcare institutions in Ontario: SickKids, North York General Hospital, Humber River Hospital, and William Osler Health System. Their year-round involvement ensures that children with complex medical needs receive attentive, compassionate care throughout their stay.
Having medical professionals embedded within the camp environment also brings tremendous peace of mind to families. For many parents and caregivers, entrusting their child to an overnight camp can feel overwhelming — particularly when their child requires frequent medical monitoring, medication administration, or help with daily living tasks. Camp Lionheart’s staffing approach removes that worry and replaces it with a sense of confidence and partnership.
“Our camp is not just about accessibility, it’s also about fun,” said Baila Vaturi, Camp Director at Camp Lionheart. “Our campers spend so much of their time at therapy appointments and in the hospital, and camp should be the place where they get to just be kids.” Vaturi noted that the camp’s programming is intentionally structured to help children step outside the roles they often occupy — patient, client, or student — and instead embrace the identity of camper, friend, and team member.
Preparing Future Leaders in Disability Support and Care
In addition to enriching the lives of campers and providing much-needed respite for families, Camp Lionheart will also serve as a unique training environment for students and emerging professionals across the fields of healthcare, therapy, education, and child development. Through hands-on experience, trainees will learn how to support children with a broad range of disabilities, gaining skills that are critical to building a more inclusive and knowledgeable workforce.
This educational component reflects KCC’s long-term vision of not only delivering exceptional care today but also shaping the future landscape of disability services in Canada and beyond. By providing specialized mentorship and real-world practice environments, KCC aims to inspire a new generation of leaders equipped to advocate for and support children with complex needs.
Pilot Launch and Future Expansion
KCC plans to pilot Camp Lionheart’s flagship program in the 2026 season. The inaugural cohort will consist of children who currently participate in KCC’s year-round educational and therapeutic programs, ensuring a smooth and supported launch. This step will allow staff to fine-tune programming, test accessibility features, and gather feedback from families who are already familiar with KCC’s approach to care.
Following the pilot and the completion of construction and infrastructure enhancements, Camp Lionheart will open its doors to children from across North America. The expanded access will allow families beyond Ontario and Canada to experience a level of support, therapeutic integration, and recreational inclusion that is rarely available elsewhere on the continent.
Kayla’s Children Centre (KCC) is a Toronto-area non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with disabilities and medical complexities, as well as supporting their families. Through a holistic combination of education, therapy, recreation, and respite services, KCC provides a warm, inclusive, and empowering environment where every child can grow to their fullest potential. Guided by values of compassion, dignity, accessibility, and community, KCC continues to pioneer new programs and initiatives — such as Camp Lionheart — that redefine what is possible for children with diverse needs.
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