Building Inclusive Summers: Supporting Camp Brébeuf

At Inclusion Action in Ontario (IAO), we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of summer camp. The laughter echoing across a field, the courage to try something new, the friendships formed around a campfire, and the deep sense of belonging that stays with a child long after summer ends.

This year, we are honoured to support Camp Brébeuf in strengthening and expanding its inclusive camping experiences for young disabled campers. Through dedicated funding and partnership, we are helping ensure that more children can participate fully, joyfully, and confidently in all that camp has to offer.

Why Inclusive Camp Matters

For many families of children with disabilities, finding a camp that truly embraces inclusion can feel uncertain or overwhelming. Too often, children are unintentionally separated from shared experiences. But inclusive camping creates something far more powerful… a community where differences are welcomed, strengths are celebrated, and every camper belongs.

Inclusive camp environments:

• Foster belonging and meaningful friendships
• Promote empathy and understanding among all campers
• Build independence, confidence, and social skills
• Create lifelong memories rooted in acceptance and community

Inclusion doesn’t just support individual campers, it strengthens the entire camp community.

Honouring a Legacy of Belonging

This support is made possible through the Matthew Dolmage Fund, created in honour of Matthew and his love for camp. Matthew experienced firsthand the joy, growth, and connection that inclusive camping can bring. His story continues to inspire this work and reminds us why inclusive recreation matters so deeply.

By directing funds to Camp Brébeuf, we are building on a longstanding commitment to inclusion and helping ensure that other children can experience the same sense of belonging that meant so much to Matthew and his family.

Our Commitment for Summer 2026

For the 2026 season and beyond, IAO is committed to:

• Supporting inclusive programming at Camp Brébeuf
• Helping reduce barriers for families seeking inclusive camp experiences
• Raising awareness about the importance of accessible recreation
• Continuing to fundraise to sustain and grow inclusive camp supports

While intending to support Camp Brébeuf into the future, IAO also hopes to expand this inclusive camp model to additional camps and will actively fundraise to support this programming.

Inclusive recreation is not a luxury, it is a right. When children of all abilities learn, play, and grow side by side, we build stronger, more compassionate communities for the future.

How You Can Help

We cannot do this work without the support of our community!

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate to support inclusive summer camp experiences
• Share our mission with families and community partners
• Partner with us if you are a camp provider interested in building inclusive programming
• Follow IAO on social media to stay updated on our progress