The summer respite gap

School’s out. It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy. Well, not exactly. For parents and caregivers of loved ones impacted by disability and developmental challenges – who rely on predictable schedules, social routines and respite from caregiving – summer holidays can be challenging.

Summer camps are great alternatives, but for neurodivergent children and kids with medical challenges like my daughters, the spots are limited, costly or both. Some camps that cater to children impacted by disability aren’t able to take children who require one-to-one nursing support. Not all camps can afford to provide staff to care for a kid who requires constant supervision. Conversely, it is labour-intensive for families to sort out which camps actually take into account mobility and sensory challenges. Families want to find opportunities for their children that are safe and meaningful and provide respite from caregiving.

Caregiving realities

Earlier this spring, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence released its 2026 report, and the findings are less than encouraging. Caregiving is taking a significant toll on families. More than three-quarters of caregivers surveyed report declines in their mental and physical well-being, while nearly half experience financial strain. Unfortunately, this report doesn’t show much improvement over the last report, which was released in 2023.

The results raise important questions: What can be done to support caregivers? What happens to the one who is needing care when that care is compromised?

Could the church help?

A few years ago, I connected with a summer camp director from a local church. The director wanted to offer more opportunities within their existing program to build an inclusive sense of belonging for children and families who are impacted by disability and developmental or sensory challenges. Two needs were identified: families who need a break and children who need a safe and welcoming place to play. The director saw the possibility of the local church meeting these needs through their summer camp.

What developed out of our conversations was a new set of guidelines and a strategic plan. To ensure that everyone felt equipped from the start, capacity boundaries were created and specific training was designed. Before camp started, families had the opportunity to attend meet-and-greets, which fostered a sense of community and collaboration between families and the camp staff. Recently, I read a post on social media about summer options that offered high praise for this particular day camp.

Dual goals

Our family has benefited from a summer camp geared toward kids like ours. A few hours each day makes a huge difference for our girls. I see it in their sweaty smiles at pick-up, and I feel it as their caregiver. Addressing caregiving challenges must include a multi-pronged approach; something intentional to support the caregiver and something meaningful for the person needing care. Both goals matter, whether providing a community day program for adults living with dementia or a summer camp that provides a safe sensory space for children. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.