Sunshine, Learning, Achievement & More!
Ages 6-11
Sunshine, Learning, Achievement, and More (S.L.A.M.) is a full-day summer learning camp for children ages 6-11 who are performing a minimum of one year behind in the area of literacy due to a diagnosed, identified, or suspected reading disability (dyslexia). At S.L.A.M. summer camp, children spend half of the day working on enhancing literacy skills such as phonics principles, sight word knowledge, and reading fluency.
The other half of a typical day at S.L.A.M. is spent participating in coping skill and recreation-based activities designed to assist with the secondary characteristics associated with learning difficulties (i.e., low self-esteem, poor social and/or emotional regulation). The S.L.A.M. program teaches these skills using a combination of discussion, instruction, and engaging games and activities in both a whole-group and small-group setting.
The instructors at S.L.A.M. are trained to support and guide children with learning difficulties. The adult to child ratio is typically very low with a maximum of ten (10) children and a minimum of two (2) trained staff per group at all times. Every child also receives some academic one-to-one support provided by a qualified instructor throughout the camp week. Each activity is also commonly supported by volunteers.
Please note: We cannot provide one-to-one behavioural support. In order for each child to benefit from the program every child must be able to work in a group setting without demonstrating a need for one-on-one behavioural support.
Questions? Contact Jessica Yaguchi, Program Coordinator | jyaguchi@LDANiagara.org
Participant Eligibility
This program is intended for students who are:
- Between the ages of 6 and 11 (inclusive) at the time of participation;
- Diagnosed with, or suspected to have, a Learning Disability (click here for the definition of a Learning Disability);
- Not diagnosed/identified with an intellectual disability or have significant behavioural support needs.
Please Note: While exceptionalities such as Autism, Mild Intellectual Disability, etc. may impact an individual’s learning, a Learning Disability is a specific impairment and is distinct from these and other exceptionalities.
2024 S.L.A.M. Camp Applications now open!
Summer 2024 Camp Details
St. Catharines Site | Thorold Site | |
---|---|---|
Locations: | Exact location to be determined* | Exact location to be determined* |
Weeks Offered: | Week 1: July 8 – July 12 Week 2: July 15 – July 19 Week 3: July 22 – July 26 Week 4: July 29 – August 2 NO CAMP August 5-9 Week 5: August 12 – August 16 Week 6: August 19 – August 23 Families can apply to participate in one or more of the above weeks. |
Days of the Week: | Monday – Friday |
Time: | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (extended care available**) |
Cost: *** | $250/week |
*Locations are subject to change based on the availability. Applicants will be notified of any changes prior to the start of program.
** Extended before and after care is available each day from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for a fee of $2.50 per half hour.
*** Fees subject to change. If you require financial assistance, subsidy and payment plans may be available.
Generously funded by:
With support from:
Testimonials
“My daughter was so nervous and anxious about going to camp this summer but after the first day she declared that she wanted to go to camp all summer. Thanks to the staff and the programs she felt excited, happy, and safe. Most of the time she didn’t even realize she was learning something. A special bonus to the fun she had was that we saw a boost in her confidence and an improvement in her literacy skills. Yay!”
“I just wanted to take a moment to share with you what an amazing experience [my son] has had at camp. I have to tell you that camps have not always been such a positive experience and leading up to the first day I was very anxious. [My son] was excited and seemed to forget past trials and started with a great attitude. When he reported back he had such a great time the first few days I hate to admit it, but we thought oh it’s the honeymoon days, and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Guess what?? It never did. [My son] found somewhere so inclusive and understanding of him. As a mother, there isn’t anything more I could ask for. Thank you, his time at SLAM has been so meaningful and positive more than we could ever ask for. I wouldn’t be able to express all this without getting teared up as I am now, it truly has been a great experience for both of us.”
“I’ve never seen any programs like this one- well coordinated, communication was fluid and staff really committed to their job. Keep up the great work. Thank you!!”