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 Emily Morrison, Program Coordinator | emorrison@LDANiagara.org
Participant Eligibility
Participants attending the sessions must:
- Be between the ages of 6 and 11 (inclusive) at the time of participation;
- Have a diagnosed or suspected Learning Disability (click here for the definition of a Learning Disability);
- Not be diagnosed/identified with an intellectual disability or have significant behavioural support needs.
2023 S.L.A.M. Camp Applications Now Open!
Summer 2023 Camp Details
| St. Catharines Site | Niagara Falls Site | |
|---|---|---|
| Locations: | St. Alfred Catholic Elementary School* 280 Vine Street, St. Catharines | Mary Ward Catholic Elementary School* 2999 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls |
| Weeks Offered: | Week 1: July 10 – July 14 Week 2: July 17 – July 21 Week 3: July 24 – July 28 Week 4: July 31 – August 4 NO CAMP August 7-11 Week 5: August 14 – August 18 Week 6: August 21 – August 25 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: *** | Non-LDA Member Fee: $225 per week LDA Member Fee: $200 per 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. An annual family LDA Membership fee is $50. For more information on the LDA Membership program click here. If you require financial assistance, subsidy and payment plans may be available.
Generously Funded By
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!!”