Camp Lionheart: A New Blueprint for Specialized Inclusive Care

TORONTO, ON – November 27, 2025 – In a move that signals a significant evolution in Canada's disability support sector, Thornhill-based non-profit Kayla’s Children Centre (KCC) has announced the creation of Camp Lionheart. Located on the historic former site of Camp Tamarack in Muskoka, this project is far more than a new summer camp; it represents the development of a year-round, medically-integrated ecosystem designed for children with complex physical, developmental, behavioural, and medical needs. The initiative is poised to establish a new market standard for accessible recreation and integrated care, addressing a critical, long-standing gap in the industry.

Addressing a Systemic Gap in Canadian Care

For decades, families of children with severe disabilities have faced a stark reality: a chronic shortage of recreational facilities equipped to handle their needs. While many organizations offer valuable seasonal programs, the landscape has been defined by a scarcity of year-round options that can provide the comprehensive medical oversight required for children with complex conditions. This gap leaves many families without consistent respite and denies children the continuous therapeutic and social benefits of an immersive camp experience.

Camp Lionheart is engineered to fill this void. By operating year-round, it moves beyond the traditional model of seasonal relief to offer sustained support. This strategic decision transforms the concept of a "camp" from a temporary escape into an integral part of a child's developmental and therapeutic journey.

“Establishing our own overnight camp has been a longtime dream of our leadership team,” said Yaffi Scheinberg, CEO at Kayla’s Children Centre, in a recent announcement. “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.” This statement underscores a strategic ambition that extends beyond a single organization, aiming to reshape the national standard for what is possible in specialized care. The project is not just an expansion of KCC's services but a direct response to a market failure in providing equitable access to recreation.

An Innovative Model for Integrated Recreation and Medicine

The true innovation of Camp Lionheart lies in its deeply integrated operational model. Every facet of the camp, from its physical infrastructure to its programming, is built on a foundation of accessibility and therapeutic intent. The facility will feature a fully accessible waterfront, an adapted ropes course and rock climbing wall, and wheelchair-accessible cabins with temperature controls—a critical feature for children with medical sensitivities.

However, the physical design is only one part of the equation. The core of the model is the fusion of therapeutic goals with recreational activities. This ensures that while campers are kayaking, climbing, or creating art, they are also implicitly working towards developmental milestones in a joyful, non-clinical setting. This approach recognizes that growth and fun are not mutually exclusive, a philosophy that has been proven to enhance engagement and outcomes for children in therapeutic programs.

This model is made possible by an unprecedented level of collaboration with major healthcare institutions. The on-site care team will include medical professionals from leading hospitals such as SickKids, North York General Hospital, and William Osler Health System. This is not a simple first-aid station; it is an embedded clinical support system that ensures every child receives safe, individualized, and expert care. This partnership de-risks the experience for families and enables the camp to welcome children with conditions that would preclude them from nearly any other recreational setting.

“Our camp is not just about accessibility, it’s also about fun,” noted Baila Vaturi, the Camp Director. “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.” This highlights the human-centric mission driving the sophisticated operational strategy.

Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Future Generations

The strategic foresight behind Camp Lionheart extends to its role in building future capacity within the healthcare sector. The camp is intentionally designed to serve as a training ground for the next generation of healthcare professionals, therapists, and educators. By providing students and young professionals with invaluable hands-on experience working directly with children who have a broad range of needs, KCC is cultivating a workforce equipped with the specialized skills and empathy required for this demanding field.

This dual-purpose model—serving campers while training caregivers—creates a powerful, self-reinforcing ecosystem. It ensures a pipeline of qualified staff for the camp itself and enriches the broader healthcare landscape with professionals who have practical experience in complex pediatric care. This forward-looking strategy adds a layer of long-term value and sustainability to the project, making it a powerful investment in social and professional capital. The acquisition and planned large-scale renovation of the Camp Tamarack site further demonstrate the significant capital commitment and long-term vision driving the initiative.

The Economics of Inclusion and Scalable Impact

As a non-profit venture, Camp Lionheart's financial structure relies on a diversified mix of donations, foundational grants, and corporate partnerships. The high-cost nature of providing medically-intensive, fully-accessible services necessitates a robust and continuous fundraising strategy. However, the project's unique value proposition—addressing a critical need with an innovative, high-impact model—makes it a compelling case for philanthropists and institutional funders looking to support scalable solutions in the social sector.

The rollout plan is as strategic as the camp's design. KCC will pilot the program in 2026 with children already enrolled in its year-round programs, allowing for a controlled launch to refine operations. Following the completion of construction, Camp Lionheart will open its doors to children from across North America, transforming it from a regional resource into a destination facility. This planned expansion signals a clear ambition to scale its impact and establish a replicable blueprint for other organizations. By creating a new benchmark for what is possible, Camp Lionheart is not just building a camp; it is pioneering an emerging market in comprehensive, dignified, and joy-filled care for children with the most complex needs.