A New Fully Accessible, Year-Round Camp for Children with Disabilities.
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kayla’s Children Centre (KCC), a Thornhill-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and medical complexities, today announced the creation of Camp Lionheart, a groundbreaking, year-round camp for children with physical, developmental, behavioural, and medical needs. Located on the former site of Camp Tamarack in Muskoka, Camp Lionheart will serve as a natural extension of KCC’s mission of empowering children of all abilities to excel socially, emotionally, and therapeutically. Designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core, the camp will provide critical respite for families and caregivers, while fostering independence, confidence, and joy for every camper.
“Establishing our own overnight camp has been a longtime dream of our leadership team,” said Yaffi Scheinberg, CEO at Kayla’s Children Centre. “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,” continued Scheinberg.
Every aspect of Camp Lionheart has been designed to meet the needs of children with diverse abilities. Therapeutic and developmental goals are embedded into recreational activities, ensuring campers experience both growth and fun in equal measure.
The site will feature:
- Accessible waterfront and water sports
- Adapted ropes course and rock climbing wall
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins, washrooms, and showers
- Temperature-controlled cabins for comfort and safety
- Adapted sports and recreational programming for all abilities
Camp Lionheart will be staffed by an on-site care team that includes medical professionals from SickKids, North York General Hospital, Humber River Hospital, and William Osler Health System. Their presence ensures that every child receives safe, compassionate, and individualized care throughout their stay.
“Our camp is not just about accessibility, it’s also about fun,” said Baila Vaturi, Camp Director at Camp Lionheart. “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,” continued Vaturi.
In addition to transforming the lives of campers, Camp Lionheart will serve as a training ground for the next generation of healthcare professionals, therapists, and educators. Students and young professionals will gain invaluable, hands-on experience working directly with children who have a broad range of disabilities and medical needs.
In the 2026 season, KCC will be piloting its new program with children who currently attend their year-round programs. Once construction is complete, Camp Lionheart will be open to children from across North America.
About Kayla’s Children Centre
Kayla’s Children Centre (KCC) is a Toronto-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and medical complexities—and their families—through education, therapy, recreation, and respite. KCC provides a nurturing and inclusive environment that helps every child reach their fullest potential.
Website: camplionheart.ca
Contacts
Media Contact:
Mira Lax, Director of Marketing
mira@kaylas.org (905) 738-5542 x 230
