Who Comes to the KOC? Everyone.
The Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) welcomes approximately 4,000 people every year. Our largest group of visitors is made up of families with a child on the autism spectrum. Over 1,000 people, parents, siblings and children participate in an autism respite program at the KOC each year.
We also design customized programs for a number of different community groups, including children’s mental health, Children’s Aid Societies, elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and faith-based organizations. The programs are goal directed and we support groups to work on practicing new social skills, working better together, and building strength of community through shared experiences. Some of our visiting groups have been attending the camp for nearly 30 years. And, new visitors report feeling like family after their first few hours. Our visitors are numerous and diverse and we are proud to host so many organizations.
To connect with the KOC, call us at 705-320-0045 or email us at info@koc.on.ca.
Community Partners
Autism Ontario
The KOC has partnered with various chapters of Autism Ontario to develop and facilitate an Autism Family Camp program.
Kids in Camp (KIC)
The experience of summer camp enhances the personal development of youth and establishes a strong foundation for their future growth. KIC is a charitable organization established to financially assist families to send their kids to camp.
Annual Visitors
Camp Cucumber
Camp Cucumber offers single moms on financial assistance and their kids (aged 5-13) the opportunity to experience a true Canadian tradition: sleepover camp. Each year in the last week of June, moms and kids take the bus north to swim, canoe, fish, make crafts and learn outdoor skills, away from the stresses and strains of city life. The KOC supports Camp Cucumber through programming and facilities.
Camp Kerry
In 2014, the KOC welcomed Camp Kerry to their first ever Ontario-based program. Camp Kerry is a non-profit organization specializing in bereavement care. In an ideal world nobody would lose a loved one. For families that do, Camp Kerry is there to help. Their services are provided by a team of professionals and trained volunteers with specialized skills and experience in bereavement care.
Point in Time
In the winter of 2016, the KOC along with Point in Time and Tri-County Community Support Services received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The funds are being used to host 150 families over three years in a program designed to deliver parent training and respite to families with a child with special needs.
The Ismaili Council of Ontario
The Kinark Outdoor Centre supports the recreation and retreat programs of the Ismaili Council through the provision of facilities and activities.
Tri-County Community Support Services
In the winter of 2016, the Kinark Outdoor Centre along with Point in Time and Tri-County Community Support Services received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The funds are being used to host 150 families over three years in a program designed to deliver parent training and respite to families with a child with special needs.
Trillium Lakelands District School Board
The Kinark Outdoor Centre is privileged to be the host site and program provider for the outdoor education programs for several schools within the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB). We also host TLDSB special events, including The Haliburton Muskoka Kawartha Children’s Water Festival, New Teacher Training, the Northern Lights Leadership Initiative, the TLDSB Group of Seven, and the TLDSB Eco-Activities.
Funders
Ontario Trillium Foundation
In the winter of 2016, the KOC along with Point in Time and Tri-County Community Support Services, received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to coordinate and deliver Parent Training and Respite programs for families with a child with special needs. The funds provide programming for 150 families over three years.
