Last August, our daughter had the privilege of living her very first camper experience at Camp Massawippi — ten unforgettable days in an inclusive and enchanting setting.
I want to tell you just how meaningful and positive our daughter’s stay in this unique summer camp was — an experience that deeply touched her and our entire family.
Nicknamed “Smiley” since she was little, our shining star is a model of resilience and strength for everyone around her. Like other girls her age, Stella loves movies, music, swimming, and spending time with friends.
What sets her apart from other teenagers is that she’s completely dependent on an adult for all her daily activities. She uses a wheelchair, is fed through a tube directly to her stomach, and communicates using an eye-gaze recognition device. Stella understands far more than she’s able to express.
Stella was two years old when she was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a neurodegenerative condition that affects almost exclusively young girls.
As you can imagine, Stella’s many specific needs require constant specialized care and continuous attention. Resources are quickly exhausted, as they are often limited — and opportunities for adapted, truly accessible camps (both financially and physically) are very rare.
We first learned about Camp Massawippi a few years ago. This summer, we finally decided to visit the camp as a family during their open house one Sunday afternoon in July.
Stella was immediately charmed by the peaceful natural setting, the accessible beach, the adapted dorms, and the thoughtful layout of the grounds. The joyful atmosphere and the “cool” attitude of the counsellors and other campers quickly won over Stella’s heart — and ours too, especially that of her 8-year-old little sister.
Feeling completely reassured, I confirmed her registration for the session that started the very next day. I was filled with gratitude to see all the financial support available for low-income families. What a beautiful gift — and what a wonderful surprise life at camp turned out to be!
While Stella was sold on the idea, we were completely reassured as parents that the camp was the right fit for our daughter. So the very next day, I called to register her for the next session.
Upon our arrival, the nurses took the time to complete a personalized intake for Stella. We were able to build a strong relationship of trust with the staff. As a parent, the team’s attentiveness and availability truly reassured the mother hen in me.
It was the first time our daughter had gone away for such a long period with new caregivers. Despite our worries, we knew she was in very good hands, surrounded by kind and dedicated people.
When she came home, my heart was full as I learned that Stella had a wonderful and much-needed break! She loved the lake, the songs, and the freedom to choose her own activities. She made lots of friends and enjoyed all the new adventures and experiences that every day at camp offered her.
Despite the summer heatwave, she was in her element. The freedom of being in the water after spending so much of her day in a wheelchair was the biggest highlight for Stella. The only thing missing was trying adapted water-skiing — something we’re saving for next summer!
I was deeply moved to hear that Stella had been a wonderful discovery, even a favourite, for many of the counsellors. Knowing that she was experiencing moments of pure joy and genuine connection allowed me to breathe again and spend some quality time with my two younger children.
What’s truly magical about Camp Massawippi is the sense of inclusion that makes you almost forget the limitations.
Yseult, proud mother of Stella