3 president's message, paul lacroix, board president service … · 2015-08-25 · st. louis...

Children at Risk Issue 70

1979-2015

NEWSLETTER MARCH 2015

Issue #70

235 Donald Street, Suite 209

Ottawa, Ontario K1K 1N1

Tel: (613) 741-8255

Fax: (613) 741-5530

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.childrenatrisk.ca

Charitable Registration #

10691/3775/RR/0001

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

“Walkin’ & Rockin’ for Risk”

Fundraising Walk & BBQ Sunday, April 26, 2015

Annual Spring Raffle – June 2015

Ottawa Autism Community

Annual Family Picnic Sunday, June 14, 2015

Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival June 25-28, 2015

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE, Paul Lacroix, Board President

Spring Greetings! While we are still waiting for warmer weather … we

are “warming-up” for our 1st Annual “Walkin’ & Rockin’ for Risk”

fundraiser! Right now the forecast is an awesome 15 degrees … so we

hope everyone can consider joining us for a fun fundraising afternoon!!

We are excited that our former “Rockin’ for Risk” band, RPM, can join

us – and delighted to have MPP Lisa MacLeod as our Walk Honorary

Chair! As this is a fundraiser to support our Camps and Services – it is

essential that we receive YOUR participation! Next comes our Spring

Raffle, to be drawn at the Autism Community Annual Family Picnic on

June 14 at Brewer Park, then the Dragon Boat Festival – where we need

to supply 50 Volunteers at 4 hours each to qualify for our $25, 000 grant

for 2016 Camp Kaleidoscope. Please also welcome Volunteer Maria

Astete – she is helping in our offices 2 days a week - so say “hi” next time

you call! Also just a reminder if anyone knows of a golf tournament or

other fundraiser that is looking for a recipient charity – Children at Risk is

ready and able!!

1st Annual “Walkin’ & Rockin’ for Risk” –

Sunday, April 26, 2015, 1-4 PM (Honourary Walk Chair MPP Lisa MacLeod & MC “Eric the Intern”)

WHAT: Fundraising Walk, Auction and BBQ to raise

funds for Children at Risk, Ottawa!

WHERE: Walk – Gil-O-Julien Park back field

Activities – 235 Donald Street, in back of the building,

under the covered structure

HOW: See Enclosed Registration details

WHY: To help raise funds to finance Children at Risk

supports like Camp Kaleidoscope, Saturday Fun Club,

Family Fun Nights, Sibling Workshops, Typical Teen &

Social Skill Groups – and More! Children at Risk does not receive

government funding and assists over 400 Member Families in the local

Ottawa Community – and what is RAISED HERE – STAYS HERE!

EVENT FEATURES:

WALK – to be held in the adjacent Gil-O-Julien Park field – 1K, 3K

& 5K - $25/Adult & $15/Child (can be paid in Pledges) – includes

BBQ & “Pick-A-Prize” Draws

BBQ – with Community BBQ from Enbridge

MUSIC – provided by local band “RPM”

INFLATABLES – large slide & moon bounce

FACE PAINTING & OTHER ACTIVITIES – A Little Bit of Bling

SILENT AUCTION

MARKET PLACE WITH LOCAL VENDORS

PLEDGE PRIZES & DRAWS - Prizes for Top Pledges and for

every $25 in pledges, Participant receives a ticket for the “Pick-A-

Prize” Draws

SPRING RAFFLE LAUNCH

36 Years of Service

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.childrenatrisk.ca/


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

OK – It seems appropriate after Easter that it is time to

“Talk Turkey”!

What Services does Children at Risk Offer?

Camp Kaleidoscope

Saturday Fun Club

Family Fun Night

Typical Teens

Social Skill Groups

March Break Camp

Sibling Support Workshops

Event Ticket Donations

Some of you are new to our Charity and its Supports –

some of you have been participating for a few years.

We are at a crossroads with our Services – since

Camp Kaleidoscope started in 2011 – we have been

expanding and growing – offering more Services and

serving more Families – our Membership is at an all-

time high! BUT Our Fundraising/Donations is

NOT – and (unfortunately) that is how we finance our

Programs.

It has always been our Mandate & Philosophy to help

ASD children & their Families – with this in mind, we

offer most Services at a formula of 40% fees – and

60% paid by fundraising and donations. Our recent

March Break Camp cost YOU $325 for the week –

the cost per Camper to Children at Risk was

$850 + - and we know that if you do the math – you

cannot provide the same support for your child with

hiring your own worker … at the same cost.

Our heartbreak would be to have to cut Services –

as we cannot spend money that we do NOT make – or

significantly increase the fees to the Families – which

we also know is not ideal, as many would then be

unable to access them. Why Am I Writing this

Now? Why To You? BECAUSE, if we have helped

you – we URGENTLY need you to HELP

Children at Risk!

HOW?

Participate in our upcoming “Walkin’ & Rockin’

for Risk” Fundraiser – the entry is low – offers

prize chances – but what we hope for is Tax-

Receipted Pledges that you gather from

colleagues, friends, family, neighbours … but we

have very few Registrations.

Recruit a Business to participate in the Vendor

Market at the Walk.

Help us gather Prizes for the Auction and Raffle –

ask businesses that you are customers of to donate

– merchandise or certificates.

Take Spring Raffle tickets to sell for Children at

Risk.

Volunteer at the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival.

Daily we look at applying for funding, soliciting

donations, recruiting sponsorships … but the tough

economy is making this tougher! While supports like

Camp Kaleidoscope have increased 320% - our Staff

and Volunteers have not!! I just spent about 8 hours

trying to get an Airlines donation with regrets from

them yesterday – as they have other initiatives in

Ottawa this year. We DO NOT want to cut Services!

We DO NOT want to raise fees! We need YOU – our

Members – to support our LOCAL charity that supports

you – not National Charities that raise monies in our

area – and then take it to other Regions in the Country –

with Children at Risk. WHAT IS RAISED HERE –

STAYS HERE!! Please – Help Us to Help You.

FUNDRAISING UPDATE

Submitted by Brenda Reisch, Fundraising Chairperson

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES SINCE DECEMBER 2014...

OTTAWA 67’S 50/50 TICKET SALES

What a Run! Initially Children at Risk had

been invited by the Kiwanis Club of

Rideau and the Ottawa 67’s Hockey Team of the

Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group - to receive

funds raised by selling 50/50 tickets at the Ottawa 67’s

home games for the Fall of 2014. Then we were asked

for January, then for February – and eventually all the

way through to the 1st round of Playoffs – where

unfortunately the 67’s could not advance to Round 2.

But the great news for CAR was that the efforts of our

Volunteers helped raise $8,756.03 for this 2014/2015

Season!


Ashley & Zac get down with

Ottawa Idols Bernice & Marc

PUB NIGHT AT GREENFIELDS

On Thursday,

January 15th

,

Children at Risk

was delighted to

be the chosen

charity for a

fundraiser by

local band, Stone

Desire. Inspired

by one of our former Camp Counsellors Claire

McKenna (now a Queen’s University student), Clair’s

mother, Catherine, invited CAR to this fundraiser –

with house proceeds and raffle raising $732 for Camp

Kaleidoscope. Many thanks to Stone Desire and the

enthusiastic crowd that braved a snowy winter’s eve in

support of charity!

9th ANNUAL “ROLLIN’ FOR RISK”

BOWL-A-THON

On Sunday, January 25, Children at

Risk kicked-off our annual

fundraising with the Bowl-A-Thon!

We still managed to have 21

enthusiastic Teams enjoy an

afternoon of bowling, fundraising,

eating and winning Prizes!

This year “Split Happens” was the Top Pledge Team,

with runners up “Camp K” and “The Wealthy

Bowlers”. Early Team Registration Draw of $100

Steak Certificate was awarded to the “Dr. Who

Society” team! Prizes included Ottawa Senator’s

ticket/jersey package, VIA Rail as well Bryan Adams

Tickets donated by Financial Security Advisor, Lisa

Whittleton!

Ottawa Idol 2014 Winner Bernice

Reyes and her

brother, Marc

Reyes (also a Top

Ten Idol!) provided

post-bowling

entertainment. In

addition, Sam from

A Little Bit of

Bling help to

“bling” out the

Bowlers with talented face painting. With Pledges,

Sponsorships and Raffle – over $5,044 was raised!

SPONSORS

Bronze Sponsors- Kiwanis Club of Nepean, Wubs

Transit, & Villa Lucia Supper Club

Raffle Sponsors – Jill Alexander, Wine Station,

Kelsey’s Kanata, Ottawa 67’s, United Way, AVON,

Executive Golf, Gelam Riding Stable, Little Ray’s

Reptiles, CAA, Reisch Family

Grab Bag Sponsors – Canadian Dental Hygienists

Assos., Pizza Hut, Speedy Messenger, RBC Royal

Bank, Epicure Selections-Mark Segstro, Roots South

Keys, Bank of Montreal Lansdowne, NAC, Terrapex

Environmental Limited, Two Men And A Truck,

Alterna, Allstate Insurance, Dumouchel Meats, AVON

Prize Bag Sponsors – Entertainment Publications,

United Way, , LIVE 88.5 FM, Shoppers Drug Mart

McCarthy, AVON, Various Other Vendors

Pledge Prize Sponsors – Ottawa Sports Gallery, CAA,

VIA Rail, Reisch Family, Lisa Whittleton, East Coast

Limos, KS On The Keys Restaurant

Special Mention - Walkley Bowling – Grant

Ottawa Idol (Eldon Fox) & Bernice Reyes, Marc Reyes,

A Little Bit of Bling & Sam, Volunteers Alicja,

Bambina, Paul, Greg, John & Gillian

Volunteers Alicja, Bambina & Gillian

Brenda & Board Secretary Mark Lalonde

congratulate Dean of Split Happens


Managers Mike & Marta

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

ST. LOUIS BAR AND GRILL FUNDRAISER

In recognition of

October as Canadian

Autism Awareness

Month, the St. Louis

Bar and Grill franchises have raised

hundreds of thousands

of dollars for Autism.

With the majority of the restaurants in the Toronto

area – funds previously raised have support Autism

initiatives in that region. But for 2014, the 2 local

restaurants (Clyde & Baseline, Market downtown)

decided they wanted to support a charity in Ottawa

and delightfully they contacted Children at Risk! By

selling puzzle pieces for the month of October, they

raised $1,000! Plans are to be bigger and better for

2015, with a special night/auction to kick things off –

so keep tuned!

DONATE A CAR CANADA

Donate A Car Canada accepts vehicle

donations for Children at Risk Ottawa to

donate a car, truck, RV, boat, motorcycle or other

vehicle to CAR simply fill out the DONATE NOW

tab at www.donatecar.ca. Donate A Car Canada can

provide you with free towing in many areas across

Canada. Donate a Car Canada can pick up your car or

truck, or you can drop off your vehicle to maximize

your donation. When you donate your car it will either

be recycled or sold at auction depending on its

condition, age and location. Donate A Car Canada will

look after everything to make your donation easy for

you to support Children At Risk Ottawa. DONATE

NOW at www.donatecar.ca and CAR will send you a

tax receipt after your car donation is complete! Since

December, Children at Risk received $100 from

supporters donating the proceeds of their old vehicles.

Participants since November 2012, funds raised by

Donate A Car have reached $14,538.43! Note that

you do not have to live in Ottawa to participate – it is

across Canada – so encourage friends and relatives

out-of-town to participate, as well!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Stephen Daley - October 1, 1954 - February 8, 2015

It is with sadness that we

shine our Volunteer Spotlight

on Steve Daley, having lost

him suddenly in February.

Yet this amusing photo of

Steve decked out in Ottawa

Senators Foundation 50/50

Volunteer Seller Uniform –

complete with bunny ears for

an Easter game – sums up

Steve! Despite his many

health challenges, Steve was

never one to take himself seriously – and always game

to help others less fortunate! Father to Children at Risk

Member Brenda, Grandfather, Uncle to Tracey and

husband to Diane – family meant the world to Steve.

Next to family, Steve enjoyed giving back to his

community and Children at Risk was fortunate to have

his help for several years with the 50/50, Raffle Ticket

sales, our Dance Silent Auction and as many other

Events or Activities he could juggle with his health.

Just one week before his passing he was at the Ottawa

67’s game helping! One of the meanings of the name

Stephen is “honour” – it is with honour that we

posthumously thank Steve (& his family) for choosing

Children at Risk as one of his special causes! RIP

Steve!!

CANADA HELPS

Children at Risk has signed up with

CanadaHelps.org. When you visit

our Website at www.childrenatrisk.ca

just click the Donate Now button and you will be linked

to the CanadaHelps.org donate page for Children at

Risk. As with any service, there are some

administration charges, but this allows anyone to donate

on-line and even anonymously, if desired. It allows 24

hour ability to direct a donation to our charity and the

electronic ease that many of us are looking for to

support charitable causes! All you have to remember is

our website – childrenatrisk.ca and the rest is easy!!

$903.60 donated through Canada Helps December to

March!


What is On Now/Coming:

MACMILLAN’S FROZEN FOODS

FUNDRAISER

Children at Risk is again

participating in the

MacMillan’s quality

Frozen Foods Fundraiser

for the Spring. Normally

we include one of their

mouthwatering Order Forms in this Newsletter, but to

save mailing/paper costs by both Children at Risk and

MacMillan’s, we will be emailing the forms to all our

Members and Supporters. The Campaign will see

orders by Monday, June 1, delivery Thursday,

June 18. We also will be receiving a limited amount of

the glossy forms to send out should you need this for

marketing the products. Yum, Yum!!

ANNUAL MICROSOFT

GOLF CLASSIC FOR AUTISM

On behalf of families in the Ottawa area who are

raising children with Autism, we want to sincerely

thank Microsoft, the Ottawa Senators Foundation

and especially parents Linda & Steve Warne for their

initiative in creating this Event to raise funds for

Autism, with 2014 being it’s last year. Over the past

11 years, this event has given back over $300,000 to

local autism charities, programming and support

services! Children at Risk has been so very fortunate

to be one of them. For this awesome support, we

award the March 2015 Newsletter Hat’s Off to the

Microsoft Golf Classic For Autism!!

(It was the request of the Donors that the 2014

donation of $4,000 to Children at Risk be

directed towards our Social Skill Therapy

Groups, not only helping to subsidize the

cost, but also reducing the fees for the

parents!)

ENTERTAINMENT GOES DIGITAL!

Support Children at Risk’s newest

Entertainment® fundraiser this

spring! For $20 you will receive a

mobile and online membership that

gives you savings in Ottawa and in

over 100 different North American

cities.

With 1 membership you can save on your mobile phone

or print offers online at Ottawa restaurants like

Broadway Bar & Grill, Arby’s, Social, New York Fries,

Domino’s Pizza, Giovanni’s, Mr. B’s, Izakaya Asian

Kitchen and more. Exciting family attractions include:

Altitude Gym (Clip & Climb), Kids Kingdom, Fun

Junction, Fun Haven, Agriculture Museum, Carleton

Athletics and more! Other types of savings include oil

changing, framing stores, drycleaning and more!

As an added bonus the GPS on your phone will access

savings when you travel. If you travel to Kingston,

across the border to New York State or venture to major

cities such as Montreal, Toronto, Calgary or Orlando,

there are many savings available. Ex. in Toronto you

could save at The Hockey Hall of Fame and in Calgary

you could save at the Calgary Zoo.

Contact Brenda or the Office at Children at Risk. Make

your $20 payment and pick up your membership at the

office or it can be emailed to you. Go to

entertainment.com/get started and follow the simple

instructions to activate your membership. Some offers

are available mobile, so you can scan and save at a

merchant and you can print offers online.

This is the perfect membership in the months leading to

summer vacations. For only $20 you will support

Children at Risk, and you will save money!

DONOR’S CORNER

United Way Greater Toronto $480.83

St. Rita School $567.50

United Way/Centraide Ottawa $6,321.05


DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

Children at Risk has just been

notified that we will, once

again, be included in the

charities represented for the

Dreams Take Flight one-day

trip to Walt Disney World in

Florida.

For several years, Children at Risk has been fortunate

to be included in the trip - last year we sent 10

children!! However, our usual allotment is 4-6 – with

4 spots being granted this year. I do hear that plans for

a larger plane are in motion - so we will also accept

additional applications and submit them as alternates

that might be able to be included.

Included is our application for consideration - with

having been part of this initiative for several years, we

have a good idea of what criteria is important to have

the child achieve a successful trip. We include siblings

and diagnosed children, but have different criteria for

each and the child must have NOT ever been to any

Disney Theme park previously (in the World – at

ANY age!).

Please read the information carefully and if you think

your child would be a good candidate, fill in the

application and return it as soon as possible. Once I

receive all the applications (UP TO April 20), I will

then review them and contact the families to talk about

the trip.

2014/2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President – Paul Lacroix

Treasurer – Lesia Gilbert

Secretary – Mark Lalonde

Director – Natasha Ell Saunders

Director – Michelle Thompson

Director – Neil Dzuba

Director – Martha Perry

RECIPE CORNER

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

3 cups of almond flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt (needed for chemical interaction with bp

& bs)

2 tsps. cinnamon

1 cup (or slightly less) liquid honey

4 eggs

3 cups grated carrots

walnuts

raisins

can of well-drained crushed pineapple (reserve some

liquid and pineapple for icing)

whatever else you want to throw in (a bit of orange

zest is nice, too)

Mix all ingredients. Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment

paper. Do not use cooking spray (even coconut oil) on

the bottom of the pan as the honey will bond with the oil

and then you're in trouble. Bake at 325 for an hour. Test

- individual ovens will vary.

What would a carrot cake be without cream cheese

icing? You can thin the cream cheese with a bit of

pineapple juice and then mix in the reserved crushed

pineapple. If you really have to, throw in a bit of icing

sugar!


March Break Camp 2015

March Break is probably more stressful to organize

than Camp Kaleidoscope! In the summer, many more

are looking for work - wanting to be Camp

Counsellors but March Break, that is a different story!

University and college courses are in full swing, some

even have major exams that week or are completing

placements. Professionals off from school are tired of

the winter and the school stresses and make good use

of the week by going on trips to sunnier climates,

visiting family or just taking a well-deserved break.

With this in mind, we only confirmed 30 March Break

Camp slots to start (as we had only 12 potential staff

from those that work with us for Saturday Fun Clubs).

Yet again we managed to recruit enough staff to

provide not only 1:1 for the 30 confirmed Campers,

we even cleared our wait list by getting 7 more!

With some diligent searching, we had some terrific new

staff join us from group homes, recreational programs

and EA’s that were just hearing about our programs.

Many of those that could, have stayed on to work at

Saturday Fun Club, allowing us to accept new families

and others we will see again for Camp Kaleidoscope.

With 37 campers we divided into 4 distinct groups

based loosely on age but more on functionality. Some

that had been in the Kids Group in Saturday Fun Club

were moved up to the youth group and they did so well

that we have kept them there. Each group had a Team

Leader who set the Group’s schedule, implemented the

program and supported the Camp Counsellors and

Campers within their Group.


Jessica Padmore recently moved to Ottawa having

been an educational assistant and ABA instructor

therapist in Toronto headed up the youngest Campers.

She also had her husband help with some of the

heavier lifting for room set up. Jasmine Smith, long

standing Saturday Fun Club and Camp Kaleidoscope

Team Leader headed up the high energy youth group.

Jessy Pedrazza a three year Camp Kaleidoscope

Camp Counsellor returned to Ottawa just in time. She

was moving during the March Break week to start a

new position with the Catholic School Board as an

Educational Assistant having previously worked at a

private school in Barrie.

She agreed to live out of boxes and head up the Higher

Functioning Teens+ Group as she already knew so

many of the Camper from the summers. Heather

Eveleigh a long standing Saturday Fun Club

Counsellor and more recently Group Leader for those

with Higher Needs, continued the role by heading up

that Group at March Break. Unfortunately she had a

school commitment she just couldn’t get out of on the

Thursday. Luckily Natasha McRae, Saturday Fun

Club Kids Group Leader and Kids Team Leader from

Camp Kaleidoscope shuffled her family commitments

and stepped in to cover for Heather.

Set-Up for March Break Camp started early on Sunday -

Team Leaders and some Camp Counsellors came in

early to set up the additional rooms we were renting in

the building. There were a lot of chairs to be cleared

from rooms and tables and sofas to be set-up so each

room had a welcome and relaxed feel about it.

Everyone else came at 4 p.m. for a training session,

followed by a Group meeting to get better acquainted

with the campers in their group’s profiles and to go over

the week schedule of activities. Everyone went home

excited to start Monday morning and meet their

Campers!

Monday morning was busy with 1st day sign-ins and

paperwork, along with Campers being introduced to

Counsellors and being shown to their lockers. Then it all

seemed to go quiet - as everyone got settled in and

activities were in full swing. It was as if we were always

there and the week seemed to fly by.


Tuesday saw those that could handle the activity from

the older groups go on a WUBS school bus to

Edelweiss for an afternoon of snow tubing. Not

everyone went up the moving carpet to the top of the

hill to fly down on their tubes. Some much preferred

the lower slope that although meant walking up with

your tube, provided just as much excitement as they

were prepared to handle. It was a lovely sunny day

with blue skies but it was bitterly cold, especially

when the wind picked up. Those that were done

retreated to the Ski lodge for popcorn and then it was

back on the bus and back to Camp just in time to be

picked up. With the physical challenges of the

Edelweiss outing and a full Camp outing planned for

Thursday – most of the very young and medically-

fragile Campers enjoyed on-site activities back at

Camp for the afternoon.

Thursday all groups got on the two WUBS school

buses and headed back to Gatineau to Fun Junction.

We had such a great time the year before and the

owner is so accommodating of our group it just made

sense to go back. As it wasn’t the same week as the

Quebec March Break week, we only had to share the

facility with one other small group so we basically

took over the place as 80 people tend to do!

Everyone had a great time climbing through the jungle

gym, shooting their Camp Counsellors and fellow

Campers in the Lazer quest, checking out their putting

skills in the glow in the dark mini putt and ending the

session in the arcade using up a whole slew of tokens.

Driving games were very popular as was the air hockey

(even though we have one back at Camp). Some of the

older Campers also tried their hand at pool. No pool

sharks there but they had fun getting to know how to

play.

Friday morning we had a group walk over to the

McArthur Bowling Lanes for some ten pin bowling.

There were some high scores with many strikes but

some groups did better due to having the bumpers up!

Camp time spent in our building is still geared towards

fun. We have a huge gym in which to have organized

games of dodge ball, obstacle courses, basketball,

parachute as well as free play using the plasma cars,

razor and flicker scooters that we have. Saying that - we

do not have enough of these items so if anyone is off

loading any scooters, little tyke cars or plasma cars,

please send them our way! We gratefully accept

donations, so please consider us as we are also in need

of wooden puzzles for older youth, floor puzzles or

those with large pieces, transformers, dinosaurs, Mr. &

Mrs. Potato Heads and anything else your kids are

finished with! Working electronics and games, like Wii

and PS2 controllers, Wii games and games for the PS2

that we were donated that we use at Saturday’s family

Fun Nights.


In the Group Rooms, there were also snacks being

mixed and baked, things bubbling and gushing for

Mad Science as well as many terrific crafts. Friday

afternoon there was face painting and those who didn’t

want their faces painted, painted their counselors

instead.

Pictures were taken of each Group as the Campers had

made and decorated frames and these were sent home

to remember the fun time they had had as well as

friendships that had been re-kindled or made that

week.

Mr. Brown from Badboy Printing had blown up some

pictures on high gloss paper from the Snow Tubing.

These had been on display for the parents to see.

Many loved them so much they gratefully took them

home but there are some group ones still on display on

the pinboards outside the CAR office and you can

check many more out soon on the website.

A big “Thank you” goes out to all those that gave up

their March Break to make March Break Camp such a

fun and memorable week for all who attended. Thank

you to the Team Leaders who put in many more hours

preparing and organizing the fun schedules of activities.

Thank you also to The Hardini Centre and the other

organizations in the building for putting up with such a

large group of noisy individuals as we tended to take

over this building too!

From here - we have six Saturday Fun Clubs and four

Saturday Family Fun Nights (aka Date Night as we take

all the siblings too) and then it is Camp Kaleidoscope

for the summer!!

THANK YOU

“Just a quick thank you to the whole staff for another

super successful March Break Camp My son had a

new (to him) counsellor but they hit it off right away

and every day he was happy and even excited to get to

go back to camp. The snow tubing and bowling were

just so much fun for him, and both were firsts! I cannot

say enough good things about your programs. Thank

you, thank you, thank you!! I hope you guys continue

for a long time to come.” Happy Mom, Gillian


Camp Kaleidoscope

2015

Although there is still snow on the ground, Camp

Kaleidoscope is rapidly approaching. Already we are

receiving applications for Camp Counsellor positions

and the Camper Application was recently emailed and

is up on the website.

Unlike other Camps, registration is not done on a first

come first served basis, so we thought we would take

this opportunity to explain to everyone how the

process works to the benefit of all.

You need to have a current Membership with Children

at Risk to attend the Camp. We are a membership

organization so that only seems fitting but it is also a

requirement of our insurance policy. The new

application form that went out has two parts. Part 1, is

one page where families indicate the total number of

weeks they would like to have at Camp Kaleidoscope.

They can then mark the weeks in order of preference

or tick if they do not mind.

It is important that this part is done right as if you tick 4

out of the 5 weeks, we need to know that you really

only want three of them as have put that in the total

number of weeks section which is in red. The rest of

the page provides general information on your child and

your contact information. Part 2 is the Camper Full

Intake Form for 2015. This needs to be completed in

as much detail as possible as this is your opportunity to

provide as much information as you know about your

child to the Camp staff. Doing this electronically and

emailing it is preferred over handwritten. This year, this

document MUST be completed for ALL Campers, as it

has a number of new questions that we decided were

missing when we needed the answers at camp in 2014.

A recent head shot picture is also required. It is best to

be honest and give more details than less. This does not

exclude your potential Camper but allows us to have

them in the right Group and with the Counsellor with

the most appropriate training to deal with behaviours or

life skill requirements. Undisclosed information can be

dangerous or completely throw off the dynamics of a

Group.


New families and anyone who didn’t attend Camp

Kaleidoscope or any other CAR programs in 2014,

must attend an In-Take meeting. Experienced staff are

hired to undertake these sessions. There is a non-

refundable $60 charge for the In-Take, which is then

applied to Camp Costs and Membership fees.

The In-Take Coordinator makes sure all the questions

are answered on the application form but the main

reason is to get to know the child to make

recommendations to the Camp staff on which group

will best suit the Camper and what experience the

Camp Counsellor allocated requires. The Camper may

need 1:1 or 2:1 supervision. For example, “my child

is not a runner” is updated when the child bolts out of

the room!

There is a deadline for Camp Applications of Friday

1st May for new families to allow time for In-take and

Friday 15th

May for returning families. All

applications are entered into an Excel spreadsheet

showing total number of weeks and preferences. Each

camper is allocated to one of the many Groups within

Camp Kaleidoscope. There is a maximum number of

attendees per week of 50 but more importantly there is

a maximum number of Campers in each Group. The

number in each Group depends on the functionality

and age of the Camper. Youngest, highest needs

groups max out at 6, older ones at 4. High functioning,

verbal, moderate energy group may max out at 10 and

other groups any number in between. The Campers

are grouped for each week to get the best fit therefore

a camper on the cusp may spend different weeks in

different groups.

If a family wants one week and is flexible, then we will

look at the best fit of their peers to give them the best

week possible to attend. We also need to assess that we

have the right staff to work with those that need the

most support. If all our most experienced staff are

assigned, then we can’t take on anymore highest needs

campers.

Once the 5 weeks have been allocated for the mix that

the Camp Director believes will work the best, having

adhered as closely as possible to the preferences of the

families, as early as Tuesday, May 19, confirmation of

the weeks allocated is sent to the families. This is the

point where families then MUST make any changes and

then commit to the weeks booked. As we are looking at

multiple factors that include age, level of functionality,

personality, etc. – change-abouts for weeks booked can

be an administrative nightmare that can affect Staffing

and even other Campers!


This year you will probably get a phone call if your

application is incomplete. Those Applications received

after the 15th

May deadline are reviewed to see where

there are suitable spots available within the maximum

group numbers. Last year we had 9 Groups. This year

due to the movement of a number of Campers from

youth to Teens, we are predicting the possibility of a

10th

Group. The question is do we have the same

number of classrooms available to us this year at

Lester B Pearson as we basically took over the whole

first level last year. We are meeting with the School

Principal in early May to see what rooms we have

access to.

Whilst the office handles all the Camper administration,

the Camp Director is receiving and replying to all the

Camp Counsellor applications. The application asks

why they want to be a Camp Counsellor, what

youth/camp experience they have and what specific

autism experience they have. It also asks in detail what

type of Camper they would feel comfortable working

with. Over the 6 sessions of Saturday Fun Club, those

that apply are invited to attend a Fun Club for a Hands

On Interview on a voluntary basis, some stay on for

subsequent sessions on a paid basis so that we can get to

know them better as well as handle the increase in the

demand for session spots. An applicant can look great

on paper but – as with our Campers – show their best

capabilities in person. A couple of hours with one child

may not seem like a great opportunity to impress but

most do and we usually make a good judgment call. It

also allows the applicant to be hands-on with the job

and find their niche of what Camper they enjoy best

working with – younger, older, high-need, high-

functioning, etc. It also allows our Counsellors to

expand their areas of expertise and gain experience that

they want to gain the most. We are happy to provide

this as Camp Kaleidoscopes’ third mandate is to be a

training opportunity for those that want to work in fields

that will expose them to families dealing with autism.

An enthusiastic, energetic person who loves working

with youth and open to being trained have, in the past,

been some of our best Camp Counsellors. At Camp you

need to have a supportive hands-on approach to provide

the best care for the special children who are our

Campers!


At Saturday Fun Club we are constantly supervising

Counsellors to make sure that they reach their true

potential. This may mean changing the Clubber that

they work with to gain different experiences. We are

also having different individuals try their hand at

scheduling and implementing a day at Saturday Fun

Club for a particular group. Many don’t realize how

hard it is not only dealing with the needs of the

Clubbers but also the needs of the Counsellors as staff

management isn’t something most courses cover.

Also they realize very quickly that activities frequently

do not go as expected and what needs to happen when

an activity fails or only takes 10 minutes when you

thought it would take twice as long. For some it is

“tried that, enjoyed the experience, but don’t want to

do it at Camp K” For others they love it and really

want to be a Camp Kaleidoscope Team Leader.

Everyone attending Camp Kaleidoscope as a

Counsellor will need to attend a mandatory training

session the Thursday before camp starts. This will go

into detail on autism and give the Counsellors some

scenarios to gain empathy with the Campers reality.

We will have qualified guest speakers for first aid and

dealing with seizures. For Best Practices, everyone

who has not attended CPI’s non-violent crisis

intervention training in the last two years will need to

attend that training that Children at Risk has

organized. As well – ALL Staff and Volunteers MUST

have a current Police Check within the last year.

Team Leaders will be given additional training on Staff

Management and ideas for activities that can support

also the sensory needs of the Campers as well as being

lots of FUN.

It is going to be a busy time but we have a lot of excited

Counsellors and from what I am hearing from parents,

Campers are already asking about Camp Kaleidoscope

2015!

DONATIONS ACCEPTED

If anyone is Spring Cleaning and off- loading any

scooters, little tyke cars or plasma cars, please send

them our way!

We can also use:

Wooden puzzles, floor puzzles or those with

large pieces,

Transformers, dinosaurs, Mr. & Mrs. Potato

Heads

We also need Wii and PS2 controllers, Wii

games and games for the PS2 that we were

donated that we use at Saturday’s family Fun

Nights. Any working electronics and games

are gratefully received!


Camp Volunteer/Staff Feedback

“As I mentioned to Hazel (Smith, Camp Director) what you guys are able to do for these kids with the limited resources

you have is amazing. The biggest positive is how you let the kids just be kids and don’t treat them as if their ‘special’,

allowing them to participate in fun games which would otherwise be discouraged at other camps. Also, your camps way

of interacting with kids is awesome, I advocate your camps ideal of adapting to kids and their habits instead of trying to

change them – it is important to learn that everyone, regardless of disability status, is just a human being with their own

way of being, and that you shouldn't try to change someone, rather one should just adapt to and accept their way of being.

This is an important lesson which erases the non-existent yet strongly believed to exist line separating ‘normal’ people

from ‘disabled’ people, and it teaches counselors to become more human and accepting of everyone. Of course, this is not

meant to downplay behavior therapy, which while important takes a lot more time than a couple of weeks, let alone one

week. Therefore, I commend your organization for teaching this important life lesson of tolerance and acceptance, and

allowing people to become more human and understanding of what a human being is whilst having a lot of fun doing it.

Lastly, staff and directors were outstanding, and I’ve become very fond of this organization and wish CAR nothing but the

best in the future.” Nicholas – March Break Camp Counsellor

“Camp Kaleidoscope was my first experience with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. I volunteered for two weeks and

learned a tremendous amount about children and teenagers with ASD. On my first day, I was nervous about what to

expect from the campers, but more so about what they expected from me. My worries soon faded as I met many of the

other counsellors and fell into the happy rhythm of camp. One of the first campers I met was with a young girl who came

into the gym during morning care and held my hand as we walked around and watched what the other children were

doing. It was heartwarming that she accepted me so soon after arriving. Camp K had many trips planned, but the

favourite among my campers was swimming. On the second week of camp, my camper would ask me every few minutes

when the waves were going to start. The second he heard the siren wail, he would walk quickly into the wave pool from

the hot tub and jump happily in the waves. I would look around to see the other counsellors and their campers swimming,

dipping underwater, and sitting on the foam mats as the waves carried them to the shallow end. It was a fun activity for

everyone involved. Although I had no idea what to expect from camp, I was greatly supported by the more experienced

counsellors. I had a very positive experience at Camp Kaleidoscope and hope that this camp will run for many years to

come.” Emma – Camp Kaleidoscope 2014Volunteer

“Before my experiences at Camp Kaleidoscope, I had a very limited understanding of autism. There were friends of mine

in elementary school who were autistic, but I'd never really gotten to know them or their condition fully. The very first day

of camp, I noticed that all the counsellors had an enthusiastic glow about them. Every camper was greeted by a counsellor

who was smiling ear to ear, regardless of whether that camper had been to the camp before or not. A few ice breakers was

all it took for the kids to get to know each other. The campers would create, learn, cook, swing, jump, run, build, and

laugh until they got picked up at the end of the day, exhausted from all the fun. The second day I couldn't tell who was

more excited to go to camp, me or them! Each camper was so unique that I knew everyone on a first name basis by the

third day. Through all the fun at camp, I stopped seeing the campers for their disabilities, I only truly saw the joy in each

camper's eyes as we pushed them on the swing or played another round of tag. I spent three weeks at camp, and I wished

it didn't have to end. Remembering all the silly jokes and cool field trips, I'm just counting down the days until camp starts

again next summer.” Ben – Camp Kaleidoscope 2014 Counsellor

“This past summer was the first time I had ever worked with the CAR organization. The experience I had was a very great

one and was different than what I had expected. I had expected that it would be quite difficult to be working with children

with autism but it was however not as hard as I had anticipated. Having other staff around who were experienced really

helped because I could ask questions and they would be glad to answer. I worked with two children, one who was a

higher functioning teen and the other who was a higher needs child. It was different to work with each of the kids but,

despite the difference in their level of functionality, there were not really any issues. It was really fun to work with them

and to get a better understanding of autism. The experience I had at Camp Kaleidoscope was amazing and I hope to be

able to be a part of the staff again next summer.” Anna - Camp Kaleidoscope 2014 Counsellor


THANK YOU'S

“I would like to Thank You so much for the tickets to

see Disney on Ice, we had an amazing time!! Dawson

just sat there memorized through the whole

performance, occasionally looked over and had the

biggest smile on his face!! We all enjoyed the

performance as you are never too old for Disney! We

appreciated the opportunity to attended Disney on Ice

and again, THANKS SO MUCH it was amazing!”

Judith

“Thank you so much for the tix to Disney on Ice! We

had a wonderful time there and would never have gone

without the CAR donation. We met new friends sitting

next to us, and have had a playdate since then and

hope for more in the future. So not only did we get to

see a great show, we also got to meet friends for the

kids to play together and a chance for moms to

meet/make friends in the same situation as ours. Our

whole family benefited in many ways! Thanks again!”

Jade, Ronin, and Soren

“I joined CAR a couple months ago and my family has

already benefitted from the wonderful service and

options available. We took advantage of Disney on Ice

about a month ago, which was offered by CAR. My

family had the best time and we were grateful to have

been able to go and see such a great show. We are just

getting more involved with CAR and we very much

look forward to getting more engaged by taking

advantage of the Parent's Night Out and other great

options that help us parents have a break and give our

son a safe place to play. I am grateful for the support I

receive from CAR, and we hope once we feel more

comfortable, that we will become more a part of the

community and be able to give back to support

others.” Cindy

THANK YOU'S

“We wanted to say thank you very much for a

wonderful and truly enjoyable evening (Disney on Ice)

at Canadian Tire Place on Thursday 26 February.

Youcef, our special needs son, and his two siblings were

delighted to see the fantastic sing and dance show and

we would like to extend our gratitude to Children at

Risk, and the dedicated people serving this association,

who made this happen. Thank you so much for the

donated tickets.” Nasri

“I want to thank you so much for giving us the

opportunity to take the kids to their first Sens game!

You should have seen Luke. He was so excited to

watch the time counting down ;). And I got a great

video of him yelling "GO SENS GO!". Maya had a

great time as well...as did Jon and I. We are so grateful

for the generosity of Children at Risk and the Ottawa

Senators Foundation!” Molly

“We love your silent auctions. We have had an

opportunity to see a few games over the last three years

through the auctions. But one game sticks out above all

the rest. At the pumpkin contest/auction we bought

tickets to the Islander Senators game. We were really

surprise when that turned out to be Daniel Alfredsson's

homecoming retirement night. A double thanks to

Children at Risk -- one for Daniel's special night and

two for all the great work your group does for our grand

kids.” Bill and Nell

“I would like to thank Children at Risk and the Ottawa

Senators Foundation for giving my son and his dad 2

tickets in a suite to catch a game vs. the St. Louis Blues

back in November. His dad lives out of town, and it fell

on a weekend when he was here and it was a very

special time for my son. He LOVES hockey and this

was a great day for both of them! Being in a suite made

it all that much better!” Lisa


“Thank you Children at Risk

for the VIP passes for the

Home and Garden show. I

was very happy to bring my

mother who had just recently

moved into a long-term care

facility. We spent a great

afternoon together, strolling

the aisles and chatting with vendors. Thank you again,

we had a wonderful time.” Maureen

“A big thank you to the Ottawa 67s

for the tickets for the Ottawa-

North Bay game. The seats were

absolutely fantastic, and the new

arena looks great. The food was

good, too, and very reasonably

priced (we ate far too much!). We

all had a wonderful time, and will be

back to cheer on the 67s again and again. Thank you

very much for making such a special moment with our

son possible. Your generosity was very much

appreciated.” Kerry and Family

“On March 22, at the

last regular season

home game for the

67's, our daughter

Olivia was very lucky

to receive a game

worn jersey! Thanks

so much to Children

At Risk and the

Ottawa 67’s Hockey

Team for making this

opportunity available

to us, not only did she

get a jersey, but as

well a backpack with

some Disney swag, and she got to participate in the

Hi-Five alley as all the players were going out onto the

ice!” Jennie, Luc and Olivia

“Thank you ever so much for delivering an

extraordinary experience at this year’s annual March

Break Camp Special! I had so much fun, and I went on

three extraordinary field trips: one to Edelweiss, second

Fun Junction and final but certainly not least: the

bowling alley!! I enjoyed the entire week and it was my

very first-ever time going there. I had excellent staff

members and they helped out a lot. Thank you for all of

the massive effort that you all put into camp, thus

enhancing our camp adventures even further! I can

hardly wait until summer to meet you yet again at Camp

K.!” Alex

“I wish to thank you very much, for the Guys’ Social

Group on Wed; nights. Alex has enjoyed these sessions

immensely, and has come away from them a stronger

and more sociable young man. The Facilitators, Liz,

Yassemin & Amanda always give the guys a positive

environment to learn better social skills , to cooperate

with one another through out game playing,

conversational skills, & role playing. Alex particularly

enjoyed this years’ session. So thank you for offering up

this particular program for our sons, who truly need the

social aspect in their often otherwise perhaps, fairly

lonely lives.” Beth & Alex

COPING WITH STRESS WHEN YOUR CHILD

HAS A CHRONIC ILLNESS OR DISABILITY

I’m a health coach specializing in stress-related

conditions, and I have recently been working with some

parents of disabled kids.

I have put together a really comprehensive article on the

stress experienced by parents of children with chronic

illness or disability. I think your readers might find

useful. Here it is:

http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/children-with-chronic-

illness-or-disability/

As tough as parenting can be, it becomes even more

difficult when our children are diagnosed with a chronic

illness or disability. Taking care of your own physical

and emotional health is an important part of providing

support for your child.

This article is directed mainly at parents, but it should

also be really useful for teachers, caregivers, other

family members. Fawne Hansen

http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/children-with-chronic-illness-or-disability/

http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/children-with-chronic-illness-or-disability/


OUR MISSION STATEMENT

To provide services and programs to families of children diagnosed within the Autism

Spectrum Disorders to develop their child’s behavioural, communication, and social skills,

and to advocate for their ongoing needs.

ADVERTISING

Disclaimer: This Newsletter is for informational purposes only. Children at Risk does not support, endorse or

recommend any method, treatment, product, remedial center, program or person for people with autism or

autism related conditions.


Children at Risk, Ottawa Volunteers Recruitment Form – 2015-2016

We need your help, skills and expertise, in our continuous effort to raise funds to support the programs we offer for children with autism and their families. Please indicate your interests and return.

Month Events Volunteers Needed

Select Interests

March Newsletter Mailing 4-5 X 2 hr-shifts

April 1st Annual “Walkin’ & Rockin’ for Risk” April 26, 2015, 3-4 hr. shifts

20 X 3-4 hr-shifts

May-June Raffle Tickets: Sale of tickets at Shopping Centre (Thur-Fri-Sat of Mother’s day weekend) 12 volunteers/day - 2 hrs shifts & Classic Car Shows

36 X 2 hr-shifts over 3 days

June Annual Family Picnic: Sunday, June 14, 2015 – 12Noon–3 PM, Brewer Park, 8 Volunteers - 2-4 hr. shifts

8 X 2-4 hr-shifts

June/July Dragon Boat, HOPE Volleyball BeachFest Volunteers needed

Aug-Sept Fall Raffle Ticket Sales Sales at Classic Car Shows

10-12 Volunteers

Sept. Newsletter Mailing 4-5 X 2 hr-shifts

Sept-April 50/50 Ticket Sales at Ottawa Senators & Ottawa 67’s Hockey Games

10 per game

October 20th Annual Celebrity-Carved Pumpkin Contest Oct 22-25, 2015 (Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun) Pumpkins displayed in 4 local malls: Merivale /Carlingwood/Lincoln Fields/ Place d’Orléans 12 volunteers/day for each mall – 2 hr. shifts

144 X 2 hr-shifts over 4 days

Nov & May MacMillan’s Frozen foods: Sorting and distribution of food ordered

2-4 volunteers

Dec. Holiday Party with Autism Ontario 8-10 X 3 hr shifts

Jan. 2016

Bowl-A-Thon Walkley Bowling Lanes

8-10 X 3 hr shifts X 2 time slots

We need your help, skills and expertise, in our continuous effort to raise funds to support the programs we offer for children with autism and their families. Please indicate your interests.

Skills or expertise you would like to share with our organization: ______________________________________________________________________

Comments: ____________________________________________________________

Name: _______________________________ Phone: _____________________

Email: _______________________________

Thank you for your consideration in donating your time to help the autism community!

235 Donald Street, Suite 209 Ottawa, Ontario K1K 1N1 Tel. (613) 741-8255 Fax (613) 741-5530 www.childrenatrisk.ca [email protected]

A Registered Charity No. 10691/3775/RR/0001

http://www.childrenatrisk.ca/

mailto:[email protected]

3 president's message, paul lacroix, board president service … · 2015-08-25 · st. louis...

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