Blog

Seeds of Hope in Bloom: Building Bridges

Supported by a $10,000 Seeds of Hope grant ($5,000 from Watkins Fund for Innovative Ministries with Senior Adults, $5,000 from Wesley C. Smith Estate Fund) in 2025, Maison Saint Columba House in Montreal, QC set out to strengthen its summer day camp by creating an Integration Team dedicated to helping children of all abilities participate fully in camp life. 

The project added two positions: an Integration Specialist and a Floating Integration Aide, while also providing sensory supports, including quiet spaces, fidget tools, weighted plush toys, and noise-cancelling headphones. These resources helped create an environment where children with neurodivergent and behavioural support needs could learn, play, and build friendships alongside their peers. 

For many families, finding an affordable camp that welcomes children with diverse needs can be difficult. Through this project, Maison Saint Columba House went beyond offering inclusion as a “feature,” and made camp a genuine way of building community for every child.   

Inclusion in action 

Rather than relying on 1:1 support, the Integration Team worked throughout the camp, providing flexible assistance as needed.  

This approach allowed each camp group to access daily support, while helping staff respond confidently to a wide range of situations. Behavioural exclusions and early withdrawals fell by 50% compared to the previous summer, and most staff shared that they felt better prepared to support neurodivergent campers. 

The project also revealed the value of representation: 

Several members of the Integration Team were neurodivergent themselves. Their lived experience helped them understand campers’ challenges with empathy, while modelling inclusive practices for the rest of the team. Their presence and authenticity also sent an important message to campers that neurodiversity is welcomed, respected, and valued. 

By creating employment opportunities for neurodivergent young adults, Maison Saint Columba House strengthened inclusion not only for campers but throughout the organization. 

Growing confidence 

An eight-year-old camper who was struggling with anxiety was afraid of swimming in the pool. With gentle encouragement and support from the Integration Team, he set a personal goal of jumping off the diving board before the end of summer.  

With an Integration Aide waiting in the water, and fellow campers and staff cheering him on, the young boy not only overcame his fear, but loved it so much that he happily continued to hop off the board.  

It took a few tries, but after climbing up and down the board several times, he jumped.  

One of his parents shared, “He’s never felt so brave. Your team helped him believe in himself.” 

Learning together 

The summer also provided valuable lessons moving forward.  

Staff discovered that flexible, group-based support often met children’s needs more effectively than assigning one adult to one camper. Focused training in neurodiversity gave staff greater confidence, while regular conversations with families allowed the team to respond quickly as children’s needs evolved. 

The experience also highlighted opportunities for growth. Some campers required more support than anticipated, leading the organization to recognize that an additional integration staff member would strengthen the program even further in future summers. 

These insights will continue shaping the camp as Maison Saint Columba House builds on what it has learned. 

Looking ahead 

The Integration Team has laid the foundation for ongoing change. 

Returning staff will bring new skills in inclusive programming, sensory supports will continue serving future campers, and stronger relationships with families and local schools are helping more children access welcoming camp experiences. 

As community awareness grows, Maison Saint Columba House hopes to welcome even more children from diverse backgrounds, including families who have traditionally faced financial or other barriers to inclusive recreation. 

Your congregation can also offer a warm, barrier-free welcome to every child and family. Interested in applying for Seeds of Hope or other grants? We are now accepting applications. Applications are due October 15, 2026.