King Township champions inclusivity with series of adaptive programs and events

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The Township is also currently hiring Inclusion Camp Counsellors

Township of King, Ont. — To ensure equal access to active living opportunities in the community, King Township is committed to offering adaptive programs and events to support parents/guardians who have children living with a physical or developmental disability. The Township’s inclusion services team has lined up a variety of activities suitable for all abilities to make sure no one is left out. Featured programming scheduled for March Break and beyond as we head into the warmer seasons, includes:

Adapted gymnastics class

In partnership with Pulsars Gymnastics, King Township presents Adapted Gymnastics, two trial classes tailored for adaptive athletes ages 3-13 with a broad spectrum of disabilities and severities. Scheduled for Tuesday, Mar. 12 at the King Township Municipal Centre, this class offers a supportive environment with 2:1 coaching, adaptive skill development and sensory exploration. Cost: $20 per child. Limited spots are available, with sessions at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  Registration is required at townshipofking.perfectmind.com. Those who enjoy the trial can register in weekly classes as part of our spring recreation program line-up!

Try It Para Ice Hockey (free)

Teaming up with Children's Treatment Network and Seneca College, King Township invites individuals of all abilities to Try It Para Ice Hockey on Wednesday, Mar. 13 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Nobleton Arena. This free event welcomes participants aged 4 to 99, offering an inclusive experience with sledges and sticks provided. Additionally, Seneca College students will lead indoor and outdoor games and crafts to ensure a diverse range of activities for all attendees. Pre-registration is not required.

Adapted skate (free)

For a fun-filled day on the ice, King Township will host a free adapted skate at the King City Arena on Thursday, Mar. 28 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Open to individuals of all ages and abilities, this event provides an opportunity for inclusive recreation and socialization. Participants require 1:1 support on the ice and must wear helmets, with CSA skate aides permitted. Inclusive skate programs welcoming wheelchairs at select sessions.

Spring recreation programs

Get moving and grooving this spring in one of our adapted recreation programs! Children of all abilities can participate in inclusive, small group programs, such as Adaptive Gymnastics (with 2:1 coaching) and Everybody Dance Now (featuring an end of session recital!). The full listing of programs can be viewed in the new 2024 Spring and Summer Recreation Activity Guide, available online at king.ca/recreation.

Registration for spring and summer recreation programs opens at 7 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 8 at townshipofking.perfectmind.com.

Summer Camps

The summer camp season begins on Tuesday, Jul. 2 with camps running for one-week sessions until Friday, Aug. 30 at various recreation facilities located in King City, Nobleton and Schomberg. Choose from over 40 camps for ages four to 16 in arts and culture, leaders in training, sports, science and technology, the great outdoors, general and specialty interests.

Inclusion support staff for children with disabilities is provided free of charge to Township of King residents, pending availability. Parents can select any camp that matches their child’s interests and abilities, and request one-on-one support by emailing an Inclusion Participant Intake Form to inclusion@king.ca. Registration for summer camps is now open, and the deadline for parents to request additional support for their child is April 1.

For more information, refer to the Inclusion section of the 2024 Summer Camps guide, available online at king.ca/camps.

Inclusive Support Services

To help reduce barriers to active living opportunities and better support the needs of families, King Township is affiliated with York Region’s PLAY and summer camp subsidy programs. Families seeking funding for 1:1 support can contact York Region's Access York at 1-877-464-9675 for assistance. Additionally, the Township offers a range of support services, with highlights including:

  • Inclusion support staff for participants requiring additional support in camps and programs
  • Free admission for personal support workers accompanying a participant
  • Access to a hippocampe-all-terrain wheelchair at Cold Creek Conservation Area

For more information about inclusion services within the Township of King, visit king.ca/inclusion or email inclusion@king.ca.

King is hiring Inclusion Camp Counsellors

Help a child with a disability live their best life this summer. If you’re a student studying social work, a seasonal job with our integration team would be a great fit!

King is  currently hiring Inclusion Camp Counsellors to work at summer camps throughout July and August The position is specifically employed to work 1:1 or 2:1 with children and youth who require additional support. They engage camp participants in interactive activities including organized arts and crafts, singing, sports activities, games and field trips, while maintaining a safe environment. Compensation is $17.50 per hour. Qualified candidates are requested to forward their resume to hr@king.ca by 4:30 p.m. on March 15, 2024. View the job posting at king.ca/employment.

Quote

Mayor Steve Pellegrini

"The Township of King is committed to making our recreation programs and camps accessible and supportive to individuals of all abilities, especially for families of children with disabilities. Through inclusive events like adapted gymnastics, Try It Para Ice Hockey and the free adapted skate, we strive to create a welcoming environment where these children can participate and thrive."

For regular updates on Township programs and events, follow the official corporate social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram or visit king.ca 

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Adapted gymnastics

Para Hockey

Media Contact

Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca