Diverse needs: one-on-one & specialized programming

At Mini U, we are committed to creating inclusive environments where every child feels safe, supported and free to be themselves. Our goal is to lead with kindness and provide experiences that are enjoyable and responsive to individual needs.

  • NEW IN 2026  - All registration for inclusion must be completed before June 1, 2026. 

    As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are introducing a specialized camp model as a 2026 Pilot Project. We will be gathering feedback from families and staff throughout the summer to shape the future of our inclusion support.

  • Choosing the right program for your child

    We offer two distinct camp experiences to meet different support needs:

    • Specialty inclusion program: We are piloting a clinician-led program designed for children needing higher levels of adaptations to be successful in a camp setting.
    • Mainstream programming with one-on-one support: Integrated camp experience for children who thrive in a standard setting with limited support.
    *New! Specialty/Inclusion
    (2026 Pilot)
    Mainstream Program
    (1:1 support)
    Program Design
    Targeted programming designed and led by licensed clinicians (OT, PT, SLP). Individualized based on needs.
    Standard camp programming. The child participates in the regular camp schedule with a dedicated 1:1 support leader.
    Support Ratio
    1-2 adults per child.
    Standard camp ratio (2:15) plus one dedicated support leader for your child.
    Support Staff
    Licensed clinicians, student clinicians, and Mini U student inclusion leaders.
    Mini U Student Inclusion leaders (university students).
    Target Demographic

    Campers who need consistent, specialized support and struggle with:

    • Transitions
    • Unpredictable changes
    • Competition
    • Loud/busy environments
    Campers who thrive in large groups with minimal, intermittent support.

    Must be able to spend 60% of the day with the group and not engage in unsafe physical behaviors.
    Typical Profile
    Youth requiring a full-time EA in school (e.g., Autism with complex needs, ADHD, global developmental delay).
    Youth whose needs can be supported by student staff with ranging experience levels.
    Registration Deadline
    June 1
    June 1
    (First-come, first-served)

Available subsidies

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management understands that families of children with diverse needs often face additional costs. We want to help. Apply for our subsidy to reduce a portion of your registration fees. 

Subsidy program information

Mainstream programming: one-on-one inclusion support and accommodation

  • Program environment

    This is a recreational camp experience designed for children who can generally keep up with the pace of a standard group of 14 peers. Your child must be able to stay with the group for at least 60% of the day.

    Support and limitations

    Support is provided by trained inclusion leaders (UM students), not licensed clinicians. Staffing follows a standard camp ratio, with limited one-on-one support available through registration.

    Important: We cannot support advanced, intensive behavioral needs in this program. Please consider the Specialty Program your child requires comprehensive support. 

    Behaviour expectations

    Safety is our priority. If your child is prone to dysregulation in high sensory environments and you anticipate this will lead to unsafe behaviors (biting, spitting, punching, kicking), please consider our specialized programming. Participants who engage in these behaviors in mainstream programming will be asked to leave immediately. 

    Inclusion leaders are available for summer programs only. 

    Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 


  • Funding options for one-on-one support

    We offer three options for families requesting inclusion leaders. These options are available on our registration site for each week of camp. Support requests are to be added to cart at the time of registration. 

    1. Mini U Funded
      • Available each week of summer programs for children without other agency funding.
      • Each child may request one week of support at no cost. Additional spaces may open two weeks before camp starts.
    2. Family funded
      • Families may pay for an inclusion leader to support their child.
      • 2025 fee: $710 ($568 for a four-day week).
    3. Children's disAbility Services funded
      • Support may be available for families who qualify through CDS
      • Written or email confirmation from your case manager is required.

Bringing external support

If you believe your child would be most successful with one on one support provided by another agency, or by someone you know from the community, we would be happy to welcome them. 

Please note that: 

  • Guardians cannot act as external support workers during programs.
  • External support must provide a clear criminal record and child abuse registry check (or equivalent documentation. ex teaching license)

Specialty inclusion program details & registration

  • About the program

    This program is being introduced as a pilot initiative for the 2026 season to better meet the needs of children requiring complex support.

    It is designed for children with diverse needs who benefit from consistent, dedicated support throughout the day. Programming is developed by licensed clinicians, including occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech-language pathologists. Activities focus on fundamental movement, basic games and sports in a supportive environment. 

    Program hours

    Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Pick-up and drop-off times are fixed and cannot be adjusted. 

    Support & supervision

    We provide a high-support ratio of one to two adults per child to ensure individualized attention and care.

    Who is successful?

    Participants who typically succeed in this program may include children with:

    • Autism and complex support needs
    • Intellectual disability or global developmental delay
    • Cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome
    • Children who require a full-time Educational Assistant (EA) in school and often find it challenging to succeed in a typical classroom setting

    (This list is not exhaustive.)

    Registration deadline

    Register by June 1 to allow time for specialized planning and staffing.

"Who Am I" form

  • In order to better understand the needs of each individual, families are required to complete our "Who Am I" form. The form is designed to provide us with important information such as their:

    The "Who Am I" form will be made available during registration.