|
  CAMP
TIDNISH:
The
Rotary Club of Amherst has a very long history of Community Service,
but it is Camp Tidnish that stands as a shining example of Rotary support,
for it was a mere two years after the founding of Rotary in Amherst
that the camp began operation in the summer of 1937.
Camp Tidnish
is located 27km from Amherst, near the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border
where the Tidnish River flows into the Baie Verte.
It was started
in 1937 as a fresh-air camp for boys who had no other chance to enjoy
the summer pleasures of the seashore.
The First Camp, 1937
From the leftovers
of an old fish plant, it grew into a a complex of modern facilities,
with a heated pool, playing fields, and a covered outdoor recreation
area. It can accomodate 60 campers and staff at any one time.
Still owned
and maintained by the Rotary Club of Amherst, it is operated by the
Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia. It provides a summer-long unique
residential camp experience for over 350 individuals with a variety
of disabilities and challenges. Camp Tidnish has always been and remains
the top priority project of the Amherst Rotary Club.
Camp Tidnish
Today
The following
information is from the
Abilities
Foundation of Nova Scotia
Camp Tidnish Page
 What
is Camp Tidnish?:
Camp Tidnish is an exciting and unique camping opportunity for you and/or
your child. Our residential camp is perfect for people who have special
needs. There are friendly, caring staff who are specially trained to
help campers with their daily tasks and enjoy an exciting camp program.
Our staff are specially selected
for their caring attitude, patience, and skills in working with people.
They are generally in University or College and are studying in related
human service fields. Our eight day pre-camp training acts as a refresher
and training ground for the staff. By the time your camper attends camp
all staff are well versed in camp traditions and methods of camper care.
Goals and Objectives:
1.Camp Tidnish provides
an opportunity for physically and mentally challenged children, teens,
and adults to participate in a residential camping experience.
2.The camping program encourages
emotional and physical independence among the campers.
3.To accentuate a sense
of responsibility, self-esteem, and acceptance for the campers by
encouraging active involvement in all daily activities.
4.To ensure a safe, challenging,
fun, and memorable holiday for all campers at Camp Tidnish.
5.To provide an opportunity
for respite to the parents, guardians, and caregivers of all campers.
The
Facilities:
Camp Tidnish is located on
the Northumberland Strait in Baie Verte. The approximately 5.5 acre
site features beautiful views, a tidal beach, playground, enclosed pool,
laundry facilities, pontoon boat, and much more!
Four heated camper cabins
have hot and cold water, toilets, a bath, and a shower in each cabin.
Beds and mattresses with sheets, blankets, and pillows are provided.
We have a main dining hall
(The Beehive) and a kitchen facility which seats all campers and staff,
it also doubles as our indoor recreational space. Our Health Centre
is also in the Beehive and is staffed with a full-time RN. There is
easy access to Amherst and the Cumberland Regional Hospital.
Camp Tidnish Swimming Pool
Travelling
Directions:
 If
you are travelling the Trans Canada Route 104 from Truro, please take
the Port Elgin exit (towards Prince Edward Island). You will be then
on Highway 16. Proceed for about 18 kms, take exit to Baie Verte (the
right turn), and follow Tidnish Road to Irwins Point Road. The Camp
Tidnish sign will be on the left and travel the road till the end.
If you are travelling
from Pugwash/Pictou, please take Route 366 at Port Howe and travel towards
the Tidnish Bridge. Turn right onto the Tidnish Road (at the Riverside
Restaurant). Drive for 1.6 km and you will see the Camp Tidnish sign
on the right. Turn right on to Irwins Point Road and drive to the end
of the road.
We look forward to seeing you!
Camping
Season / Session Descriptions:
For details
on the camping season, activities and sessions available, visit the
Abillities Foundation of Nova Scotia Camp Tidnish Web Site here - http://www.abilitiesfoundation.ns.ca/session_description.htm
Application
Process:
Spaces are not reserved for
returning campers. Please do not assume that you are automatically registered
if you are a returning camper.
When applying, please remember
to:
1. Mail the application
with a cheque for $150.00 to the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia.
2. If space allows an acceptance
package will be sent.
For more information on applications
for the Camp Tidnish program, please contact the Abilities
Foundation of Nova Scotia office or e-mail
Heather MacDonald, Coordinator - Active Lifestyles Programs
Confirmation
Process:
We carefully review each
form to determine each campers' ability to attend camp. If information
is missing, the whole confirmation process is slowed down.
Therefore:
1. After review, an acceptance
package will be sent to you, or you will be placed on a waiting list.
2. This package will arrive
with medical forms and other information about Camp Tidnish.
3. Have these medical and
PRN forms completed by a Doctor.
4. Return the medical and
PRN forms to us at least three weeks before attending camp. Campers
who do not present these forms before camp can not be allowed to stay.
These forms are required to allow the Nurse to legally perform their
medical care duties, without the completed forms required procedures
can not be administered.
5. Pack your gear for camp!
Special
Care:
The health and safety of
campers is entrusted to the care of the Camp Tidnish staff and is always
of the utmost importance and the first concern. To ensure that this
specialized attention is fulfilled, a registered Nurse is on-site at
Camp Tidnish on a 24 hour basis. All staff are also trained in First
Aid and CPR during the staff training period.
Camper
Health and Immunizations:
In order to protect our campers,
staff, and the camping program - those campers who have a severe flu,
an active communicable disease, or an un-identified illness should not
attend camp. A camper who becomes sick while at camp, will be removed
from the program and taken to a local physician, if the camp nurse determines
this action to be necessary.
Up-to-date immunizations
are required for acceptance into the Camp Tidnish program. If you are
unsure of your immunization status, please contact your family doctor.
Tetanus booster shots should be received every ten years. For more information,
please see the medical form included in the acceptance package.
Camper
Behaviour:
While at Camp Tidnish, campers
should not demonstrate behaviour that is dangerous to themselves or
others. Staff are responsible for ensuring the safety of all campers
and any other individuals present at Camp Tidnish. In the case of problems,
parents and/or guardians will be contacted.
The Abilities Foundation
of Nova Scotia, at any time, reserves the right to send a camper home
for any reason. In the case of damaged property or camp equipment, parents
and/or guardians might be asked for reimbursement of the item in part
or in full. Please, keep in mind that omitting details about behaviour
on the camper application form could create difficulties for everyone
involved. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
Expectations
and Outcomes:
We try very hard at Camp
Tidnish to offer an environment which is stimulating, active, fun, and
safe. Staff work hard to make your campers' stay at Camp Tidnish a memorable
one. It is not uncommon for campers to learn new skills, develop greater
self confidence, make new friends, and achieve greater independence
through their experience at camp.
The activity level at camp may be higher than campers are used to, which
means they could be tired after camp. Since campers are outside and
active a great deal while at Camp Tidnish, they may have dirty laundry,
a bandaid (or two), and a sun tan when they return home. We do our best
to ensure that your camper is safe, clean, and having fun.
Boating
at Camp Tidnish
Staff
Positions:
For a listing of Staff Vacancies
at Camp Tidnish, visit the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia web site
here - http://www.abilitiesfoundation.ns.ca/staff_positions.htm
More
Information:
For more information concerning
the Camp Tidnish program, please contact the Abilities
Foundation of Nova Scotia office or e-mail
Heather MacDonald, Coordinator - Active Lifestyles Programs
Pictures:
Pictures from Summer
2002 - Click each image to see a larger view
|