About Our -"Kids On The Go!" Program-

 

This program is currently on hold. "Summer in the City" has replaced "Kids on the Go," and is a similar program.

<Click here for information on our "Summer in the City Program">

"Kids On The Go!" is a specialized half-or full-day program designed for children that have sustained a brain injury and are between the ages of 5-16. It is offered during the Winter and March school breaks and throughout the summer at our Etobicoke location. Students participate in theme-based academic and recreational activities designed to complement existing educational and rehabilitation programs. The "Kids On The Go!" camp offers a fun program for children during school breaks with the focus of developing and maintaining skills obtained in the classroom. It is designed to complement and support any existing rehabilitation programs and is also a great opportunity to make new friends!

NRIO's "Kids on the Go!" program assists participants with social, peer and sibling adjustment to important aspects of brain injury. "Kids on the Go!" participants may bring a sibling or close friend to join them in activities. Through this approach, "Kids on the Go!" provides a peer group to aid in the adjustment to disability and to achieve integration into social relationships with peers and siblings.

Students participate in a morning program each day designed to address reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, science and social studies through a variety of academic activities. Older students will also focus on study skills and test taking strategies.

Afternoons are packed with challenges as students participate in outdoor physical activities or for the more "crafty" child, activities creating interesting treasure keepsakes! Musical games offer another change of pace and are enjoyed by all!

Frequently Asked Questions About "Kids On The Go!"

 When are the sessions?

"Kids-On-The-Go!"  Summer Program operates daily from Monday to Friday.

Summer sessions run in two-week, theme-based blocks. Sessions begins at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. each day.

The cost includes snacks but not lunch and includes instruction and materials pertaining to all academic, recreational and life skills related program activities. contact Colleen Boyce at (416) 231-4358 x222 for current pricing information.

 Who participates in "Kids-On-The-Go!"?

"Kids-On-The-Go!" participants vary in age from elementary through middle school age groups. They come from all over Southern Ontario and are eager to develop and renew friendships during the summer break. They share a common bond in having sustained a traumatic brain injury as well as having overcome obstacles and challenges presented upon their return to school.

Students are grouped with peers of a similar age. However, the large group meets for lunch, recreational activities and swimming.

 Who are the staff at "Kids-On-The-Go!"?

"Kids-On-The-Go!" staff members are certified teachers with special education background as well as rehabilitation therapists with experience in transdisciplinary treatment. All staff members have experience working with and educating students with traumatic brain injuries and are members of NRIO's rehabilitation team.

All staff members are required to have current first aid and C.P.R. training and are knowledgeable in emergency procedures, behaviour management, social skills development and supported independence.

Prior to the summer program, staff members meet to review individual registration/information forms in order to become familiar with each student's strengths and needs.  Individualized educational programming is prepared, based on the individual's age, skill level and learning style.

 Where is the "Kids-On-The-Go!" camp?

"Kids-On-The-Go!" summer program operates at NRIO's Etobicoke site at 59 Beaver Bend Crescent. Our spacious and attractive homelike setting on a half-acre suburban property provides the perfect atmosphere for our summer activities. Our facility is fully accessible and includes a large, separate teaching/activity area. Medical supplies are stored in a fully-stocked first aid kit and medications are kept in a locked cabinet. The kitchen is also fully stocked for cooking/baking activities! An adapted/accessible washroom is located on the first floor.

Community outings and activities occur on a daily basis. Activities range from education to recreational in nature and may include: conservation area exploration, mini-golf, swimming, bowling, movies, games, craft activities, soccer, fishing, as well as trips to local museums and attractions.

 What equipment is provided/needed?

"Kids-On-The-Go" is outfitted with all program resources.  Activity rooms are supplied with all learning materials.  Craft supplies, games, sports equipment, and pool supplies are in the inventory.  Medical supplies are stored in a fully stocked first aid kit.  For transportation, well maintained vehicles are available and an accessible van can be accessed on an as needed basis.

 What about lunches?

Due to diversity in dietary likes/dislikes, customs and nutritional needs, campers are required to bring a lunch each day. Nutritious snacks and beverages (juice, milk) will be provided by "Kids-On-The-Go!" Please ensure that any food-related allergies are recorded on the "Information" form, as a component of our life skills program involves baking.

 What are the field trips all about?

Students will participate in decision-making with respect to a full-day field trip during the course of each two-week session. Interests and abilities are taken into consideration and staff members endeavour to provide the students with a unique experience within the community which offers them an opportunity to generalize skills and strategies while practicing social skills.

Who is in charge of "Kids on the Go!"?

As an NRIO program, "Kids on the Go!" is supervised by Lavel Williams, Teacher, and Frank Tenuta, who is NRIO's Clinical Director and provides the clinical direction for the camp program. NRIO rehabilitation specialists and/or therapists that work with children that become involved in the camp will provide input as to specific goals and programming needed for that individual.

For further information, please contact Colleen Boyce at (416)231-4358 Ext. 222.