Your adventure begins with a boat ride.
As campers cross Pigeon Lake toward Jacob Island, excitement builds, but so does something just as important: the feeling of arriving somewhere safe, welcoming, and made for them. That’s what Camp sTiC Together offers families each summer.
Hosted and operated by Camp Maple Leaf, this not-for-profit overnight camp is designed specifically for children living with Tourette Syndrome and their siblings. Planning is already underway for the 2026 session, which will take place from July 26–31, 2026 (6 days / 5 nights), with a goal of welcoming 24 campers, our largest group since before the pandemic.
Think this camp is right for your child? Register here.
An Adventurous Setting With Safety at the Core
Jacob Island is a 104-acre private island in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes, featuring forest trails, open waterfront, and purpose-built camp facilities. Campers arrive by a short 5–8 minute boat ride, which quickly becomes a favourite and memorable part of the experience.
“Camp STIC together gave my son an experience of a lifetime in a place that made him feel included,” notes Natalie Renton, a parent of a camper. “As a parent, you always hope your child can find a place where they can just be their whole self and have fun, and Camp sTIC together made that happen.”
Behind the scenery is a professionally operated camp environment that prioritizes camper wellbeing:
- Fully accredited facilities
- Highly trained staff
- On-site wellness and nursing support
- Supervised cabins, modern washrooms, and a full-service dining hall
Families can feel confident knowing their children are exploring, learning, and building independence within a safe, structured setting.
Natalie continues, “[I was] happy to know a place like camp sTIC Together exists for youth who need a safe place.”
A Camp That Understands Tourette Syndrome
Camp sTiC Together was created so children with Tourette Syndrome can experience camp without fear of being misunderstood. Here, tics are normalized, differences are respected, and every camper belongs.
“I had never met anyone with Tourette before,” says Ewyn, a 14-year-old camper. “At Camp sTiC Together, I finally got to meet other people my age from the Tourette community. Meeting others really helped me feel calm and included.”
Tourette Canada is proud to support and promote this program as part of our commitment to inclusive, supportive opportunities for children and families across Canada.
Camp Maple Leaf has served young people since 1955, originally founded as a living memorial to Canadian veterans. Today, it continues that legacy by supporting children facing unique life challenges and helping them build confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships.
It expanded its offers with Camp STiC Together in 2018, with a mission to be one of the world’s best and most welcoming camps for children with Tourette Syndrome.
Small Groups. Strong Support. Meaningful Growth.
Camp sTiC Together maintains a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio, allowing for personalized attention and care.
This structure supports a wide range of needs while encouraging independence and social connection.
Last summer, 17 campers participated in the program. For 2026, the goal is to reach the pre-pandemic level of 24 campers, expanding access to this important experience.
Each session is built around six core goals:
- Building friendships that extend beyond camp
- Creating positive, lasting memories
- Encouraging new experiences in a supportive environment
- Supporting personal growth and confidence
- Fostering a strong sense of belonging
- Promoting respect and understanding for our heroes
When it came to growth, Natalie saw firsthand the camp’s power to change her son. “When he came home, he said it was the first time he had gone somewhere outside of home where others really accepted him for who he really is. I was so proud of him for taking the chance.”
Camp Activities: Adventure With Balance
Campers enjoy a full schedule of activities designed to balance excitement, creativity, and rest.
Outdoor and Waterfront Activities
- Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and beach games
- Nature exploration and group sports
Creative and Social Activities
- Arts and crafts
- Campfires and sing-alongs
- Carnivals and dance parties
- Team challenges and themed games
Ewyn looks back on his past year fondly, “We had so much fun together, swimming and talking. Knowing others who just get me and know what I’m going through changed how I feel now.”
Daily programming is thoughtfully structured, with staff providing guidance and supervision throughout the day.
Getting to Camp
Main Dock Location: 378 Fothergill Road, Ennismore, Ontario, K0L 1T0
From the dock, campers take a short boat ride to Jacob Island, often called the “first camp adventure.”
Transportation support includes:
- Central pickup from Richmond Hill with organized bus transportation
- Accessible boats for campers with mobility needs
- Designated parking for families driving directly to the dock
2026 Registration Information
Application Deadline: July 10 or once the program is full
Who Can Attend: Children turning ages 7–16 in the calendar year, plus siblings
Session Length: 6 days / 5 nights
Fees: Camp Maple offers tiered pricing of $900, $1,100, or $1,300. Financial support and income-based grants may be available for families who need assistance.
For financial assistance inquiries, families can contact:
Michelle Robinson — Director of Registration and Finance
General Camp Inquiries:
📞 905-338-5200
Help Us Reach 24 Campers in 2026
Camp sTiC Together offers children the chance to explore, build friendships, and grow in confidence, while giving families peace of mind that their child is supported every step of the way.
Tourette Canada is proud to help connect families with this meaningful opportunity and looks forward to seeing more campers experience the magic of Camp sTiC Together.
Ewyn best underlines the power and importance of the camp by saying, “Now, I know I’m not alone. Camp STIC Together did that for me. “
Family Experiences
Do you have a story to share like Ewyn and Natalie? If so, direct message us on Facebook or Instagram and help Tourette’s Canada spread the word about this amazing camp.