ABOUT

Dawn symbolizes the start of a new day, and with every new day is the possibility of finding a new path. It is representative of how an individual often finds new and different paths in their lives when facing the challenges of an acquired brain injury. The slogan “With every dawn a new path is found” was chosen to reflect finding these different paths.

HISTORY

Camp Dawn originated in 2003 as a program of the Brain Injury Association of Chatham-Kent (BIACK). Developed through a collaboration of agencies, associations and survivors, the purpose of Camp Dawn was to provide survivors of an acquired brain injury with a new opportunity to develop independence and social skills in an outdoor, recreational environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Since 2003, Camp Dawn has developed into much more than just camping. For adults in southwestern Ontario living with the effects of an acquired brain injury, Camp Dawn provides an opportunity to get away, make new friends, meet up with old friends, try new activities, and take part in familiar activities in a supportive, outdoor environment alongside others who face similar challenges.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Julie Dickison - President ; Michael Langley - Secretary; Amy King - Treasurer; Caresse LeBlanc - Camper Chair; Kelsey Hamilton - Community Contacts; Sean St. Amand - Community Contacts; Sonia Alves - Community Contacts; Becky Yorksie - Program Coordinator; Noah Illes - Sponsorship Coordinator; Sandra Sanmartin - Consultation

Camp Dawn 2026

We are excited to share some important updates about Camp Dawn 2026. Please take a moment to read through the information below and mark your calendars for key dates.

NEW CAMP LOCATION
Camp this year will be held at a new location, Easter Seals Camp Woodeden in London, Ontario. Our longtime host, Campfire Circle at Rainbow Lake, is currently undergoing changes and is unable to host us this year. 

CAMP DATES
Camp will take place from Thursday September 10 to Sunday September 13.

ACTIVITIES
While the new location does not offer some of the activities we have enjoyed at Campfire Circle including canoeing and fishing, there will still be many great activities available. We are also excited to introduce some new options, including swimming and rock climbing, along with many other engaging programs.

CAMPER APPLICATION

  • Applications will be available starting Friday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m.

  • Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 15 at 9:00 p.m.

  • Acceptance to attend camp will NOT be first come, first served

  • All applications received during this time will be given equal consideration

  • If there are more eligible applicants than available spaces, acceptance will be determined by a lottery system

  • Campers will be notified of acceptance by June 15

CAMPER FEES
In honour of their 90th anniversary, our exclusive legal sponsor Thomson Rogers is generously covering the cost of all camper fees. Please note that this is a one-time donation for this year only.

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation will be offered again this year however the options are being re-evaluated given the new location. Options will be confirmed and communicated prior to applications being sent out.

LEADER APPLICATIONS
Leader applications will be available starting April 1.

VIRTUAL AGM
We will be holding a virtual AGM via Zoom on Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. During the meeting, we will provide a review of 2024, a brief recap of 2025 and share further information about plans for 2026 including photos and videos of the new location. There will also be opportunity for Q and A. Details to join the meeting will be posted on the Camp Dawn website and social media outlets. 

For the most up-to-date information, including updates, important dates, and application links, please continue to check the Camp Dawn website and social media.