Brigadoon (noun)
Brig·a·doon | \ ˌbri-gə-ˈdün : a place that is idyllic, unaffected by time, or remote from reality.
Brigadoon is the first facility of its kind in Atlantic Canada and is now one of the largest pediatric medical camps in Canada.
We believe that every child, regardless of the life challenges they face, should have the opportunity to experience the transformational and therapeutic effects of camp. That’s why we strive to develop condition-specific camps that not only meet the medical needs of our campers but are also the most fun you can pack into a week!
Read below to learn more about our camp philosophy, what to expect at camp & what types of camps we’re offering in 2024.
Our Camp Philosophy
Each camp offered at Brigadoon is designed so that children living with the same illness or life challenge attend a camp specifically tailored for those living with their needs.
While at Brigadoon, our campers share experiences and create special friendships with other children going through the same challenges. By providing this environment, the kids who attend Brigadoon no longer feel different or alone because of their diagnosis. Many are meeting others who are just like them for the first time. Sharing and bonding with another child with the same life challenge can be powerfully therapeutic.
We focus on building meaningful connections and sending our campers home stronger, more confident, and armed with new skills they can be proud of. Read more about the benefits of camp here.
What To Expect At Camp
Campers become part of a welcoming, judgement-free, and fun-focused environment when they arrive at The Village.
Campers bunk together in cabins with campers of similar ages, with plenty of opportunities to get to know one another during group activities but also with lots of space to curl up with a book for some quiet time. A counsellor is assigned to each cabin group and will be nearby 24/7 to ensure campers are safe and having fun!
We love food at Brigadoon and foster healthy & happy relationships with food for campers. Meals are prepared for campers by our Executive Chef and her team in a state-of-the-art kitchen; they’re delicious and tailored to the nutritional needs of campers and their health conditions. We eat family-style in our dining hall and use each meal as an opportunity to bond, share, and laugh.
What Campers Will Do
A lot of thought and intention goes into every activity campers participate in throughout each day, but what they experience is having incredible fun! We aim for campers to develop in 5 ways during their stay with us: confidence, compassion, independence, resilience, and connection.
Each day offers a mix of planned activities, and activities campers can participate in. Activities such as cooking & baking, super messy crafts, outdoor adventures, archery, drama, swimming, and boating are part of a camper’s everyday experience.
Activities are punctuated by healthy meals and plenty of time to socialize or explore. We end each day together telling stories together at the heart of camp – campfire.
It Takes a Village
Our powerhouse team of professionals has your child’s best interest at the heart of everything they do.
Our counsellors are trained in managing your camper’s safety, running engaging programs, and helping to pack every day full of laughs and opportunities to grow. Certified lifeguards are with campers at all times during water activities.
Our fully licensed medical team manages our on-site Medical Center at camp to dispense medication and provide treatment. Campers can visit our medical team for care (or comfort) anytime.
Our kitchen team works with clinical dieticians to ensure each meal meets the needs of our condition-specific camps and each camper.
We appreciate you trusting us to care for your child during their stay with us, and we take great pride in hiring the best people to do so.
Camp Programs
Brigadoon Village is the first camp of its kind in Atlantic Canada and offers up to 17 specialized summer camp programs for children and youth. Our camp programs are available for children and youth between the ages of 7-18.
Brigadoon Village is a place where campers come to build friendships with others who are facing similar challenges. We help extraordinary children have extraordinary fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can I contact for more information?
Contact our Registrar, Kathryn Yeadon, at camp@brigadoonvillage.org
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How can I apply for camp?
Applications for our 2024 camp season will be open as of February 1st.
More information about the 2024 Summer Camp application process can be found here.
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How much does it cost to apply for camp?
Applying for camp is free! We’ll only contact you for payment information once your application has been reviewed and approved.
Click here to read more about our fee structure.
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What should my camper pack?
Check here to see our camper & staff-approved packing list.
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How much does it cost to attend camp?
Click here to read more about our fee structure.
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How does camp benefit my camper?
The ways in which camp benefits a child’s development are endless. Our programs are especially helpful for the campers who attend them because they’re designed to help them develop in ways that will assist them with their unique health condition or life challenges.
Click here to read more about how we seek to help our campers develop.
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How do I know if my camper is ready to attend overnight camp?
Terrific question – every camper is different, and you know them best! However, based on our experience and knowledge of our what we offer, we can help guide you in finding the answer to this question.
Click here to read through a few important points to consider
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How is COVID going to affect camp this year?
Prior to camp, we’ll make sure all families have the most up-to-date information on what to know and what to pack in order to keep campers as safe as possible.
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I applied for camp, but haven't yet received an email confirming my spot.
The camp application window is February 1-May 1, and applications will be processed on a first-come/first-served basis.
Once we’ve vetted all applications, we’ll reach out to families with more detail & to collect payment from those who have a confirmed spot at camp.
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Am I able to apply for my camper to attend more than one camp session?
Yes, you can! When you apply, you’ll be asked which camp is your first choice and which is your second. We’ll process your application for your first choice and place your camper’s name on a waitlist for the second.
Once all first-choice applications have been processed, we’ll reach out to you to let you know if there is also space for your child to attend your second choice.
Because space is limited, we’ll prioritize getting as many campers as possible into one session before confirming second sessions.
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Are out-of-province campers able to attend camp this year?
Yes, we will be accepting out-of-province applications this year!
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Are vaccinations mandatory at camp this year?
In line with current public health recommendations, vaccinations will not be mandated at camp this year.
Please contact camp@brigadoonvillage.org if you have questions or concerns about this issue.
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Are masks mandatory at camp this year?
No, masks will not be required at camp this year.
Thank You to Our 2024 Camp Sponsors!
Ocean Contractors Ltd.
Steele Auto Group
Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia
Assante Wealth Management Hydrostone ~ RKO Steel Ltd. ~ Nova Scotia Nurses Union