Camp for kids with autism fears for funding

The charity behindan Ottawa summer camp for children with autism is worried about the program's future after the province froze the funding that covers most of itscosts.

Brenda Reisch,executive director of Children at Risk, has writtento families whose kids have attended Camp Kaleidoscope to warn them it might not be offered again this summer.

"That would be devastating to hundreds of families that can't access the support in the summer," saidReisch, who's asking families to contact their MPPs.

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Camp Kaleidoscope marked its eighth year last summer, when the all-day program was offered over five weeks.

Reisch said the camp relies on a $50,000 grant from the Ministry of Education's Focus on Youth fund, money it usesto hire staff and pay rent at the Nepean school where the camp is held.

Last year, the fundhanded out $7.6 million to school boards across the province to supporta variety of programs.

But now the fund has been frozen aspart of a spending review ahead of the upcoming provincial budget on April 11.

Reisch said by this time last year, the camp already had a commitment from the Ottawa Catholic School Board that the funding was in place.

"Nothing has been said, but the fact that nothing has been said can speak volumes," Reisch said.

According to Children at Risk, the true cost of Camp Kaleidoscopewould be$1,200 per child per week, but with the Focus on Youth grant and other funding, parents paid $550 per week last summer.

"Camp Kaleidoscope has been wonderful for both of my children. It's really difficult to find a camp experience in the city that gives you one-on-one with your child," said Kate Logue, whose two kids have attended the camp.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board said it has asked the province about the funding, butis still waiting for details.

In an email, the ministry said no funding decisions have been made.

"The ministry will continue to communicate with school boards in a timely and transparent manner," the ministry said. "Ourdecisions will be measured and responsible, with a focus on supporting students."