Program Info

“I like the nice people I work with. I enjoy the fresh air and socializing. All year long we look forward to going to the Island.”
-Gae Marco, volunteer and participant

“The atmosphere is great. I enjoy the fellowship. Being on the Island is a treasure. I like preparing things for lots of people because I live alone.”
-Moira Manington, volunteer and participant

“I like meeting different people and learning about the different nationalities who come over to our Island program.”
-Sarah Fairborn, volunteer and participant

When the seniors, staff and volunteers converge on Ward’s Island, a Sunshine energy abounds. Brightness shows up on seniors’ faces— a genuine inner glow, free of age or everyday concerns. The program provides social, recreational and health promotion activities for both frail and active seniors, as well as people with disabilities.

The adventure begins…
A 10 minute ferry ride begins the adventure and mini vacation for seniors from May to September. The breeze off Lake Ontario, the gazebo, tea and coffee with new friends, the flowers planted by seniors, children, and youth in the gardens are all part of our day camp for seniors on Ward’s Island.

Activities include: gentle fitness, sing-a-longs, shared lunch, nature walks, golf cart rides around the Island, shuffleboard, arts and crafts, gardening, games and theme weeks such as BBQ Week and learning about diverse cultures though interactive crafts, activities and food.

Why do we do it?
In the community, there are almost no affordable programs for seniors that offer an outdoor program in a natural environment. Many seniors cannot afford a holiday at a cottage or do not have the transportation available for such a holiday. Seniors in long-term care facilities also do not have access to outdoor recreational options in the summer. For many seniors, Camp Sunshine is the only summer holiday they have. Camp Sunshine is unique in the City for offering an opportunity for seniors to experience the outdoors in the natural parklands of Ward’s Island.

What benefits do seniors get?
Camp Sunshine helps to reduces social isolation for seniors and people with disabilities through providing an environment where participants can socialize with other older adults, volunteers, and staff of SCS. Camp Sunshine helps seniors to develop social networks, gain emotional support from others, and stay active in the community. The island setting provides an excellent day trip for both seniors living independently in the community and seniors living in long-term care facilities.

Through our intergenerational activities, seniors interact with youth and children on projects ranging from gardening, crafts, and arts, often sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise with youth volunteers. Meeting the same group of people each week also creates opportunities for older adults to build a social network and to gain peer support. The physical, emotional, and mental well-being of seniors is greatly enhanced through the program. The seniors volunteers who assist with the program feel a sense of value and empowerment as they are given the opportunity to contribute their skills and talents in various capacities to the program.