2024 PWS Week at Shadow Lake Centre

​​Since 2007 a great partnership has evolved between the Ontario Prader-Willi Syndrome Association and Shadow Lake Centre, to offer “the greatest camp in the Universe” to individuals ages 16 years and older with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

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Each year approximately 35 people with PWS come to Shadow Lake for a week of swimming, fishing, boating, dancing, hiking, making crafts and enjoying dozens of other fun activities.

 

Shadow Lake Centre is a year round outdoor recreation facility which during the summer months operates residential camping and recreation programs to all ages of people with an intellectual disability. Operating since 1965 the facility is located less than a 45 minute drive from Toronto, has over 300 acres of land, private lake, winterized cabins, modern dining hall, health care Centre, recreation hall and indoor crafts hall and basketball court.

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All of the meals are designed by a dietitian and are kept to 1200 calories. This coupled with morning, afternoon and evening snacks meet the needs of all of the guests and staff. Two dietitians and professional food service staff ensures that portions are controlled and all of the guests and staff receive the same menu items.

 

All of the staff are recruited through various Universities and Colleges, and many are enrolled in social service courses. After the PWS camp, staff remain with the camp for the entire summer. In addition to staff working as counselors, we have a full time Director, Program Supervisor and Property Manager. Specialty staff include dietitians, lifeguards, Program Instructors, Health Care Workers and Overnight Awake Staff. All staff receive training prior to the camp and many have worked at Shadow Lake for several years.

 

For more information about Shadow Lake, please visit their web page at www.shadowlakecentre.ca or contact the Jennifer Coens, Executive Director of OPWSA at ontariopws@gmail.com.