Camp Kirk
Camp Kirk is a registered Canadian non-profit operating since 1993 that delivers recreational and mentorship programs — overnight summer camp, year-round Virtual Clubs, and Leader-in-Training tracks — for neurodivergent children and youth (ages 7-18) with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other exceptionalities in Ontario, funded by a mix of camper fees and diversified philanthropy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersToronto, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Camp Kirk does
Camp Kirk, legally known as Friends of the Learning Disabled, Camp Kirk, is a registered Canadian non-profit corporation (CBN#13655-2643-RR-0001) operating since 1993 and headquartered in Ontario with a year-round office in Oakville and a summer camp site in Kirkfield, approximately two hours northeast of Toronto. The organization delivers recreational and mentorship programs exclusively for neurodivergent children and youth (ages 7-18) with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other exceptionalities. Its program portfolio comprises three core offerings: an overnight summer camp (the flagship product, featuring a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio, non-competitive activities such as rock climbing, archery, canoeing, drama, and a 'challenge by choice' ropes course), Virtual Clubs (eight monthly online clubs delivered via Zoom during the November-May off-season), and a three-tier Leader-in-Training (LIT) program (Junior LIT, Classic LIT, Belong) for ages 15-18 focused on leadership, independence, and employment-readiness. The organization also runs a Teen Program and a Wilderness Canoe Trip add-on.
Camp Kirk operates a hybrid revenue model. Families pay program fees — approximately $2,376 for an 8-day summer session, $1,485 for a 5-day session, $2,376-$3,751 for LIT tracks, and $65-$165 for Virtual Clubs passes — which covers roughly 46% of actual program cost ($647/day per camper). The remaining ~54% is funded through a diversified mix of individual donations, monthly giving, foundation and corporate grants (including Sun Life, Jackman, CIBC, Azrieli, and RBC Foundations), workplace giving, planned/legacy giving, and a multi-event fundraising calendar (Champions for Children Gala, Tri-Kirk Cup, Boots & Ballads, Comedy Show Friendraiser, Corn Roast, Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show, Cycle for Camp). Approximately 60% of families rely on financial aid through a pay-what-you-can model with priority given to returning campers.
The organization reaches families through a direct-to-consumer, community-led go-to-market motion: website/CampBrain registration portal, info sessions, educational webinars (often featuring clinicians such as Dr. Melanie Penner of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital), organic social channels (Facebook, Instagram), email newsletters, and word-of-mouth referrals from existing camper families. Operational infrastructure includes 1-10 year-round staff supplemented by seasonal summer counselors, supported by an intensive 10-day pre-camp training program and proprietary therapeutic-crisis-intervention protocols (in place since 2003). Camp Kirk reports strong outcome metrics — including 99% improved self-esteem, 95% improved sense of belonging, 90% increased independence, and 96% increased employable skills — though these are internally reported rather than third-party validated. The camp property is owned and maintained by a separate but closely affiliated entity, the Lions Clubs Camp Kirk Foundation, which has been a partner since the organization's 1989 founding.
Camp Kirk firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Camp Kirk
- Legal name
- Friends of the Learning Disabled, Camp Kirk
- Website
- https://campkirk.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Camp Kirk is a registered Canadian non-profit operating since 1993 that delivers recreational and mentorship programs — overnight summer camp, year-round Virtual Clubs, and Leader-in-Training tracks — for neurodivergent children and youth (ages 7-18) with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other exceptionalities in Ontario, funded by a mix of camper fees and diversified philanthropy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Camp Kirk industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialized Overnight Camp Services
- NAICS
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)
Keywords
Where Camp Kirk is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toronto
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Camp Kirk business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Camper Fees: Families pay program fees for summer camp and mentorship programs. The 2026 rate for an 8-day session is $2,376. Families contribute approximately 46% of the actual cost per camper day ($297 of $647 actual cost). Financial aid is available on a pay-what-you-can basis.
- Individual Donations: One-time and monthly donations from individuals, including monthly donor program. Donors receive tax receipts for charitable contributions.
- Foundation and Corporate Grants: Funding from corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners including Lions Clubs Camp Kirk Foundation, Sun Life, Honda, RBC Foundation, Jackman Foundation, CIBC Foundation, Azrieli Foundation, and many others.
- Fundraising Events: Annual events including Champions for Children Gala, Boots & Ballads country music event, Tri-Kirk Cup sports tournament, Comedy Show Friendraiser, Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show, Corn Roast, and Cycle for Camp fundraiser.
- Legacy Giving: Bequests and planned gifts through wills, life insurance beneficiary designations, and RRSP/RRIF designations. The organization encourages legacy giving with sample bequest wording provided.
- Workplace Giving: Payroll deduction programs, workplace campaigns through United Way/Benevity, and workplace fundraising events such as casual Fridays and trivia nights.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Per session | 8-day Summer Camp Session |
| Unit Pricing | Per session | 5-day Summer Camp Session |
| Unit Pricing | Per session | Classic LIT Program (18 days) |
| Unit Pricing | Per session | Belong LIT Program (8 days) |
| Unit Pricing | Per session | Jr. LIT Program (8 days) |
| Subscription | Annual | Virtual Clubs Annual Pass |
| Subscription | Monthly | Virtual Clubs Monthly Pass |
| Other | Other | Financial Aid Program |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Camp Kirk product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Camp Kirk runs overnight summer camp sessions (8-day sessions at $2,376 and a 5-day session at $1,485), year-round Virtual Clubs delivered via Zoom, and tiered Leader-in-Training mentorship programs (Junior LIT, Classic LIT, and Belong) for neurodivergent children and youth ages 7-18. All programs are supported by home visits, teacher referrals, individualized care plans, and a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio, with a pay-what-you-can Financial Aid Program ensuring access regardless of means.
Product overview
Camp Kirk is a specialized recreational organization offering a portfolio of programs designed exclusively for neurodivergent children and youth (ages 7-18) with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other exceptionalities. The core offerings consist of: Overnight Summer Camp — the flagship 8-session overnight program at Kirkfield, Ontario featuring a high 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio, non-competitive activities (rock climbing, archery, canoeing, drama, pottery, ropes course), and individualized care plans; Virtual Clubs — year-round online clubs delivered via Zoom with eight program options (Geography, Baking, Minecraft, Active Games, Among Us, Arts & Crafts/Science, Mindfulness Art, Roblox); and Leader-in-Training (LIT) Programs — three-tiered mentorship tracks (Junior LIT, Classic LIT, Belong) for ages 15-18 focusing on employment skills, independence, and leadership development. Supporting services include a Financial Aid Program and specialized Teen Programming. Together, these programs create a year-round ecosystem supporting neurodivergent youth from initial camper experience through to employment-ready young adults.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Overnight Summer Camp Flagship overnight summer camp for neurodivergent children and youth ages 7-18, held at the Kirkfield, Ontario site with a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio and individualized care plans. Activities include rock climbing, archery, arts & crafts, pottery, canoeing, ropes course, ecology, swimming, sports, drama, fishing, and giant swing. Sessions are priced per session at $2,376 for 8-day sessions (2026) and $1,485 for a 5-day session.
- Virtual Clubs Year-round online program for neurodivergent kids and youth ages 7-18 delivered via Zoom, comprising eight monthly clubs: Geography Club, Baking Club, Minecraft Club, Active Games Club, Among Us Club, Arts & Crafts/Science Experiments Club, Mindfulness Art Club, and Roblox & Online Games Club. Priced at $165 for an unlimited annual pass (up to 49 hours, November 2025–May 2026) or $65 monthly per single club.
- Leader-in-Training (LIT) Programs Mentorship programs for neurodivergent youth ages 15-18 designed to develop leadership potential, independence, and employment skills. Three tracks: Junior LIT (8-day introductory program, $2,376), Classic LIT (18-day program with canoe overnight trip and work placements, $3,751), and Belong Program (8-day continued experience, $2,376).
- Teen Program Extended camp program supporting neurodivergent youth up to age 16, providing a developmental bridge between standard overnight camp programming and the Leader-in-Training leadership pathway.
- Financial Aid Program Pay-what-you-can financial assistance program ensuring that Camp Kirk is accessible to families regardless of financial means. No proof-of-need documentation is required, with priority given to returning campers; approximately 60% of families rely on this program. Funded year-round through donations, grants, and community partnerships.
Quantifiable outcome
- 90% of campers show increased independence
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Camp Kirk
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Camp Kirk technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Camp Kirk partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Lions Clubs Camp Kirk Foundation (LCCKF)coreFounding partner since 1989. LCCKF owns and maintains the camp property while Camp Kirk operates the programs. LCCKF funds special projects, annual maintenance, and contributes to the financial aid program.
- Sun Life FinancialmajorCorporate sponsor providing financial support for programs and visibility at events.
- Kids In Camp (KIC)minorCorporate partner supporting camp programs.
- Honda CanadaminorCorporate sponsor supporting camp operations.
- KX 105 FMminorRadio station sponsoring the Boots & Ballads country music event.
- York RegionminorMunicipal government partner supporting community programs.
- FaskenminorLaw firm that raised funds through 'Casual Days' workplace giving and sponsored the Corn Roast event.
- Durham RadiominorRadio sponsor for the Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show event.
- FreshBooksminorAccounting software company providing charitable support.
- Unity for AutismminorAutism advocacy organization partner.
- Taylor Statten CampsminorTraditional camps organization; industry peer and potential collaboration partner.
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation HospitalminorDr. Melanie Penner, a developmental pediatrician from Holland Bloorview, serves as a speaker for Camp Kirk webinars on neurodiversity.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Camp Kirk competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Autism Ontario: Provincial autism advocacy and support organization. Not a camp, but shares target population and serves as a referral source and potential partner for Camp Kirk's programming and fundraising.
Emerging players
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital: Toronto-based pediatric rehabilitation hospital serving children with disabilities including autism. Already a strategic partner of Camp Kirk; offers summer programs and serves overlapping neurodivergent population but as a clinical/therapeutic provider rather than a recreational camp.
- Giant Steps School: Ontario school and therapy center for children with autism. Serves overlapping neurodivergent population year-round with educational programming; complements Camp Kirk's seasonal overnight model and likely cross-referral partner.
Direct peers
- Camp Sunshine: Year-round retreat facility in Maine serving children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Comparable specialized camp model with year-round programming, donation-funded cost structure, and strong foundation/corporate partnerships.
- Easter Seals Camp Merrywood / Camp Woodeden: Easter Seals Ontario operates specialized overnight camps for children with physical and developmental disabilities. Comparable Canadian non-profit camp model, similar mission and target population, established infrastructure.
- Camp Trillium: Ontario-based overnight camp for children with cancer and their families. Comparable Ontario non-profit overnight camp model with similar community-led fundraising approach and partnership ecosystem.
- Camp Akeela: Residential summer camp in Vermont and Wisconsin for children with ADHD, Asperger's, and social communication challenges. Comparable specialized overnight model serving neurodivergent youth with high staff ratios.
- Camp Kodiak: Ontario-based residential summer camp for children and teens with ADHD, ADD, and learning disabilities. Most direct comparable: similar population, similar Canadian setting, similar overnight structure, similar specialized programming model for neurodivergent youth.
- Camp Towhee: Specialized residential camp in Haliburton, Ontario operated by Behavioral Services Ontario for children with learning disabilities and social/emotional challenges. Closest peer in mission, geography, and population served.
- Camp Summit: Ontario-based summer camp providing overnight and day programs for children and youth with special needs including developmental disabilities. Comparable Canadian non-profit operating model serving neurodivergent populations.
Market position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Camp Kirk social profiles
Digital presenceCamp Kirk financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Camp Kirk leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Camp Kirk funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Camp Kirk M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Camp Kirk
What does Camp Kirk do?
Camp Kirk runs overnight summer camp sessions (8-day sessions at $2,376 and a 5-day session at $1,485), year-round Virtual Clubs delivered via Zoom, and tiered Leader-in-Training mentorship programs (Junior LIT, Classic LIT, and Belong) for neurodivergent children and youth ages 7-18. All programs are supported by home visits, teacher referrals, individualized care plans, and a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio, with a pay-what-you-can Financial Aid Program ensuring access regardless of means.
Is Camp Kirk a public or private company?
Camp Kirk is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Camp Kirk founded?
Camp Kirk was founded in 1993. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Camp Kirk based?
Camp Kirk is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Camp Kirk make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Camper Fees are the primary driver. The others are individual Donations, foundation and Corporate Grants, fundraising Events, legacy Giving and workplace Giving.
Who are Camp Kirk's main competitors?
Autism Ontario is listed as an others. Emerging players are Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Giant Steps School. Direct peers are Camp Sunshine, Easter Seals Camp Merrywood / Camp Woodeden, Camp Trillium, Camp Akeela, Camp Kodiak, Camp Towhee and Camp Summit.
Does Camp Kirk have an API?
No public API is recorded for Camp Kirk.
What industry is Camp Kirk in?
Camp Kirk's product category is Specialized Overnight Camp Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMALAA, Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports), with a secondary code of EDAMALAO, Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills). Its NAICS code is 721214 and its SIC code is 7000.