Quiet zone aims to make day camp more inclusive
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A donation from the Kiwanis Club of Neepawa & Area will help create a new sensory-friendly space aimed at making local day camp programming more inclusive for children of all abilities.
The club recently contributed $750 toward the development of a Sensory-Friendly Quiet Zone at Neepawa’s day camp facility. The space is designed to provide children with a calm environment where they can take a break, regulate emotions, recharge and return to activities when they feel ready.
Neepawa CAO Colleen Synchyshyn said the room will include a variety of resources tailored to different sensory and self-regulation needs.
“The Sensory Friendly-Quiet Zone is designed to be a welcoming space where children can take a break, regulate, recharge and enjoy a calmer environment whenever they need it,” Synchyshyn said.
The area will feature soft lighting, bean bag chairs, comfortable seating, books, fidget toys and visual sensory items. Additional equipment will include sensory tiles, a bubble floor lamp, a spinning chair and a blackout tent intended to provide a quiet retreat from the stimulation of camp activities.
Synchyshyn said the initiative aligns with the town’s broader efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion in recreation programming.
“Neepawa continues to support a more inclusive and accessible community through initiatives like the new Sensory-Friendly Quiet Zone,” she said. “As we review other programs and events, our goal is to strengthen inclusion and accessibility awareness and help ensure welcoming spaces for children and families of all backgrounds and abilities.”
The room will be available to all campers and is intended to support children who may benefit from a quieter environment, whether for reading, relaxing or managing sensory overload.
Synchyshyn said staff work closely with families to ensure children feel supported and included in camp programming.
“Our Day Camp staff work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children, while collaborating with families to develop supportive plans that help children feel safe, included and successful,” she said.
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