Adaptive Programs

At the Adaptive Physical Activity for Kids program, youth will be guided through a variety of activities and experiences that are personalized for them over a series of classes. Participants will have the opportunity to develop fundamental movement skills and may choose to participate in learning sport specific skills relating to soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and dodgeball. All abilities are welcome and all skills will be adapted and modified as needed by our volunteers who will be partnered with a participant for the term. The goal of this class is to introduce your child to physical activity at whatever level of adaptation (physical or cognitive) is required. The APAK program offers children 6-16 years old with disabilities the opportunity to gain independence and health benefits in an encouraging and understanding environment. Each child will work one on one with a volunteer, and will be offered a variety of activities to take part in.

For more information please email Arsalan at akhawaja@ucalgary.ca

We can create custom adapted climbing programs for youth and adults with mental or physical considerations. These individualized programs focus on developing physical literacy, confidence, and a sense of success through climbing and bouldering. For more information, email climb@ucalgary.ca. Want to explore other adapted programs? Search ‘Adaptive Programs’.

Spend a summer evening learning to canoe on Bowness Lagoon! These sessions are centered upon giving participants with physical and/or cognitive disabilities the experience to participate in various adaptive watersports. Participants and their friend, family member, or aide will learn the basics of paddling with one of our trained instructors while building their skills and confidence on the water. Lessons will occur at Bowness Park Lagoon in Calgary, Alberta. We will also have pedalboats available if participants are not comfortable in a canoe.

Join us for a fun climbing session, tailored to individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities! Our goal is to create a welcoming and positive environment where participants can build their climbing skills and confidence under the guidance of our certified instructors. Through personalized instruction, participants will learn basic climbing techniques and skills that work best for their individual capabilities, ensuring a fulfilling experience for everyone.

All participants must have an aide, family member, or a friend register and attend the lesson with them.

Beast Mode is an exercise program for teens and young adults with autism who want to learn how to become more physically active in their lives. The program seeks to provide individuals with the opportunity to learn about personal fitness, health and well-being by building self-confidence through goal development and achievement.  The program offers a private setting and is led by one of our certified personal trainers here on the campus. The first session will consist of a standard fitness assessment to determine baseline fitness levels and goal setting. Based on experience and goals, the head trainer will design a program that will focus on strength development, aerobic conditioning, flexibility and balance.  The program is monitored and progressed based on adaptation and feedback from each session. 

Each session will be lead by a certified trainer with assistance from volunteers provided from the University through Better Impact. Although a ratio of 1-to-1 is our goal, ratios will be subject to volunteer numbers. 

Classes for 18yr + and 17yr and younger  

Come discover your abilities! This camp is centred upon giving youth with disabilities the opportunity to explore various adapted sport, recreational and leisure activities. Different programs from the Calgary area provide the opportunity for each camper to experience a trial of the adapted physical activity programming they offer throughout the year. Campers get to challenge themselves physically through activities such as: yoga, gymnastics, dance, boccia, karate, tennis, sledge hockey, cycling, swimming, VOLT Hockey and a variety of wheelchair sports like basketball and fencing. Please note that the described activities are subject to change and are presented as examples only. Campers also get to explore their creative side through arts & crafts projects in between activity sessions. The goal of this camp is to increase each camper’s confidence in their ability to participate in school and community programs. This camp is offered in partnership with the Vi Riddell Pediatric Rehabilitation Research Program and The Calgary Adapted Hub Powered by Jumpstart.

UCalgary Youth Programs does not provide intimate & personal care for participants. Those cares include any toileting needs, feeding, dressing, changing continence pads (faeces/urine), washing intimate parts of the body, changing sanitary wear, delivering medication such as insulin, or other personal hygiene activities. Participants who require this level of care must provide their own personal aide/support. 

UCalgary Active Living is a founding partner of the Calgary Adapted Hub and Jumpstart supports this program as a community partner. As part of this partnership the Calgary Adapted Hub is completing a research study to understand the impact programs, such as our summer camp, have on the physical activity, participation, quality of life, and the overall health and wellbeing of our registrants. You can learn more about the Camps & Programs Research Study and the Calgary Adapted Hub by clicking on the links. Our study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB18-0292). After you register for this camp a qualified member of the research team will contact you to provide you more information about the study so you may make an informed decision about whether you wish to participate in the research. If you have any questions about this research opportunity please feel free to contact our Research and Knowledge Translation Coordinator Leticia Janzen at 403.955.5736 or cah.research@ucalgary.ca

This camp is designed for youth who have a disability. To ensure the best possible experience for your child, we recommend you register your child in the camp based on their developmental age rather than their chronological age to ensure they have the best social experience possible.