Parc Fondation Raymond Gaudreault inaugurated at Camp Papillon

Camp Papillon now has a brand-new inclusive play space thanks to a major $100,000 donation from the Fondation Raymond Gaudreault. Inaugurated on September 2, the Parc Fondation Raymond Gaudreault was designed to allow campers with a wide range of abilities and needs to move around, explore and have fun together.

Located at the entrance to the camp, the park features adapted play structures, accessible surfaces and a secure layout. It makes it easier for people with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users, to move around. The fenced-in park also provides a safe environment and greater freedom for campers who have a strong need to move.

A space where everyone can find their place

At Camp Papillon, inclusion means responding to very different realities. Some campers live with a physical disability or reduced mobility, while others have an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.

Beyond play, this new space helps foster confidence, independence, connections with others and a sense of belonging. It gives campers the opportunity to choose, try, try again and experience the pride of succeeding on their own.

Located right at the entrance to Camp Papillon, the park also sends an important message to campers and their families: everyone is welcome here and has a place.

“Having a space that is both accessible and secure makes a real difference. The park gives campers greater freedom and independence while making supervision easier. It improves their experience at camp, as well as the working conditions of our teams.” – Suzy Guérin, Executive Director of the Fondation Papillon

Depending on campers’ needs, staffing ratios at Camp Papillon can be as high as one counsellor per camper. An environment that combines accessibility, freedom of movement and safety is therefore also an important asset for the teams who support them every day.

A longstanding collaboration

The Fondation Raymond Gaudreault and Camp Papillon have been connected for many years. Each summer, Groupe Gaudreault provides buses to the camp to transport campers. With this $100,000 donation, this collaboration is taking on a new dimension and will leave a lasting mark on Camp Papillon.

“At the Fondation Raymond Gaudreault, we support projects that have a tangible impact on the well-being of young people. This inclusive park fully reflects that commitment: it provides campers with an adapted environment where they can move, have fun and participate fully in camp life. We are very proud to have contributed to making it a reality.” – Martin Gaudreault, President of the Fondation Raymond Gaudreault

At the inauguration, Martin Gaudreault officially cut the ribbon alongside his sons, Gabriel and Charles, highlighting the family and intergenerational dimension of this commitment.

Thanks to this valuable support, Camp Papillon continues to develop increasingly accessible, safe and inclusive environments where people with disabilities can fully enjoy their camp experience.