And that makes storytelling one of the most valuable things a person can learn to do. It’s a way to make friends, open doors, or even completely change someone’s perspective.
Jointly hosted by the MCLD and Working On It, STORY WEEK is about letting kids discover new ways to express themselves and their ideas. Not just with writing, but through visual and spoken mediums, too.
Say it. Sing it. Show it. Maybe even symbolize it. That’s the beauty of expression. There are so many ways for a person to tell a story, and we want to introduce your child to as many as possible.
STORY WEEK will let them experience storytelling in a new way each day, from more traditional mediums, like illustrations and fairy tales, to alternative ones like podcasts, art installations, and stop motion videos.
Maybe they’re shy. Or maybe they don’t always know what to say. We’ll work on it!
Understanding the feelings and motivations of others is a key part of telling stories.
In a group of just 10-15 kids, everyone will feel like they’re part of the action.
It’s a chance to try the methods pros use to create movies, podcasts, and more.
“I asked my son what it was like to be in a group of other kids who were also neurodiverse and if it made a difference to his experience. He told me that it was like night and day, and that he felt as if he could be himself without having to mask the little quirks that make up who he is and how he interacts. Heather and Tanna were wonderful in nurturing his creativity, self-regulation, self-acceptance and social skills.”
“I am a mother of three neurodiverse children, and I am also neurodiverse. The Story Week program was my first time seeing my son in a setting that was matched to him and where he is at developmentally. I hope that there are more programs such as this one in the future (arts based and small groups) because this one week was life changing for us. We feel so much gratitude to Heather and Tanna for initiating this camp and running it professionally and with compassion.”
The camp is open to all kids ages 9-13, but – as an initiative offered by the MCLD – priority enrolment will be given to children with learning disabilities.
My name is Heather (she/they) and I am a youth and community worker based in Montreal.
My superpower is breaking down big ideas and teaching them back incorporating art, literature, and community.
As the founder of Working On It, I collaborate with youth and youth-centered organizations in creating information-sharing and skill-building workshops to support your program’s goals.
Hi, I’m Tanna!
Once upon a time, I was a camp director building programs and curriculum for the YMCA/YWCA. These days, I’ve leaned into my passion as a filmmaker, theatre creator, and improv coach.
My journey has blessed me with the opportunity to work with people from a tremendous variety of ages and backgrounds. Those experiences have shaped who I am as a guide and creator, and I’ve poured all of it into making STORY WEEK an experience that our budding learners will carry with them for life.
It’s like a supercharged version of drama class. A welcoming, open space where your child can get familiar with brand new forms of expression — and then put their own spin on them.
Heather and Tanna from Working On It are leading the camp, so we encourage you to send any questions you have to camps@workingonit.info. You can also visit storyweekcamp.org for more details on the camp.
You should pack a lunch for your child to bring. They’ll have time each day to eat while enjoying an hour of free time or extra media exploration (like watching a movie or listening to a podcast).
We’ll get back to you no later than 3 or 4 days after we receive your child’s camp application. Payment will only be due once you’ve received confirmation from us.
We’ve set aside a special period on the final day (4PM to 5PM) of the camp for participants to proudly share their creations with parents, guardians, and MCLD staff.
As a part of the $100 enrolment fee, you’ll receive a 1-year membership ($30 value) to the MCLD. It includes discounted access to programs like Aqua K.I.D.S. and Turn Down the Anxiety as well as our online webinar library. Already a member? Your subscription will be automatically extended!
We’ll make every effort to ensure all participants feel welcome and included in the activities. Oftentimes that means collaboration, but if a child is happy working on something by themselves, we’ll always respect their choice.
As a pilot program, STORY WEEK Camp isn’t currently eligible for additional member discounts. That said, it’s important to us that the camp is accessible to everyone. If the cost is a concern, email us at camps@workingonit.info and we’ll explore some options with you.
One spring break camp. Lifelong skills. Share the gift of storytelling with your child!
