L’Arche Cape Breton has always been different. We strive to go above and beyond to support the core members in choosing experiences that matter to them. This commitment is reflected in our innovative day programs, but also in one of our most cherished traditions: community vacation.
When I first started at L’Arche Cape Breton, I was the program leader of our Sunflower Garden. One of the first core members I met was an avid gardener named Brian Dipersio. I started in the spring, and as summer approached, Brian became increasingly excited about “communication.” He was so excited about community vacation that he was speaking too quickly for me to understand! For Brian, community vacation meant seeing new places, meeting new people, and enjoying an adventure he would talk about for months afterward.
Most people with intellectual disabilities in Nova Scotia will never take a vacation unless their family organizes one. They spend their days at home or attending day programs, year-round. There is no government funding to support a holiday or break from routine. Early on, L’Arche Cape Breton recognized the importance of providing opportunities to explore beyond everyday life. After all, everyone deserves a vacation – why should people with intellectual disabilities be any different?
Every July, L’Arche Cape Breton embraces community vacation. For two weeks, vacation groups are formed and core members and assistants depart on unique adventures. Core members travel somewhere new with a different group of friends, and together they decide what they want to see and do. Mixing everyone up helps build deeper relationships and creates lasting memories.
This year, groups are travelling as far afield as Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal, and Halifax. For some of the farther destinations, core members have been diligently saving over the past year to cover the cost of airfare. As part of L’Arche Canada, we also benefit from being able to stay in L’Arche homes across the country, while other L’Arche communities can stay in our homes here in Cape Breton. We have a few groups coming from Quebec this summer.
Hollywood Las Vegas Rankin loves photography. She’s traveling to Alberta and is very keen to take some photos of the Rocky Mountains to add to her portfolio.
Jordan said of his trip to Vancouver: “I’m going to be relaxing in my own room in an AirBnB and I will be swimming and lots of stuff. I like all the restaurants up there. My cousin lives in BC and I will be running into him”.
Dennis is choosing a staycation this time around. He’s a lifelong learner so is looking forward to whale and bird watching tours, trips to local museums, and of course Two Rivers Wildlife Park. Cape Breton is a pretty great vacation spot after all.
All our vacationers have been invited to take part in a competitive photo scavenger hunt while they are away. Most of us have a smart device of some kind so everyone can take part. We have categories like best meal, something giant, amazing scenery, and friends both new and old.
We look forward to sharing community vacation photos and stories on Facebook and Instagram @larchecb and on our website larchecapebreton.org. Check out what everyone got up to and thank you to everyone who donates to L’Arche Cape Breton and makes our vibrant community possible.
We fundraise to make community vacation possible. Donations help cover the costs of transportation, activities, meals, and all the little moments that make a vacation memorable. If you’d like to help you can visit larchecapebreton.org/donate and support a community vacationer today!
CARES Cheticamp – We sincerely thank Serge Aucoin for designing and donating our new van decal. His creativity and generosity make him a true champion of inclusion.
MAWI’TAMK Waycobah – Our society’s cultural worker was supported by members in gathering traditional resources, including sweetgrass and birchbark, and creating meaningful beaded artwork together.
MILL ROAD SOCIAL ENTERPRISES Inverness – Check out our August events: Big Little Toonie Draws on Tuesdays, community cafes on Thursdays, and Wranglers N Roulette Casino Night on Friday, August 28th .