On Friday afternoon, November 9th, 10 siblings of autistic children from the South Shore of Montreal and 2 staff from Autisme Montérégie descended upon the camp facilities in Frelighsburg for a weekend of fun & frolic. Activities included indoor & outdoor events with the Camp Director directing the activities on Saturday afternoon. According to feedback, the food was wonderful, i.e. pizza etc, and the facilities were ideal. Parents were shown around on Sunday afternoon and many expressed a desire to return for future weekends.
The Butters Foundation has supported these weekend retreats for siblings of autistic children for a good many years. Autisme Montérégie launched a pilot project with money from a past Butters foundation campaign targeting parents and local community organizations in 2011.They have maintained these retreats ever since. These youngsters are oftentimes the forgotten members of families with autistic children who require attention on almost a constant basis. The retreats allow these young people to share experiences with likeminded children and come to terms with crucial issues regarding autistic siblings and parents. They also have a great time.