September 19-21, 2025 | A weekend of connection, learning, and family fun
Our 2025 Family Conference brought together families, service providers, and self-advocates for a truly memorable weekend. With programming for adults, youth, and children, this multi-day event was filled with powerful workshops, fun activities, and moments of shared community.
Friday – Arrival & Campfire Kickoff
The weekend began as families arrived to settle in and get oriented with the weekend schedule. During the evening, everyone came together for a campfire gathering, complete with marshmallows, hot dogs, and time to meet new faces and reconnect with old friends. It was a relaxed and welcoming start to the weekend — setting the tone for connection and fun.
Saturday – Full-Day Programming for All Ages
🔹 Adult Programming
The adult stream focused on learning, lived experience, and empowerment. The day opened with an informative session from Tanner Stranges of Developmental Services Ontario, who explained how to access and navigate DSO services. Later, attendees heard from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, who shared the life-changing impact of service dogs and how they are trained.
In the afternoon, Melike Ceylan-Leamen offered a powerful and heartfelt session called A Mother’s Journey, sharing her experience navigating systems as a parent of a child with a disability. The final session featured Steve Kieffer, a self-advocate who inspired the room with his story, My Journey to Freedom, about independence, self-determination, and advocacy.
Between sessions, adults participated in recreational activities like archery, enjoyed shared meals, and joined in group events with families.
🔹 Youth Programming
Youth attendees spent the day engaged in hands-on, adventurous, and educational experiences. The morning included team building challenges and the climbing wall, promoting trust and courage. In the afternoon, they explored horse science, learning how to care for and understand horses.
They also had a special youth-focused session with Steve Kieffer, who shared his story in an accessible and relatable way. The day ended with a nature walk, offering a calming and reflective experience in the outdoors.
🔹 Children’s Programming
The children’s program was all about movement, creativity, and outdoor exploration. Kids kicked off the day with team games and had a blast on the climbing wall. In the afternoon, they dove into horse science, enjoyed archery, and finished the day with a colourful and energetic parachute activity filled with laughter and group play.
🔹 All Together
In the late afternoon, all groups came together for the Conference Photo — a fun tradition that captures the spirit of the weekend.
In the evening, the excitement peaked with the Ultimate “Survivor Family” Challenge, where families teamed up to tackle interactive games and tasks. The night ended on a high note with a dance party — music, movement, and lots of laughter.
To wind things down, a second campfire was held for those wanting to relax under the stars and enjoy one last marshmallow.
Sunday – Finale & Farewell
Sunday morning began with breakfast and one final round of the Survivor Family Challenge Finale, where families faced their last big test of teamwork and fun.
The conference wrapped up with packing, hugs, heartfelt goodbyes, and reflections on all that was shared and learned. Whether it was a breakthrough moment in a workshop, a new friend made on the climbing wall, or a memory around the fire, everyone left with something meaningful.
Thank You to Our Guest Speakers and Sponsor
A heartfelt thank you to the individuals and organizations who shared their time, stories, and expertise with us:
Tanner Stranges – Developmental Services Ontario
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Melike Ceylan-Leamen – A Mother’s Journey
Steve Kieffer – My Journey to Freedom
A special thank you to our sponsor, LivaNova, whose generous support made this conference possible.
Your voices and support added immense value and inspiration to our weekend.
📸 Here are some photo highlights from the weekend!
From workshops and activities to campfires and dance parties — these moments capture the energy, joy, and connection we shared throughout the conference.
