By Nancy Fornasiero
ACE Coworking is proud to present Camp Kirk as the recipient of its 2026 honorary membership. Since 1993, this Ontario-based not-for-profit has provided recreational programs tailored to children and youth with ADHD, autism, and other exceptionalities.
“We create spaces where kids and youth who think and act out-of-the-box can belong and thrive,” says Deirde Thomas, Executive Director at Camp Kirk. To ensure a successful experience, the team meets with every camper before camp to make sure the right programs and supports are in place to meet their needs. What sets Camp Kirk apart is its Leadership-in-Training program: “Not only are all of our campers neurodivergent, but so are all our leaders in training,” Deirdre explains. The program fosters growth, independence, and leadership skills in a supportive and nurturing environment – an empowering experience for all involved.
“Since we lost our Toronto Office space in 2024, we have been working from home. We miss the opportunity to connect in person as a team,” Deirdre goes on. “We are so grateful to ACE Coworking for giving us a complimentary membership and let us use their amazing board space! We also look forward to getting to know other ACE members.”
The ACE Honorary Membership explained
As part of its commitment to the community, ACE Coworking donates a free membership, including access to boardroom space, to a deserving local registered charity or not-for-profit each year. We seek partners who:
- Would benefit from a physical meeting space but lack the budget for it.
- Contribute to making Oakville a better place to live.
- Share values that align with our own.
Past ACE Honorary Members include Oakville Newcomers Club (2025), Bandology (2024) and Oakvillegreen (2023).
Nancy Fornasiero, Founder and Owner of ACE Coworking, first learned about Camp Kirk through an ACE member whose child had been a camper. “We chose Camp Kirk for the 2026 Honorary Membership because ACE is all about belonging. We truly believe differences should be celebrated,” says Fornasiero. “We’re delighted to provide Camp Kirk with a home base in Oakville and welcome them to the ACE community.”
If you would like to know more about Camp Kirk’s summer camp programs tailored to neurodivergent kids and youth, check out this short video by their two youngest campers – who incidentally became best friends at camp. Also look at their website www.campkirk.com or email Deirdre with any questions: deirdre@campkirk.com.
