Suzanne Pelletier with sons Elijah, left, 6 and Alex 4.The Nanaimo Daily News in Canada reports that six-year-old Elijah Pelletier can't go to summer camp because the camp, run by the non-profit Morrell Nature Sanctuary Society, refused to enroll him after finding out he has Asperger's syndrome.
"We do not have the capabilities to deal with children with special needs, but we do not turn children away. If they would like to bring their child, they have to bring a special worker with them," said Paul O'Dell, society manager.
Elijah's mom, Suzanne Pelletier, said she made it clear Elijah would have an aide with him when she tried to sign him up for the camp, but was told the camp did not want Elijah because it didn't have trained staff.
"The frustration is when you're given an extra supportive worker to help with your camp, you shouldn't turn that away," she said.