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Tips For Parents

The answers to these frequently asked questions will help camper parents get their child ready for camp:

What kinds of things do I need to do with my child before camp?

  • Make sure you have filled out all the required forms 
  • Make sure your child is fully immunized
  • It is a great idea to have your child checked for Lice
  • If your child has braces or other appliances get them checked at the orthodontist
  • If your child is travelling from outside the country make sure they have a valid passport and eTA if required

What do I do if my child has medication?

Please ensure that all medications are listed clearly on the health history form. All medication must be clearly labelled with your child’s name and either in its original packaging or in pharmacy provided blister packs. If you have already submitted your health history form and need to update it, please give us a call at 416-322-6250 and we can assist.

For all campers arriving on June 27: Bring medication with you to the baggage depot on Monday, June 24! Our nurses will be on site from noon – 5:00 pm to meet you and collect all medication.

For 2-Week and August campers, please bring medication with you to the bus depot on July 23 and drop it off where indicated.

Any unused medication will be returned to your child on departure day at breakfast to bring home.

If your child is travelling by plane, they should put their medication in their carry-on bag and give it it to the staff member who meets them on arrival in Toronto.

How accurate is the clothing list?

The clothing list is a fairly accurate guide. The quantities can vary depending on whether your child is at camp for 2 weeks or 2 months. Keep in mind that we do laundry once a week and they typically get it returned the next day. You know your child best, if they tend to lose clothes or get really dirty, send a bit more. Unfortunately, clothing labels come off occasionally. We do our best to return found, unlabelled items to their owners. It is really helpful if your child can identify their belongings. Don’t send too much as it becomes too cumbersome for your child. No fancy clothes are necessary. “Emergency” laundry is done daily, should it be required.

Do I really need all this “stuff” my child is telling me to buy?

No! “Keep it simple” is our motto. The more stuff they have the more mess they have to deal with. It is so much easier for your child to keep things organized if they have a manageable amount. A few special things to keep beside their bed is great. Hundreds of playing cards, stickers or gadgets simply end up on the floor by the end of each day.

Many of the camp stores sell “must haves” for camp such as; foam mattress pads, packing cubes for shelves, nets for beds. These items cause more garbage and clutter in the cabins, and are NOT allowed at camp. If you follow the clothing list you will be fine.

A special note about Eggshell/Foam Pads: Please do not send these items to camp for your child’s bed. We have very comfortable mattresses. These items are extremely harmful to the environment and our local landfill will not accept them as waste.

CAN my kids bring food AND CANDY TO CAMP?

Realistically most campers bring some food for the bus and for the first night candy party. Please be reasonable when sending food. Campers get snacks twice a day, great desserts as well as treats during special programs. Again, the more they have under their bed, the more they have to keep organized. After the first night candy party, cabins are checked and any leftover food/candy is removed.
PLEASE REMEMBER – NO PEANUT, NUT OR SESAME PRODUCTS.

Do my kids need money?

We are planning to have regular out of camp trips this summer, such as Gull River, Rock climbing, Biking and Canoe Trips. Campers in Koalas to TVs may have the chance to stop for ice cream or lunch on a trip. $30 – $40 will be plenty. Kiwis do not need any money.

What is available in the tuck shop?

Toiletries are available in our tuck shop if your child runs out of something.

What is a “tool box?”

Many campers bring an inexpensive tool box to camp to store some of their personal items. No other storage items are necessary or allowed at camp. Each camper has a set of shelves beside their bed and many shelves for clothes at the back of each cabin. Younger campers do not use locks on their tool boxes and many older campers also do not use locks.

What type of electronics are allowed?

While we recognize that iPods without a screen are very difficult to get, we would prefer that campers bring screen-free devices to listen to music. IPod touches are not allowed. Phones without SIM cards are NOT allowed as a music player. iPads and E-readers are not permitted. We recommend sending a device like this one here, that can be loaded with music and books, but cannot be used for messaging or video. Campers who use this device may need to reconnect to the internet during the summer to re-load their music. We will make the wifi available on Visitor’s Day to ensure the devices will continue to work properly.

Can I send packages to my child while they are at camp?

No, you cannot send packages to your child.

You can send envelopes up to legal size, no larger than 1” thick. We only accept those sent by regular mail. No courier packages are allowed. You cannot send any food, candy or toys to your child. All large envelopes are opened and these items are removed. Only books, magazines and letters are given to the campers.

BIRTHDAYS: If your child is celebrating their birthday while at camp, we will make it a special day for them. We ask you not to send any food, candy, gifts, decorations, etc for the cabin. If you would like to send a small gift, such as a stuffy or a t-shirt, please mark your child’s birthday on the outside of the envelope and we will give it to them on their special day.

If your child requires essential items such as additional clothing or toiletries, please contact the camp office and we will assist you with arrangements.

Is there anything else I need to send with my child?

Nothing else is essential, but here are some things we suggest:

  • Pre-addressed envelopes – especially for younger children
  • Sports equipment – we have everything they need at camp, but some kids bring tennis racquets, baseball gloves or hockey sticks depending on their interest
  • Costumes – we have a Halloween program for Kiwis and Koalas and lots of other special programs
  • Many campers who are interested in sports hang jerseys in the cabin as decoration
  • Don’t forget an extra pair of running shoes