GREENWAY & NORQUAY

Information Package

Check out information on equipment,

what to pack, transportation and more!

2012

The Quality Eight

The major expectations of a YMCA Summer Camp, as developed by the Ontario Resident

Camping Advisory Committee, are summarized as the Quality Eight. These are the major prin-

ciples on which all of the Recommended Practices are based.

Fun

Camp is fun! Fun is central to camp with new and exciting adventures and experiences that are

grounded in positive YMCA values.

Safety

Camp focuses on all aspects of safety – social, emotional and physical , while also recognizing

the importance of campers actually feeling safe while at camp.

Friendship

Camp is a place where friendships that last anywhere from a week to a lifetime are created,

valued and maintained.

Belonging

Camp is a place of caring, belonging and responsibility. It is important for campers to learn

about care and responsibility for themselves, others and the camp, while feeling like they are

part of something special.

Learning

Campers have lots of opportunities to learn, to be challenged and to improve in spirit, mind and

body.

Life Needs

Camp meets personal life needs by providing clean and inviting spaces to sleep, wholesome,

balanced and enjoyable meals and clean washroom facilities.

Natural World

Camp treasures the natural world and campers learn to care for and value their natural sur-

roundings and environment.

Place to Return

Camp is a place to return to as campers develop a committed relationship with the camp and

want to come back each year.

Information for Greenway and Norquay Participants

Greetings from John Island!

Welcome to your YMCA John Island Camp Leadership adventure for the

summer of 2012!

Looking forward to another great summer, we often find ourselves

wrapped up in the thoughts of seeing old friends, feeling the sand

between our toes and thinking of the lyrics to that one campfire song

that we can’t get out of our heads.

For many of you embarking on Leadership Programs, thinking about

camp now involves more planning than before. Mentally, preparing

yourself for the many sessions and challenges that you will come across

during your time at camp. While physically, getting fit and putting

together your equipment list for the long paddle ahead.

This package is to help you get fully prepared for your upcoming

adventure at John Island. Read through it, highlight the stuff you want

to remember, and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

Enjoy the time before camp and please let us know if you have any

further questions!

Yours in Camping,

Scott Thomas– Director

Aiya McNee– Assistant Director

Alex Haalboom– Leadership Manager

Suggestions:

• Try to bring one

large duffle bag for

your gear that you’ll

be leaving behind at

camp

• Canadian Tire sells

‘dry bags’

• Mountain Equipment

Co-op has a great

online mail-order

store for gear:

www.mec.ca

• The camp provides

the group equipment

such as tents,

canoes, paddles,

cooking gear, etc.

• Wool hats will keep

you warm on cold

nights and make

your sleep better

• Norquay River

participants will

require a bug jacket

• It’s nice to have dry

clothes at night–

keep one set of

clothes in a garbage

back during the

days to keep from

getting wet

BIG SIX

• Bedding

• Footwear

• Raingear

• Lifejacket

• Clothing

• Waterproofing

More Information

Inside…

*This information package should be read in addition to the Parent/Camper

Handbook. The list of clothes on the, "What to Bring To Camp" sheet includes items to be used at camp, on canoe trips and anytime in between. As the trips and sessions at YMCA John Island Camp come in many lengths and sizes, you should treat this information as a guide and make

substitutions and additions where you think they will be appropriate.

Whether you are Greenway, Program Norquay, or River Norquay, you will be packing at camp for your canoe trips at the appropriate time. Any items that are left at camp can be left in your luggage bag (ideally a duffel or hockey bag). Make sure the bag is clearly labelled with your name. We will store your bag and items not going on the trip at camp. That way, you'll have a set of clean clothes to wear when you return from your leadership

trips.

MEDICATIONS

If medications are coming along on a trip with a participant, there are some important points

to keep in mind:

• All medications should be clearly labelled with the user's name

• If the participant is taking a prescribed drug which s/he cannot do without, two sets of the prescription should be obtained from the prescribing physician and brought to camp (one for use, the other to be stored in a separate place in case the first is lost or

damaged)

• A detailed note outlining the proper use of the medication should be included with the medication and the medical form in a water tight bag (i.e. Ziploc) to be given to the trip

leader at camp

BEDDING

Your sleeping bag is one of your most important pieces of equipment. A good WARM sleeping bag ensures a good night sleep and allows an individual to be ready for the challenge of the upcoming day. When deciding what type of bag would suit your purpose,

consider: fill, durability, compressibility, warmth, and weight.

Fill— Sleeping bags can be divided into two broad categories by their insulation type: down

or synthetic.

Down is nature’s best insulator. It moulds to your body in the sleeping bag filling gaps, it is highly compressible, it has a great warmth-to-weight ratio. The drawbacks to down are that it is generally expensive, it doesn’t retain heat as well when it is wet, and you have to

maintain the sleeping bag carefully.

Synthetic fills are cheaper, and they provide some warmth when wet. They tend not to last as long as down. There are a wide variety of synthetic fill types available. The less expensive fills will tend to break up when stuffed and un-stuffed repeatedly. Either type of

sleeping bag is acceptable for use on the expedition.

Durability— You want a bag sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily stuffing

and un-stuffing (good seams, a durable material for the outer shell, and quality fill).

Compressibility— You will want a sleeping bag which gets a lot smaller when you roll or stuff it (compare the stuff sack size of the bags you are considering; you want the most warmth for the smallest size, and the least money!).

BEDDING continued

Warmth— Most bags are rated by temperature. A "three season" bag with a rating of

0 to -9c will be adequate for the trip.

Weight and space are two important factors in selecting trip gear. Remember that what you bring is what you will be carrying; space and weight are always limited. The lighter and smaller the bag, the better. Sleeping Pads— We strongly recommend that all participants have a sleeping pad. Sleeping pads insulate your body from the ground, which without a sleeping pad, wicks away heat during the night and can make for a very uncomfortable sleep. Closed cell (blue foam-10mm) pads cost around $10 and work well. Some participants and staff opt for Therm-A-Rest style mattresses which are made from self-inflating foam (they cost $75-$100, but provide for a very comfortable sleep). Do not bring large air bubble or air mattresses. Your sleeping pad must not be large or

bulky.

FOOTWEAR

Two sets of footwear are essential for outtrips. One pair will be used during the day (and most likely will be wet) on hiking and canoe/kayak trips (for portages and other on-land explorations. This pair MUST cover and protect the toes, have sturdy support and good treads. The other pair of shoes will be dry for evening campsite wear. All

shoes that you choose to bring should be durable and comfortable.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE SHOES FOR OUTTRIPS

Here are some further suggestions when choosing footwear:

Comfort: Day shoes are worn for long periods of time on outtrip and it is essential that they fit well and provide stability for uneven terrain while portaging. You should consider that your feet may get wet often throughout the day. Wear your shoes before

coming to camp to break them in so you don’t get blisters.

Socks: Socks are an important part of footwear, too! Often, one pair of good quality

wool socks will keep feet warm and prevent blisters

Style: There are many types of footwear that people bring on outtrip; the most important thing is that they are comfortable, sturdy, protect your toes, and have good

tread. Remember that not every type of shoe will fit every person’s foot.

Popular day shoes include: running shoes with tread, ‘amphibious’ shoes (with mesh sides for faster drying), and closed-toe strap-on sandals (such as “Keens”). Please note that “Crocs” and water shoes without sturdy toe-cover are not appropriate day

shoes.

Campsite shoes should be sturdy and comfortable. Popular styles include strap-on sandals, running shoes, or fitted plastic shoes (such as “Crocs”). Something that will

still protect your feet, but feel great after a long day of outtrip!

Helpful Tip:

If you need additional information, any outdoor store associate will

have a wealth of knowledge in the equipment/tripping field.

RAINWEAR

Rainy days can be a common occurrence in the summer and should be prepared for.

When you are on an expedition, you won't always be able to stop and wait for the rain to

go away. Good, waterproof (NOT “water-resistant”) rainwear is essential.

We require you to bring quality two-piece rainwear which fits loosely enough to allow for

the layering of warm clothing underneath. You should test the rainwear for its range of

movement (you should be able to move your arms and legs with minimal restriction) and

for its ability to repel water (test it in the shower!).

LIFEJACKET

For canoeing and kayaking expeditions, you must bring your own government approved

PFD.

PLEASE NOTE: Although dark coloured PFDs are now government approved in

Canada, they are not allowed on expeditions at YMCA John Island Camp. The

PFD MUST be Red or Yellow. The dark colours are not safe for the types of

expeditions we undertake.

All staff and participants are REQUIRED to wear a personal flotation device at all times in

all boats. A vest style PFD is recommended as it is light and comfortable on hot summer

days and allows for free movement of the arms. Proper fit is very important, make sure

the PFD is snug and won’t ride up when you are in the water.

CLOTHING

Dressing properly while away from the comforts of home is challenging given the

unpredictability of summer weather. Some days will be hot and dry, while others will be

cold and wet. Hot weather can be overcome with lightweight and coloured clothing,

sunscreen (minimum 30SPF), a hat, sunglasses (inexpensive but UV protected), and lots

of water. Cold weather is dealt with using the layering system. A thin layer worn next to

the skin (wool, silk, or polypropylene undergarments are best...cotton works poorly) that

wicks moisture away from the skin. The second layer is for insulation (a wool shirt, fleece

jacket, or sweater is sufficient). The rain suit is the outermost layer; it acts as a barrier

for wind and rain. For dry cool days, a wind breaker will be more comfortable because it

"breathes" (allows for the transfer of moisture from you to the outside air).

WATERPROOFING

Whether you are hiking, paddling a canoe or kayak, you want to be sure that your gear is

packed so that it won't get wet. We recommend using the multi-bag system. We also

recommend using waterproof ‘dry bags’. One bag is used for your sleeping bag and the

other is used for your personal gear and clothing. The dry bags should be about 20-30L

in size. A groundsheet is a simple way of keeping your sleeping bag dry at night; it goes

under the bag to keep moisture from getting at you and your sleeping bag from

underneath.

Suggested Packing List

Cotton should be avoided as it

takes a long time to dry and

offers very little insulation when

wet!

Mandatory

• Lifejacket—government approved PFD (vest style red or yellow)

• Health History Form and any medications

• Waterproof Raingear—jacket and pants

Bedding

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (therm-a-rest), pillow for in-camp use

Outtrip Clothing

• Adequate supply of underwear and socks (some wool)

• Long johns or warm pants (fleece)

• Bathing suit

• Quick Dry Pants and Shorts

• T-shirts or light long-sleeved shirt

• Warm Long-sleeved shirts (long underwear, fleece/polypropylene)

• Warm sweaters or fleece jacket

• Sun hat, toque, mittens

• Bug Jacket

• Day shoes and campsite shoes (see footwear section)

Camp Clothes

• Adequate supply of underwear and socks

• Pajamas (for warm and cool nights)

• Bathing suit and towel

• T-shirts and shorts

• Pants and warm sweatshirts or jacket

• Closed-toe shoes and everyday shoes or sandals

Other

• Toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste (**Shampoos and soaps must be biodegradable!)

• Insect repellent (no aerosols please; Health Canada recommends less than 10% DEET)

• Sunscreen (very important, SPF 30 or higher)

• Water bottle (consider wide-mouth “Nalgene” type bottles)

• Sunglasses

• Waterproof Dry Bag (30 litre max.)

• Duct Tape

• Flashlights, extra batteries (we recommend headlamps)

• Sunscreen (very important, SPF 30 or higher)

Optional

• Camera, film, fishing gear, books, journal, thread for bracelets, cards, paper, envelopes, stamps

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT CAMP

OR ON TRIP

* Tobacco * Illegal drugs * Alcohol

* Video games * CELL PHONES

* Ipods * Knives

* Hair dryers

Transportation for Leadership Participants

Greenway/Norquay

Departure to Camp 9:00 am

Arrival from Camp 1:30 pm

Greenway/Norquay Sea Kayak

Departure to Camp 9:45 am 12:45 pm

Arrival from Camp 12:00 pm 4:00 pm

Greenway/Norquay Sea Kayak

Departure to Camp 11:00 am 1:00 pm

Arrival from Camp 10:30 pm 1:00 pm

LEADERSHIP DATES 2012

Greenway A - Sunday July 1st - Friday July 27th

Greenway B - Sunday July 22nd- Friday August 17th

River Norquay - Sunday July 1st - Thursday August 16th

Program Norquay - Sunday July 1st - Friday August 3rd

If you are taking the bus, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the bus is

scheduled to leave to allow for loading.

SUDBURY-LILY CREEK

If you are taking the bus from SUDBURY, your child will depart and return from the Lily Creek Parking Lot on Centennial Drive at Paris Street across from Science North for all sessions on the first day of camp.

ESPANOLA

If you are taking the bus from ESPANOLA your child will depart and arrive from the Esso Station on Highway 17 at Highway 6.

TRAVEL BY CAR If you are driving your child to camp, directions to Walkhouse Docks are below. Parents will not be allowed to travel with their child on the boat to camp. Please arrive at the times indicated

TRAVEL BY AIR AND GREYHOUND BUS If you are using air or Greyhound transport, please ensure that our office has a copy of your flight or bus

numbers and arrival times. Please provide our office with a contact name and phone number in the case flights or busses are delayed or cancelled.

DIRECTIONS TO WALKHOUSE BY CAR Take Hwy 17 West to Cutler, turn South on Weegwas Road. Turn Left at the First Stop Sign onto Village Road West, then right onto Walkhouse Bay Road (after the railroad tracks). The camp docks are 6 km down Walkhouse Bay Road.

Please drive slowly down Walkhouse Bay Road—many children at play and the road can be rough.

***PLEASE ADVISE THE CAMP OFFICE IF YOUR TRAVEL PLANS CHANGE***

Leadership Program

Drop Off 12:00pm

Pick Up 5:00pm

Leadership Program

Drop Off 12:45 pm

Pick Up 3:45 pm

Leadership Program

Drop Off 1:00 pm

Pick Up 2:00 pm

CONTACT US! Winter: Camping Services

YMCA SUDBURY

705.674.6171

Summer: John Island Camp

705.285.5111

Scott Thomas– Director

Scott.Thomas@sudbury.ymca.ca