2019PARENT GUIDE

Springwater Camps

springwater.ca/camps

CAMP WELCOME

Welcome to campNew friends and great experiences are waiting for your children at camp. While each Springwater camp is unique in its own way, all of our camps provide opportunities for campers to learn and grow. At every camp, we provide a healthy, safe and secure environment for all participants.

At the Township of Springwater, we understand that children and youth need a camp environment that fosters positive peer relationships in their lives. At the same time, we want to develop a relationship with our camp parents. This handbook will help you and your child prepare for camp this season.

We welcome you to ask us any questions and share your feedback. Please contact the Summer Camp Coordinator at 705-728-4784 x2028 or Alison.Johnson@springwater.ca for information.

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Do anything & everything this summer!

7 camps • trips & special guests quality supervision • 1 week sessions

Want to explore other camp options? We have something for every interest:

July• Summer Quest Day Camp (all summer)

• Leaders in Training Camp (July 2 - 5)

• Arts & Crafts Camp (July 8 - 12)

• Golf Camp (July 15 - 19)

August• Summer Quest Day Camp (all summer)

• Adventure Travel Camp (August 12 - 16)

• Dance Camp (August 19 - 23)

• Hockey Camp (August 26 - 30)

Each camp offers something special, from exciting off-site trips and camp activities to education and training.

Fees, activities and age ranges differ between camps. Visit springwater.ca/camps for full details and registration.

Camp hoursCamp activities run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Before and after careIf our day camp hours aren’t long enough for you, try our extended care program! Extended care is a separate program that provides supervised activities, with minimal programming before and after the regular camp hours.

• Before Care: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.• After Care: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Before & After Care is $30 per child/per week. Please select the extended care option when registering. A late fee of $5/15 minutes will be charged for late pick-ups.

Camper pick up and drop offCampers aged seven years and under must have adult supervision at all times during morning drop off and afternoon pick up. Please ensure that regular escorts and emergency contacts are recorded on the “Camper Information” form. Only those adults listed on this form are permitted to pick up your child. Photo identification must be shown at time of pick up (e.g. driver’s licence).

Please notify us if your child will be absent from camp or of any change in your child’s pick up routine by calling 705-728-4784 x2028. Children are NOT allowed to leave early without written consent from a parent or guardian.

Pack these items in a backpack that’s comfortable and not too heavy to carry.

• Peanut/nut-free lunch and snacks• Refillable water bottle • Water-resistant sunscreen • Swimwear and towel on swim days • Closed-toed shoes (running shoes are

preferred)• Suitable clothing for weather conditions and

camp activities• Lifejacket (if needed, free rentals available)

What NOT to bring: money or valuables that could be lost or misplaced at camp, including electronic tablets, cameras and cellphones.

Note: Please label ALL belongings with your child’s first and last name. The Township is not responsible for any items a child loses or damages at camp.

CAMP BASICS

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What to

bring

Did you know? We’re an allergen-aware environment. Our Recreation Department offers an allergen-aware environment—an environment that minimizes the risk of exposure to life threatening allergens through: information sharing and awareness, training and education, avoidance practices, and an established emergency action response protocol.

To protect program participants with severe nut allergies, camps are a ‘nut-aware’ environment. We request all parents avoid sending their children with a lunch or snack that contains peanut or nut products. Should items that contain nuts be found, the product will be removed from the camp area and returned to the parent or guardian at the end of the day.

We thank all camp participants for their understanding and cooperation!

QUALITY SUPERVISION

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Health & safety is our number one priority.

The Township of Springwater prides itself on providing a safe, fun and welcoming environment for campers. To ensure that the programs are of the highest quality, we incorporate the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development—play, friendship, mastery, participation, and caring adult—into all program plans.

All camp staff have Standard First Aid CPR/AED certifications and must produce a positive Police Background Check.

Camper to staff ratio: 1 leader for every 10 campers. This ratio is supplemented by inclusion and leadership staff.

What is HIGH FIVE®HIGH FIVE is Canada’s only comprehensive quality standard for children’s sport and recreation. HIGH FIVE follows five principles of healthy child development that years of research indicate are essential for quality programs:

1. A Caring Adult2. Friends3. Play4. Mastery5. Participation

The Township of Springwater is a HIGH FIVE Registered Organization. We strive to ensure all programs are led by caring leaders who place an emphasis on helping all our participants: make new friends, feel stimulated through play, build confidence through learning new skills, and feel like a part of the team.

Medical InformationCampers requiring medication at camp need to complete a signed medication form. The completed form and the medication must be given to the Camp Supervisor. Forms can be obtained from the Camp Supervisor on-site or online at springwater.ca/camps.

HEALTH & SAFETY

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Camper illnessIf a child becomes ill during the program and is unable to participate in activities, the site supervisor will contact the parent or guardian. If signs of a communicable illness (rash, lice, etc.) are present, parents will be notified and the Camp Coordinator will follow specific procedures.

Camper safety and securityOur camps aim to create an atmosphere where each camper feels safe and respects the rights of others. If a child experiences behavioural problems, we will endeavor to provide the necessary assistance to minimize any difficulties.

We will utilize positive behaviour management strategies to strive for a successful and enjoyable camp experience. If your child is involved in any incidents, parents will be notified immediately.

Inclement weatherCounsellors and supervisors are trained to handle severe weather conditions such as storms, tornadoes, and heat conditions at their camp location. The Camp Coordinator will stay alert for weather advisories and contact all site supervisors when there are alerts.

During heat advisories, campers will continue activities at a slower pace. We will adjust group schedules so that children will not be participating in outdoor high energy activities during the hottest part of the day. Please dress your camper for the weather, as many activities will be taking place outside.

Sun smartWe ask that parents apply sunscreen prior to their camper arriving and pack a bottle for the day. Camp staff will periodically check to ensure that children are wearing sunscreen. Please ensure that campers know how to apply sunscreen to their bodies as camp staff are not allowed to apply sunscreen for them.

HydrationPlease pack a refillable water bottle labelled with your child’s name each day. We will have frequent reminders and breaks for rehydration.