Parent Handbook
Welcome to Camp Maple! We are so thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable summer. At Camp Maple we believe in the transformative power of outdoor play. Through exploration, sports, art, and creative activities, children cultivate lifelong skills and memories. We incorporate these elements into our camp every single day, ensuring an incredibly fun and enriching experience filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Enclosed you will find:
Camp Information
Drop off & Pick up Instructions
What to Bring to Camp
Policies
At any point throughout the camp day should you need to contact your child, please feel free to contact our Camp Director Lacey through text or phone (647-294-5714) or by email (info@campmaple.ca).
Camp Information
Our camp sessions span 3 exciting weeks in July:
Session 1: Monday July 6 - Friday July 10
Session 2: Monday July 13 - Friday July 17
Session 3: Monday July 20 - Friday July 24
Hours: 9:00 am - 4 pm
The registration fee is $415 for one week. We offer a multi-Week Discount: Save 5% when booking multiple weeks. Your registration fee covers all camp fees, including entry into the park and all activities.
We are located in Bronte Creek Provincial Park day use area (219 Burloak Dr., Oakville, ON L6M 4J7) at Shelter area ‘Baseball A & B’.
At Camp Maple, we offer a blend of large group activities and smaller group adventures tailored to different age ranges.
Daily Schedule:*
9:00 AM: Arrival and Check-In
Campers arrive, sign in, and join the campers for games and free play.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Sports & Games
Campers engage in group games or sports such as relay races, capture the flag, and other team-building activities, promoting cooperation and camaraderie.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Snack Break
Campers take a 15-minute break to enjoy a snack and hydrate.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM: Outdoor Exploration
Campers go on a nature walk, scavenger hunt, or outdoor adventure, exploring the park and learning about the environment.
11:15AM - 12:15 PM: Arts and Crafts
Campers participate in creative arts and crafts projects, exploring different mediums and techniques.
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch Break
Campers gather for a half-hour lunch break.
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM: Free Play
Campers have the opportunity for unstructured, supervised playtime, where they can choose from various recreational activities.
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM: Educational Activity
Campers participate in a fun and educational activity such as science experiments, nature studies, or storytelling sessions.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Snack Break
Campers take a 15-minute break to refuel with a snack and recharge for the afternoon activities.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM: Special Activity
Campers participate from a variety of specialty workshops such as music, playbarn, gardening, etc allowing them to explore different interests and talents.
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM: Journaling & End of day ceremonies
Campers can reflect on their day through writing and drawing in their journals, followed by our end-of-day ceremonies, where we celebrate helpful and deserving campers by awarding them 'Leafy Legend Tokens’.
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM: Pack-Up and Departure
Campers pack up their belongings. Parents arrive for pick-up and campers depart for home.
Please note our schedule is not set in stone and may change due to weather, or special events or activities planned for the day.
Drop-off & Pick-up
When you enter Bronte Park, you will need to show your entry pass at the day use gate. On the first day of camp, let gate staff know you are with Camp Maple, and collect your pass at drop off. Follow the Camp Maple signs through lot A to our camp drop off spot. You will see a Camp Maple Staff member ready to sign in your child. If your child will not be attending camp or is running late, please let Lacey know via text (647-294-5714) or email info@campmaple.ca before 9:00 am. Please note that there are no refunds for days missed.
Parents must ensure that the name of all individuals who may pick-up their child is indicated as an authorized pick up on the child’s registration form.
All campers must be picked up by 4:00 p.m. Families who arrive after 4:00 pm will be charged a late fee of $5 per 15/minutes starting at 4:01 pm. Payment will be paid directly to the staff on duty within 48 hours.
What to bring
Your child will need to bring a bag with the following items:
Sunscreen (labelled)
Water bottle (labelled) (refill stations available)
Lunch & Snacks (peanut free)
Any prescription medications (In original bottle and handed in to staff each morning)
Please make sure your child brings running shoes to camp each day. Waterproof shoes/boots/crocs etc are a good idea to wear on wet days, but please bring running shoes for hikes and sports.
Some days are messier/wetter than others and a change of clothes may be required.
Please leave all valuables at home, including toys, tablets, trading cards, etc. Cell phones must be kept in backpacks and are not to be used during camp hours.
Please label all clothing and belongings.
Policies
Camper Health & Well being
If your child is showing any symptoms of illness please keep them home. A child exhibiting the following symptoms will be sent home: fever, vomiting, contagious rash, or any other contagious illness or infection. If your child develops any questionable symptoms during the day, you will be contacted for pick up.
If your child requires any prescription medications (including Asthma Inhalers) or carries an Epi-Pen, please ensure this was identified on their registration form. All prescription medications must be turned in to a staff member at morning sign in, or may be carried by the child with parent and staff approval. Prescription medications must be in the original pharmacy bottle, labelled with the patient’s name and the physician's ordered dose on the bottle (e.g. pills in Ziploc bags are not acceptable). Medication can only be administered with written instructions from the parents.
As our camp program takes place outdoors, parents are asked to ensure they apply sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher before arriving at camp. Please also pack sunscreen in your child’s backpack so they may reapply throughout the day. On days when we experience extreme heat or poor air quality, staff will ensure campers are in shaded areas, have access to water and participate in low intensity games and activities. If your child has pre-existing medical conditions, we encourage you to follow the advice of Public Health and/or your family physician regarding the decision to keep your child at home on these days.We will have drinking water available to refill water bottles throughout the day.
Ticks are present in the Bronte Creek area. While we enforce a strict rule that campers stay out of brush and long grass, ticks can still be encountered. We recommend applying a tick repellent (bug spray with up to 10% DEET) to your child in the morning, on top of sunscreen. We also have repellent available at camp if needed. Please make sure to check your child thoroughly for ticks after camp each day. Common areas to check include the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, around the waist and groin, and behind the knees. For more information and helpful tips, we recommend this resource: eTick Tool
If a camper becomes injured, camp staff will complete an ‘Accident Report’ depending on the severity of the incident and they will administer first aid if needed. The camp staff, in conjunction with the Camp Coordinators, will make any decisions regarding further medical care. If the injury requires further medical attention, we will contact you directly.
Concussion protocol:
I understand that a concussion is a serious brain injury that can occur as a result of a blow to the head, face, neck, or elsewhere on the body. I also understand that my child may be at risk of sustaining a concussion during their participation in camp activities.
In the event that my child experiences any signs or symptoms of a concussion, I authorize the camp staff to take the following actions:
Remove my child from participation in any further camp activities.
Notify me or the emergency contact listed on the camper's registration form.
Seek appropriate medical attention for my child, including evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. A child may require a doctor's note clearing them to return to camp and to participate in physical activity.
Implement any necessary restrictions on my child's activities as recommended by a healthcare professional, including restrictions on physical activity and return-to-play guidelines.
I understand that it is my responsibility to inform the camp staff of any pre-existing medical conditions or history of concussions that may affect my child's participation in camp activities. I also understand that it is important to follow the camp's policies and procedures regarding head injuries and concussions to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers.
Camper Code of Conduct
Camp Maple is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and enjoyable learning environment for our entire camp community, including campers, families/caregivers, staff, and volunteers. We strive to ensure equal opportunities for everyone to participate in positive experiences. Our goal is to cultivate a respectful community that values the rights, needs, and interests of all members, promoting inclusivity and providing both physical and emotional safety. In line with this commitment, all members of our camp community are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct at all times:
1. Respect Others: Treat fellow campers, counsellors, and staff with kindness, empathy, and consideration. Listen attentively when others are speaking and refrain from interrupting. Respect differences in opinions, backgrounds, and abilities.
2. Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to instructions provided by counsellors and staff members. Follow safety guidelines and rules for activities, facilities, and equipment. Seek clarification if instructions are unclear or if assistance is needed.
3. Participate Positively: Engage actively in camp activities with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Support and encourage fellow campers, celebrating their achievements and efforts. Embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.
4. Be Responsible: Take responsibility for personal belongings, keeping them organized and secure. Clean up after yourself and maintain a tidy environment in shared spaces. Follow designated procedures for meals, hydration, and restroom breaks.
5. Practice Safety: Prioritize safety at all times, following camp rules and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. Wear appropriate attire and footwear for outdoor activities. Notify a counsellor or staff member immediately in case of emergencies or concerns.
6. Respect Nature: Show appreciation for the natural environment of Bronte Creek Provincial Park by practicing conservation and environmental stewardship. Avoid littering and damaging plants, trees, or wildlife. Leave nature as you found it, preserving its beauty for future generations.
7. Resolve Conflicts Peacefully: Use respectful communication and conflict resolution skills to address disagreements or misunderstandings with fellow campers. Seek assistance from counsellors or staff members when conflicts arise, working together to find peaceful resolutions.
8. Have Fun: Embrace the spirit of adventure, creativity, and discovery that defines the Camp Maple experience. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow campers, the excitement of outdoor exploration, and the joy of learning new skills. Make lasting memories and cherish every moment of your summer camp adventure!
If a child does not follow the behaviour guidelines, camp staff will take the following steps:
Staff will redirect the child to more appropriate behaviour.
The child will be reminded of the behaviour guidelines and program rules.
If the behaviour persists, a parent will be notified of the problem by a Camp Coordinator.
If a child’s behaviour at any time threatens the immediate safety of themselves, other campers, staff or guests, the parent will be notified and asked to pick up their child.
Camp Maple reserves the right to ask a parent to pick their child up early, temporarily suspend the child from the camp program or expulsion from the program in extreme cases.
Supervision Policy
Camper Groups
At Camp Maple, the safety and well-being of all campers is our top priority. Our group ratios of 2:10 exceed the Ministry of Health Day Camp Guidance and Halton Public Health recommended Ratios. Campers will remain in the same group with the same counsellors throughout the week. There will also be times where all groups will come together for large group activities. At all times during camp, the above ratios will be maintained.
Additional Support
We try very hard to accommodate each camper where we can. However, our staffing structure does not allow for 1:1 camper support. If your child has an Educational Assistant (EA) at school that assists with behaviour concerns, they are required to bring a qualified support person with them to camp. Please note, all campers are required to be self-sufficient in the washroom as camp staff are not authorized to assist your child. Full disclosure on the camper registration form is required at the time of registration and failure to do so may result in participant removal, no refunds or credits will be issued should this occur.
Activities
During activities, all counsellors will ensure that all surroundings are safe and free of hazards. Additionally, counsellors will account for the campers and know where they are at all times through frequent attendance and head counts. While walking together to various activity locations throughout the park and during transitions, the camp will travel in a single file with a counsellor positioned at the front of the line and another counsellor positioned at the end of the line. During large group activities, our counsellors will be spread out throughout the group for adequate supervision.
Washroom Procedures
Washroom facilities are located adjacent to the Camp Maple picnic shelter. Campers aged 5 -10 will use the Buddy system and be escorted by a counsellor. Campers aged 11 & 12 will use the buddy system.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
At Camp Maple, we strive to provide exceptional experiences for all campers. We understand that circumstances may arise that require changes to your plans. Please review our refund policy outlined below:
Cancellation by Participant:
If a camper needs to cancel their registration for any reason, a refund will be issued according to the following schedule:
Requests made more than 60 days prior to the start of the camp session: Full refund minus a non-refundable administrative fee of $25 per camper.
Requests made between 30 and 60 days prior to the start of the camp session: 50% refund of the camp fee.
Requests made less than 30 days prior to the start of the camp session: No refund will be issued.
Medical Reasons:
If a camper is unable to attend camp due to a major medical reason, a refund will be provided upon receipt of a written explanation from a licensed medical professional. The refund will be prorated based on the number of days missed, minus the non-refundable administrative fee.
Camp Cancellation:
In the rare event that Camp Maple must cancel a camp session due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment, registered participants will receive a full refund of the camp fee.
Refund Process:
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to info@campmaple.ca
Refunds will be processed within 30 business days of receiving the request.
Refunds will be issued in the same form as the original payment.
Please note that certain fees, such as the administrative fees, are non-refundable.
No refunds will be issued for campers who leave camp early or arrive late for any reason.
Thank you for taking the time to review our Parent Handbook. We're eagerly anticipating an amazing summer ahead! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.