What to know before your child attends Camp
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with extended care from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM (fees apply)
Daily Camp Checklist
- Running Shoes (no sandals)
- Lunch and Snacks *Must be nut-free
- Water *Reusable bottle required
- Hat and Sunscreen
- Bathing Suit/Water Clothes
Please ensure electronic devices (e.g., video games, iPods, cell phones, digital cameras) and money remain at home.
Sign-In and Sign-Out
For the safety of all campers, government-issued photo identification must be shown each day at sign-out. The person picking up your camper(s) must have this identification, and their full legal name must be on the authorized pick-up list. If the individual is not approved or lacks proper ID, the camper will not be released.
Absence Notification
If your child will be absent from camp, please provide advance notice by sending a note with your child, calling 519-833-2114 ext. 426, or emailing recreation@erin.ca.
Health Policy
For the health and safety of all campers and staff, please do not send your child to camp if they are feeling unwell. If your child has a contagious condition, consult a healthcare professional before returning to camp.
Keeping your child home at the first sign of illness helps reduce the spread of germs at camp. Please also follow medical advice if a doctor, healthcare provider, or public health unit has advised that your child should remain at home.
Campers should not attend camp if they are experiencing any new or worsening symptoms unrelated to chronic conditions or other known causes, including:
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough, sore throat, or trouble swallowing
- Runny or congested nose
- Decrease or loss of smell or taste
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
- General feelings of illness, extreme tiredness, or sore muscles
If a child shows signs of illness (such as coughing, sneezing, fever, or other symptoms of contagious illness) while at camp, they will be removed from group activities and must be picked up within one hour. Please ensure your listed emergency contact is available to arrive within this timeframe if needed.
Please check your child for lice prior to the start of camp.
Medication Policy
- A Medication Administration form must be completed for required medications.
- Medication must be in its original container, labeled with your child's name, dosage, and administration instructions.
- Parents must sign medication into and out of camp care.
- Staff supervise self-administration but do not administer medication. In emergencies, staff will assist with epi-pens or inhalers as needed.
- Epi-pens and inhalers may be carried by the camper if indicated on the form.
Sun Safety
Sunscreen should be brought daily and applied regularly. We encourage you to show your child how to apply their own sunscreen. Hats should also be worn every day. Please label your child’s sunscreen.
EpiPens and Inhalers
Any child bringing an EpiPen or inhaler to camp must bring it in a separate fanny pack/case to be worn at all times. A Medical Consent form must be completed.
Allergies
Please ensure that all allergies are listed on your child’s registration. This includes any seasonal, food, pharmaceutical, and other allergies (i.e. bee stings, bites, etc.).
Hand sanitizer will be used in our programs. Please be sure to list this as an allergy if your child has a contraindication to this product. For the safety of all campers, we do enforce a strict no food sharing and nut-free policy.
Medically Fragile Participants
Participants who require the use of medical equipment are welcome to attend programs, however program staff are not trained in this area. A support worker who will be responsible for the participant’s medical needs must be provided by the family.
Sun Safety
Sunscreen should be brought daily and applied regularly. We encourage you to show your child how to apply their own sunscreen. Hats should also be worn every day. Please label your child’s sunscreen.
EpiPens and Inhalers
Any child bringing an EpiPen or inhaler to camp must bring it in a separate fanny pack/case to be worn at all times. A Medical Consent form must be completed.
Allergies
Please ensure that all allergies are listed on your child’s registration. This includes any seasonal, food, pharmaceutical, and other allergies (i.e. bee stings, bites, etc.).
Hand sanitizer will be used in our programs. Please be sure to list this as an allergy if your child has a contraindication to this product. For the safety of all campers, we do enforce a strict no food sharing and nut-free policy.
Medically Fragile Participants
Participants who require the use of medical equipment are welcome to attend programs, however program staff are not trained in this area. A support worker who will be responsible for the participant’s medical needs must be provided by the family.
Camper Conduct and Behaviour Expectations
Our Summer Camp staff are dedicated to providing a safe, positive, and supportive environment where every camper feels valued and included. We recognize that all behaviour is a form of communication and approach each situation with patience, open dialogue, and trust-building.
Mutual Respect
All campers, parents/guardians, and staff are expected to always demonstrate respectful and appropriate behaviour. Mutual respect is essential to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Please take time to discuss with your child the importance of:
- Listening to camp leaders and following instructions
- Using respectful communication with others
- Remaining within designated camp areas
Camper Expectations
All campers are expected to act respectfully and responsibly at all times—whether on-site, off-site, or during camp activities—while upholding the rights, safety, and privacy of fellow campers, staff, and the public.
Zero Tolerance Behaviours
The following behaviours are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal from camp:
- Endangering the safety of oneself or others
- Bullying, teasing, or harassment
- Fighting or physical aggression
- Use of profanity or offensive language
- Stealing or intentional damage to property
Disciplinary Process
Our approach to discipline is progressive and aims to guide positive behaviour through the following steps:
- Reminder: Staff will redirect the camper towards appropriate behaviour.
- Discussion: The camper will meet with the Camp Director to review camp rules and create a plan for improvement.
- Parent Contact: The Camp Director will contact parents/guardians to discuss the situation and any required next steps, including possible pickup.
- Dismissal: Ongoing or severe misconduct may lead to removal from the camp program.
Please note: Serious incidents or behaviours may result in immediate dismissal or the development of alternative support arrangements without following the above steps.
Dress Code
We encourage a safe, fun, and positive environment. Please adhere to the camp's dress code to ensure all participants can enjoy their experience.
Camp Refund/Cancellation
Requests made less than 4 days before the start date will receive a 50% refund, provided cancellation occurs before camp begins.
FAQs
Can my child take medication while at camp?
Yes. If your child requires any medication during camp hours (including prescription or over-the-counter medicines), you must complete and sign an Authorization for Medication Administration Form. This form authorizes our staff to safely administer medication as directed. All medications must be in the original container with clear instructions and labeled with your child’s name.
Can I pick up my child early from camp?
While we strongly prefer that campers remain for the full day to maintain the flow of camp activities, we understand that early pickups may occasionally be necessary. If you need to pick up your child early, please inform the Camp Director or designate, at morning drop-off, so arrangements can be made without disrupting the day’s schedule.
What if I am unable to pick up my child and want someone else to do so?
If someone other than a parent or guardian picks up your child, you must provide a signed, written note naming the authorized individual. If this change happens at the last minute, you must call the camp office directly at 519-833-2114 ext. 426. For your child’s safety, we will not release campers to unauthorized individuals without prior consent.
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
If you arrive late for pickup, a Late Fee will apply. Rest assured, your child will be supervised until you arrive. Consistent lateness may result in additional charges and the need to discuss with the Recreation Coordinator.
Important: If your child arrives early or is picked up late more than once, a late fee will be charged. Additionally, you will be required to register them in our extended care program.
What is the camper-to-staff supervision ratio?
Our staff-to-camper ratios are as follows:
- 1:8 for campers who have completed Senior Kindergarten to Grade 1.
- 1:10 for campers who have completed Grade 1 and above.
These ratios always ensure proper supervision and safety.
What happens during a heat advisory?
Camper safety is our top priority. During a heat advisory, we implement a modified program that reduces strenuous physical activity, increases rest and hydration breaks, and encourages shaded or indoor activities. Staff will also remind and assist campers in applying sunscreen during outdoor periods.
Important: Parents should apply sunscreen to their child each morning before camp drop-off.
What if my child becomes sick or injured at camp?
All camp staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and are trained to handle minor illnesses and injuries. If your child becomes ill or sustains a more serious injury, the Camp Director or designate, will contact you immediately to discuss the next steps, which may include early pickup. In emergencies, 911 will be called without delay.
What should my child bring to camp each day?
- Nut-free lunch and snacks
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen (labeled with their name)
- Hat and weather-appropriate clothing
- Bathing Suit/Water Clothes
- Closed-toe shoes
- Swimsuit and towel (on designated swim or water play days)