Camp Policies

Families are asked not to include any nuts or nut-related products (e.g. walnut, cashews etc.) in camper's snacks and lunches. If a camper brings any nut products (e.g., peanut butter) to camp, a supervisor must be immediately notified. The nut product will be removed and returned to the camper at the end of the day.

Families can be more nut-aware by:

• Read labels to see if peanut or nut-related products are present.  
• Do not send products that have warnings such as “may contain traces of”. This means the product may have been in contract with the allergen.  
• Check ingredient lists each time you buy a product as ingredients may change.
• Avoid products that do not carry an ingredients list.

The City of Markham adopts a nut-free policy to ensure the safety of campers with severe nut allergies.

Open and honest communication regarding a camper's health is crucial for their safety and well-being. Parents are strongly encouraged to disclose any allergies, medical conditions, and necessary accommodations (such as medication, or emergency contacts) to the camp counsellor or supervisor and include that information upon registration. This information helps ensure that staff are prepared to provide a safe and supportive environment for all campers.

If a camper has a self-administered puffer, EpiPen or require other medications to participate at camp, please complete the appropriate forms and submit them to the camp supervisor before leaving your child at camp.  

EpiPen Consent Form [PDF]

Dispensing of Medication Form [PDF]

Self-administered puffers, EpiPens or medications at camp should be in their original packaging, labelled with the camper’s first and last name, camp name and dates.

Campers who show any signs of illness, such as fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea is not sent to camp.

This practice helps prevent the spread of illness among campers and staff. If your child becomes ill while at camp, staff will contact you for immediate pick-up.

Learn more about York Region Public Health resources for preventing infections.

Activities are camp are planned to include indoor and outdoor play.  

To ensure your child stays safe while outdoors, please:

• Pack a wide-brimmed hat for your child each day.
• Provide a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher in a clearly labeled container.
• Provide insect repellent.

Swimming is a popular activity at many camps! On a swim day, campers should bring their own clearly labelled swimwear, and towel. Campers are expected to:

• Shower before entering the pool and rinse off at the end of the swim
• Swim with a buddy
• Follow all pool rules, listen to staff and lifeguards and use equipment safely

The following supervision ratios apply:

• Six years and older: Campers can swim alone provided that they pass the facility swim test. If they do not pass the facility swim test, a supervision ratio of 1 staff to 2 campers who are not wearing a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD). The supervision ratio can be increased to 1 staff to 6 campers if all campers wear a lifejacket or PFD.  
• Five years and younger: A supervision ratio of 1 staff to 2 campers.  

Swim tests are conducted on the first day of each week of camp for any camper wishing to swim independently without a lifejacket or PFD. Campers registered for several weeks throughout the summer must complete a new swim test if they are attending a camp at a new facility.  

Campers are expected to demonstrate safe and positive behaviour throughout their time at camp. This includes following basic camp rules such as:

• Showing kindness towards fellow campers and staff
• Respecting others' belongings, personal space and the community centre environment
• Following all safety rules and guidelines for each activity. This includes carefully listening to and following instructions from camp counsellors and using equipment properly.

Camp staff will address inappropriate behavior with appropriate consequences, which may include a warning, or loss of privileges. In more serious cases, camp staff will communicate to families and adopt a three-strike plan to help manage camper behaviours. A three-strike behaviour management plan could look like:

1. Initial guidance for minor rule-breaking or disrespect: 
   - Discussion with camper about the inappropriate behaviour, its impact at camp, what is the expected behaviour and ways to improve. 
   - Parents and guardians are notified that this behaviour was present at camp and when discussion with the camper took place.
2. Increased guidance for more serious situations such as repeated minor rule-breaking: 
   - Discussion with camper and parents about the inappropriate behaviour, its impact at camp, what is the expected behaviour, ways to improve and consequence if the behaviour is not corrected.  
   - Campers may be asked to be picked up early from camp.
3. Further intervention for serious situations such as bullying, safety concerns for self and others, repeated rule-breaking despite previous guidance, damage to facility or equipment etc.  
   - Discussion with camper and parents about the inappropriate behaviour, its impact at camp, what is the expected behaviour, ways to improve and consequence if the behaviour is not corrected.  
   - Campers may be suspended or dismissed from camp

Bullying is not acceptable at camp.

Bullying prevention is crucial for a positive and safe camp experience. Families can help prevent bullying by:

• Model positive behaviour and language.
• Talk with your child about their camp experience. Ask if they are experiencing any bullying, witnessing bullying, or if they are concerned about someone else.
• Encourage your child to report any bullying incidents to a camp counsellor immediately.

Camp staff are trained to recognize and address bullying behavior and work to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all campers. Any instances of bullying will be addressed promptly and appropriately.

Heat Alerts, Extreme weather conditions

City of Markham carefully monitors weather conditions and follows guidance from Environment Canada. Camp staff will adjust program plans and activities to ensure the safety of campers. In cases of extreme temperatures, high UV ratings or smog alerts, activities should move indoors to an air-conditioned environment.  If this is not possible, camps will have:

• Access to shaded areas
• Access to plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and a hat

In all cases staff are trained to observe signs and symptoms of dehydration or campers in distress.

Camp often uses photographs and videos to capture the spirit of summer and showcase the enriching experiences offered to campers. This may include capturing candid moments, group activities, and camp events for use in promotional materials such as brochures, websites, and social media. Participating in photography and video recording for promotional purposes is optional, and parents or guardians must sign a consent form to allow their child to be included. By providing consent, you allow the camp to share these images and videos to inspire future campers and showcase the unique and valuable experiences offered at camp.

Consent form [PDF]

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, neck or other parts of the body. Concussion can happen when playing a sport, falling, bumping into other people or other activities. City of Markham endorses the concussion management standards set by York Region Public Health. If a camper shows signs of a concussion, they will be removed from activities and assessed, parents or guardians will be informed and advised to seek medical attention. Campers can return to camp once they have been cleared by a healthcare professional and have followed a gradual return-to-play protocol.