Updates for 2022 summer
We have kept everything that your child loves about camp. For 2022 we have made a few changes to our programming schedule and have brought back the great programs that were missing this past summer.
1. Our 2 week classic camp programs (Session 1 in July and Session 2 in August) will be comprised of only 2 week campers. Without campers coming and going it allows our 2 week campers to build their skills and keep the bonds of friendship going throughout their time at camp. The 2 week format allows older campers to go out on introductory canoe trips. I highly recommend the 2 week classic camp program.
2. Yes, we are still running 1 week camp programs. 1 week camp programs are perfect if your child is new to camp or if making time in your schedule for 2 weeks is difficult. Our 1 week camp experiences pack in all of the highlights of camp in a short period allowing campers to taste all of the great activities and build confidence.
3. Canoe tripping camp is back!!! These all gender programs can be stand alone or can be added to another camp program. This allows children of different ages a chance to be at camp at the same time and experience the adventures that are right for them. Each of the canoe camp programs start at camp and return to camp in time for final campfire to share their tales with the younger campers. One week and 2 week canoe tripping camps are available for 2022 and will explore some iconic Canadian rivers ( Petawawa, Coulonge, Dumoine)
4. Expedition Missinabi is back!!! This is an incredible all gender program for youth 15+ with canoe tripping experience. An awesome James Bay river adventure experience with highly qualified and experienced leaders.
5. Adventure Leadership Training is back!!!! Summer 2022 will be running 2 Adventure Leadership Training programs for youth 15-17. This 2 week program will develop leadership and teamwork while earning certifications in outdoor skills. This all gender program will be coordinated by highly experienced outdoor educators. Our July Adventure Leadership program backs onto the Missinabi expedition. If you are looking for a month that your teen will talk about for the rest of their lives consider signing them up for both.
6. After the challenges with the registration system we had last year we have gone with a new provider. You will no longer be seeing options to purchase third party refund insurance (thank goodness). We all know that life can get in the way of good plans and I always provide refunds if camp is cancelled or if your child is unable to attend. All of your information has been transferred to this new registration system so after you update your password your account should be good to go. Please let me know if you have any challenges with the registration system.
Yes you will still be able to use etransfers for camp tuition payments and I will update account balanced when transfers are received. You can also use a credit card and you may even choose a monthly payment plan that will divide camp tuition payments from the time of camp registration until camp begins. You chose what works bet for your family.
If you have any questions about any of the 2022 camp programs please do not hesitate to reach out for a chat.
I look forward to welcoming your children back home to camp next summer.
Yours
Jill
So much more Information for Parents
What do I need to know to get ready for Camp?
Arrival and Departure
Campers will arrive at camp between 1pm and 2pm on Sunday the first day of camp and picked up between 10am and 11am on Saturday the last day of camp. Please let the camp know if other arrangements need to be made for your child’s arrival or departure. We are always happy to help if you give us notice and let us know what we can do.
Homesickness
Camp is wonderful, but it doesn’t always feel that way instantly. Many children go through several days of homesickness until they adjust to camp. Homesickness is natural. It happens to young children and older ones too, and not only to first-time campers. It’s important for children that we acknowledge the reality of those feelings, and take positive steps to help them get through that stage. Camp leaders are trained to deal with homesickness by giving children close personal attention, helping them make new friends and get engaged in fun new activities.
Before Camp
• Homesickness can happen to anyone. If your child knows that, it causes less anxiety.
• Don’t say: “If you don’t like camp you can come home.” Children who are having difficulty adjusting to
camp will then compound the problem by not giving it a fair chance and focus instead on going home, since you offered that option.
• Do say: “If you feel homesick, tell your leader. Don’t hide it.” Help your camper to know that we want to support him/her, and we can’t do that as well if we don’t know when he/she is having a hard time.
• Before your child goes to camp, explain that getting the big people’s assistance is different from at home. At home, we may tell our children to never to talk to strangers. It’s different at camp, and they need to know that well in advance, in order to feel safe and emotionally comfortable with these different circumstances. Discuss how camp is a safe place where they go by themselves, and why it’s ok at camp to interact with “strangers” who will soon become their friends.
• Avoid statements like: “I’m going to miss you terribly.” You don’t want to make your children feel awful about leaving you. They need to feel loved, but not to fear you’ll be desolate in their absence.
• Be sure to mention the not so great realities of camp too. There should be no surprises when your child discovers outhouses, mosquitoes, and that you have to make your own bed at camp.
• Give your child lots of information. If you need more information from us, just get in touch! Explain that there won’t be any phone calls to or from home. Boost your camper’s “emotional readiness” for camp by explaining that at camp, the best strategy is to turn to those new friends, your leaders, and the camp director when he/she is struggling.
• Write letters to arrive before he/she does.
• Involve your child closely in every step of getting ready to go (the planning and the packing).
• Take a deep breath and accept that “Kidsickness” happens to all parents. Call me if you need to. I have been there.
Once Your Child is at Camp …
If you get an “I hate camp” letter, don’t panic. It’s common for campers (especially new ones) to write a letter saying: “The food sucks! Camp sucks!” This is normal. Complaining to parents empowers children. They often do reveal more to their parents. If you get a very negative letter, please call and alert us, but also be aware that matters have most likely improved dramatically since the letter was written.
Cancellation Policy
Bear Creek Outdoor Centre reserves the right to change programs for any reason deemed necessary to Camp Directors. In such cases, we attempt to accommodate campers in other existing programs. If we cancel a program and are unable to provide a viable program alternative, we will refund your money in full.
Trip Evacuation Policy
In the event that a camper needs to be evacuated from a canoe trip (or camp), costs of travel as well as medical costs are incurred by the camper family. Camp directors endeavor to include parents/guardians in all evacuation and medical decisions. In the event that parents/guardians are not available or are not in agreement, BCOC directors or agents are authorized to make emergency medical and safety decisions for the welfare of campers.
Code of Conduct
We strongly believe that every person has the right to feel safe, both physically and emotionally at camp.
BCOC reserves the unrestricted right to dismiss a Camper whose conduct or influence is detrimental to the best interest of the Camp in the considered opinion of the directors. Such conduct or influence includes, but is not limited to: any observation or discovery (Camp reserves the right to search personal property) of the use or possession of weapons, drugs or drug-related implements, stimulants or intoxicating beverages, bringing food on to Camp, leaving Camp grounds, Camp activities or off-Camp activities at any time without official approval and supervision, damaging or defacing of Camp property, smoking, possession of cigarettes, refusing to participate in camp activities, not complying with camp rules or procedures, inappropriate behavior, inappropriate intimate behavior, and omission or misrepresentation regarding the medical or mental history of the Camper. We do not assume a legal obligation to administer prescription medicine and failure to do so does not excuse the Camper from following rules or appropriate behavior. Any of the above conduct may subject the Camper to dismissal. In such event, there will be no refund or adjustment of any part of the Camp fee. The Camp is not responsible for Campers when traveling to and from Camp.
Camp Photos and other postings on the Web
We are concerned about the Bear Creek Outdoor Centre public image when it comes to postings and images on the Internet. We ask that all campers screen their own photos and their postings to ensure appropriateness before putting them on the web. We look forward to parental support with this! Additionally, we will be taking photos at camp and also posting photos taken by others on our own website. Please notify us if you don’t want your child’s image on our website.
Contact with Home
Getting settled into camp requires our campers to be where they are (here at camp) as opposed to where they are not (at home). New surroundings, new schedules, new challenges and new people all combine to make the first few days of camp difficult for some campers. Camp is a time of independence and personal growth. We believe this is best achieved unplugged. Please do not send cell phones to camp with your child. We strongly encourage campers and families to write letters to each other. The camp mailing address is:
Bear Creek Outdoor Centre
3828 Burnstown Rd, Horton Ontario K7V3Z9
If your camper is staying for just a single week of camp we advise leaving a letter or two with the camp director when you drop your child off at camp.
Jill’s Cell Phone 613-889-7262 (email [email protected]) I often carry this with me. It gets decent reception at camp but I am unlikely to answer a call if I am engaged with camp program. Please text and I will respond with the appropriate urgency. I try to make sure is NOT in my pocket when I swim.
Equipment List
Flashlight and extra batteries
Daypack (should be comfortable, you will be taking this everywhere, this is to hold water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray and rain gear. it is a small bag)
Water bottle
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Rain jacket and pants
Closed-toe shoes
Older pair of shoes for the water, mud
Sandals
Rubber boots
Lots of socks, and underwear
PJ’s
T-shirts
Shorts
2 pr. (min) long pants
Long shirts
Fleece sweater
bathing suits
Robe (optional)
2 beach towels
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (for camp outs)
Bedding for in camp (pillow, twin sheets, blanket or comforter etc.)
Personal toiletries
Stationary items and books
**Lifejacket (must be a government approved PFD)
Duffle bag, trunk or suitcase ( some campers find Rubbermaid style bins or drawers to be useful for keeping things tidy in the cabin)
You are welcome to bring along other things to camp. You may want more warm clothes for the August session, as it tends to be cooler in the morning and evening.
Some optional items may include:
Camera
Mountain Bike (if the child has their own please bring it to camp)
Musical instrument
Baseball glove, fishing rod and tackle, water gun
Paddle
Cards and games
***Please leave personal electronics (games, phones, ipods etc.) at home
