Camp FAQs

• How do I register my child for camp?

  NOTICE: We are currently in the process of upgrading our camp registration system so that registrations can take place online. We’re aiming to have it launched for January 30, 2023. This is a tentative timeline as we may run into unexpected complications. Please check back for updates and announcements.

  To register your child for camp, please download and complete the correct registration form and send to Brian Hay at bhay@varietyontario.ca

  For more information:

  REGARDING	CONTACT	INFORMATION
  Billing & Receipt Information	Membership	Please call 416 699 7167
  Concerns & accommodations	Camp Coordinator	Brian Hay, Program Coordinator: 416 699 7167 x 254 bhay@varietyontario.ca
  Program & schedules	Please read our FAQ questions. If you still have questions please contact the Camp Coordinator
  1:1 support requests and inquiries	Support Supervisor	varietycamps@varietyontario.ca

• What if I have to cancel my child's registration?

  Refunds for camps will be made if requested in writing, by fax, or email according to the schedule in the chart below. Credit can be obtained for the amount of the refund less a $25 administration fee towards another program if guidelines are met. Refunds on credit cards or in the form of a person cheque are subject to administrative fees (per camo session/child) deducted from the total amount. Refunds in the form of a personal cheque may take up to four to six weeks for processing. We reserve the right to grant exceptions to the stated policy in situations limited to illness supported by a doctor’s note.

  TIME OF REQUEST	REFUND/CREDIT	ADMIN FEE
  15 days prior to camp	100%	$25
  7-15 days prior to camp	75%	$25
  Less tan 7 days before camp	50%	$25
  After camp begins	NO REFUNDS

• What is the ratio of staff to campers? How large are your groups?

  Our camps are split into 3 levels of support. Camps in level 1 have a ratio of 1 staff to 3 children. Camps in level 2 have a ratio of 1 staff to 5 children. Camps in level 3 have a ratio of 1 staff to 7 children. Understanding the level of support in each camp will make sure your child has a safe and enjoyable experience here. Our camps can range anywhere from 10-30 campers. We base this number off the type of camp, the level of support required, and space available.

  We require campers to have 1:1 support if the individual:

  • Is medically fragile, has a g-tube, tracheotomy tubes, or those requiring suctioning
  • Requires assistance with personal care, for example transferring, toileting, feeding, and personal hygiene
  • Has behaviour concerns that require support to participate in group activities

  If your camper requires 1:1 support, requests and inquiries can be submitted to varietycamps@varietyontario.ca.

• Can I meet the instructors who will be with my child?

  We offer the opportunity for parents and campers to meet the Head Instructor of their program before summer camp starts. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please mark this date down on your calendars: Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  Head instructors will be able to answer questions regarding programming, scheduling, what to expect, etc. Unfortunately, there will be no opportunity to reschedule or make up this date.

• What does my child need for camp?

  Your camper will need:

  • Active wear, close toed shoes
  • Bathing suit & towel (please see schedules below for specific swimming days)
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • 2 snacks & lunch (no peanuts)

  We strongly suggest labeling your child’s belongings. Camp is a busy place and things can get misplaced or swapped between children. Labeling your campers things and having a chat with them about keeping their belongings in their bags will help make sure everything goes home with the right person.

• What if my child loses something?

  We have two lost and found locations in our facility. The first can be found in our fieldhouse near our equipment room. Please ask a facility staff to show you the lost and found. The second location is near our pool, please ask the off-duty guard to show you the lost and found. We ask that all campers label all items of clothing, water bottles, lunch bags, etc. to help find lost items.

  Only bring what is neccesary to camp. Bringing headphones, music players, cellphones, other valuables/electronics is strongly discouraged.

• What will my child be doing at camp?

  You can browse our program guide for a general description of all the camps we offer. If you are interested in a general day-to-day schedule, please view camp schedules above. Please note that these schedules are subject to change.

• What training does your camp instructors have?

  Our camp instructors have their current Standard First Aid and CPR C, a clear criminal reference check, and Crisis Prevention Intervention certification. All instructors complete our summer camp training which includes sessions on: recreation and leisure, facilitating integration, behavioural management, and managing emergency situations.

• When and where do I drop off my child?

  Each Camp has different drop off and pick up locations in our facility. Before the start of each camp week, you will receive an email from our team with instructions on where each camp’s drop off and pick up location is. We ask that campers enter through the lobby with their guardians who remain with them until they reach their drop off location. Our drop-off window is 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

• What should I do if my camper is going to be absent?

  In order to report an absence, you can call the Camp Coordinator, Brian Hay, at 416 699 7167 x254 or email bhay@varietyontario.ca.

• How will inclement weather effect outings?

  All outings will take place in the case of extreme heat. Instructors are trained to break any walking into shorter chunks, have campers rest in the shade, and drink a lot of water. Sun screen will always be applied before any outing.

  In the case of rain, an outing will only be cancelled if it solely takes place outdoors. Please send your camper with a rain jacket if they will be traveling on a rainy day.

• What if I need to pick up my child early?

  Please make arrangements with your camper’s head instructor if you will need to pick up your child early.

• Can my child travel to and from camp on their own?

  If you would like your child to travel to and from camp on their own, please refer top the camp registration form and select the permission box. This notification will be kept on file and a copy will be given to the head instructor so that they know to release your camper at the end of the day.