Variety Village Camps is dedicated to prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of all campers, staff, and visitors. To support this commitment, we have established clear policies and procedures to respond to a range of health-related needs, concerns, and situations. Our approach aligns with Ontario Camps Association (OCA) standards and reflects best practices similar to those used by school boards across the province.

Please note: All campers attending Variety Village Camps are required to have valid OHIP coverage or equivalent private health insurance.

All required medical information must be completed as part of the camper registration process. Personal and health information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and in accordance with applicable federal and provincial legislation, including the Ontario Health Care Consent Act, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Canadian Human Rights Code, and the Child and Family Services Act, as well as relevant professional standards and codes of practice.

Camp staff may reach out to parents or caregivers if additional details or clarification is needed. Providing thorough and accurate information helps ensure we can safely and effectively support each camper’s individual needs.

Failure to disclose relevant medical or support information may result in a camper being unable to continue in the program.

All medications required during camp hours must be clearly documented on the camper’s medical forms. Medications are to be stored in the Camps Office, with the exception of essential emergency medications such as EpiPens and inhalers, which must remain with the camper at all times.

Camp staff do not administer medication. Campers must be able to self-administer their medication under staff supervision. If a camper is unable to do so, parents or caregivers are required to make arrangements to come on-site at an agreed-upon time to administer the medication.

All medications must be handed directly to the Camps Office or Head Staff. We ask that any non-essential medication be kept at home.

Children attending Variety Village Camps are required to be immunized against communicable diseases in accordance with Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Campers must be up to date with required vaccinations based on Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule, unless a valid exemption is in place with appropriate documentation.

If your child has an exemption, please contact the Camps Office to discuss and provide the necessary information.

If your child requires an EpiPen and/or inhaler while at camp, this must be clearly indicated on the Medical Information form completed during registration. All EpiPens and inhalers must be kept with the camper at all times, carried in a waist pack or small bag.

On the first day of camp, please inform Variety Village staff during check-in of the location of your child’s EpiPen and/or inhaler. In the event of an allergic reaction or asthma-related emergency, standard emergency procedures will be followed and 911 will be contacted.

Campers who arrive without their required EpiPen and/or inhaler will not be able to participate in camp activities. Parents or caregivers will be required to return with the medication or arrange for immediate pick-up.

Campers who show signs of illness while at camp will be separated from their group and cared for until they can be picked up. A parent, caregiver, or authorized pick-up contact will be notified and must arrange for prompt pick-up.

To help protect the health and safety of all participants, please do not send your child to camp if they are experiencing symptoms of a communicable illness, including but not limited to pink eye (conjunctivitis), strep throat, chicken pox (varicella), COVID-19, fifth disease, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), or similar conditions.

If a camper develops symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or an unexplained rash while at camp, immediate pick-up will be required.

Campers should not attend camp if they:

• Have a fever of 38.4°C (101°F) or higher
• Have not been fever-free for at least 24 hours
• Have vomited within the past 24 hours
• Are experiencing diarrhea
• Have been on prescribed medication for less than 24 hours for a condition that requires exclusion
• Have an undiagnosed or worsening rash
• Have a severe cold with fever, persistent sneezing, or heavy nasal discharge that impacts their ability to participate

If you have questions about your child’s symptoms or readiness to attend camp, please consult your healthcare provider or contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0007.

The Concussion Code of Conduct outlines important information and expectations designed to help reduce the risk of concussions and other serious head injuries, supporting a safe environment for all campers and staff.

Head injuries can happen in a variety of situations, not only during sports or physical activity. Being aware of risks and taking preventative measures is an important part of all camp experiences.

All registrants are required to review and agree to the Concussion Code of Conduct through the registration process before completing registration for Variety Village Camps. For more information, please visit Rowan’s Law: Concussion Safety.

We want all campers to enjoy their time outdoors at Variety Village Camps in a safe and comfortable way. To help protect your child from sun exposure, please follow these guidelines:

• Apply sunscreen before arriving at camp and send a labelled bottle for reapplication throughout the day
• Provide a hat and lightweight, protective clothing
• Send a refillable water bottle to support regular hydration

Staff will encourage frequent water breaks, incorporate time in shaded areas, and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind. By working together, we can help ensure a fun, active, and safe camp experience for all campers.

All Variety Village Camps have access to indoor space in the event of inclement weather or unsafe environmental conditions, including high winds, lightning, extreme heat, or poor air quality. When needed, programming will be adjusted to ensure the safety and comfort of all campers.

The following conditions may result in modified or alternative programming:

• Severe weather: Programming will move indoors if a severe thunderstorm watch is issued by Environment Canada, lightning is detected within 24 km, or high winds (60 km/h or greater) are present
• Extreme heat (35°C and above): Activities will be adapted to reduce exertion, include more frequent breaks, increase hydration, and incorporate additional indoor or water-based programming where appropriate
• Air quality: When the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches 7 or higher (high risk), programming will shift to low-intensity, primarily indoor activities with scheduled rest breaks

Programs may also be adjusted at the discretion of the Programs Manager if weather conditions impact the overall camper experience.

Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and arrives with a refillable water bottle. Opportunities to refill water will be available throughout the day, and campers are encouraged to bring and reapply sunscreen as needed.

Please note that refunds or transfers will not be provided due to weather-related schedule changes or program adjustments.