Campsite Facilities

This section describes some of the procedures, rules and policies that apply to campers and staff within specific areas of camp.

 

Flagpole

• The entire camp will gather in a circle by the flagpole each morning and evening for Flag Raising and Flag Lowering ceremonies.
• As a sign of respect, hats must be removed during Flag Raising and Flag Lowering. (This includes bandanas and hoods.)
• Campers and staff members will observe silently while the colour guard raises or lowers the flags.
• To encourage campers to arrive on time for Flag Raising, the last cabin to arrive is assigned to help with kitchen capers (pots and pans) each morning.
• The flagpole is also the meeting area during camp emergency procedures and drills.

 

Kitchen

• The Kitchen area is off-limits to campers and non-authorized staff during meal preparation and cleanup times.
• Kitchen staff must follow all policies and procedures listed in their Kitchen Staff Handbook to ensure that food is prepared in a safe and hygienic fashion.
• Kitchen and dishwashing equipment are to be handled by staff only. Camper capers are limited to the cleanup of the tables in the dining tent and the collecting of dishes to be brought to the kitchen area for stacking, washing, drying and storing.
• Divisional Directors are to coordinate with the Head Cook to for evening snacks each night and for sleepouts, if going off-site. Sufficient advance notice must be given so that the food can be prepared in time.
• Unauthorized “kitchen raids” are not allowed. Kitchen inventory and food deliveries are carefully organized, and it is very disruptive when ingredients are misplaced or “disappear”. It might look like there was plenty of food – with this many marshmallows, who will miss it if you take a few? – but you may actually be taking another week’s supplies. Do not take food from the kitchen without permission. The Head Cook may, at their discretion, designate a “leftovers” section for staff to eat after hours if they are hungry.
• Do not take food from the Staff Fridge that does not belong to you. People may bring extra food for specific dietary reasons, or as a special treat for their campers, and if you eat their food you may be depriving someone of a meal or treat. A DD once promised his campers an extra round of s’mores, but had to cancel it when he discovered the extra chocolate bars he had purchased were no longer to be found. Please be respectful!
• If you use any kitchen facilities, please clean up afterward. The kitchen staff made sure everything was clean when they left – they expect it to remain clean when they come back. Please respect their hard work and leave everything as clean as you found it.

 

Dining Tent

Before Meals

• Kitchen Staff will set up an example place setting indicating which utensils and condiments will be needed at each table.
• The cabins assigned to capers for the day should report to the Dining Tent at least 10 minutes before a meal is scheduled, and set the tables according to the example place setting.
• When the meal is ready, the Program Director will sound the dinner bell. Campers and staff members will line up in cabin groups outside the Dining Tent. In case of rain, they will sit at their tables.
• After any announcements, songs, and saying or singing grace, cabins will be dismissed, one by one, to go wash their hands and enter the Dining Tent.
• Hats must be removed when entering the Dining Tent. You may not wear a bathing suit into the Dining Tent – go get changed first. If you see a camper wearing a wet bathing suit, advise them to get changed.
• Food is served “cafeteria style”. Everyone will receive a portion of food, and then be seated at their designated tables.
• If eating a meal where there is no designated seating (e.g. banquet and BBQ), leaders should disperse themselves amongst campers.

During Meals

• Campers are to remain seated at the table until dismissed. Each table should designate one person to be the “Hopper” – this is the only person that may get up at will to retrieve more juice, napkins, ketchup, etc.
• Do not go back for more food until the call for seconds is announced by the Camp Director or Program Director.
• Please do your part to keep the people at your table quiet during announcements. Do not talk, stack plates, walk around or make noise when announcements are being given.

After Meals

Table cleanup procedure:

• One person at the table is chosen to be the “Scraper”. This person has the fun job of scraping all the food waste off the plates, to make dishwashing easier.
• The Hopper will go to the front of the Dining Tent and retrieve a tray and scraping tool.
• The Scraper will begin scraping plates and bowls, stacking them onto the tray. Cups and cutlery should be collected on the tray as well. All waste food will be scraped onto one plate.
• The Hopper will bring the tray of dishes to the bins at the front to be sorted. Plates, cups, cutlery, etc. will be sorted into bins provided. Waste food will be scraped into the garbage.
• The Hopper will also return condiments, napkins, salt and pepper shakers, etc. to their storage areas.

Capers

• Each day, up to two cabins are assigned to be on capers. This assignment will be announced by the Program Director. Assignments last for the whole day (breakfast, lunch, dinner.)
• Activity staff will set the tables each morning for breakfast.
• Each meal, kitchen staff will prepare stations for capers according to the Capers Procedure (SOP) in the Kitchen Staff Handbook.
• Cabins assigned to capers must arrive at the Dining Tent at least 10 minutes before each meal and set the tables.
• After the meal is over and campers are dismissed, cabins assigned to capers will begin cleaning up:
  • Return leftover foods to the kitchen.
  • Stack all the collected dishes and cutlery and bring them into the kitchen for dishwashing.
  • Begin wiping down all tables and benches including those used for serving.
  • In the kitchen, arrange dirty dishes onto dish racks for washing.
  • Store clean and dry dishes and cutlery back in their proper storage locations.

• For sanitary reasons, dishes must air dry and may not be wiped dry with a cloth.

 

Washhouses

• All running water at camp is processed through a chlorination/salination system. Since this system incurs significant supply and operating costs, please do your best to conserve water and encourage campers to do the same. Do not leave taps running when not in use.
• Showers are for leaders only. (Campers may occasionally use showers, during Free Time only, when permission has been given by their Cabin Leader.) Please keep showers short to conserve water, heating costs, and reduce the strain on the septic system.  Encourage campers to go for a swim daily if possible; good exercise and good cleaning in the bargain.
• Water is tested frequently to ensure quality. Should there be any problems, the Camp Director will notify the camp that it is temporarily advised not to drink the water.

 

Waterfront

Please observe the following waterfront rules and procedures to ensure a safe experience for all campers and staff.

• The waterfront is out of bounds to campers and staff when the rope is across the entrance. This means no lifeguards are on duty.
• When entering the waterfront area you must sign in with the lifeguard on duty and “buddy in” the appropriate spot on the Buddy Board. This helps lifeguards keep track of who is supposed to be in each activity area. When leaving waterfront you must reverse this process: “buddy out” of the activity and “sign out” with the lifeguard on duty.
• Staff members are subject to all the same regulations and safety measures as campers. Follow all instructions provided by the lifeguards on duty.
• Lifeguards are responsible for keeping the waterfront clean and operating safely, following the procedures in the Waterfront Staff Handbook.
• Staff may use the waterfront during scheduled free time or, at other times, with specific knowledge and permission from the Head Lifeguard and under the direct supervision by a lifeguard. Naturally, you may enjoy waterfront activity only if you are free from other responsibilities at the time.
• Since our waterfront is not lighted, it is to be used only during daylight hours.
• All occupants of boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats) must wear an approved PFD and have appropriate safety equipment. Boats may be used during non-scheduled times only with the specific knowledge and permission of the Head Lifeguard and under the direct supervision of a lifeguard.

 

Cabin Circles (Maple Grove and Oak Ridge)

There are two cabin circles: Maple Grove is the girls’ area, and Oak Ridge is the boys’ area. Each cabin circle contains five cabins and a washhouse.

• Male campers and staff may not enter the girls’ circle, and female campers and staff may not enter the boys’ circle.
• Exceptions to the above rule are granted for the Health Care Worker who does cabin inspections, and Service Team and Maintenance people who may need access to cabins when performing repairs or other maintenance work. This should be done when campers are not around (e.g. during activity periods).
• Divisional Directors may use the grounds for group games as long as the campers are supervised and campers stay out of the cabins.
• Do not drive vehicles into the cabin circles (with the exception of the camp baggage shuttle).
• Cabin assignments are not transferable. Campers may not switch from one cabin to another without permission from the Camp Director. Similarly, staff members are assigned by the Camp Director to specific cabins to maintain reasonable camper-to-staff ratios and assist with camper supervision. Do not move to a different cabin unless permission is given from the Camp Director.
• Please respect other people’s privacy and do not touch their belongings without permission. Encourage campers to do the same.
• Respect the privacy of each cabin group – this is their home for the week. You wouldn’t want strangers barging into your bedroom – neither do they. Knock and ask permission before entering a cabin other than your own. Insist that campers do the same.
• When heading to bed, respect the fact that others may already be asleep. Ensure that you and your campers remain quiet so they don’t disrupt others.

 

Health Care Center

• If you are injured or feel sick, or if you see a camper who is injured or does not feel well, notify the Health Care Worker immediately. Even if you are able to treat the symptoms yourself, notify the Health Care Worker so they can keep records of the incident.
• Campers who bring prescription medications must give them to the Health Care Worker upon arrival at camp. The Health Care Worker will dispense medications to campers at the appropriate times.
• For staff, medications given to the Health Care Worker are kept in a locked cabinet in the Health Care Center for self administration (you will be given an access code). You may also choose to keep your medications in your locked vehicle. Do not keep medications in any camper cabins.
• Campers who feel unwell may rest in the Health Care Center during the day, but must return to their own cabin at night. If they are too injured or ill to do so, the Camp Director must consider the possibility of sending them home for treatment.

 

Maintenance and Equipment

• The Maintenance person or team is responsible for all repairs (they may coordinate them with the Service Team Leader). If you see something at camp that could use a repair or enhancement, please submit your request to the Maintenance person.
• The maintenance area is accessible to maintenance and service team staff only. Tools and equipment are used by maintenance and property management personnel only and must be returned to their proper place after use. Do not take maintenance equipment or tools for other purposes (e.g. woodworking class) without permission.
• No grass mowing will occur within 50 feet of campers or staff.
• No campers are allowed within 25 feet of an active work area.
• Power tools, trimmers and mowers (both push and ride-on), may not be operated by campers unless specific parental permission is obtained (for example the Service Team). These machines will be used only by those who have been trained in their use.
• All machines will be used with guards and safety devices in place. Hearing protection must be used when operating power tools and mowers. Eye protection will also be used when using saws, drills, air tools, routers and other power tools.
• Campers and staff may not ride on equipment not specifically designed for passengers, e.g. mowers and tractors and their attachments.

Woodworking Shop

• The woodworking shop is accessible only to staff members involved with leading or assisting in the woodworking activity. Campers in these areas must be supervised at all times.
• The shop should be closed and locked when leaders are not available to supervise.
• As with the maintenance area, woodworking equipment may not be used for other purposes without permission. All tools, equipment and supplies must be returned to the proper place after each use.
• Power tools may not be operated by campers unless directly supervised by woodworking leaders. These machines will be used only by those who have been trained in their use. (Campers may tell you that they use these tools at home all the time. For camp insurance and liability reasons, we must still insist that they be supervised by staff members.)
• All machines will be used with guards and safety devices in place. Eye protection will be used when using power saws, air tools, drills, routers and other power tools.

 

Archery and Gobbler Green

The Archery Field and Gobbler Green are both away from the main campsite and some special rules apply to their use:

• Campers must be supervised at all times when going to areas away from the main site. In case of emergency we need to be able to account for all campers and staff and quickly provide aid if necessary.
• Ensure campers are properly equipped, e.g. long pants, hat and water bottle. In case of inclement weather (thunderstorms or pouring rain), activities in these areas are cancelled.
• Leaders going to these areas should always carry a walkie-talkie and a First Aid kit.
• Archery equipment must be kept locked in the storage shed after use. Equipment should be inspected for hazards and damaged or defective equipment should not be used. Fiberglass bows should be strung at the beginning of the week and unstrung at the end of each week. Wood laminate bows should be strung and unstrung at the beginning and end of each period.
• The Archery program should be taught in accordance with guidelines and procedures set by the National Archery Association. Standard terminology, procedures, scoring, and whistle calls should be used so that the skills taught at camp are transferable to other camp or school programs.

 

Hikes and Overnight Trips

Whether during Hiking class or part of an overnight or just for fun, camp has lots of property and trails to explore. To ensure everyone’s safety, please take note of the following:

• Campers must be supervised at all times when going to areas away from the main site. Campers may not wander off or travel alone.
• Carry a walkie-talkie and First Aid kit whenever leaving the main campsite.
• Campers must be properly equipped for the activity – a dress and sandals are not appropriate attire for a hiking class! (Yes, this has happened!) Long pants, proper footwear, a hat and a water bottle are recommended.
• Swimming is generally not allowed away from the camp waterfront, unless lifeguards are present to supervise and the area has been thoroughly checked and is considered free of safety hazards.
• For overnight trips, food must be kept in sealed containers away from sleeping areas (in closed vehicles or hung from an elevated location where possible).
• To protect the environment, stay on established trails and pack out all garbage. Do not disturb trees, plants or wildlife.
• Be aware of that there are cottage properties adjacent to our campsite. Make sure campers do not trespass on private property.

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