Fraser Lake Camp

OCA Standards

Fraser Lake Camp is an Ontario Camps Association (OCA) accredited camp, an organization responsible for setting industry standards and guidelines for the safe operation of camp programs. As a member of the OCA, Fraser Lake Camp is required to follow hundreds of guidelines that cover every aspect of the camp program - including administration, health care, food production, activity instruction, hiring guidelines, and more. These guidelines are met every year in addition to the Ontario Health and Safety Code.

Willowgrove Policies

In addition to following the OCA standards and guidelines, Fraser Lake Camp is a program of Willowgrove. Willowgrove has its own set of operating standards that often exceed the OCA standards. Willowgrove has protocols and procedures in the areas of Health and Safety, Workplace Violence, Social Media and Accessibility.

Staff Hiring Protocols

Summer staff submit an application with references and are screened through an interview process. Most of our staff have completed Fraser’s Counsellor in Training program. Of all staff and volunteers we require a Vulnerable Sector Police Screening, they must complete our one week staff training in June and agree to the Fraser Lake Camp Staff Conduct Agreement. In this way, we have a good understanding of who they are and how they relate to children. Summer staff must be a minimum of 17 years old as of December 31 and many staff are university age.

Counsellor to Camper Ratios

Campers are supervised by counsellors at a ratio of 4:1. Taking support and management staff into account, our ratio is close to 2 campers: 1 staff person.

Health Care and Medications

A key component of our care for the campers comes from our health care team. We seek to have a minimum of one health care professional on site (RN, RPN, Paramedic, or Doctor). Our waterfront team are trained in Standard First Aid and CPR, and many of our regular staff have first aid qualifications. There is a health centre on site with a stock of first aid supplies and over-the-counter medications. There is a hospital in nearby Bancroft should the need arise. Medications are collected by the health care team and kept during the camper’s stay, to be dispensed as needed. All medication brought to camp must be in the original container.

Kitchen and Food Production

Our kitchen staff have completed the Health Department mandated "Safe Food Handler Certification" course. Our kitchen facilities are regularly inspected by the local health department. We designate our camp as “nut aware” and do our best to keep our facility nut-free. Our kitchen staff strive to create menus that can cater to food allergies and sensitivities, so please let us know how we can serve your child.

Waterfront

Our waterfront staff have earned their National Lifesaving Society (NLS) qualifications and regularly participate in emergency response training with the waterfront director.

You have questions and we have answers! If you can’t find your question here, please contact us.

Can we tour the facilities?

Yes! Please contact us during the camp season (July-August) to let us know when you are coming so that we can have someone ready to give you a tour. If you are dropping off your children at camp, we are happy to give tours at this time as well.

Can campers do laundry at camp?

Staff will do laundry for campers if they are staying for 2 weeks or more, or as needed.

Do the cabins have electricity?

Yes, all of our cabins have electricity.

Is there a deadline for registration?

We will accept registrations until the session is sold out or until the session starts. There are a limited number of spaces available for each age group, so we advise registering as early as possible.

Is there busing available to camp?

Busing is available from Willowgrove’s main office in Stouffville, ON. Please see our transportation page for more information on busing and directions to the camp.

Can my child bring electronic devices to camp?

We welcome digital cameras for capturing camp memories. All other devices (cell phones, gaming systems, tablets, etc.) should stay at home. “Unplugging” while at camp can be a welcome change! Campers will be able to use the camp phone to call home in cases of emergency.

What are colour teams?

Each session, campers are divided into four colour teams: Riptide (Blue), Tremor (Green), Chinook (Yellow), and Inferno (Red). These teams will be used to play camp-wide games together. We encourage campers to pack clothing in their team’s colour for these events.

How many counsellors are in each cabin?

There will be 2-3 counsellors in each cabin. Cabin groupings range from 9-12 children.

What kind of training and qualifications do counsellors have?

Summer staff submit an application with 2 references and are screened through an interview process. Most of our staff have completed Fraser’s Counsellor in Training program. Of all staff and volunteers we require a Vulnerable Sector Police Screening and they must agree to the Fraser Lake Camp Staff Conduct Agreement. We hold a one week staff training in June which focuses on interpersonal and counselling skills. In this way, we have a good understanding of who they are and how they relate to children. Summer staff must be a minimum of 17 years old as of December 31 and many staff are university age.

Can my child request friends to be in his/her/their cabin?

Yes, and we will do our best to accommodate all requests. The sooner you register, the better!

What if my child wets the bed?

We train our staff to be discreet and not to let other campers know about the issue. We try to accommodate the routines you have set at home, such as limiting fluid intake before bedtime, using pull-ups, etc. If a child does wet the bed, we will wash and dry the bedding for the next night of sleep.

What do you do to address homesickness?

Our staff will encourage your child, gently nudging them to be involved in camp life. Bedtime devotions are a time to calmly settle the campers to sleep, and staff are available to talk campers through feelings of homesickness. If needed, campers can call home to touch base with you. At all times, we have staff at camp who are also parents and can understand children’s feelings of homesickness and can support them through this.

What should my child pack?

There is a list of what to pack (and what not to pack!) in your parent information package. Please remember to label all clothing and items.

For clothing, please pack:

• 7 T-shirts, 3 long-sleeved shirts

• 3 pairs of long pants, 4 pairs of shorts

• 2 sweaters/sweatshirts

• 1 pair of running shoes

• 6 pairs of socks, 10 pairs of underwear

• 1 jacket

• rain gear

• 1 pair of pyjamas

• 2 bathing suits

• 1 towel, 1 facecloth, 1 beach towel

• 1 sunhat

For equipment, please pack:

• insect repellent (non-aerosol)

• toiletries (comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, other sanitary needs)

• shampoo and soap

• sunscreen (min. SPF 15)

• water bottle

• pillow, sleeping bag

• flashlight, extra batteries

Is Fraser Lake Camp nut-free?

We are “nut aware” in that we:

• order and stock food that is nut-free;

• screen snacks that campers bring on site;

• review our camp policy on the first day of camp regarding nut products;

• keep at least two epi-pens in central locations of the camp.

Is there a discount if I register more than one child?

Yes! You will pay full price for the first child, and for each additional child you will receive a 10% discount.

Do you offer subsidies for families in need?

Yes! Our subsidy program is called Hand-In-Hand. We will help to subsidize fees up to 50% of one week of camp. To apply for this subsidy, contact us with a cover letter outlining your request.

Is the deposit refundable?

If emergencies arise, we will refund your deposit. Please contact us to discuss this further.