voyageurs day camp information guide

SUMMMER 2019

welcome

We are so happy that you have chosen us. YLCC is a great place for you or your camper to spend the summer. We run residential and day camp sessions at our beautiful Lake Simcoe site just south of Orillia.

We are excited for you to meet new friends, make lasting connections, try new activities like high ropes or kayaking, roast a marshmallow or two, laugh ‘till your sides hurt, and learn – by doing!

The first step towards a successful camp adventure is coming prepared. This guide will help both parents and campers prepare for this experience.

At www.ylcc.com you will have access to a variety of links and content about:

• Programs, Calendar and Events

• Online videos and photos

• Maps and Directions

• Alumni Registration

• Access to social media sites such as our Twitter and Facebook pages, Instagram feeds plus our Director’s blog, and lots of other useful information.

If after reading this guide, you have any further questions please feel free to contact us.

Contact with the Company YLCC Main Office, Lake Simcoe Camp and Leadership Training Centre; all year-round

Tel: 705-326-2433

Email: info@ylcc.com

Fax: 705-326-1097

Address: 498 Moon Point Drive, Oro-Medonte, ON L3V 0R8

Emergency ONLY: 705-305-1518

Camp Director: Ashley Baer

It is best to call us during regular business hours. Our answering machine is checked frequently, and we will return your calls promptly.

An important part of the camp experience is remaining connected before, during and after the summer. At YLCC, we offer many ways for you to connect with us. We encourage you to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible throughout the year.

Warmly,

Stuart Saunders Ashley Baer

Owner/Executive Director Youth Leadership Camps Canada

Camp Director

meet the ylcc management team

!

Owner and Founder, Stuart Saunders has been the vision behind YLCC since 1992. He has worked with over 2 million young people worldwide and was recently named among the top 30 leadership experts in the world. As one of Canada’s most sought-after educational leadership consultants and speakers, Stu is a mentor to our staff and campers, and proud father of three amazing children.

Hello Parents and Campers of our awesome YLCC Day Camp!

We are so excited to be gearing up again for another great summer of the YLCC Voyageurs Day Camp. Many people don’t know this, but I got my start in camping as a Day Camp Counsellor for a local summer camp in London, Ontario. I went on to win Counsellor of the Week a few times and finally became the Director when I was 22. I have a special place in my heart for the magic of introducing our youngest campers to a truly authentic summer camp program. YLCC is an award-winning summer leadership development program. The longer your children stay with our program the better the foundation they will build. I look forward to meeting all of you on graduation days and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me directly. YLCC is celebrating its 17th summer in Orillia and its 27th summer as a camp. We are excited to welcome you to the family or welcome you back again. On behalf of our Camp Director Ash, and Day Camp Director Clementine thank you for investing in your children’s future.

See you soon!

In leadership, Stuart Saunders, Founder Youth Leadership Camps Canada stu@ylcc.com

Hello Parents,

Whether your child is attending day camp or overnight camp, whether it’s his or her first summer or tenth summer with us, I am excited to share the joy of discovery and of learning about Leadership.

I have the best job at summer camp. My job is to meet your kids, to laugh with them, to listen to them, to discover with them, to do a few magic tricks with them and to celebrate their successes with them.

I am honoured that you have chosen our camp. We will do our best to earn your trust. We will welcome your child. We will listen. We will care. It’s going to be an incredible journey!!

Let the joy begin!

Dave ORNJ Graham, Associate Director and Owner Youth Leadership Camps Canada

getting to know us

Day Camp Director, Clementine Heath

HAPPY DAY, DAY CAMP FAMILIES!

My name is Clementine and I recently moved to Canada from Australia and I am super excited to be the new Day Camp Director this Summer. I am beyond excited to meet the future leaders that will be coming to YLCC this summer. I am determined to help each child grow and to be the best version of themselves this Summer.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and your children this summer.

See you soon!

Clemetine

Family Fall Fest & Food Drive: Sunday Oct. 27, 2019 Enjoy the fall colours and bring your family to YLCC for a fun day of spooky celebration, suitable for all ages. We’ll be making scarecrows, carving pumpkins, rock climbing and challenging our bravery on the Aerial Trust Dive and in the Haunted Houses! Cider, hot chocolate, s’mores and hot dogs will round out this great fall day.

$3 per person; $2 per person with a canned food item Please bring loonies and toonies, as some activities are extra. • YLCC Lake Simcoe, Orillia: 10am - 3pm, free parking on site

Annual Open House: Summer 2019 Come for the day, stay for the summer! Spend some time with us and see what camp is all about – tour the camp, meet our Directors, check out the cabins, climb our rock wall, have a swim or take a turn on the high ropes. The event will run rain or shine.

• YLCC Lake Simcoe, Orillia: 2:00 - 4:00pm, Sunday June 16, 2019

Building Strong Leaders The pride of YLCC is our excellent staff. Traditionally we hire our staff from within our programs; they know our philosophy best and can pass it on to our campers. YLCC is very careful about screening all employees. The majority of our staff are post-secondary students and grads; many of which have their backgrounds based in outdoor recreation and education and are leaders in their own schools and communities.

All staff are certified in SFA (Standard First Aid) and CPR, they also undergo a criminal reference check before they are hired.

getting ready

Authorization for travel with friends Written authorization is required from parents who are arranging for their camper to travel with another family. Please send details to our office.

Medication All daily medication, excluding epi-pens and asthma puffers, must be handed in to your camper’s counsellor each morning along with written instructions. Liquid medication must be in its original prescription bottle. Over-the-counter medication must arrive in a clear ziplock bag labelled with the camper’s name. No medication will be given to your child without your permission.

Epi-pens and puffers should be secured in a fanny pack for your child to carry during the day.

Healthy & Safe Campers

Healthy Campers Camp is a place with close contact and busy schedules. In the event that your child contracts a communicable illness or other condition before camp, please contact the Camp Office. Campers with communicable illnesses may be asked to delay their arrival at camp.

Head Lice YLCC has a nit-free policy. We ask parents to check their camper personally or have them visit their family doctor prior to arrival. The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) requires that residential camps check for lice. If your camper has head lice upon arrival at camp, they will need to return home and are welcome to come back when they and their belongings are nit-free. If a camper is sent home, a credit for a session of equal value can be issued for later in the camp season or for the following summer.

Camp Behaviour Each camper must have a desire to be a part of the YLCC Family. At Youth Leadership Camps Canada, we strive to teach each camper valuable skills and leadership qualities. One of them is respect: respect for the camp, nature, yourself, and others. Please come to camp with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It will truly enhance your overall camp experience.

While camp offers opportunities for close friendships and new group skills, young people can react to these changes in many different ways. At YLCC, it is our goal to provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. There will be zero tolerance for bullying of any kind. Please discuss appropriate behaviour expectations with your child prior to arrival.

Our staff are trained and experienced in providing high quality care for our campers and ensuring that the needs of each individual are met. If a situation arises where a camper threatens the safety or security of another camper, or themselves, we will make every appropriate effort to inform the parent involved, correct the behaviour and provide a positive camp experience for everyone. However, should disruptive behaviour continue, the child may be dismissed from camp at the discretion of the Camp Director. The camp will not provide a refund or be held responsible for any costs associated with a camper’s dismissal.

Theft We have a zero-tolerance policy for theft. If any camper is caught stealing or suspected of theft of any item from camp or a fellow camper, they will be sent home at their own expense. We reserve the right to search any camper’s bag with their permission.

getting ready

Packing Recommendations

Label Everything At the end of summer, there is always a pile of campers’ belongings left behind. This is an expensive waste for our campers (and their parents!) As a way to target the problem of lost belongings and a large lost and found closet, we are encouraging our campers to label all belongings.

We have partnered with Mabel’s Labels, a company with all types of labels that are colourful, indestructible and fun! With a special ‘Camp Pack’ available and also a larger “Big Combo”, your camper can label absolutely everything!

Go to www.youthleadership.mabel.ca and then place your order! We

look forward to sending campers home with ALL their belongings this summer.

Lunch Bag We don’t have facilities to keep lunches and drinks cold. If possible, pack your camper’s lunch in an insulated cooler bag with an ice pack. Your camper will appreciate it if you freeze one drink box – it will be cold and refreshing in the afternoon.

We have a very active schedule and we want our campers to be properly fueled – please pack more food along with snacks and drinks than in an average school-day lunch.

Sunscreen/Bug Lotion Please apply and pack your own sunscreen and bug spray; YLCC has limited supplies in case you forget. If your child has allergies to specific products, please inform the Day Camp Director upon arrival on the first day.

Footwear/Swimwear A day at YLCC is active and we want your camper to be safe and comfortable. We recommend good quality running shoes every day. Sandals with back straps are acceptable but running shoes are necessary for the ropes course. Our lakeshore is soft and sandy but pack water shoes if your camper would prefer to wear these in the lake.

If your child requires ear plugs and/or goggles for swimming, please labels these items and include these with your child’s towel.

Lifejacket – Personal Flotation Device (PFD) It is mandatory that all campers wear a lifejacket during all watercraft activities. Please send your camper with a government-approved PFD that fits properly. Please label the lifejacket clearly. If you are unable to provide a lifejacket for your camper, we have a limited number of rentals for $20.00 per session.

Lost and Found Be sure to visit the lost and found when picking up your camper. All clothing and equipment remaining at camp will be available for pickup at our Orillia camp office from September until October 24, 2014. After this date, remaining items will be donated at our Fall Fest. If you live outside of Orillia, please call in September to inquire about lost items. These items can be forwarded COD or can be arranged to be picked up.

day camp packing guide

YLCC is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property. If necessary, we can secure your valuables in the camp office however, we recommend that you keep them safely at home.

DailyMandatory o nut-free lunch in a cooler bago comfortable, weather appropriate clothing (t-

shirt/shorts/socks) o underwearo reusable water bottleo sun hat/ sunscreeno bathing suito towelo running shoes with closed toes and heelso as-needed medications in a clear zip lock bag

with camper’s full name

Prohibited o chewing gum o outside food and candy o weapons including knives, hatchets o illegal substances o matches o cell phones o electronic games Campers found with these items will be asked to hand them into the Camp Office. Upon discretion of the Camp Director, a camper may be discharged without warning. YLCC is not responsible for any costs incurred due to discharge – no refunds will be granted.

Packing List Extras

Just-in-Case Bag In addition to the items on the packing list, the following items should be packed into a cloth bag to stay at camp all week:

o t-shirt and shortso bathing suit o underwear o socks o 1 pair of running shoes (not needed if your

child wears running shoes every day.) o rain boots and rain coat

Thursday Sleepover ExtrasBedding o pillowo sleeping bag

Clothing o pyjamas; two-piece are preferredo favourite stuffed animalo adequate supply of underwear osweatshirt/sweater or hoodie o track pantso 1 pair of shortso 1 t-shirt

Toiletries o toothbrush and toothpasteo hairbrushOther o flashlight with working batterieso green Graduation lanyard

** Nut-Aware Status ** At YLCC, we have operated as a “Nut–Free” facility for 246years without an allergic incident of any sort. Increasingly, however, many of the manufacturers and purveyors of our finished products and raw ingredients are choosing to label their products as possibly containing: nuts, seeds, tropical seed/oils, peanuts, tree-nuts, etc. Their concern is due to the possible exposure of their product to nuts - both from within their own production facility as well as in the packaging, packing, handling, transportation, warehousing, delivery and storage of their product. Currently we are finding it very difficult to source items from our suppliers which are guaranteed to not contain nuts.

We now refer to ourselves as a “Nut–Aware” facility and, for the time being, we must continue to use the same ingredient items with which we have been previously satisfied with. These items will continue to not include nuts (whole or in part) or nut extracts or oils as an ingredient, but now may be packaged with a“ may contain nuts or nut oils” label. We intend to source new products that present the minimal possible risk to those with nut allergies until such a time that we can once again guarantee that all products and ingredients used in our food service operations can be deemed “Nut–Free”.

coming to camp

Arrival and Departure On Monday, registration will be held in the Recreation Hall. From Tuesday – Friday, drop-off and pick-up is at Day Camp Land where parents sign their children in and out each day. Prior to your registered week, families will receive an email with a map of camp and the registration process. Camp Programs will begin promptly at 9:00 am and all staff and campers will leave the area for their activities. Day Camp Staff will be around at pick-up to answer any questions you might have.

Arrival from 8:30am – 9.00am Please do not arrive earlier than 8:30 am - there is no supervision available prior to that time. We ask that all campers eat a good breakfast prior to arrival.

Departure: 5:00pm – 5.30pm Day campers are available for pick up at 5:00 pm and must be picked up by 5:30 pm each day. A fee may be levied for any pick ups after 5:30pm. Repeat late pick ups will result in additional charges. Early pick-ups Please let us know in advance so that we can have your child ready at the sign-in/out area. If there are circumstances or plans that change while your child is at camp, please contact us – you’ll find the Main Office and Emergency phone numbers at the front and back of this document.

Day and Overnight Campers onsite We ask that parents who have residential campers on site, not disrupt their morning programming. If you would like to leave something for your residential camper, please do this with the Day Camp Director.

Coming Ready We ask that campers arrive each day fully sunscreened and has a full water bottle. Don’t forget to pack underwear for changing into dry clothes. Please have lunches and water bottles out and ready to be handed into their counsellors.

Being in the Same Group YLCC places children in age appropriate groups so that all campers will have the best quality camp experience. We do our very best to group same-age friends together in the same group, if requested.

We ask that when you are making a friend request to try and make like-age requests. Our policy is to place the youngest child of a friend request in the appropriate grade category and any older friends into this same group. If you have two campers, not similar in age, know that the older child will be going to a lower age group to accommodate your request.

Coming for a Second Session We love it when our campers want to come back…it means we’ve done a good job. Our day camp is very popular and fills quickly so if you wish your child to come back for another session, please contact our office as soon as possible!

at camp

A Day in the Life of a Day Camper This is an example of what a Day Camp day looks like!

Time Activity

8.30 - 9.00am Arrival – children are signed in by parents, get their name tag and play

9.00 – 9.20am Morning Reflection – children get into their Bird Groups with their Counsellor and answer a journal question in their own Day Camp Journal

9.20 – 10.20am Session or House Challenge (depending on day of the week) Our sessions come from our curriculum – they are a fun, play based learning activity that have particular outcomes and are debriefed at the end. The House Challenge is a fun team challenge which is run by our Activities Coordinator and the Leaders In Training Campers (Grade

10.20 – 10.40am Morning snack time

10.40 – 11.45am Session 2 Other sessions that campers will participate in are high ropes/rockwall, crafts (tie dye!) & archery.

11.50am – 12.10pm Lunch

12.10pm – 1.00pm Recess

1.00 – 1.15pm Good Deed Beads - campers learn about recognizing good deeds and giving gratitude to others. After overnight camp lunch, campers present a bead to someone who has done something good for them at camp.

1.15 – 2.15pm Session 3 – our Pathfinders (JK & SK) may have a ‘Mellow Moments’ session during this time where they can relax and read a story together, do some yoga, mindfulness or meditation

2.15 – 2.50pm Change for beach time - sunscreen & bug spray

2.55 – 3.55pm Beach time - campers will have the chance to swim & possibly canoe, kayak or paddle boat!

4.00 – 4.30pm Change - back into clothes and pack backpack for home time

4.30 – 5.00pm Afternoon Snack, Tuck & Day Debrief – campers will debrief the day in their bird groups

5.00 – 5.30pm Play or Group Activity & Pickup – campers will do a group activity or play during pickup time

at camp

Day Camp Events Families will receive emails closer to their registered week of camp with information about the week ahead and an order form for the extra and optional activities. Below is an outline of the extra activities throughout the week;

Monday – registration is in the Recreation Hall from 8.30am Tuesday – Family BBQ in Day Camp Land (optional) families are able to sign up for a fun Family BBQ and Campfire ahead of time Wednesday – Costume Day and Campers Cookout (optional) – campers can come dressed up to the theme of the week and can have a hotdog or veggie dog cooked over the campfire at lunch! Thursday – Sleepover Night! Grade 3s and 4s have the option to sleep overnight and experience what the Overnight Camp is like. Grade 2’s might have the chance if there is room. Friday – Graduation – graduation is in the Recreation Hall from 5.00pm!

Homesickness Camp is an exciting and fun-filled place with new friends and new experiences. When campers are away from home, it is reasonable to expect that until they become adjusted to the camp environment, they may go through a period of homesickness.

It is important that parents realize, however, that this is something that a child may need to experience and see through in order to reach a higher degree of independence.

Our Counsellors receive training on how to help children feel comfortable at camp and how to respond to their individual needs. Campers are not typically permitted to call home as we have found this usually increases the level of homesickness. If there is a situation at camp that requires a phone call, we will contact you immediately. Please refrain from telling your child they can call home or go home part way if they wish.

Calls Because it is necessary to keep our phone lines clear for emergency and office use, campers are discouraged from calling home. However, if our staff feels it is in the best interest of a camper, a call can be arranged. Any outgoing calls made are done under the supervision of our Camp Director or Assistant Directors. Cell phones are not permitted at YLCC.

Visits Due to safety concerns, YLCC allows no visitors unless approved in advance by our Directors. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the Graduation Ceremony at the close of their camper’s session. All visitors must check in at the Camp Office to receive a visitor’s badge.

at camp

Day Camp Tuck Shop The day camp tuck shop will be separate from the residential camp tuck shop. We will offer a healthier and more petite selection of snacks best suited to day campers.

We allow a maximum of one treat per day per camper if you wish for your child to take part. If you wish your child to have extra snacks, please pack them in their lunch bags.

If you or your camper want camp souvenirs, these will be available for purchase at pick up time. We accept cash, debit or credit card... even Canadian Tire Money!

Medical Care Our entire staff is First-Aid and CPR certified and YLCC has an on-site nurse available 24/7. YLCC also has an on-call Camp Doctor.

Off Site Medical Attention In the event that your child needs medical attention, apart from injuries of a minor nature, our staff will provide immediate transportation to the Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Orillia. An ambulance will be called in for critical emergency situations.

We will make every effort to contact you as soon as possible should medical treatment be necessary, and will stay with your camper until the situation is resolved. If any prescription drugs are necessary as a result of consultation with the doctor, and we do not normally stock them, you will be contacted and billed for the amount after camp

Who We Are We are a family-run, private day and residential summer camp. We believe that smaller camps equal a more personalized, family-like and impactful experience. Small group sizes are important to us – groups range from 8-12 campers each, depending on age. Our staff to camper ratio is 4:1. We average 150 residential and 60 day campers per session. Each year, YLCC invests significant capital to improve our facilities.

Leadership is What We Do Sending your camper to YLCC gives them a tangible, measurable advantage. When your camper applies what they learned at YLCC, they will do better in school, socially and academically. Our campers graduate from each program with confidence and an enthusiasm to lead and learn more.

directions

YLCC Lake Simcoe, Orillia 498 Moon Point Drive, Oro-Medonte L3V 0R8

FROM TORONTO • Follow Hwy 400N to Hwy 11N • Take Exit 129 Memorial Ave (Simcoe Rd. #49) to Orillia • Travel 1 km to Woodland Drive, turn right • Follow Local Directions

FROM WHITBY/OSHAWA/PICKERING • Travel north on Hwy 48 to Hwy 12N • Turn left at Memorial Ave • Continue past OPP Headquarters on right hand side • Take first left onto Woodland Drive • Follow Local Directions

FROM NORTH of ORILLIA via HWY 69S & 400S • Travel south on Hwy 400, exit Hwy 12E • Follow Hwy 12E into Orillia (Home Depot/Wal-Mart on left) • Exit onto Hwy 11S • Exit at Hwy 12 (Old Barrie Road E) • Turn right at Memorial Ave (Comfort Inn is on the right) • Continue past OPP Headquarters on right hand side • Take first left onto Woodland Drive • Follow Local Directions

FROM NORTH of ORILLIA via HWY 11 • Travel south on Hwy 11, exit Hwy 12 (Old Barrie Road E) • Turn right at Memorial Ave (Comfort Inn is on the right) • Continue past OPP Headquarters on right hand side • Take first left onto Woodland Drive • Follow Local Directions

LOCAL DIRECTIONS: ORILLIA • Follow Woodland Drive for 2 km • Travel over two small bridges and up the rise • Turn left onto Moon Point Drive • Travel 0.7 km, turn left at the big YLCC sign

YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT

directions

Stuart Saunders: stu@ylcc.com Founder and Owner, Youth Leadership Camps Canada

ORILLIA

YLCC Main Office, Lake Simcoe Camp and Leadership Training Centre; all year round

Tel: 705-326-2433

Email: info@ylcc.com

Fax: 705-326-1097

Address: 498 Moon Point Drive, Oro-Medonte, ON L3V 0R8

Emergency ONLY: 705-305-1518

Camp Director: Ashley Baer

DAY CAMP INFORMATION GUIDE SUMMMER 2019