Frequently Asked Camp Questions - FAQs
Questions About Camp Registration
How do I register for the Summer Camp?
Registration for Camp Summer Blast opens on January 1. Simply click on the REGISTER link at the top of the page.
Is there a discount for multiple children?
Yes! We know first hand what it is like to send multiple children to camp. Your first child will pay full price. Additional children from the same family will receive 10% off!
Can I transfer a registration to another family?
We are sorry but registrations are non transferable.
Do I need to register early?
Early registration is highly recommended as we hire our counselors based on the number of campers. A waitlist will be added once registration is full.
I'm on the waitlist, will my child get in?
All programs are staffed based on the number of campers. Once we have enough campers on the waitlist to hire additional counselors we will notify you.
Additionally, we do find that openings become available as the summer progresses.
Can registration be claimed for tax purposes?
Yes, you may claim the amount paid under the Child Care Credit and Child Fitness Credit.
Kindie/Primary Camp (JK/SK & Gr 1/2) Questions
Will counselors help with sunscreen, lunch, and keeping track of their belongings?
Please send your child to camp with sunscreen already applied, and with their own sunscreen in their bag. We will help reapply sunscreen when needed. We will also assist campers in finding items and keeping track of items, especially for our youngest campers who are learning to be independent but my require additional help.
Do you provide lunch and snacks?
N0 - please send you child with a full lunch and snacks for the day. We do have pizza available on Fridays at an additional cost. All lunches and snacks MUST be peanut-free.
Can my child request to in the same group as their friends?
Sure! Just add a buddy request to your son/daughter's camper form upon registration.
What if my child needs assistance in the bathroom or has another specific issue?
For privacy and dignity, we don't assist children in using the bathroom. All campers must be fully toilet trained. We know it can be scary using the bathroom by themselves, thus we always go in groups and are their to support verbally if needed.
What if my child has a bathroom accident?
We do expect that all campers are fully toilet trained. However, we know that accidents happen and thus it's always a good idea to have an extra change of clothes. If accidents are happening frequently, and affecting the level of care we provide for other campers, we will chat with parents about possible solutions. Note: If you have a child with a medical related issue and has a medical diagnosis that you wish to discuss please email us at fairgrounds@campsummerblast.ca
Junior (Gr. 3/4) / Intermediate (Gr. 5-7)
Do you provide lunch and snacks?
N0 - please send you child with a full lunch and snacks for the day. We do have pizza available on Fridays at an additional cost. All lunches and snacks MUST be peanut-free.
Can my child request to in the same group as their friends?
Sure! Just add a buddy request to your son/daughter's camper form upon registration.
Do I need to send money with my child to camp?
Absolutely no need. While we do have special pizza days on Friday, all this is arranged ahead of time and paid for by you, the parent.
Can I group my child with their younger sibling?
If your children are close in age this may be possible (for example, one child entering grade 1 and the other entering grade 2). However, if they are several years apart in age this will not be possible due to the groupings at camp.
Note: we do support siblings 'checking in' with their younger brother or sister if necessary.
For other friends, please fill out the buddy request on the camper form when registering and we will do our best to accommodate.
Can my child bring their electronic device?
No. We recommend children leave their devices at home. If a child needs to contact their parent(s) we have cell phones always on site!
Leaders In Training Questions
Can my L.I.T. be in the same group as their younger siblings?
Unfortunately no. As we are providing training for our Leaders in Training we need to have them focused on the task at hand. They are welcome to check in with their sibling at any time during the day however!
Does my L.I.T. have to pay for and wear a T-Shirt each day?
Yes. We ask that L.I.T.'s wear a Camp Summer Blast T-shirt each day. L.I.T.'s are provided with a free T-shirt as part of their registration.
What will my L.I.T. learn during their training?
The director and supervisor are trained teachers and have worked with teens developing leadership skills for many years. We will work with L.I.T.'s in developing their emotional intelligence, provide them with EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity) training, first aid skills (we recommend all L.I.T.'s become certified via St. John's Ambulance), team work, Developmental Assets, and provide them with exceptional mentorship.
Will all L.I.T.'s be eligible to become camp staff in the future?
We provide L.I.T.'s with training that can be utilized in the future (on their resume for example) but we cannot guarantee employment.
Questions About Camp Staff
What training to you provide for your camp counselors?
All staff members at Camp Summer Blast have experience working with children and the selection process for hiring our staff is rigorous. We provide training each year (even for returning counselors) in regards to camp safety, first aid, emotional intelligence, developmental assets, and overall camper experience.
Does your staff have a police records check?
Yes, all staff 18 years or older are required to have the vulnerable sector police records check provided by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).
How old are your staff members?
Our staff members are generally 19 years old and up. Our supervisors are all university studens in their 20s and have many years of camp experience. We do begin hiring students as they enter grade 11, but these are our junior counselors. , but we also have staff in their early and late 20's. And our director Cricket is, well, much older!
What is the counselor to camper ratio?
At Camp Summer Blast, we have a counselor ratio of 8-1. For registration purposes we set the parameters at 8-1 and then start a waitlist if a particular age group is full. *We reserve the right to increase the ratio to accommodate new registrations if necessary.
General Camp Questions
Do I park and come to the door for pick-up and drop-off?
No need to park! We have organized the camp for a mobile pick-up and drop-off. Cars will be guided to the front door and we will bring your camper to the car. This allows for better flow, quicker pick-ups and drop-offs, and benefits parents with other younger children that may be in the car.
This is especially beneficial to parents on rainy days.. although our counselors may not agree!
What happens on the first day?
You'll be guided into the fairgrounds at the main gate (Robert and Hugh Street) by our director or one of our supervisors. You'll drive up to the front of the main building in the middle of the fairgrounds where you'll be greeted by our counselors. Your child will be greeted and led directly to their counselor. Everything is well organized and smooth.
Is the camp completely outdoors?
We believe that time spent outdoors is the best for our campers. However, we do have a fully enclosed space for crafts and other activities. This is especially benificial on rainy or extremely hot days.
My child has an allergy, what should I do?
Please let us know about your child's allergy(ies) when registering. Campers must have their EPI Pens with them at all times. We also ask that an extra EPI Pen to be kept on site in case of emergencies. Note: we are a nut-free camp and do not allow any peanut or nut products on site. We do our utmost to enforce this rule and will contact parents immediately if they send their child to camp with nut or peanut products.
My Child is Diabetic. Can they attend your camp?
Yes absolutely. All staff are trained First Aid providers. However, we cannot be responsible for the administration of insulin. We will work with parents in monitoring blood sugar levels but cannot prescribe what needs to be done in terms of insulin injections.
Is there a Behaviour Contract?
Yes absolutely. We expect that campers follow the general rules of camp. This includes following counselor instructions, daily routines, and behaving in a manner that allows couselors to work with their group. If a camper is continually disruptive parents will be notified. If the behaviour continues, the camper will be dismissed from camp without refund, regardless of the number of weeks registered.
My child has special needs. Can they still attend your camp?
We unfortunately do not have one-on-one support for special needs. If your child has an IEP at school but does not need one-on-one support, we are happy to accommodate!
Note: All campers must also be able to follow directions and be independent, without the need for consistent redirection or corrections for inappropriate behaviour.
If your child requires the presence of an Educational Assistant at school, they would most likely need the same assistance at camp. Currently we do not have additional support for campers and counselors are responsible for approximately 8 campers. If there are extreme behaviour issues, or issues following directions, campers may be dismissed without refund. Please contact us prior to registration for specific cases.
Note: We have had campers in previous years who have brought their own support person to camp. This is welcomed and embraced as it promotes inclusion. We unfortunately don't have funding to provide this on our own.