Camp FAQs for Parents

Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

We’re sure you have a million questions. Some of them are answered here. Some of this info will also be repeated during the registration process. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to email  [email protected].

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

For families with several children coming to camp, the first two are full price. The third child and each child after that are half price. To claim this deal, use the coupon code “HALFOFFCAMP” during the registration process.

2. If I have to cancel my registration, do I get the fee back?

If you have to cancel before June 1^st, you will get a full refund. After June 1^st, you will get everything back except for the $75 deposit.

3. Can I request cabin mates for my child?

Yes. When you register your child, there will a space for you to enter in the cabin mate requests. While we try our best to accommodate everyone’s requests, the staff cannot guarantee that a request will be granted. We do try our best, though!

4. My child has special needs. Can they come?

The health and safety of campers is one of our top priorities. Since Campfire is not specifically equipped for special needs campers, we accept them on a case-by-case basis. Generally, campers who can provide their own personal care (toileting, dressing, bathing), can interact cooperatively in groups, can walk moderate distances and do not require one-on-one care, can attend camp. We recognize all situations are unique and should be assessed based on the individual needs of the camper. If any of these items are a challenge please contact the Nursing Committee at [email protected] before registering for camp. We want to ensure that the camp experience will be safe and positive for your child.

If your child has been diagnosed with specific behavioural exceptionalities, it is good to make us aware of this on the registration form. We want to accommodate campers to the best of our ability, and part of that includes being aware of the specific struggles of your child. That way we can best support them in their experience at camp!

5. How do you deal with homesickness?

Campfire has a camp mom every week who is available to help counsellors who have campers that are dealing with homesickness. As a general rule, we do not allow homesick campers to call home, but instead will try to use other strategies to comfort them.

6. My child has anaphylaxis. How do you deal with this?

If your child has a potentially life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis), please fill out the Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan and bring with (or send with) your child to camp.

7. What time does camp start and end?

Camp registration opens at 10am on Monday mornings. Registration goes from 10am to 11:30am.

Except for those attending Wilderness week, all weeks end on Fridays with a closing ceremony at 3pm. The ceremony, which you are welcome to attend, is usually finished by 3:45pm.

Wilderness week ends on Saturday morning at 11am.

8. My child is taking the bus. Where I can I find the information?

For campers who are registered for the BUS: Please have your camper at Streetlight Christian Church (82 Ferguson Ave N, Hamilton) at 8:15 am on the Monday. The bus will arrive back at Streetlight on Friday at approximately 6:30 pm, depending on traffic. The cost is $30 per camper, each way. For more info click here

9. What is the dress code?

Please find the complete dress code here.

10. What should my child bring?

There are three different packing lists, depending on which week your child will be attending. For those coming to Camp please see the packing list available here.

Please note that we are a camp that practices sun safety, so all campers and volunteers must wear hats during the middle hours of the day.

Please remember to label all items brought to camp.  Each year after camp clean-up we seem to be left with four or five garbage bags full of campers’ clothing to bring to the Mission Thrift Store!

11. What is your plan when it comes to lice and bed bugs?

Please see our bed bugs policy and lice policy for more info. 

12. What medical information does the nurse need from me about my child?

Please fill out the Last Minute Medical Sheet and bring with (or send with) your child to camp.