1.
How do I register my child for summer camp?
Registration begins January 9, 2012. You can register for YMCA Cedar Glen online, by phone, fax or mail. Complete registration instructions are available on our registration page.2.
What if I can’t afford the camp fees?
As a charity that serves all segments of our community, the YMCA of Greater Toronto provides Financial Assistance for all of our programs. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, members, community partners, corporate partners, volunteers, and staff, no one is denied access to a YMCA program simply because they cannot pay the full fee. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please download and complete a Financial Assistance Application Form.
3.
What types of activities will my child participate in at YMCA Cedar Glen?
Check out the leadership program typical day for more information on daily schedules and program options.4.
What type of food do you serve to campers?
While at camp all campers are provided with three nutritionally balanced meals and an evening snack each day. All meals are prepared by our professional food service team, and served in our spacious dining hall which overlooks YMCA Cedar Glen’s beautiful property. Our food staff team is able to provide alternative options for almost any food or dietary restriction – just let us know ahead of time and we will be sure to provide delicious food for all of our campers. Although our kitchen is nut aware, we are unable to guarantee a completely nut free site.5.
What if my child has a food allergy or dietary restriction?
Our professional food service team is able to prepare food to meet almost any allergy or dietary restriction. Our site is also nut aware – we do not serve any products that contain nuts and encourage all guests to leave these products at home. Please indicate your child’s needs on their camper registration form, and confirm with the staff member when they complete your child’s camper call on week before your child arrives at camp.6.
Can my child bring food to camp?
Campers are not permitted to bring any food or snacks to camp; they will be provided with three meals and a snack throughout the day. We have found that in our cabin and yurt accommodations food left lying around can attract unwanted pests, and many of our campers and guests have food allergies or restrictions that we need to be sensitive to.
7.
Where will my child stay while at camp?
Junior LITs and LITs live in our newly renovated cabins in the valley. Four campers share a cabin, and staff cabins are located nearby. Campers use washroom and shower facilities in the nearby pool house.
Counselor in Training participants stay in our yurts – round, permanent tent structures that sleep 10 campers each. The yurts are located just behind the Main Lodge where campers use washroom and shower facilities during their stay. Future Leaders staff also stay in a yurt near the participants.
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What should my child bring with them to camp?
When packing for a week at camp, we suggest you bring along
- Sleeping bag + pillow (you may bring along sheets and a comforter if you find this more comfortable, however a sleeping bag is also mandatory for out trip)
- Eye glasses/contacts if necessary (bring an extra pair to leave with our wellness staff if you have them)
- 2 pairs of sturdy close toed running shoes (one pair will get wet on trip) and 1 pair of sandals with a heel strap (flip flops not permitted)
- Any medications required (to be left in wellness)
- Rain coat with a good and rain pants
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- 4 heavy socks for canoe trip (we recommend wool or fleece, not cotton)
- 6 – 8 light socks
- 7 – 8 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of long pants – at least one being non cotton for canoe trip
- 4 pairs of shorts – one pair of quick drying shorts for the canoe trip is ideal
- 4 long sleeved shirts
- 3 sweaters (fleece or wool strongly suggested for canoe trip)
- 1 jacket
- Swim suit and towel
- Personal toiletries
- Insect repellant
- Flashlight
- Water bottle (at least 1L, and durable/reusable)
* Leadership participants will have the opportunity to do laundry once during their session at Cedar Glen (CIT participants may wish to pack slightly more as they are at camp for three weeks instead of two)
It's a great idea to label your belongings in case they are misplaced while you are at camp.
Camp is about spending time with friends and connecting with the outdoor environment. Please do not bring along electronics (i.e. iPods, cell phones, Nintendo) or valuable items as we cannot be responsible if they are lost or broken.9.
Can my child do laundry at camp?
Leadership participants will have the opportunity to do some laundry once while they are at camp. This should be taken into consideration while preparing for your camp experience.10.
Who will be in my leadership group?
JLITs and LITs will be in a group of up to 16 other male and female participants with two trainers. CITS will be in a group of up to 20 other male and female participants with two leadership trainers.
11.
Who will my leadership trainer be?
All of our camp staff at YMCA Cedar Glen have been selected for their excellent leadership skills, enthusiasm, and passion for working with children and youth. All counselors are at least 17 years old, have a current Standard First Aid qualification, and have participated in a week long pre-camp training.12.
What if my child needs to take medication while at camp?
If your child requires prescription medication while at camp, please fill out the medication form available when you drop your child off. All prescription medication needs to be in its original container, indicating the child’s name, dosage directions, and date of the prescription. All medications will be delivered to your child based on the doctor’s recommendations. If medication is for emergency use (an epi-pen or inhaler) the counselor will carry it in their emergency waist pack.
If you child requires non-prescription medication, please obtain a doctor’s note that indicates the following:
- Your child’s name
- Name of medication
- Dosage directions (including time to be administered)
- Expiry date of the note
- Doctor’s signature
- List of signs and symptoms that indicate the medication is required
Please note that without this information, we will be unable to administer your child’s medication at camp.13.
What if my child becomes ill at camp?
The Wellness coordinator is responsible for the health and well being of the camper and staff team while they are at camp. The Wellness coordinator will be available at check in if you would like to discuss any concerns or issues as you are dropping your child off. If your child is ill or injured at camp, you will be contacted immediately to discuss next steps.14.
What if my child loses something at camp?
The best way to prevent lost items at camp is to teach your child to pack away their personal items when not in use. You may also wish to label your child’s items with their name so staff can help return any stray belongings. All items found at the end of each session will be displayed on the last day of camp as you pick your camper up. Items are held until the end of the summer, and then they are donated to a local charitable organization.15.
Can I visit my child while they are at camp?
One of the proven benefits of camp is the opportunity to develop a child’s independence and self-esteem. It is our experience that if a camper receives a visitor it can break the bond from camp and leave them feeling homesick and wanting to leave camp.16.
How can I contact my child at camp?
While your child is at camp you are welcome to send them either snail mail or email which will be handed out to campers at meal times. Our email this summer is cedarglen.overnightcamp@ymcagta.org. If you send a care package for your camper, consider sending enough to share with the entire cabin group. Please do not send any food items in care packages – many of or campers have allergies and dietary restrictions that we work hard to respect. Great ideas for care packages include small games and toys, comic and coloring books, or photos from home.
Campers are able to write letters home each day during rest time if they choose. If you camper would like to write home, please send him or her with pre stamped envelopes which we would be happy to put in the mail.
Campers do not have access to email or telephone while they are at camp. If you have an emergency and need to reach your child, please contact camp at 905 859 9622.17.
Can I visit YMCA Cedar Glen?
We welcome all visits from campers and families who would like to tour our site – simply call our director Marissa Straatsma at (905) 859 9622 ext. 241 to make an appointment.18.
How can I update my contact information if I move?
If you move or your contact information changes, simply the Summer Camps Contact centre at (647) 439-6611 or 1-877-303-2267 and all your information will be updated in our computer system.19.
Can you send me a brochure?
Download a camp brochure now. If you prefer to receive a brochure in the mail, contact Marissa Straatsma, Overnight Camp Director at (905) 859 9622 ext. 24120.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions about the overnight camping programs offered at YMCA Cedar Glen, you can contact Marissa Straatsma at (905) 859 9622 ext 241, or marissa.straatsma@ymcagta.org
