![[Fraser Lake Camp, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada]](images/headmast05.jpg) |
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![[Children's Summer Camp]](images/blank.gif){kind=small} |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Here are a few questions often asked to which we have provided answers to assist you. We hope they will give you with the information you need. If not, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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![[Questions and Answers]](images/collage22.jpg) ![[FAQ]](images/collage23.jpg) |
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FACILITY 1. Are we allowed to visit the camp and tour the facilities? We would be happy to show you around the camp to see our buildings and programs. The camp is only open for the summer season, so any tours would need to be between mid-June and the end of September. As well, for those families that choose to drive their campers to camp, we are more than happy to give you a tour and meet the staff after you have picked bunks and settled in. We feel this is a great way for first time families to acquaint themselves with Fraser. 2. Can my camper do laundry while at camp? Because of the limits of our laundry facilities, we only laundry use for campers who are staying longer than two weeks. However, because of unpredictable weather and other extenuating circumstances, we will do enough laundry to get a camper through to the end of their session if they need it. 3. Do the cabins have electricity and bathrooms? Other than two of our senior girls cabins, our cabins do not have electricity. Last summer we installed solar panels in the junior girl cabins to provide some lighting, and we have plans for a similar project in the boys cabins. Our cabins do not have washroom facilities, however each cabin group area has a wash/shower house close by. PROGRAM 4. Is there a registration deadline? There is no set deadline for registrations. We will accept registrations until we sell out the session or until the session starts, whichever comes first. In 2008, we sold out of sessions 2, 5 and 6. In addition, there are a limited number of spaces for each gender and each age group. Once you have decided on which session you wish to attend, it is advisable to submit the registration form as soon as possible. 5. My child is nine years old. Are there only certain weeks she can attend? There are no restrictions on which sessions she can take part in, as each of our sessions is for all of our ages. The only exception is for our Trail Blazer session (see question #9), which is restricted to junior aged campers (7 to 12 years old). 6. Do you have leadership programs for my older children? We have two leadership programs for our older campers to take part in - we call them Leaders-In-Training (LIT) and Counsellors-in-Training (CIT). The LIT program is for campers turning 15 the current calendar year, and is a two-week session that features an 8-day canoe trip in Algonquin Park. The program also focuses on developing each camper's leadership skills within the context of the out-trip. Each LIT session is limited to 7 campers. The CIT program is for campers turning 16 the current calendar year, and is intended for campers interested in becoming a camp counsellor. There are 2 CIT sessions, and each session is one month long. The sessions consist of two weeks of training, and then two weeks of practical application as the CITs go into a cabin to work with our counsellors. The CIT program has an additional application process which applicants must complete before being accepted into this program. (The CIT application form can be downloaded from the Registration page.) 7. Is there bussing available to the camp or do we have to drive? We do have a bus service that runs non-stop from Stouffville to camp. The pick-up location is at Willowgrove, where the main office for Fraser is located: 11737 McCowan Road, Stouffville. One way bussing is an option if you would prefer to drop off or pick up your child directly at camp. Their is a small fee for bus services. Check the Sessions & Fees. 8. What is Family Camp and who can take part in it? We started family camp in 2005 and it has become one of our most popular programs. Family camp is open to anyone - those who are interested can contact the office directly for a registration form. Held over the August long weekend, the idea is that parents can have a chance to experience camp with their children. You can stay in our cabins or bring your own tent/tent-trailer (limited electrical hook-ups are available). We run an optional program similar to regular camp, or your family may choose to hang out at the waterfront all day. Theme meals, nightly campfires and other camp staples have made this a highlight of the summer for both staff and participants. 9. What is Trail Blazers and who can take part in it? Trail Blazers is a program we started to allow junior aged campers (7-12 years old) a chance to try camp without committing to a week away from home. During the 4-night program we give the campers a chance to experience the highlights of a longer camp session. We have found that many campers will choose to come to Trail Blazers for two or even three years before deciding they are ready for a one- or two-week camp session. As a bonus, we also find the shorter stay at camp is easier for parents who are sending their child away for the first time. ACTIVITIES 10. Is the lake good for swimming? Fraser Lake is large enough and deep enough to remain very clean throughout the summer. We have never encountered a problem with too much algae in the water. At our waterfront we have created an enclosed swimming area with a shallow and deep end. Each camper at the beginning of their session must demonstrate their swimming ability in order to receive a deep end pass. 11. Can my child bring his/her iPod or gaming system for free times? We ask that campers do not bring iPods, gaming systems or other electronic devices to camp for three main reasons. First of all, we believe that campers will have plenty of opportunities to use those items the other 50-51 weeks of the year, and we want them to take part in our activities and all the opportunities our natural resources provide. Secondly, those devices do not promote healthy community, as only one or two people can participate. Thirdly, there is too much potential for damage and theft to occur, and an entire week of positive experience can be negated by the loss of a significant item like these. Any electronic devices brought to camp will be confiscated and taken to the office, so there is no point in bringing them in the first place! Please remind your child that their toys will be waiting for them upon their return for them to enjoy! 12. Should we bring our own equipment (like life jackets, bikes, guitars, etc.)? We suggest that you do not bring your own equipment. We work hard to maintain and supply the proper and necessary equipment for all our program areas, and we would rather you do not have to worry about extra ‘things’ being taken care of properly while your child is at camp. 13. Is my child going to be able to choose what activities they take part in? Yes! We provide several opportunities for your child to choose what activities they take part in each day. On the first day of camp they choose which three activities they will take part in each day. As well, there is an interest session each day and that activity is chosen each morning. Finally, each cabin will choose to take part in an activity together each day. 14. What kind of religious teaching or programming will the campers take part in? At Fraser Camp we talk about being a camp in a Christian context. To state it more simply, our programs and activities will at times have a Christian flavour to them. While our focus is to promote values and morals, we will often do so by providing examples of how those values have been demonstrated people throughout history. Also, we sing or say a grace before every meal as a way to recognize God's hand in providing for us. Similarly, some our campfire songs or stories will have lyrics with a Christian theme or message in them. For each session we have a chapel service on the first and last day of camp. The chapels are where we introduce and then wrap-up the theme for the week. For example, past themes have been, "What makes a Hero?", "The Fruit of the Spirit", and "Who is my Neigbour?". Then, each morning after breakfast the camp gathers down by the lake for Morning Watch, which will be a story or skit or song or combination of all three which relates to the weekly theme. 15. What are the ‘Colour Teams’? Each session, campers are divided up into our four colour teams: Riptide (Blue), Tremor (Green), Chinook (Yellow), and Inferno (Red). Then each evening, after supper, we play a wide game which either pits the four teams against each other (like 4-Way soccer) or team two colours together (like for capture the flag). The teams are chosen at random, and campers are encouraged to sport their colour during the activity. It is helpful if each camper brings at least one t-shirt of each colour with them! STAFFING 16. How many counsellors are with each cabin? We put a minimum of two counsellors in each cabin, and occasionally we have three counsellors in a cabin. As well, during the second half of each CIT session most cabins will have a Counsellor-in-Training as well. 17. How old are the counsellors and what kind of training/qualifications do they have? Counsellors are a minimum of seventeen years old, and many are university students. We provide training during our orientation week before camp starts, and many staff have their First Aid and CPR qualifications. All of our lifeguard staff has at a minimum their NLS qualifications. Finally, the majority of our staff took part in our month long CIT program. CAMPER NEEDS 18. Can my child request to be in the same cabin as their friends? Yes! We believe that experiencing camp with a friend is of great benefit, and we encourage requesting to be in the same cabin as a friend. You can do so right on the registration form. We will do our best to accommodate all requests. 19. How many campers are in each cabin? Each cabin has a maximum of 9 campers. The lone exceptions are the senior girl cabins which accommodate 12 campers. 20. Are digital cameras allowed? We do allow cameras to be brought to camp because we want campers to bring memories home with them. However, because most digital cameras now have video capability, we will monitor how the device is used. If campers use cameras inappropriately (film or digital), we have the right to confiscate it from the camper. 21. Can I send a cell phone so my child can contact me in an emergency? For many of the same reasons outlined in Question #11, we ask that you do not send cell phones with your camper. If there is an emergency or any circumstance in which we feel a parent should be contacted, we will do so from the office or allow your child to use the office phone. 22. My child will occasionally have a problem with bedwetting. How will you handle this? We understand bedwetting is not a conscious choice and can be potentially embarrassing for the camper. First of all, we train our counsellors on the importance of being discreet with these issues and attempting to not let the other cabin mates know of the issue. Secondly, we try to accommodate the same techniques you use at home - limiting fluids before bed-time, using pull-ups, etc. Finally, if an accident happens we will wash and dry the bedding for the camper. First of all, we help the camper to understand that missing home is not a ‘sickness’. If your camper misses home, that's a good thing, and nothing to be ashamed of. We'll try gentle encouragement and to get them involved in the daily activities. In more extreme cases, we can potentially arrange for a scheduled call home to talk with mom or dad. In rare occasions a camper may become so despondent that the best course of action is for the parents to pick them up early. However, if you are concerned your child may become homesick, the most important thing you can do is to let them know that you are not going to wait by the phone waiting for them to call to pick them up. Highlight all the exciting things they will take part in, and tell them you can't wait to pick them up at the end of the session to find out what they took part in. Most often, the campers that have a difficult first day or two are the ones that don't want to leave by the end of the session! A. Labels. Labels. Labels. Seriously, label everything! You would be surprised how often a camper does not recognize their own clothing! B. Pack with your child. Show them what you are sending and where to find it. C. Send a laundry bag or suitcase (labeled of course!) for your camper to put dirty laundry in. Plus, it helps with cabin clean up! D. Remember, we do have a lost and found that gets sent back down to our main office after camp ends so you can pick up missing items in September. E. Did we mention labels? 25. Do you have a list of things to pack? As part of the parent information package we send out in the spring we include a list of things to pack, as well as items not to pack. You can also download the Parent Information Package (PDF - 780k). We do our best to make Fraser Camp as safe as we possibly can. Because of all the different campers and staff who come on site, we cannot guarantee we are a nut-free site, but we are ‘nut aware’. Here are the steps we take to avoid having nut products on site and to ensure your child's safety: A. We order our food products from companies that are nut-free. B. We ask our counsellors to screen all candy/snacks that campers bring on the first night. C. We have a camp meeting the first day to go over camp policies and procedures in which we highlight the ban on all nut products. D. We keep at least two epi-pens on site at all times in central locations. FINANCIAL 27. I am registering two children. Am I eligible for a discount? As a not-for-profit organization we have decided to set our prices as close to cost as we can, so we do not offer a sibling discount at this time. However, we do have some promotions for which you may be eligible. Contact the office for details. We have a subsidy program which we call Hand-In-Hand. We raise money and receive money from other foundations in order to help families offset the cost of camp. We will help subsidize camp fees up to 50% of one week of camp. To apply for this subsidy, we ask that you include a cover letter outlining the reason for your request along with your camper registration form. As well, we require a copy of a financial document verifying your financial situation. If the request for subsidy is denied, we will refund the $100 deposit in full. As a general rule our deposit is non-refundable. However, unexpected emergencies and health concerns do happen, and in those cases the deposit will be refunded. Please contact the office directly if such a situation arises. MISCELLANEOUS 30. How old do you have to be to volunteer? We sometimes have volunteers as young as 15 years old. If you or your child is interested in volunteering, please contact the office to discuss where and when volunteering would be appropriate. 31. How far is it to the nearest hospital? The nearest hospital is in Bancroft, and can be reached driving “normally” in 25-30 minutes. Bancroft has ambulatory services as well. |
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