Camp Henry Family Camp Info Guide

Camp Henry is approximately two hours driving time from London, and one hour driving time from Windsor. Please note, there is no camp bussing available for Family Camp. Each family is responsible for their own personal transportation to and from camp. There is ample parking on site. When entering Point Pelee National Park gate, inform staff that you are participants of YMCA Camp Henry. Once inside the park, continue along Point Pelee Drive for about 10 minutes. The turn for Camp Henry will be on your left before you arrive at the Visitor Centre. 

Address: 
Camp Henry
1118 Point Pelee Drive
Leamington ON N8H 3V4

From London

• Follow Highway 401 E to exit 48 for County Road 35/ON-77 toward Comber Rd/Stoney Point/Leamington.
• Continue along Hwy 77 towards Leamington.
• Continue onto Erie St N.
• Turn left onto Seacliff Dr E/Essex County Rd 20.
• Turn right onto Bevel Line Rd/Essex 33.
• Continue onto Point Pelee Drive to the park
• Entrance to Point Pelee National Park

From Windsor

• Follow Hwy 3B to ON-3 East (Leamington).
• Turn right onto Erie St N, towards Erie Street/Leamington/Business Section.
• Turn left onto Seacliff Dr E/Essex County Rd 20.
• Turn right onto Bevel Line Rd/Essex 33. 
• Continue onto Point Pelee Drive to the entrance to Point Pelee National Park

At Camp Henry, our programming and staff reflect and represent the mission and core values of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. 

Mission: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is a charitable, not for profit organization dedicated to individual growth in spirit, mind and body and to meeting the changing needs of the community. The programs at the Y are available to everyone regardless of race, gender, creed or economic circumstance. 

Core Values:  Honesty • Caring • Respect • Responsibility • Inclusiveness.

Camp Henry’s Family Camp offers a full schedule of options for those who choose to participate. Our activities can be adapted for many ages and abilities, so there is something for all members of your family. Throughout a typical day, our scheduled activities include:

• Camping classics, such as canoeing, kayaking, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, swimming, archery, hiking (to the southernmost tip of Canada!!) gaga ball and more. 
• Outdoor Living Skills (OLS), such as fire-building, outdoor cooking, shelter-building, exploring the marsh and education sessions on weather-patterns and environmental camping practices. 
• Open family swim time (with a lifeguard present)
• An end-of-day camp-wide event where all families are invited for a game, activity campfire or simply to join in fun and laughter.

But you don’t have to follow our schedule. At Camp Henry, families are welcome to be their own guides! Your family can choose what camp activities you want to do, if any, while also exploring, taking things at your own pace and creating your own adventures. Maybe you want to hike the beautiful trails, enjoy a family paddle, take a dip in the lake or just sit back and relax! This time is yours for your family to enjoy as you please.

(Note: Swimming and paddling after dark is strictly prohibited.)

A Typical Day at Camp 
7:30 am Early Risers
8:15 am Table Setters**
8:30 am-9:30 am Breakfast
9:45-10:45 am Activity 1 (we will run 2 activities at a time, and you will have a choice between them)
11:00 – 12:00 pm Activity 2 (we will run 2 activities at a time, and you will have a choice between them)
12:00-12:15 pm Reset (washroom, fill waters, re-apply sunscreen, etc.)
12:15 pm Table Setters**
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:45-2:00 pm Reset (washroom, fill waters, re-apply sunscreen, etc.)
2:00-3:00 pm Activity 3 (we will run 2 activities at a time, and you will have a choice between them)
3:15-4:15 pm Activity 4 (we will run 2 activities at a time, and you will have a choice between them)
4:30-5:30 pm Kids Club/Adults Only Activity**
5:45 pm Table Setters**
6:00-6:45 pm Dinner
7:00 – 7:45 pm Group Activity**
8:00-9:00 pm Evening Activity**
9:00 pm Bedtime (you are welcome to join us in the dining hall for snacks and board games/social time)
10:30 pm Quiet Hours**

**Table Setters will be completed by staff before each meal
**Kids Club/Adults Only Activity consists of a one-hour period where Henry staff will fully supervise your children, while adults have the option to participate in an adult only activity (i.e., bike ride to the cemetery, hammer and nail art, etc.)
**Group Activity will be open to all families (i.e., team building games, action auction, etc.)
**Evening Activity will be open to all families (i.e., campfire, Parks Canada presentations, etc.)
**Quiet hours are from 10:30 pm – 7:30 am

Camp Henry is in radiant Point Pelee National Park, home to many unique, protected and threatened species. We ask all visitors to please treat the camp property and the natural environment with the utmost respect, so that together we can protect this fragile ecosystem. We also love to share with visitors that inclusivity is a core value of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, and of Camp Henry, and we are thrilled to welcome people from all backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life.

While families are invited to choose how they spend their time during Family Camp, we ask that the cabin (oTENTik) area is quiet after 10 p.m. to allow everyone to get the rest they need.

At Camp Henry Family Camp, parents or guardians are responsible for the safety of their children at all times. Children under four must be always accompanied by an adult. If you are bringing older children, we ask that you take them to any scheduled programs and pick them up afterward to ensure their safety. Young children are welcome in all program areas if they’re accompanied by an adult throughout the activity.  

Parents or guardians MUST accompany children in and around the water.

Each family has a private oTENTik, which is a unique blended structure (tent + cabin) exclusive to Parks Canada. Each oTENTik can sleep six people comfortably, and features a spacious interior area with table, chairs, storage shelves and outdoor space including a fire pit, porch, picnic table and outdoor chairs. A moment’s walk away, you will find flushing toilets and showers.  

Please note: We ask that the oTENTik areas are quiet after 10:00pm to allow everyone to get the rest they need. However, please feel free to enjoy each other’s company in the Dining Hall as late as you like.

Our kitchen team ensures there are three delicious, healthy meals a day plus snacks for all our participants. To accommodate any dietary needs/allergies or restrictions, please list all pertinent information on the registration form and contact the camp office at least a week before your arrival to ensure that we have all the dietary information necessary to meet everyone’s needs.

Outside Food: We understand families may want to bring some food or snacks along with them. Due to animals in the National Park, we ask that you only store this food in the animal-proof bin located outside each oTENTik. Ice can be purchased from the Parks campground office.

Nuts: Some of our campers have severe nut allergies, and so we respectfully strive to prevent nuts and nut products from coming on site. Please do not bring products that contain nuts onto site.

Eating locations: Meals will be served in our Dining Hall and there will be both indoor and outdoor dining spaces available for everyone to enjoy their meal. Our outdoor porch, picnic tables around site and at each oTENTik make it easy for groups to enjoy eating in our beautiful outdoor spaces

Throughout most of the summer, YMCA Camp Henry is alcohol-free. Alcohol is permitted on site when adults are present, but we expect everyone to respect our family-friendly environment and consume beverages responsibly. Families may bring a hard-case cooler to store alcohol throughout their stay. No glass containers please. If you do choose to consume alcohol, please do so at your family's oTENTik or at a designated eating area, but please refrain from drinking before or while participating in activities or programs around the site. Camp Henry staff reserve the right to ask people to leave a program area or the site itself if the safety of participants is at risk or if the overall program is being disturbed. 

Smoking cigarettes, cannabis, vapes and e-cigarettes is only permitted in designated areas, which will be identified at the community meeting. Please abide by this policy to help us ensure we are respecting both our forests and the families participating in our programs.

Non-prescription drugs are not permitted on site at any time.

Although we know that pets are valued members of your family, we are not able to welcome them to Family Camp. This is due to restrictions on the oTENTiks. Services animals are permitted. Please reach out to the camp office with any questions. 

Please be aware that there is limited phone service around the campground and no Wi-Fi connection at Camp Henry. The most reliable cell reception is across the parking lot at Henry Beach and dependable Wi-Fi for public use can be found at the Visitor Centre (5 mins drive or 10 min walk from site). The office at Camp Henry has a landline for emergencies. If at any point you require a phone line or urgent access to the internet, please inform a YMCA staff member.

At Camp Henry, we’re committed to providing a safe and comfortable experience for our entire camp community. To help keep everyone safe, our programs follow all current provincial and local public health regulations and guidelines. As we move closer to your scheduled Family Camp experience, we will share any information about additional health and safety measures that will be in place and any requirements for our participants. 

All our staff members at Camp Henry have Standard First Aid and CPR certification and site-specific emergency response training. Staff members leading water activities are certified lifeguards. During camp activities, employees carry first aid kits to ensure that bumps, scrapes, and bruises can be taken care of immediately. Due to our proximity to the Erie Shores HealthCare (17 kilometres away), as well as our quick EMS response time, Camp Henry will not have a nurse or physician onsite. Camp Henry is equipped with basic medical supplies.

If you or a member of your family requires any medical attention, the nearest hospital and pharmacy is Erie Shores Health Care and Shoppers Drug Mart in the town of Leamington. If any immediate attention is required, the Camp Director will contact emergency medical services. All parents/guardians are responsible for administering children any regular medications that are needed.

Please note: Inclusivity is a core value at Camp Henry. We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging, and therefore we ask all participants to be mindful and respectful of others’ space and preferences. 

If you have any questions leading up to the camp experience regarding health or safety concerns, please get in touch with us at 519-453-8858 or camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca. 
 

Before you head to camp, we’ll send you an email with all the information you need for an amazing time at Camp Henry. This email will include general info about the camp experience.

For our spring and fall weekend programs, we ask families to arrive at Camp Henry between 6 – 7 p.m. on Friday. Please eat dinner before arriving, a hearty evening snack will be provided. If you will be arriving later please let our camp office know. On departure day, we will wrap up after lunch at 1 p.m. 

For our summer programs we ask families to arrive at Camp Henry between 4 - 5 p.m. on arrival day. This will give you plenty of time to get settled into your oTENTik, tour the site and participate in some fun ‘get to know each other games’ before dinner.

On departure day, we finish the session with a farewell BBQ beach party at Northwest Beach in Point Pelee National Park. Once you are checked out of your oTENTik, you and your family are welcome to drive to the beach and head home after lunch. This is generally around 1 p.m.

• Health Screening: Please monitor all family members for symptoms of illness leading up to your camp session. If any of you show symptoms or feel unwell, please do not attend the camp program.
• Assumption of Risk waiver: This mandatory waiver must be completed PRIOR to arrival. This waiver will allow you and your family to paddle and swim at your leisure. It will be emailed to you so you have time to review before your rental. Please note this form must be signed by all participants over 18. Parents/guardians can sign on behalf of their children.

When packing for camp, remember that the weather can vary widely from day-to-day. Typically, we have warm, sunny days and cool (sometimes cold!), breezy evenings in the spring,at the end of the summer and in the fall. Our programs usually continue on rainy days – so good rain gear is essential. It is difficult to get extra items once you are at camp, so come prepared with everything you think you will need!

The oTENTiks are a short walk from the parking lot. There are wagons available to help you carry your belongings and staff are happy to help.

Here's what you’ll need:

Bedding:

• Sleeping bag or comforter
• Pillow
• Sheets for a single mattress (optional)

Clothing:

• T-shirts :*including a white cotton shirt for tie-dye activity
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Sweater/fleece
• Shorts
• Sleepwear
• Long comfortable pants
• Underwear
• Socks
• Sun hat
• Jacket
• Rain gear (coat and pants)
• Bathing suit
• Two towels
• Sturdy shoes and sandals
• Toque
• Face masks (optional)

Other:

• Biodegradable soap and shampoo*
• Water bottle
• Travel mug
• Toiletries
• Mirror
• Flashlight
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Backpack
• Board games or cards
• White item for tie dye
• Life jacket**
• Biking helmet***

* All soap/shampoo must be100 per cent biodegradable. 
**We have life jackets available. However, if you have your own, you may be more comfortable using it.
*** We have bike helmets available. However, if you have your own, you may be more comfortable using it.

Bugs are a part of camp life in any part of Canada and learning about them can be a fun part of camp. That said, we ensure our staff and campers are informed about the various insects that may disrupt our experience. All of our Camp Henry staff will be trained before campers arrive to be sure we are able to prevent discomfort as much as possible. For example, staff will encourage campers to wear socks, long pants and long sleeves when outside at dusk, as well as during forest activities. Campers are welcome to bring insect repellent to camp. Health Canada recommends a DEET percentage of 10 per cent or lower for children under 12. 

Through our staff training and camper orientation each arrival day, we will inform our Camp Henry community on how to best protect themselves from ticks. We also implement the following tick prevention measures: 

• Daily Tick checks: Campers are taught how to check for ticks on the first day, and nightly checks are conducted during bedtime routines.
• Information posters about ticks and tick-checks: They are displayed in cabins and various areas at Camp Henry.
• Collaboration with National Parks staff: Camp staff collaborate with National Parks staff for preventative measures against ticks and other insects.
• Hiking guidelines: Campers are encouraged to wear long pants and high socks during wooded trail hikes in Point Pelee National Park.
• Water activities: Numerous swim activities throughout the typical camp day provide opportunities to remove ticks before they bite.
• Notification and Medical Attention: If a camper is bitten, parents/guardians will be informed, and the camper will see a medical professional.

Please note: Exposure to an embedded tick for under 24 hours is considered low risk for Lyme Disease. Further details on ticks and Lyme Disease can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease.html 

In an effort to be proactive with our new camping facilities, it is important for us to recognize the increasing presence of bed bugs in our communities across Canada. Although not known to carry any blood born diseases or pose any serious health risks, bed bugs are a pest that can cause swelling and itchy welts, and we take every reasonable precaution to them at Camp Henry. Including the following: 

• During our training week, all Camp Henry staff are informed on bed bugs and how to detect early signs. 
• Each week when campers are offsite, our staff thoroughly cleans cabins and camp facilities. The weekly clean includes an inspection of all living areas for signs of bed bugs.
• In order to prevent bed bugs from entering our environment, we ask anyone visiting Camp Henry to take the following steps:
  • If it’s possible the person coming to Camp Henry was in contact with bed bugs, we request that prior to arrival, all personal belongings are washed with hot water and dried at the highest dryer setting for at least 30 minutes. It is recommended for any other items to be steam-cleaned or placed loosely in a tightly sealed bag in a freezer for a minimum of four days at a temperature of -15C or lower.
  • Immediately upon returning home, we recommend repeating this process to prevent the possibility of spreading. 

If you have questions regarding our protocols to prevent and manage ticks, bed bugs, and other insects, please contact our camp management at camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca 

At our June open house, families are invited to come out and explore Camp Henry. All guests will be able to tour the campsite, look inside an oTENTik and try some of our camp programs. We will have drop-in activities, like archery, gaga ball and crafts, so everyone can join in the fun!

Join us for our Open House  on June 15th and enjoy a fun afternoon with your family. An email with more details will be sent closer to the date. 

Website: Our website is an excellent place to go for information about Camp Henry. There are links here to any of the paperwork you will need to get ready for camp.

Facebook: Join the YMCA Camp Henry page on Facebook, where you’ll find updates photos, videos, camp updates and on-going discussions about Camp Henry.  

Instagram: Follow what’s going on through pictures on Instagram @ymcacamphenry

We know that taking home Camp Henry merch is a great way to remember your camp experience. Camp Henry merchandise will be available on the last day of program. Please note that supplies are limited. Cash payment is accepted or the card you have on file can be charged. 

Email (camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca) is the fastest way to reach Camp Henry. We strive to respond to all emails within 24 hours, please ensure your subject line is clear to help facilitate a quick response. 

Phone:
Our London Camping Branch office number is 519-453-8858. We will have staff answering this line throughout the year for any registration or administrative questions. During the summer, you can reach our camp management team directly at Camp Henry, at 519-322-1970.

*If you get voice mail, please leave a message and we’ll return your call as soon as possible.