Camp Henry Info Guide

Camp Henry Open House
June 15th, 2024, 1-3pm

At our June open house, campers’ 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! Families will be emailed details closer to the date. 

Located in the heart of Point Pelee National Park, Camp Henry is a values-based, overnight summer camp that uses fun outdoor-based programs to foster the YMCA’s core values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and inclusiveness in each one of our campers. We love providing our campers with opportunities to develop their skills and ignite their potential. Our focus is on the healthy development of spirit, mind, and body in all our participants. Camp Henry is very lucky to work closely with the wonderful staff of Point Pelee National Park to ensure our campers have many opportunities to connect with the unique setting we are in.

With a getaway that includes early morning lake swims, camp songs around the fire, nature adventure hikes, shared meals in the dining hall and new friends, there’s never a dull moment at Camp Henry.

Our programs — which are based on YMCA Camping Quality 8 Principles — reflect our mission and core values. And we select camp employees based on their skills, expertise, and their commitment to representing our values as role models. 

At YMCA Camp Henry, our programming and staff reflect and represent the mission and core values of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and the YMCA Quality 8 Camping Principles. 

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.

Quality 8: Our camp programs and operations are designed to ensure that the YMCA Quality 8 Camping Principles are an integral part of every camper's experience.

1. YMCA Camp Henry is fun.
2. YMCA Camp Henry is safe socially, emotionally and physically.
3. YMCA Camp Henry is a place of friendship.
4. YMCA Camp Henry is a place of caring, belonging and responsibility.
5. YMCA Camp Henry participants learn and are challenged.
6. YMCA Camp Henry treasures the natural world.
7. YMCA Camp Henry meets personal life needs.
8. YMCA Camp Henry is a place to return to.

Camp Henry has state-of-the-art facilities that are fully accessible to ensure your kids will
stay comfortable! Think ‘glamping!’ Campers sleep in oTENTik’s, which are a cross between a large cabin and a tent, and unique to Canada’s National Parks. That means your child will have the fun experience of sleeping in a tent with the added comfort of a bunk bed. Each oTENTik sleeps six campers and one counsellor, for 24-hour supervision by the Y’s trained and caring staff.

Upon registration, campers will have the choice to sign up for an all-gender or single-gender cabin. We want our campers to be able to choose accommodation that makes them feel comfortable and able to be themselves. We are proud to be a camp that encourages friendship, belonging, and inclusiveness and we want to ensure that we continue to grow and support the needs of all our campers and families.

Single-gender oTENTiks: Please note that for our single-gender cabins, we aim to have staff of the same gender (e.g. male staff for a male cabin) for each cabin. If this is not possible, during the day the cabin may have staff of different genders. However, at night, each cabin will have staff of the same gender sleep in the oTENTik.

All-gender oTENTiks: Open to everyone, our all-gender oTENTiks welcome campers who want to share a space with campers of different genders, who have friends or siblings who are different genders, and for campers who identify as non-binary or genderqueer.  

Our all-gender cabin option will be offered across all sessions in addition to our single-gender cabin options. The number of cabins available will be determined by demand. Every cabin group is sorted by age, keeping campers within two years of each other. Because our cabins are one open space, changing areas and privacy options are available for campers. If you have questions about our all-gender cabin option, please don’t hesitate to reach out to ask questions or to discuss at camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca or 519-453-8858.

Campers are served three delicious, homemade meals, as well as mid-afternoon and evening snacks each day. Our menu is designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing, active campers with as few pre-packaged items as possible. Our kitchen is run by a caring and experienced team who love getting creative with food. If your camper has any dietary restrictions, ensure you include this on their health history form  .

Meals are an important part of camp: they provide time for cabin-mates to sit down together and share stories. All meals are served “family-style” meaning campers eat with their cabins. Indoor and outdoor dining spaces are available for our campers to enjoy a meal in the dining hall or out around camp. Campers help with setting and clearing tables and bringing food from the kitchen. At the end of every meal, we have fun announcements, skits and songs which help prepare campers for the rest of their day!

Sample one-day menu at Camp Henry:    

• Breakfast: Bacon and egg breakfast wraps w/ orange juice, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal bar, fruit bowl
• Lunch: Grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup w/ veggie tray and juice
• Snack: Popsicles
• Dinner: Stir fry with chicken, vegetables, salad bar & dessert and water
• Evening snack: Goldfish crackers

Camp is an incredible place for creating new friendships and bonds. Each cabin has about six campers similar in age with one counsellor, providing an opportunity to facilitate bonds among our campers. In cabin groups, campers will have opportunities to try a wide range of our programs here at Camp Henry. Campers will be able to talk as a group and with their counsellor to request certain types of activities and games they wish to do throughout the week.

While trying new things with new friends in cabin groups is important to our program, it is also essential that everyone has the chance to focus on certain areas that interest them most. Each camper will have the opportunity to select a program of their choice after dinner during choose your own adventure (CYOA). 

This balance of individual choice and group activities allows our campers to be provided with the best situations for personal growth and development in all aspects of the camp. The activities below are our core programs. All campers will try each main activity while at Camp Henry even if it is not one of their Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) activities.

Boating: Campers will have a choice of either kayaking and/or canoeing for our boating programs. We guarantee at least one boating option for campers. All boating activities take place in the beautiful marsh areas of Point Pelee National Park, allowing for us to explore this special area of the park firsthand. The goal of our kayaking and canoeing programs is to help campers to be comfortable and have confidence in a canoe or kayak so they can safely paddle both at camp and with family and friends once they return home.

• Kayaking skills begin by learning about the parts and functions of the boat and paddle. Campers will focus on straight line paddling and becoming comfortable in their boat.
• Canoeing skills begin with getting comfortable in a canoe and learning basic strokes. From here, campers will progress to stern a canoe and onto advanced soloing techniques for experienced paddlers.

Games: Fun is a focus here at Camp Henry and we have a wide collection of different games and activities to suit a variety of ages and groups! Campers will participate in creative, challenging activities that may include swimming and capturing the flag. We strive to run fun activities every camper can do to help build confidence, co-operation, and teamwork skills.

Arts & Crafts: This program brings out the creative side of every camper. We offer a mix of classic camp crafts such as beading, candle-making, painting, bracelet-making, as well as new creative ideas.

Biking: Camp Henry has a beautiful fleet of bikes for exploring the trails of Point Pelee. The biking program allows campers to ride bikes throughout the park, exploring all that there is to see while also working on their cycling skills.

Archery: Campers learn about the history and technique of this popular sport, make their own quivers and try their hands at target practice in this classic camp activity.

Outdoor Living Skills: With activities like fire- and shelter-building, outdoor cooking and environmental camping practices, campers develop skills and knowledge about the outdoors.

Tip Hike: Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point of mainland Canada. All our campers will hike to the beautiful tip of Point Pelee National Park and see cool sites along the way.

Roberta Bondar Challenge: The Bondar Challenge encourages participants to utilize provided point and shoot cameras to take pictures of their natural surroundings – as a gateway to learn about the environment around us. This competition challenges those who enter it, in a learning experience infusing art with science and science with art. 

Other Programs: Here are a few other important programs to know about:

Early Risers: Staff are ready to rock at 7:30 a.m. for campers who wake up nice and early! This Early Risers activity will be different each day and will include options such as swimming, basketball, kick the can, etc. If any campers have specific requests, be sure to tell your counselor!

CYOA – Choose Your Own Adventure: This is another great opportunity for individual campers to choose the programs they’re most excited about. At dinner, staff will present various activity options for campers to choose from, including camp classics like Gaga ball or Bump.

Special Events: Throughout each session at Camp Henry, there will be several camp-wide programs and games designed to encourage personal growth and self-confidence, including our opening night campfire with songs and stories on the first night, our Thursday night talent show and Friday beach party.  

Overnight Sessions 1, 2, 3, & 4:  

Ages 6-13
Each numbered session, Week 1, 2, 3, & 4, serves as a classic five-night camp program experience. During the week, each camper will have the opportunity to independently choose specific activities to try in addition to participating in many group activities with cabin-mates (oTENTik-mates). This set up allows time for campers to establish friendships and try all of our programs. If your camper is interested in trying out canoeing for the first time with their friends and is also hoping to spend more time perfecting their archery skills, this is an ideal set up!

Leadership Sessions, 1 and 3:

Ages 14-16
During sessions 1 and 3 we offer a leadership program for campers aged 14-16. This program offers the same activity opportunities as all our camp programs but with a focus on leadership development. Participants will be part of programs and learn to lead and be role models for younger campers.

CHICKADEES 1 & 2

Ages 5-12
This slightly shorter program is an opportunity for young adventurers to join us for their first taste of overnight camp! This four-night program will run similarly to our classic camp sessions and will have opportunities to participate in the same programs. If your camper is ready to dip their toe into overnight camping, this is the perfect introduction !

All campers at Camp Henry are expected to be completely toilet-trained, able to feed and dress themselves, and able to communicate properly to others what they need to be happy. If you are concerned your camper is not yet developed to this point, please contact our camp management to discuss ways to be sure we can offer your camper the best possible camp experience. We can be reached at camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca or 519-453-8858 x1103

We want all our campers to shine! And 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. When adjusting our policies and procedures in response to the emerging circumstances in our communities, we will communicate with all our campers and families to share what to expect. 

The Health History form will assist us in ensuring your child’s well-being and provide us vital information in case of illness or accident. This form must be completed and submitted before your camper arrives and it will become available in June on our registration portal . When it’s available, we’ll email all families to let you know. Please wait to fill out this form within a month of your camper’s session to ensure we receive the most up to date information. 

The new Camper Success form helps our staff learn more about your camper and how to ensure they are set up for success so that we can help ignite their potential. This form will become available in June on our registration portal  at the same time as the health history form. Please complete these at the same time. 

Please label any medications with your camper’s name and usage instructions. All medication must be in its original packaging. It will be stored in our wellness centre. We will record any administration of medication throughout your child’s camp stay. 

At Camp Henry, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Some of our campers have severe or life-threatening nut allergies. Because of this, we try to avoid nut products in our space. However, please note we do carry some products that may contain traces of nuts. 

Our anaphylaxis policy and emergency protocol  are designed to ensure Camp Henry staff know which campers have severe allergies and can help prevent those campers from having any contact with allergens. The food service team and camp director will adjust menu plans, ingredient lists, and products to make sure potential allergens are removed from your camper's meals.

If you have concerns about a specific food allergy or dietary restriction, please reach out to us at any time by email, camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca or phone, 519-453-8858.
 

• All Camp Henry employees have First Aid and CPR training. During camp activities, staff carry first aid kits, to be able to immediately take care of bumps, scrapes and bruises.
• All employees leading water activities are certified lifeguards.
• After each meal, campers can bring any questions or concerns to our Section Head.

These senior staff members are dedicated to ensuring the health and wellness of our campers and staff throughout the summer. 

Due to our proximity to Erie Shores HealthCare (17 kilometers away), Camp Henry does not have a nurse or physician on site. Our Section Head ensures all campers receive their medications at the correct times and will be available to help with any illnesses or injuries. If your camper becomes ill or injured or is diagnosed by a medical professional from the Erie Shores Health Care as being either contagious, too ill, or unable to remain at camp, we will ask you to pick them up. Until that time, your child will be isolated from other campers in the Wellness Centre and cared for by the camp staff. We generally do not provide refunds for a camper who’s stay is delayed or cut short by illness or injury.

Contact with parents/guardians will be made on a case-by-case basis  to update you on your camper’s illness or injury. Please review our “Phone Call from Camp ” section. Please note that if a child leaves camp early due to illness or injury a refund is typically not granted.

If your child requires medical care (except for minor injuries), our team will arrange transportation to Erie Shores HealthCare. 

We'll try to reach you promptly if medical treatment is needed for your camper, and we will stay with them until it's resolved.

If a doctor prescribes any medication we don't stock, we'll contact you, and you'll be billed once the prescription is picked up.

Campers will have close contact with their other cabin mates. If your camper contracts lice or a communicable illness before camp, please contact Camp Henry. It is the family's responsibility to ensure campers arrive healthy and ready to engage in all aspects of camp life. Refunds will not be issued if a camper missing part of their program due to head lice or a communicable illness, and any fees incurred due to either will not be compensated for by the camp. We cannot guarantee that our arrival day screening will find all instances of lice. If a camper has signs of lice midway through a camp session, families will be contacted, and the camper will be removed from the program to prevent further spread. Cabin mates will also be screened for lice and families contacted as a precautionary measure.

If a camper shows symptoms of a contagious illness, such as those listed below, we will contact the family to ask that they be picked up. While we will require the camper to isolate while waiting to be picked up, our site has limited space for proper longer-term isolation and recovery. 

Please ensure a parent, guardian or emergency contact is available to pick up a child at any time, if needed. Campers who are ill are not be able to return until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours (48 hours for those with gastrointestinal symptoms). 

The following communicable illnesses or symptoms requiring pickup from camp: 

• COVID-19
• Influenza symptoms for more than 24 hours 
• Chickenpox/shingles
• Persistent diarrhea, vomiting or respiratory symptoms lasting more than 24 hours
• Strep throat 

The following communicable illnesses do NOT NECESSARILY require immediate pickup but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Families will be notified.

• Impetigo 
• Pink eye 
• Herpes simplex HSV-1 (cold sores)
• Hand foot mouth

While camp is an exciting and fun-filled place full of new friends and adventures, it is also different from home. It’s reasonable to expect campers (even returning ones) to experience some homesickness until they adjust to the camp environment. Missing home is a natural feeling, and we work with campers to help build the skills to overcome this and develop their independence and resilience.  

Our camp staff are trained to detect early symptoms of homesickness and to respond to kids’ individual needs when it comes to feeling comfortable at camp. Camp Henry employees are caring people who enjoy being with kids and take the time to listen. Campers are not typically permitted to call home (doing so often increases homesickness). If there is a situation at camp that requires a phone call, we will contact you immediately.  

A big part of the first day of camp is meeting your cabin mates and counsellor and setting a YMCA “full value contract.” These contracts are a tool we use to emphasize our core values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and inclusiveness and to set the tone for everyone's time at camp. Full value contracts allow our campers to set the cabin rules that they feel are important to feel comfortable and safe at camp. 

During this first meeting, our staff will highlight Camp Henry opportunities and supports to help campers care for their emotional and physical health and review the practices in place to keep everyone safe. 

New this year: We have introduced a child guidance policy  that follows a green, yellow, orange and red-light process to help outline standard camper behaviour(green), behaviour that would warrant a call home (yellow/orange), and behaviour that would require a camper to be picked up from camp (red) . The child guidance policy also outlines how we support campers through the different levels of behaviour management and when we contact parents/guardians.

Note: In rare cases, a camper may be immediately removed from camp if their behavior poses a safety risk, involves illegal activities, or includes substances like drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis. No refund will be provided if a camper is sent home early due to their behavior· 

View the full policy here 

Camp is a new environment, and we want to make sure campers know what to do if they encounter a problem or need to talk to someone. Please go through the following with your camper before they head off to camp to make sure they understand the problem-solving process.

• If campers have a problem they can’t handle on their own, they can speak to their counselor. The sooner they tell their counselor, the quicker they can work together to find a solution.
• If campers don’t feel their counsellor can help with the problem, they can talk to another staff member they feel comfortable with (i.e. a program rover, section head or assistant camp director).
• Campers can also go directly to the camp director, who is always available. 
• We want all campers to know that Camp Henry staff are there because they care about kids. Before being hired, all employees must complete an extensive application process and First Aid and CPR training, and they must prove they have sought out leadership experiences throughout the year. It’s Camp Henry policy that no matter how busy they are, staff must make time for a camper who has a problem.  

Website: Our website is an excellent place to go for information for both campers and parents. 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 urgent updates photos, videos, camp updates and on-going discussions about Camp Henry.  

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

Email anytime: camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca 

This 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.  

At Camp Henry we focus on unplugging from technology, reconnecting with nature and making real-world connections within the camp community. Campers will not be permitted to have their cellphones at camp. Any cell phones that do come to camp will be kept in the office and returned on the last day.

We love seeing our campers light up when they receive mail! We welcome families to mail letters or send emails, which we will distribute each day. We also encourage campers to write home regularly and we have response sheets available for campers to write to family and friends. Please make sure your camper has the correct email address to reach you. Each letter written by a camper will be scanned and emailed to you to ensure messages are getting home as quickly as possible.  

Email: Fill out this online form to send your camper an email. Each day after dinner, we will hand out printed copies of emails sent to us during the day.

Post Mail: Send mail to the Camp Henry Mailing Address:

Attn: Camper Name
Point Pelee National Park
c/o YMCA Camp Henry
407 Monarch Lane
Leamington, ON N8H 3V4

Some tips on mailing and writing to your campers! 

• Send mail early for your camper – even before they leave for camp – to ensure they receive it during their stay. 
• Keep letters and emails bright, positive and upbeat. Kids love reassurance that you care and want them to have fun at camp.
• If you receive a concerning letter, try not to panic. The issue may be resolved with the help of the counselor or camp staff. If you have concerns, call us. We aim for a positive experience for campers and parents.
• If family circumstances change during the camp week that may upset your child, let us know. We can discuss the best way to inform your child. While phones aren’t for campers, we will make exceptions in extenuating circumstances.
• Please don’t send food packages. Due to allergy risks, packages with food won't be opened at camp. Also, food in cabins can attract animals. Don’t worry though, campers get a healthy diet and plenty to eat! You are welcome to send care packages with magazines, cards, crossword puzzles, etc.

Note: We strongly encourage our campers to write home and we set aside time for that. However, campers may not reply every day, as they may be immersed in camp life. 

Throughout the week, we may need to give you a call. Please make sure we have accurate and current phone numbers for you in our registration system.  

Reasons we might call you include to ask: 

• a question about missing health history information
• your advice on helping your child to adjust to camp

Or to let you know: 

• your camper is missing more than half a day of activities due to illness or injury
• your camper has an illness requiring prescription medication 
• your camper has symptoms of a communicable illness
• your camper has a cabinmate who has gone home because of a communicable illness 
• your camper has an injury or illness requiring a visit to hospital 
• your camper has breached our  behaviour/child guidance policy.
• your camper has been significantly impacted by someone else breaching our behaviour policy.

Below you’ll find a packing guide with tips for smart camp-packing. Use it as a guide but know that you don't need to include everything. 

Keep in mind that camp activities can be tough on clothes – in other words, avoid sending expensive ones! Also, please skip sending expensive or easily damaged items like electronics. 

Label everything! While we try to ensure all clothing and equipment stay with their owner, Camp Henry does not take responsibility for lost items at camp or during transit. Please label everything and encourage your camper to keep track of their belongings!  

CLOTHING

• Underwear (please bring an adequate supply. Long johns may be appreciated in August!)
• Socks – 5-6 pairs
• Shorts – 2 pairs min
• Pants – 2 pairs (please include at least one pair of pants that dry quickly)
• T-Shirts – 5
• Light Jacket or Fleece Jacket – 1
• Long Sleeved Shirts – 2
• Sweatshirt – 1
• Sun Hat – 1
• Warm Hat or Toque – 1
• Waterproof Rain Gear – 1 set
• Pajama's – 2 pairs
• Running Shoes – 1 pair (Running shoes should be closed toe, sturdy with laces, and rubber soles)
• Bathing Suits – 2
• Sandals – 1 pair (Athletic sandals 

OTHER ITEMS

• Biodegradable Soap and Shampoo
• Personal Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, tissues, etc.)
• Insect Repellant (No aerosols, and less than 10% DEET please!)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+ is recommended)
• Refillable Water Bottle
• Flashlight or Headlamp (And extra batteries!)
• Backpack (Excellent for using while exploring the park!)
• Towels – 2
• Face Masks (Optional)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Stationery and Pencils/Pens
• Books (Reading and/or Colouring)
• Camera
• Blanket
• Journal
• Sunglasses
• Cards
• Stuffed Animal

PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are not permitted at YMCA Camp Henry due to their inherent danger, illegality, or because they are not in line with our program philosophy. Campers found with these items will be asked to hand them into the Camp for their stay. 

If an item is illegal or deemed to threaten the safety of the campers or staff at Camp Henry, the camper may be dismissed from their program without warning. The camp will not be held responsible for any costs associated with a camper’s dismissal or provide a refund. 

• NO Cell Phones
• NO Electronic Games
• NO Laptops
• NO Firearms
• NO Knives
• NO Hatchets
• NO Matches
• NO Nicotine Products
• NO Offensive Material
• NO Non-prescription Drugs
• NO Outside Food
• NO Candy or Gum

We have extra life jackets at camp, but we recommend campers bring their own if possible because life jackets will be used for all boating activities. We strongly recommend a vest-style government approved PFD/life jacket to allow free arm movement for canoeing, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. 

*If your camper does bring a PFD/life jacket, please label it with their name and have it easily accessible for your camper when they arrive at the bus or boat club. The camper will need to wear it on the ride to camp. 

All soap products used at Camp Henry (shampoo, soap and conditioner) must be biodegradable.  We are so lucky to be located in a national park, we want to do our best to treat our environment with as much respect as possible. Biodegradable soap products are available at most pharmacies and camping stores. A recommended brand is Live Clean or Green Beaver.   

Luggage 
Camp luggage does not need to be fancy. Duffle and hockey bags work well. As with other items, please label luggage. If sleeping bags are tied, please make sure they are waterproofed and tied securely with a strong cord. Pack only what is needed for your child to feel comfortable while at camp.  

Backpacks
Although many of our programs will be run right at Camp Henry, we have all of Point Pelee National Park to explore. Many of our activities will happen at various points throughout the park. Your camper will appreciate having a small backpack with them while at camp to easily bring necessary items with them wherever they go!

Rain Gear 
While the sun often shines on Camp Henry, good rain gear is important. Camp programs continue despite the occasional rainy day and your camper will be more comfortable if they are prepared for the weather. Please note: Windbreakers are not generally waterproof and are ineffective as rain gear.

Sun safety
Due to our location and the amount of time that campers spend outdoors at Camp Henry, we recommend a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF 60 (sun protection factor 60) or more and UVA and UVB protection. Camp management receives the SUN AWARE Sun Safety Certification with Melanoma Canada to support our counselors ensuring adequate sun protection at camp. We encourage campers to wear hats and sunglasses and drink water as much as possible during their stay, especially while on their outtrip. 

*Please talk to your child prior to their departure about the importance of sun safety at camp. 

Tuck 
Camp Henry does not operate a tuck shop during the summer. A well-balanced diet along with snacks is provided to keep every camper satisfied. To prevent problems with animals, no food is allowed in the cabins. Should your camper run out of a necessary item like shampoo or toothpaste, we can provide some.
 

The tips below can help reduce the likelihood of your camper leaving items behind:

• Label everything. Labelled items can be easily returned before campers leave. Label everything your camper brings to camp: clothing, shoes, toothbrush, flashlight, etc. YMCA Camp Henry has an account with Mabel’s Labels. http://mabelslabels.com/support-a-fundraiser
• Pack with your camper. It’s easier for kids to keep track of their belongings if they know exactly what they brought to camp with them.
• Ensure all your camper’s items fit into their bags. Using a bag with a bit of extra space can help prevent overflow items at the end of their camp session. 

After each session we will post photos of all unlabelled lost and found items to the YMCA Camp Henry Facebook Page. If you see a picture of your camper’s belonging(s) on your Facebook page, OR if your camper is missing any item when they return home, please email camp.henry@swo.ymca.ca to let us know. Arrangements can be made to:

• Have families pick up lost and found items at camp or at our London office
• Have items mailed home (we will charge it to the card on file).

*We will discard all unclaimed socks and underwear at the end of each session. All other items that have not been claimed two weeks after their session ends will be donated.

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 

Arrivals: At the beginning of the session, campers must be dropped off at camp between 4 and 5 p.m. 
Departures: At the end of the session, campers must be picked up between 2 and 3 p.m.  
Please note: For both arrival and departure, people picking up and dropping off campers must show valid government issued identification that matches the listed authorized pick up and drop off on the camper registration.

Families driving into Point Pelee by car will be directed by both Parks and YMCA staff from the gates of the park to Camp Henry. You do not need to purchase a park pass to drop off or pick up campers.

Camp Henry is located at:
1118 Point Pelee Drive
Leamington ON N8H 3V4

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.

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