Day Camp Info Guide

Day camp runs between 8:30 am. and  4:30 p.m. each day.  

• Sign-in time is between 8:30 and 9 a.m. (a camp supervisor will be at the sign-in location to greet campers) 
• Sign-out time is between 4 and 4:30 p.m.
   

Extended care is available for an additional fee before camp, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and after camp from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

All campers must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian (16 or older), who will be required to present photo ID at the end of the day. This is for safety purposes. Children will only be released to “authorized pick-up” people. Please notify our YMCA Camping Branch office (519-453-8858) of any changes to those authorized to pick up your child.

Morning drop-off:  Please bring your camper to the designated drop-off. Once campers are signed in, Y staff will escort them to their group.

Pick-up: At pick-up time, camp staff will greet parents/guardians and ask them to produce photo identification before releasing the camper.          

*Please note we charge a $15 additional fee for each 15 minutes late 

Notes about programming

• At the end of the first day, campers will bring home a more detailed outline of planned programming for the week.  
• Y day camp programming is designed to give campers a broad range of fun activity options that grow with them throughout the week. 
• We strive to create experiences that help ignite the potential in all campers, based on the principles of YMCA Canada’s Healthy Child Development  . 
• It’s important to note that specific activities listed in our Y day camp materials or those that occurred in the past – and even those planned at the beginning of each week - are not guaranteed. Many are weather dependent. (For example, we won’t do a nature hike during a storm or extremely hot weather).   

Every Friday is Big Day. Costumes are welcome, but not mandatory. Simple dress-up ideas, like a towel for a cape or swim goggles for a mask (no toy weapons!), work great!

Below is the 2024 camp week schedule with costs. If you require financial assistance, contact daycamp@swo.ymca.ca or 519-453-8858.

*Camp will not run on Monday, July 1 or Monday August 7. Those will be four-day camp weeks.

Campers should bring a backpack or bag with the following items:

1. Refillable water bottle
2. Weather appropriate clothing (We will be outside and clothes may get dirty)
3. Closed-toe shoes. No flip flops or sandals, please
4. A hat
5. Sunscreen (SPF 30 at least)
6. Swimsuit and towel
7. Bug repellent  
8. Lunch and snacks (details below)     

Note: The Y is not responsible for clothing or items that are lost at camp or in transit. Having your campers help pack their backpack can help them remember what they are bringing to camp.

It is helpful to label each item with permanent marker or iron-on or stick-on labels.

*Y day camps do not provide food. Each camper must bring a lunch and snacks.

Campers will be active and may be hungrier than usual. Please pack a large, nut-free nutritious lunch, two snacks and a refillable water bottle. We encourage you to pack food in labeled, reusable containers in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack. Campers will not have access to a microwave or refrigerator or to places to buy food.

Lunch ideas:

• Sandwiches (whole grain bread, meat, cheese)
• Vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumbers)
• Fruit (apples, pears, oranges, bananas)

Snack ideas: fruit, pretzels, peanut-free granola bars, cheese & crackers, yogurt, drink boxes  

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some campers have life-threatening nut allergies. Please do not send food containing peanuts or other nuts or nut products.

• Peanut or nut products
• Electronic devices, such as phones, tablets or ipods
• Video games
• Knives
• Matches
• Pets
• Personal toys
• Playing or trading cards
• glass goggles

Lost & found items will remain at the camp site until claimed by the owner or the end of the summer. (Exception: socks and underwear will not be kept.) Items may be claimed by appointment between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. When the season ends, the Y will dispose of unclaimed items.

Campers spend lots of time outside! In inclement weather (such as thunderstorms or heavy rain) or extreme heat, we modify activities to ensure the safety of our campers. For our outdoor Y camps, this can mean moving activities indoors, or cancelling specific outdoor activities if necessary.  

During hot weather, we modify activities to include frequent water breaks and use shaded and cooler areas of the camps. Our goal is to ensure campers enjoy a fun, safe camp experience, even on the hottest days.

YMCA Day Camp Sunscreen Policy

To parents and guardians: Please apply sunscreen on your camper before morning drop-off and send extra sunscreen with your camper each day.

In effort to protect campers against sunburns, and to promote sun safety, YMCA Day Camps have implemented the following sunscreen policy:

• Staff will remind campers aged six and over to apply sunscreen at the following three times each day (If your child requires more frequent applications, please tell staff):
  • 10:30 a.m. – during morning snack
  • 1 p.m. – after lunch
  • 2:30 p.m. – during afternoon snack
• Campers over six are expected to apply sunscreen independently or with the help of a buddy.
• Campers under age six may receive assistance from staff, if needed and in the presence of another staff member.
• Campers are required to bring their own sunscreen. If they do not, the YMCA camp may provide sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.

Help us protect campers against insects and viruses such as West Nile that can be spread by insects in our environment. To help reduce risks, we recommend the campers:

• wear light colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
• wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes when walking in grassy or wooded areas.
• apply insect repellent / bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin to clothing and exposed skin (always follow label directions). 

Through our staff training and camper orientation each first day of camp, we will inform our Day Camp 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.
• Information posters about ticks and tick-checks: They are displayed in various places at camp.
• Hiking guidelines: Campers are encouraged to wear long pants and high socks during wooded trail hikes.
• Notification and Medical Attention: If a camper is bitten, parents/guardians will be informed immediately.

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. 

View our Child Guidance Policy here, please review our behaviour expectations with your camper.

Our Y day camps aim to provide a caring, respectful and supportive environment for all campers and staff. Our employees are trained and experienced in providing high quality care for our campers. If a camper threatens or endangers another person or self or diminishes the camp experience, we will address the behaviour and notify parents/guardians. Persistent misbehavior could result in a one-day suspension. If the behavior continues post-suspension, we may decide to expel the camper for the rest of the session or future sessions, with no refund.

If a camper's actions risk safety or involve illegal activities, they may be expelled without notice. The YMCA won't cover dismissal-related costs or offer refunds.

We also expect that all campers are able to use the toilet prior to attending day camp.

If there is anything we should know in order to ensure your child’s success at camp, email daycamp@swo.ymca.ca. 

YMCA Day Camp Washroom Policy

Safety is our top priority at YMCA day camps. With that in mind, we’ve implemented the following washroom policy:

No Y staff or volunteer will be alone with a camper inside a closed cubicle in a multi-stall washroom or inside a closed singular washroom.

Note: YMCA Day Camps are not equipped to conduct diaper or training pants changes; therefore, campers must be toilet trained when attending day camp.

Campers aged 4 and 5: will be accompanied to a washroom by a Y employee or volunteer, who will prop open the door before to do a safety check before the child goes in. The camp employee will remain outside the washroom (or cubicle if it is a multi-stall washroom) to wait for the child before escorting them back to the program. 

Campers aged 6 to 8: may use the “buddy system,” by travelling in pairs to the washroom. Only one pair of children will be allowed to leave the larger group for the washroom at one time and will be provided a “washroom pass.”  

Campers aged 9 to 12: may leave for a washroom break alone after letting their group leader know and receiving a “washroom pass”. If a child does not return in five minutes, a staff or volunteer must check the washroom.

Special circumstances
If a camper requires more staff assistance than we outline in this policy, Y staff will meet with a parent or guardian to talk about the best way to provide support.  

Support Limitations
Some YMCA day camp sites may have washroom support limitations and restrictions. When necessary, we will work with campers/families/guardians to provide alternate options. 

Your child’s safety is our first priority. All camp staff are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR and all counsellors carry a basic First Aid kit with them at all times during each camp day. They are able to address minor injuries. In addition, each day camp site has a quiet area for campers to rest if they become ill.

If your camper needs medical attention, we will get them to the nearest hospital immediately. If necessary, we will call 911. We will also make every effort to contact you or your authorized/emergency contact(s), and will stay with your child until you arrive. Please note you will be billed for any additional costs.

We require a completed Medication Administration Form for any camper that brings medication. If you have not submitted one yet, please click here to access and fill out the form.  

All medications must be in original packaging, clearly marked with the camper’s name and instructions. Y staff will gather these each morning for secure storage. Immediate-use medications, like asthma inhalers or Epi-pens, stay with the child or their counsellor. 

Absences must be reported in writing by emailing daycamp@swo.ymca.ca.

If you are receiving financial assistance for day camp through your municipality, please ensure you know the number of “absent days” that are allowed/included as part of the benefit. Surpassing this number could result in charges for days that your camper is registered but doesn’t attend. To avoid extra charges, please email daycamp@swo.ymca.ca about any day upcoming camp withdrawals by email, no later than noon, at least six days before the program begins.

StarTech.com (Bostwick) YMCA     519-907-3300   
Centre Branch YMCA     519-667-3300   
Chatham YMCA     519-360-9622   
Central Huron YMCA     519-482-3655   
Fanshawe Conservation Area     519-453-8858 
Goderich YMCA    519-524-2125   
Lambton Shores YMCA     519-786-9622   
Middlesex Centre YMCA    519-601-7033   
North Middlesex     519-459-9622   
Petrolia Day Camp YMCA     519-882-2232   
Sarnia - Jerry McCaw Family Centre    519-336-9622, option 0, ext. 245   
Sarnia - YMCA Learning and Career Centre    519-453-8858  
Spencer Lodge 519-453-8858
Strathroy YMCA    519-245-6075   
St. Thomas YMCA     519-631-2418   
Stoney Creek YMCA     519-667-4400   
Woodstock YMCA    519-539-6181   
Wortley YMCA     519-453-8858

If you’re unsure who to contact, please reach out to the Camping Branch office at daycamp@swo.ymca.ca or 519-453-8858.

Registration for each camp week closes at noon on the Thursday prior to the start of the week.

All cancellation requests must be submitted by email directly to the Camping Branch Office at daycamp@swo.ymca.ca with subject line “Withdrawal Request” followed by your camper’s first and last name.

Cancellation requests received 6 business days prior to the affected camp week will be subject to a full refund minus a $50.00 non-refundable deposit per week. Cancellation requests received less than 6 business days prior to the camp week will forfeit any possible refund. Cancellations due to a medical reason will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will not be issued if the camper is removed from the camp program at the choice or request of the camper or camper’s parent(s)/guardian(s),or is dismissed from camp for contravention of camp guidelines or the camp code of conduct for behaviour. The code of conduct is available in the 2024 Parent Information Guide. Refunds may take 2-3 weeks to process.

The YMCA reserves the right to cancel any program where registration numbers are not adequate to run an effective program or situations outside the control of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario such as the in-operability of the site, health reasons, or other unforeseen circumstances.

To request a change in camp week, please contact the camping branch office at daycamp@swo.ymca.ca. All change requests must be made at least six days before the camp week starts. Whether or not we can grant change requests will depend on camp capacity.

We take lots of photos throughout the season to help show how our day camps spark smiles and laughter, and ignite the potential in campers. If you do not want your camper’s photo to appear in YMCA promotional materials, email daycamp@swo.ymca.ca.

Tax receipts are available through our online portal or by request to daycamp@swo.ymca.ca. To determine whether you can use it for tax purposes, please check your tax return information package.

If your contact information changes, please inform the Camping Branch office at daycamp@swo.ymca.ca. It is important for us to have your current phone number, email, mailing address and emergency contact information.

Throughout the week, we post activities on Facebook and Instagram to keep families engaged with what their campers are up to. Ask your day camp staff where to find updates on your child’s camp.

The Y is for everyone. As one of Canada’s oldest and most diverse charities, our goal is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in awesome Y summer camps, regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why, as a charity, we offer financial assistance to those who wouldn’t be able to access our programs and services otherwise.

To contribute to the Y and help ignite potential in your community, click here.

We invite your feedback. Please participate in the national YMCA Canada parent satisfaction survey which you will receive during the camp session. This survey helps us make changes we need to ensure our camps provide high-quality experiences for all who attend. In addition to the survey, we welcome you to direct feedback about our day camps anytime to daycamp@swo.ymca.ca.