Day Camps

Weekly themes and schedules

Discover the weekly themes below for July and August.

• July 5-9:  Seven Wonders of Water World
• July 12-16: Disney Survivor Challenge
• July 19-23: Jungle Cruise
• July 26-30: Dinosaurs and Unicorns
• August 2-6: Dancing with Superheros
• August 9-13: Around The World Holidays
• August 16-20: Myths and Mysteries
• August 23-27: Mad Wild West Science
• August 30-3: Space Pirates

Camper safety

Our camp staff are busy planning for a fun summer for your children while ensuring the safety of our participants and staff.  Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is one of our top priorities.  We are following the guidance of our provincial government and the local health unit for the safe operation of our camps and programs.

Please ensure you have read these requirements before sending your child to camp.

Covid-19 Protocols

All campers will be screened each morning, including temperature checks and will only be permitted to participate in camp if they pass the screening.  Please stay with your child until the screening is complete.

All camp participants in grades 1 (as of September 1st, 2021) and above are required to wear well-fitting masks (e.g., non-medical) while indoors.

Camper pods will stay together all week and limit interactions with other participants and staff. Physical distancing will be maintained at all times when possible and when physical distancing is not an option, campers and staff will be required to wear a well-fitting face mask indoors and outdoors.

Enhanced cleaning and sterilization of all program area and high touch surfaces will be completed regularly.

Sunscreen and hats

All campers and staff are required to wear sunscreen and hats when outdoors. Parents are asked to apply sunscreen to their child before they arrive at camp.  Campers will have to apply their own sunscreen without assistance.  Staff will not be able to assist children with applying sunscreen. Parents must provide a labeled bottle of sunscreen for each child and a hat with their name in it.

Special needs and integration

The Municipality of Port Hope, Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture invites people of all abilities to participate together in our programs and services. We strive to include everyone in the activities of an individual’s choice to enhance the quality of life for all. This year unfortunately we do not, have designated Resource Staff to assist with integration needs, and behaviour monitoring. If you have individual needs please email the Daycamp Coordinator to discuss options.

Camper behaviour

All camp staff are trained in Behaviour Management. Campers will be expected to engage in acceptable behaviour while at camp. Parents of campers that are unable to comply with camp rules and acceptable behaviour will be contacted and may be asked to pick their child up from camp.

Nut-sensitive environment

Due to nut allergies, we ask that NO NUTS or other nut-added products be brought to camp.

Bee Kind

The Municipality of Port Hope’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture puts a focus on campers to be kind. Resources implemented from the HIGH FIVES Principles of Healthy Child Development to problem solve and to treat one another with respect. Staff and fellow campers encourage each other to do kind things for one another and emphasize kindness.

Medications

If a child requires prescription medication on a regular basis that is to be administered at camp, please note the following procedures for sending medication to camp. 

1. Parents must indicate at registration the type of medication, dosage and optimum time of dispense.
2. Only send the correct dose for the week.
3. All medications must be in its prescription bottle with the child’s name and dosage.
4. Staff are not permitted to administer non-prescription drugs at camp.

Please email the Day Camp Coordinator for inquiries about absent medications. 

Camper sign in and Out

It is required that campers be signed into and out of camp on a daily basis. Photo ID may be requested. The camper may only be signed out by the authorized pickup listed with the municipality.  Please ensure you provide up to date information at the time of registration or notify us of any changes.

Sick or absent campers

Please do not send your child to camp if they are displaying signs of illness. If your child is not attending camp on a day they are registered for, please email the Day Camp Coordinator for inquiries about absent campers.

Weather traffic light

Check each day for our daily reading! Our weather traffic light indicates when it is safe to be outside for longer periods of time. Based on Environment Canada’s guidelines and taking into consideration heat, humidity and UV Index, readings are posted daily and activities altered accordingly.

• GO! Be sun smart when outside wear a hat & sunscreen.
• THINK! Be cautious when outside. Wear a hat & sunscreen, have lots of water and rest in the shade.
• STOP! Use extreme caution. Wear a hat & sunscreen, have lots of water and stay in the shade. It could be very dangerous to be the sun for a long time.

Camper handbook

In order to safely register, participate, and enjoy camp, parents and caregivers will be required to read and agree to the Day Camp Parent Handbook, a guide that includes all of the day camp details for parents and caregivers. The Handbook will be available for review on this page once the provincial guidelines have been finalized.

 What to bring to camp

• Lunch and Snacks
• Refillable water bottle
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Extra well-fitting face masks.  All camp participants in grades 1 (as of September 1st, 2021) and above are required to wear well-fitting masks (e.g., non-medical) while indoors.
• Backpack to carry everything

These items are not encouraged to come to camp:

• Electronic games
• iPods
• Toys
• Cameras
• Money is not needed at camp

 All the registration details 

Below are answers to some of the most common questions for camp registration.

Changes and cancellations to registration

Changes/cancellations to registrations will be subject to a $16.75 administration fee. Refunds requested after the start of a program are subject to prorating based on classes completed at the time of request. The only exception is for refund requests that are accompanied with medical proof. We will waive the fee if the request comes with a medical note.

Subsidy support and assistance

If you are faced with financial barriers and would like your child to have a great camp experience, please email the Recreation and Culture Coordinator at the Town Park Recreation Centre to discuss assistance options. The Municipality of Port Hope, Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture is a recognized service provider for Northumberland County Children’s Services. Those in receipt of Ontario Works Child Care Benefit can choose our program.

Sick/Absent Campers

If your child is displaying signs of illness, been in contact with someone with COVID-19, travelled outside Ontario, please do not send them to camp for the consideration of other campers and staff.  Your child will have to pass the COVID-19 screening each morning to attend camp. If your child becomes ill during the camp day a parent or guardian will be required to pick up the child within an hour and your child will be placed in isolation. If your child will not be attending camp on a day that they are registered, please call the Town Park Recreation Centre at 905-885-7908 or e-mail the Day Camp Coordinator to notify staff.

Swimming

Swimming will take place at East Beach on Thursdays. Qualified lifeguards are on duty for Day Camp participants. Please remember to send a swimsuit and towel every day with your child, even if it is not a swim day.