Summer Day Camp

What you need to know about Summer Day Camp

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. 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. If your child has any individual needs please email us to discuss options.  While we strive to meet the needs of all campers we have a ratio of staff to campers to maintain and are not able to provide 1:1 assistance for a camper.

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. Please ensure that someone is able to pick up a camper if required within 30 minutes.

Nut-Sensitive Environment

Due to nut allergies, we ask that NO NUTS or other nut-added products be brought to camp. If a camper arrives to camp with a lunch containing nuts, a parent will be called to replace the lunch. If a camper has a snack with nut products it will be removed by camp staff and returned to parents labelled at the end of the day. 

Bee Kind

The Municipality of Port Hope’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture puts a focus on campers to be kind. Resources are implemented from the HIGH FIVE® 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 throughout the day.

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 optimal time of dispensing.
2. Only send the correct dose for each day.
3. All medications must be in its prescription bottle with the child’s name and dosage.
4. Staff are not permitted to administer any medication to campers. If your child is unable to administer the medication on their own, an adult must come to camp assist.
5. Non-prescription drugs are not permitted at camp.

Please email us for inquiries about medications. 

Camper Sign In and Out

It is required that campers be signed into and out of camp each day. Photo ID will be requested upon sign out. The camper may only be signed out by the authorized pickup listed with the Municipality.  Please ensure you include parents names in the authorized pick up list. Please understand that staff take the security and protection of campers seriously and can't be expected to identify each campers parents. 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 call 905-885-7908 or email the Recreation Program 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.

 What to Bring to Camp

• Nut-Free Lunch and Snacks
• Refillable water bottle
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Indoor Shoes (weather permitting)
• Backpack to carry everything

It is encouraged that all personal belongings are labelled to avoid getting lost or left behind. 

The Municipality of Port Hope is encouraging campers to bring a litter-less lunch as we work towards being more environmentally friendly. Please pack your child’s lunch using reusable containers without any packaging or garbage. 

These items are not encouraged to come to camp:

• Electronic Devices such as phones or tablets
• Toys
• Cameras
• Money
• Personal or sentimental items children would be sad to lose or break

 Summer Day Camp FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding camp.

When can I register my child for camp?

First day for registration is Monday, April 1, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. You can register up until the Thursday before the camp week your camper is attending, pending availability.

Can I make a changes or cancellations after registration?

Changes/cancellations to registrations will be subject to a $17.25 administration fee. Refunds requested after the start of a camp 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 and then the fee will be waived.

Do you offer 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 Supervisor of Recreation and Culture 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 programs.

What happens if my child is Sick or Absent?

If your child is displaying signs of illness please do not send them to camp for the consideration of other campers and staff. If your child becomes ill during the camp day a guardian will be required to pick up the child within an hour. 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 us to notify staff.

Will my child go swimming? 

Swimming is available on Tuesday at the East Beach and on Wednesday at Cobourg Beach weather permitting. Please note that not all Specialty Camps have a swim option. Please remember to send a swimsuit and towel every day with your child, even if it is not a swim day as we participate in water activities, walk to the splashpad.

Is there a pizza lunch option? 

Yes! Fridays will be pizza day for all camps except Tennis camp. An order form and money is required to be sent in by the Wednesday of each week in order to have a pizza lunch. 

Will I be contacted prior to camp? 

Yes! You will receive either an email or phone call from one of our staff the week prior with information regarding the camp. This will include a reminder of locations, times, as well as weekly themes, events and more. If you would like to receive an email, please ensure an updated email address is attached to your child's profile. 

Are the campers separated by age? 

Yes. Campers will be separated into groups based on their age. This is for the safety of the campers but also for enjoyment. Children grow and develop at different stages and different activities and games are planned with that in mind.