FAQs
- General Camp Questions
- Refund/Cancellation Policy
- Drop-off/Pick-up Questions
- Staff Questions
- Safety
- Registration Website
General Camp Questions
How can I get a hold of the Camp Office?
You can email the Camp Director at camps@collingwood.org or call the Camp Office at 604.925.8375 ext. 2102.
What are Camp Office hours?
The Camp Office is open from Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
When does registration open?
Camp registration for Collingwood families begins on March 11, 2024 at 9:00am.
Registration for campers outside the Collingwood School community are welcome to register starting on March 15, 2024 at 9:00am.
Check our website for details at www.collingwood.org/camps
What is included in the program fee?
Camp Program Fees include high-quality programming, supervision by experienced Collingwood Camps educators with low ratios, and the use of our beautiful Wentworth Campus facilities and equipment - both indoors and outdoors, for all its camp programs.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds will be issued (with a $25 processing fee for each program) for any cancellations received by June 1st, 2024. You are able to cancel your program through the ACTIVE registration site up until this time. After June 1st, there are no cancellations or changes to programs, unless a medical note is provided by a physician who is not related to the child. Refunds will not be provided for inclement weather or for days of camp not attended.
Collingwood Camps will do everything possible to avoid program cancellations; however we reserve the right to cancel a session of camp if the minimum enrollment is not met. In this circumstance, we will accommodate your child in an alternate program/week (if there is space) or we will provide you a full refund at your discretion.
Do you pro-rate weeks?
We only pro-rate the program fee for weeks that include a statutory holiday (Canada Day). All other weeks are based on a 5-day week. Refunds will not be provided for days of camp not attended.
Do you provide families with a tax receipt?
No, an official tax receipt for tax purposes will not be provided. However, you can download the payment receipt and use it for tax purposes. As every family’s circumstances are different, we recommend you work with your tax accountant to determine the amount that can be claimed for tax purposes, if any.
What is the latest date I can register?
You are able to register on the ACTIVE website up until the Tuesday before the start date of the program. After this time, you are welcome to email or call to inquire about space. We can register your child depending on space available in the camp requested. Please note that camps can fill up quickly!
Can I change my existing registration?
We are more than happy to change your existing registration, pending availability. We do ask that these changes are made prior to the Thursday before your child’s week at camp. Please call or email the camp office.
How do I find out what my child did at camp today?
At the end of the camp day when you pick-up your child, Collingwood camp instructors are available to chat about what campers did that day. You can use this opportunity to ask any questions and address any concerns directly with their instructor.
Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend camp?
Yes, all campers need to be fully toilet trained (able to go without ANY assistance, including wiping) to attend camp. Parents will be called to come and pick up their camper if any toileting accident should occur. Repeat ‘accidents’ will result in dismissal of the program without a refund.
Can my child be placed in the same group as siblings and/or friends?
We will do our best to accommodate friends and family requests in the same group. During online registration, please make a note in the ‘Friend Request’ section stating with whom you would like your camper to be paired. Campers must be in the same age group/program to make a request. Alternatively, you can call or email the Camp Office with a request after your online application has been submitted camps@collingwood.org.
What happens if my child is sick and unable to attend camp?
If your child is not going to attend for a day, we appreciate being notified as early as possible either by phone or email. Please call the Camp Office by 8:30 a.m. at 778.386.5214 or email camps@collingwood.org. Refunds or credits are not provided for any missed days.
Can my child attend camps if english is not their first language?
Collingwood camps welcomes campers from all nationalities and language groups. To allow for the safest and most positive experience for all campers, we require that campers are able to fluently speak and understand the english language.
Are lunch and snacks provided?
A hot lunch program is available to add-on to your campers registration. There is a $75 fee for the lunch program. Meals are prepared and catered by our current school lunch providers. There is a two week rotation throughout the 7 weeks of summer camp. As this is a trial year, the menu is set and substitutions aren’t available this year. Meals include a main, veg or fruit and small snack.
Menu for Camps - coming soon!
Please send a nutritious nut-free snack for both the mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks if you choose this option. If you choose not to order the lunch program, please send in a nut-free lunch as well as two nut-free snacks.
If you have changed your mind and want to add-on the lunch program for your camper, please email the Camp Office at camps@collingwood.org.
Considering the active day ahead, campers should have a hearty breakfast prior to arrival. Please note that Collingwood School cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment. All campers must be able to identify their allergies and carry the needed medication for treatment.
Do I have to pick up my child for lunch if they have chosen an AM and PM program?
No, we will ensure that they eat lunch and get to their afternoon program on time. You are also welcome to choose the lunch program option if they are staying for the full day (AM+PM).
My child lost their hat. Does Collingwood Camps have a Lost & Found?
Yes! We have a Lost & Found box located in the FCS (where the children eat lunch). At the end of every day unclaimed items found throughout Campus are put in the Lost & Found. We keep lost items for the 7-week Camp period and then donate any unclaimed items. We strongly suggest that you label all items and clothing that are brought to camp.
Where are the camps located?
All camps are located at Collingwood School’s Wentworth Campus.
2605 Wentworth Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7S 3H4
Day Tripper! Camps meet daily at the Wentworth Campus and then travel off-site to the various activities with Collingwood Camps staff.
Are electronics allowed at camp?
Please do not send your child to camp with electronics (phones, video games, tablets, iPads). Camp is a chance for your child to unplug and connect with other campers and nature! If a camper arrives with a device at camp, we will ask them to keep it in their bag during camp hours 9:00 a.m and 3:30 p.m. If it becomes a distraction we will hold onto it until the end of the day.
What should my child bring to camp each day?
We recommend the following:
- dress in layers for the changing weather conditions. Extra layers are always a good idea.
- waterproof jacket and pants if there is a slight chance of rain. All camps include some outdoor programming
- closed-toed shoes such as running shoes. No sandals please.
- hat and sunscreen
- reusable water bottle and multiple nut-free snacks
- nut-free lunch (if you have not purchased the lunch program)
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Refunds will be issued (with a $25 processing fee for each program) for any cancellations received by June 1st, 2024. You are able to cancel your program through the ACTIVE registration site up until this time. After June 1st, there are no cancellations or changes to programs, unless a medical note is provided by a physician who is not related to the child. Refunds will not be provided for inclement weather or for days of camp not attended.
Collingwood Camps will do everything possible to avoid program cancellations; however we reserve the right to cancel a session of camp if the minimum enrollment is not met. In this circumstance, we will accommodate your child in an alternate program/week (if there is space) or we will provide you a full refund at your discretion.
Drop-off/Pick-up Questions
Can I pick up my child early from camp?
Yes. If campers are being picked up early from camp, please notify the Instructor at morning drop-off, and/or email the Camp Office, camps@collingwood.org.
How do I add someone to the authorized pick-up or drop-off list?
For the Safety of your child, only those on the Authorized Pick-Up list (indicated when you register a camper) will be permitted to pick-up your child from camp.
If you would like to authorize another adult to pick up your child during the week, please inform your Instructor and the Camp Office, by emailing camps@collingwood.org. Every camper must be checked out through Collingwood Camps Instructors to ensure security. Please establish very clearly with your child exactly who will be taking them home, and the time expected.
NEW THIS YEAR! We will have a QR code that will be included in your confirmation email and all you need to do is bring that code and you can sign out your child.
What happens if I am late to pick up my camper?
If you know you are going to arrive after 3:30 p.m. to pick up your camper, please call the Camp Office to notify us. We do not have an aftercare program therefore there may be a fee for late pick-ups.
Staff Questions
What qualifications do the staff have?
The Collingwood Camps instructor team consists of a carefully selected group of qualified teachers, early childhood educators, coaches and specialists. Instructors must be certified in Emergency First Aid, while most camp staff have Standard First Aid and CPR-C. A valid criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening is also required. All camp staff actively participate in Collingwood Camps pre-camp training. This mandatory training involves classroom learning, experiential training, participation in mock emergency scenarios, and thorough review of all safety policies and procedures.
What are the Camper: Instructor ratios?
- Camps for campers ages 3-5 have an 1:8 ratio for supervision
- Camps for campers ages 6-9 have a 1:12 ratio for supervision
- Camps for campers ages 9-12 have a 1:15 ratio for supervision
- Day Tripper and some specialty camps will have a 1:8 ratio for supervision
*all camps will also have 1-2 student volunteers
Safety
What happens if my child becomes sick or injured at camp?
Our highly qualified camp staff are all certified in First Aid and CPR and will care for your child at camp. For concerning or serious sickness and/or injuries the camp office will immediately call parent(s)/guardian(s). Upon pick-up your Instructors will inform you of any minor incidents that may have occurred throughout the day.
What do the campers do if it is too hot to be outside?
We have allocated indoor spaces for each camp to use. The campers will also utilize the shady outdoor areas for more quiet activities. We also have water refill stations set up throughout the Campus allowing campers to refill their reusable water bottles throughout the day.
Does Collingwood have a code of conduct for campers?
- Conduct: Students are expected to demonstrate personal integrity and basic respect for the dignity and rights of others. The Director reserves the right to suspend and/or expel any Camp participant, without refund, who violates the Summer Camp Code of Conduct based on the following guidelines: zero tolerance of physical or psychological abuse/bullying; lack of respect for camp property and the property of others; behaviour that requires supervision beyond a reasonable level or behaviour deemed inappropriate by Collingwood Camps staff.
- Zero tolerance of psychological abuse/cyber bullying or behaviour deemed inappropriate by Collingwood School Summer Program staff. Parents/Guardians will be notified if any serious violations take place.
- In all programs at Collingwood Camps, the acquisition of skills and high-quality experiences are important. As such, we expect each camper to learn, and to have fun. Along with the teaching of skills, we will also teach and expect demonstration in sportsmanship, co-operation, respect for others and instruction.
- For morning/afternoon snack - all Head instructors check the snacks that campers’ bring with them to ensure safety depending on weekly allergies.
What are the procedures for preventing and managing allergies?
- Each Lead Instructor has a list of all campers medical concerns and program support needs
- This is CONFIDENTIAL information shared with instructors only
- All instructors review allergies, medical conditions of all campers in their group for each week
- As this is our first year offering a lunch program, we are not able to meet all dietary restrictions with the set menu. Collingwood Camps cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment and request that any campers bringing lunch/snacks to respect children who may have allergies by not including foods that contain nuts. When cooking lunches for Collingwood Camps, none of the menu items contain nut ingredients.
- We review allergy procedures with our Camp staff, and it is included in their Orientation training before they commence working at camp
- We have our campers wear orange bracelets to identify that they have allergies; and Head Instructors document at registration what allergies campers have
- Upon Registration parents/guardians must provide specific information of the allergies and the particular symptoms and care for the individual camper
- On the first day of camp Head Instructors meet with the parents/guardians that have highlighted allergies and confirm symptoms and any questions
- As part of our Daily Process:
- Each morning – our Head Instructors will double check that bracelets are worn, and if one is missing then provide a bracelet.
- For morning/afternoon snack - all Head instructors check the snacks that campers’ bring with them to ensure safety depending on weekly allergies.
My child carries an Epi-Pen…
Epi-Pens - If your child requires an Epi-Pen you MUST indicate this at the time of registration, and complete an Anaphylaxis Plan in your online account. Any child that requires an Epi-Pen for an allergic reaction MUST carry it on them at all times in a fanny pack/belt. All staff are trained on how to use an Epi-Pen. Epi-Pen is the only brand of epinephrine that Collingwood Camps will accept as medication for anaphylaxis.
What happens in the unlikely event of an emergency at camp?
Collingwood Camps has safety and emergency procedures on which all Camp Staff are trained during pre-camp training. All Emergency procedures are reviewed with campers on the first day of each camp.
Registration Website
I forgot my username and password. How can I login?
Your username is always your email address. If you forgot your password, simply click the “reset password” link below the Login box on the login page. This will prompt you to enter the email address we have on file for you and then send a “reset password” email to you with a link to create a new password.
How can I tell if a camp is full?
For the most up-to-date information, log in to our online registration site and you can see which camps are waitlisting.
The camp is full. Can I join a waitlist?
We strongly suggest that you add your name to the waitlist as plans change and spaces may become available.You can add your camper to a waitlist through the online system at any time. It is difficult to say the chances of a spot becoming available as this varies from week to week, program to program, and also on the number of campers on the waiting list. You will receive an email from ACTIVE letting you know if a space becomes available. You will have 24 hours to accept the spot. If you don’t accept it within that time, the spot will be released to the next person on the waitlist and you will be removed from the waitlist.