WelcometotheWenonahcommunity-we’resogladyou’re here.Morethanjustasummercamp,Wenonahisacherished traditionwherecampersexperienceatruesenseofbelonging, buildconfidence,andcreatelifelongfriendshipsinasafeand supportiveenvironment.
Thishandbookisdesignedtoguideyourfamilythroughthe Wenonahexperience,offeringhelpfulinformationaboutour program,routines,andexpectations.
Surroundedbynatureandguidedbycaring,experiencedstaff, ourgoalisforeverycampertohavefun,learnmeaningfulskills, andgrowasindividualswithinourrespectfulandinclusive community.Welookforwardtopartneringwithyoutomakethis summerapositive,memorable,andtrulyspecialjourney.
Weaskthatallfamiliestakethetimetoreadthishandbook carefully,asitplaysanessentialroleinensuringeveryonefeels prepared,informed,andconfidentforthesummerahead.Even returningfamilieswillfindsomethingnewinside!
HappyCamping,
TheCampanionApp Newfor2026! WeareexcitedtointroduceaninteractiveappcalledCampaniontocompliment ournewregistrationsystem,MyWenonah(poweredbyCampInTouch). PleasedownloadCampaniononyourphone’sappstore.
Yourlogincredentialsarethesameonesthatyouuse toaccessMyWenonahonline.Makesuretoenable ‘pushnotifications’byopeningtheSettingsscreenin thebottomleft-handcornerofyourCampanionapp screen.
TheStream TheStreamreferstoaseriesofsmallblog-stylepoststhatwewillpublishon theapp,before,duringandafterCamp.Thesepostswillincludeimportant reminders,updatesfromCamp,jottingsfromthedeskofourDirectors,and anyinformationthatiscriticalforyoutoknow.
Photos OnceperPeriod,wewilluploadcabinphotostotheCampanionApp.Youcan viewanddownloadthemonthePhotostab.
Letters WeencouragefamiliestowritetotheircampersusingtheLetterssectionof theCampanionApp.Composeanewletterbytappingthepenciliconinthe toprightsideoftheLetterspage.Wewillprintanddelivertheselettersto campersonceperday.Thecutofftimeforlettersis3:00pmeachday.Letters sentpastthecutofftimewillbedeliveredthefollowingday.Thereisnocost associatedwiththeLettersservicewithinCampanion.
Note:theLettersfeatureisinplaceofwritingemailsto campers@campwenonah.com,whichwillnolongerbemonitored.
TheCampanionApp Forms Newfor2026! Everyyear,wecollectimportantinformationaboutyourcamperviaaseriesof forms.Thisyear,allformsareavailablethroughyourMyWenonahaccount (online,onyourdesktop/laptop),andonCampanion(onyourphone)foryour convenience.
Theformsyou’llneedtocompleteforeachofyourcampersinclude:
HealthHistory
ImmunizationForm
CamperInformationForm
CabinmateRequestForm
TransportationForm
AdditionalOptionsForm(ifapplicable)
Camper&Adult/FamilyApplications For2027onward,you’llbeabletofindandfillouttheCamperApplicationon theCampanionApp.YouwillalsobeabletoregisterforourWomen’s WeekendsandanyotherspecialtyprogramsusingCampanion.
MyWenonah
Youcanstillaccessyouraccountonyourdesktoporlaptopcomputerby loggingintoMyWenonah(poweredbyCampInTouch).
FeaturessuchasTheStream,PhotosandLettersareexclusivelyavailableon Campanion,sothosewon’tappearonline.You’llstillseetheCamper Application,Forms,andFinancialManagementscreenasusual.
SeniorSelects We’reexcitedtoannouncethereturnofoptionalSeniorSelectsprogramsfor Summer2026—anexclusiveopportunityforseniorcampers13to15yearsof ageattendingduringPeriodOneorPeriodThreeforaminimumtwo-week stayandROOTSparticipants.RegistrationforSeniorSelectsisfoundonthe AdditionalOptionsFormonCampanion/MyWenonah.
Theseoptionalprogramsoffercampersthechancetocustomizetheir experiencebychoosingfromavarietyofexcitingfull-dayandhalf-day,offsite adventures.Whetheryourcamperisseekingoutdoorthrills,creative expression,orskill-buildingchallenges,there’ssomethingforeveryone!
Allexperiencesareindividuallypriced,withpackagesthatincludeequipment, facilitation,andtransportation.Spaceineachprogramislimited,sowe encourageearlyregistrationtosecureyourcamper’sspotintheirpreferred trip.RegistrationclosesJune1oroncecapacityisreached.
Pleasenote:AllSeniorSelecttripstakeplaceonthesameday,socampers mayregisterforonlyoneoption.Thosewhoregisterwillreceiveadetailed emailinmid-Maywithpackinglistsandotherimportanttripinformation. ThosewhooptoutofSeniorSelectwillenjoyregularlyscheduledprogramming atCampfortheday.
OpenHouse MarkYourCalendar! JoinusatCampWenonah JoinusforourNewCamper&FamilyOpenHouseonsiteatWenonahon Sunday,June21 from11:00amto3:00pm. st
TheOpenHouseisagreatopportunitytolearnmoreaboutWenonah,tourour site,trysomefavouriteCampactivities,andbuildtheexcitementaswelook forwardtoamagicalCampWenonahsummer.
CamperCareBeforeCamp CampersshouldnotcometoCampwithknowncommunicablediseasesor healthissues(suchasCOVID-19,chickenpox,lice,viralinfections,rashes, athlete’sfoot,orimpetigo).Pleasecheckyourcamperthoroughlyforhead lice/nitswithinthreedaysoftheirfirstdayatCamp.Ifyourcamperhasbeen exposedtoanythingcommunicablewithinthreeweeksofthestartoftheir CampPeriod,youmustalertourDirectorofHealthandWellness,Nancy Vandenberghatnancy@campwenonah.com.Together,wewilldetermine whetheryourcamperwillstayhomeforsomeextratime.Intheeventthata camperarrivesatCampunawarethattheyhaveacommunicableillness,they mayberequiredtoleaveCampimmediately.Thisisdecidedonacase-bycasebasis.
Itisagoodideaforcamperscomingforonemonthorlongertovisitthe dentistbeforeCamp,especiallyiftheyhavebracesorretainers.Mostdentists inBracebridgeonlydotemporaryworktomakethecampercomfortable,and requirepaymentup-front,whichischargedtoyouraccount.
Pleaseensurethatyoungfemalecampersknowaboutandunderstand menstruationandhaveappropriatefemininehygieneproducts.
CamperCodeofConduct Wereservetherighttowithdrawanycamperwithoutwarningwho,inour opinion,compromisesthephysicaloremotionalsafetyofanypersonat Camp,orwho,inouropinion,isanimmediatehazardtothesafetyof themselvesorothers.
Note:Thechartbelowisnotaprogressionofstepsbutratheranindicationof potentialconsequencesatthediscretionofCampWenonahSummerSenior Leadership.
THEREARENOREFUNDSGIVENFORCAMPERSWHOARESENTHOMEDUETOVIOLATIONOF BEHAVIOURPOLICIESORTHECODEOFCONDUCT.
POTENTIALCONSEQUENCES CamperCodeofConduct-Continued POTENTIALCONSEQUENCES PackingforCamp WhattoPack Wedonotacceptresponsibilityforanyclothingand/orequipmentthatislost orbrokenwhileatCamp,orduringtransitbybus.Laundryserviceisprovided forcampersstayinglongerthanoneweek.
Belowisasuggestedpackinglistbaseduponaone-weekstayatCamp. POLARISparticipantswillreceiveanadditionalpackinglistinmid-May.
CLOTHING 5-7t-shirts
3-4pairsofshorts
1pairofpajamas
2-3sweaters/sweatshirts
3-4pairsoflongpants
2bathingsuits
7-10pairsofunderwear
7-10pairsofsocks
2pairsofrunningshoes
1pairofsandals/watershoes
1jacket
1sunhat
1rainjacket
EQUIPMENT sleepingbag
pillow
fittedsheet(tocovermattress)
2beachtowels
1bathtowel
flashlightandextrabatteries
insectrepellent
toiletries(comb,toothbrush,toothpaste, deodorant,tissues,sanitaryneeds)
shampoo&soap(phosphate&nutfree)
sunscreen(minimumSPF30)
personalwaterbottle(labelledwithcamper’s name)
1pairofrubberboots
OPTIONAL CAMPER COMFORTS Camera
Stuffedanimal
Fishingrod
Self-addressed,stampedenvelopes/writingpaper(forlettershome)
Tennisracquet
Acousticguitar
Books/comics
Deckofcards/boardgames
PersonalFlotationDevice(PFD)
PackingforCamp PackingNotes ThereisnoneedtopackanythingbeyondthoseitemslistedonourPacking List.TheCampexperiencemaybecompromisedifunnecessaryitemsare packed.Campisoneofthefewplaceswherecamperscanbefreeof inequities.Themore“stuff”thatcampersbring,themoreinequitycanbe presentinagroup.
Someshampoos,conditionersandtoiletriescontainormaycontainnut products.Pleasescreenalltoiletryitemstoensurethatnonutproducts arepresent,asperourNutAwarePolicy.
HelpuscreateapositiveexperienceforallcampersbyNOTsendingthe followingitemstoCamp:
lightersormatches laptops/tablets
portablemusicplayers speakers
PackingTips walkietalkies
gamingdevices
expensiveclothing
expensivejewelry
curlingirons hairdryers candles
Labelallitemswithyourcamper’sfullname.Mabel’sLabelsaregreat! EnterCampWenonahonyourMabel’sLabelsorderforadiscount! DonotsendanythingtoCampthatyouarenotwillingtorisklosing.
Keeppackingsimpleandrealistic.Spaceincabinsandtabinsislimited. Luggageisstoredunderbunkbeds.Thereisbetween8-12inchesofspace underthebunks.
Suitcases,dufflebags,andlowRubbermaidcontainersworkwell. Includeyourcamperinthepackingprocesstoreducelostitems.
Arrivals&Departures FamiliesareresponsibleformakingCampWenonahawareoftheircamper’s travelarrangementsviatheTransportationForm.Out-of-provinceor InternationalcampersrequiringassistancegettingtoCampshouldcontact WhitneyPrattatwhitney@campwenonah.com.
Round-tripbusingisavailablefortwo-weekPeriods.Therefore,campersin PeriodsOneAandThreeAhavetheoptiontotraveltoCampbybus,and campersinPeriodsOneBandThreeBhavetheoptiontotravelhomefrom Campbybus.Round-tripbusingisalsoavailableforPeriodFive.
HighwayCoachBusService
Thebusdepartsat8:00amsharpanddoes notwaitforlatearrivals. TheBuscosts$60pertrip. Busesareair-conditionedandhave washroomsonboard.
Arrive30minutesaheadofdeparturetime tosettleinandloadluggage. Campstaffwillbepresenttocheckyouin andcollectcampermedications. Weaskforyourpatiencewithtrafficand weatherdelays.
Arrivals&Departures CarTransportation
ArrivalsandDeparturesbycarforeveryPeriodhappenbetween11:00amand 12:00pmwiththeexceptionofWEEnonah.WEEnonahcampersmayarriveby carbetween9:30amand10:30am.
DuetospacerestrictionsinCampandontheCamproad,PLEASEDONOT ARRIVEEARLIERTHAN11:00am.
ForCarArrivals:
Check-inattheCaronBrickCentre(CBC). Campstafftakecamperstocabinstogetsettledin. Takeany&allmedicationstotheHealthCentreandgivetothenurses.
ForCarDepartures:
Gotoyourcamper’saccommodationtopickthemupandgettheir luggage. Signyourcamper(s)outwithadesignatedstaffmember.
Site&Facilities Accommodations Campersliveincabins,whileROOTS,POLARIS,andWCITparticipantsmaketheir homeintabins(platformtents).Allcabinsandtabinsareashortwalkfroma centralwashroomandshowerhouse.Wecallgroupsoftabins“Villages”.
Ourtraditionalwoodencabinscanaccommodate10to14campersand twostaffmembers.Allcabinsfeaturebunkbeds.Mattressesareprovided inbothcabinsandtabins.Withsafetyalwaystopofmind,eachcabinand tabinisequippedwithsmokedetectors,fireextinguishers,indoor/outdoor lightingandelectricaloutlets.Thebunkbedscancomfortablyfitsmallto medium-sizedsuitcasesanddufflebagsunderneaththem.
Ourtabinsaccommodatesixtoeightparticipants.TheprivacyoftheVillages allowparticipantstoenjoyaclassiccampingexperiencewhileremainingclose towashroomsandshowerfacilities.Tabinsarenotequippedwithelectricity.
Site&Facilities Washrooms Washroomfacilitiesfeatureflushtoilets,privateshowers,andmultiplesinks. All-genderwashroomsarealsoavailable.
TheHealthCentre
Washrooms The‘Applehouse’HealthCentre TheHealthCentrefeatures14bedrooms,fourwashrooms,tworeception rooms,amedicaldispensary,andlaundryfacilitiesforemergencyuse.The HealthCentreisconvenientlylocatedintheheartofCamp.
TheQuietRoom
Introducedin2024,theQuietRoomhasnowbeensuccessfullyutilizedfortwo summerseasons.Thisspace,locatedadjacenttotheHealthCentre,is designatedasacalm,comfortableenvironmentforusebycampersandstaff attheprofessionaldiscretionoftheHealthCareTeamoraSeniorLeadership TeamMember.In-personorvirtual(Zoom)consultationswithourMental HealthSupportSpecialistsareconductedwithintheQuietRoom.TheQuiet Roomhasbecomeanessentialresourceforcampersandstafftode-stress, recharge,andapplyeffectivecopingmechanisms.
TheCamperExperience MentalHealthSupportSpecialists TheCampWenonahHealthCareTeamincludesadedicatedteamofmental healthprofessionals,including:
DirectorofMentalHealthStrategyandStaffWellbeing: SuzanneRoss,BCMHA,MAabd
SuzanneisaCommunityMentalHealthPractitioner,CampWenonahalum,and parent,bringingmultipleperspectivestomentalwellnessatCamp.Shesupports staffthroughtraining,pre-Campconversations,andcounselling,while strengtheningawareness,transparency,anduseofcamp-appropriatetools acrosstheorganization.Duringthesummer,sheworkscloselywithstafftoapply copingstrategiesintheCampenvironment.
SocialWorker-AshleyEdwards AshleyisaregisteredSocialWorkerandPsychotherapistatSickKidsinToronto, specializinginsupportingchildren,youth,caregivers,andfamiliesusinga strengths-based,trauma-informedapproach.Asaformercamperandstaff member,shebringsfirsthandinsightintoCamplife,allowinghertointegrateher workseamlessly.AtWenonah,shesupportsCampers,ROOTS,POLARIS,andWCIT participantsinapplyingcopingstrategieswithintheCampenvironment.
CollaborativeSupportModel AshleyandSuzanneworkcloselywithDirectorofHealthandWellness,Nancy Vandenbergh,andtheonsiteHealthCareTeamtosupportmentalwellness acrossthecampcommunity.Theirsharedgoalistohelpindividualsfeel balancedandsupportedincamplife.Workingtogethersince2022,theybring extensiveprofessionalexperienceand,aspartoftheWenonahHealthTeam,are availabletomeetwithcampersandstaffinpersonoronZoom,alongsideor insteadofthecamp’snursesordoctor.
TheCamperExperience GenderedLanguageatWenonah CampWenonahiscommittedtoaninclusiveenvironmentforall.
Acknowledgingthatthebinaryterms"male"and"female"donotincludeall genderidentities,weusegender-neutrallanguagewheneverpossible.
When"male"or"female"termsarenecessary forcabinplacements,weareexplicitly inclusive:"male"cabins(Lakeside/tabins) includetrans-males,cis-males,andsome non-binaryindividuals."Female"cabins (Bayside/tabins)includetrans-females,cisfemales,andsomenon-binaryindividuals. Ourpriorityisthesafetyandcomfortofevery communitymember.
CabinmateRequests ManycampersattendCampwithafriendtheyhopetoshareacabinwith.We arecommittedtodoingthebestwecantoaccommodatecabinmaterequests (pleasenotethatthisdoesnotapplytoROOTS,POLARISandWCITswherethe strengthofeachprogramisreflectedinthefullgroupexperience).Thereare somethingstokeepinmindsowecanaccommodateyourcabinmaterequest:
Campersmustbewithin18monthsinage. Requestsmustbemutual(i.e.requestsshouldbemadebybothcampers).
Campersmustbeattendingforthesameperiodandforthesamelengthof stay.
Weguaranteeonemutualcabinmaterequest.
Intherarecasethatarequestismadefortwocamperstonotbetogether,you mustnotifytheotherfamily.CampWenonahcannotplayaroleinthissituation.
TheCamperExperience Birthdays Everyyearwehavethepleasureofcelebratingmanycamperandstaff birthdaysatCampWenonah.Weknowit’sachallengingtimetobeawayfrom yourcamper,butwemakesurethateachcamperwhocelebratesabirthdayat Wenonahfeelstheloveandjoyfromourwholecommunity.
Ourfoodserviceteamputstogetheraspecialbirthdaydessert,andthewhole Campjoinstogethertosing“HappyBirthday”.Youcanleaveabirthdaypackage withourofficetodelivertoyourcamperontheirspecialday.Anysnacksmust notcontainnutsortracesofnuts.Pleasemakeanefforttosendsomething shareable!
Laundry Professionallaundryserviceisincludedwiththecostofregistration.Campers attendingtwoweekswillgetonellaundryserviceandcampersattendingfor fourweekswillgetthreelaundryservices.One-weekcampersdonotgetlaundry service.Donotsendclothingthatwillnotstanduptocommerciallaundering.
FemaleStaffWithMaleCampers Wecontinueourlongstanding practiceof,onoccasion,placing femaleCabinStaffwithouryounger malecampercabins.
Ifyouhavequestionsaboutour staffingarrangements,pleasereach outtoJJatjj@campwenonah.com.
Tuck&TheGeneralStore Tuck ‘Tuck’isacamptermforsnacks,andisincludedwithyourcamper’sregistration. AllWenonahcamperswillenjoyacomplimentaryselectionoffoodanddrink itemsattheTuckShopduringtheirstay.Tuckmayincludepop,chips,chocolate bars,frozentreats,andassortedotherconfectionary!
TheGeneralStore ThisyearwehaveafewoptionswhenitcomestopurchasingWenonah merchandiseattheGeneralStore.
PurchaseonlineanytimebetweenMarchandOctober.Youhavethree optionsforpickup:onthefirstdayofyourcamper’sPeriod,flatrateshipping (orderswillbegintoshipinmid-May)orpickupattheWenonah30 AnniversaryBruncheoneventinOakvilleinMay.Thewebsiteisopenfor purchaseof2026Wenonahitems. th
Applya‘WenonahGeneralStoreDeposit’toyourcamper’saccountsothat theymayshopforthemselvesduringtheirCampPeriod.Detailedinstructions forthisprocesscanbefoundonCampanioninApril.
Purchasein-personatour30thAnniversaryBruncheonEventinMay,Open HouseoronthefirstandlastdaysofCampPeriods.
Reminder-Wenonahiscashless,butweacceptdebitandmostmajorcredit cards. Westronglyrecommendorderinginadvancetoguaranteeyourcorrectsize and/orcolour.DuringtheSummermonths,purchasesaresubjecttothe availabilitywehaveon-handatTheGeneralStore.
Communication ContactingCamp Ouryear-roundofficeisopenregular hours(Monday-Friday,9:00am-4:00 pm)duringtheSummermonths.Director ofAdministration,Sarah‘Sojo’MacPherson isavailabletohelpyou.
OurMuskokaOfficeisopeneveryday duringSummerCamp.Wedoourbestto answerallcalls;however,basedonthe Campschedulewecannotguarantee someoneisintheofficeatalltimes.Ifyour callisnotanswered,pleaseleavea detailedmessageandwewillreturnyour callasquicklyaspossible.
CampContactingYou Campmaybeintouchwithyouforanumberofreasons,including:
Administrativequeries(e.g.transportationoraccounting) ContinuedstrugglesadjustingtoCamplife,orongoingbehaviouralissues IfyourcamperhashadtomakeatriptotheHospitalorMedicalClinic Wetrytocontactyoufirst.Ifwecan’treachyou,wecallthelisted emergencycontact.
Itisimportanttomakeyourwishesknowntoanypersonactingas youremergencycontact. Inthecasewhereadecisionisnecessaryanddirectcontacthasnot beenmade,aSeniorDirectororNursewillmakeadecisiononyour behalf,inyourcamper’sbestinterest.
CampContactingYou FirstTimeCamperCalls Campwillcontacteachfamilyofafirsttimecamperafter48hoursoftheirstay beginning.Thecallwillincludeageneralreportofhowthecamperissettlingin, andachanceforyoutoaskquestions.Ifweareunabletoreachyou,wewill leaveadetailedmessageandyoucancallusbackifyouhaveanyquestions.
ContactingYourCamper CampanionLetters WriteletterstoyourcamperthroughtheCampanionApp!Weprinttheseoff onceperdayanddeliverthemrighttoyourcamper’smailbox.Theselettersare aone-waycommunication,meaningyourcampercannotreplydirectlytoyou throughtheCampanionApp.
Incoming&OutgoingMail
Pleaseaddressanylettersto:
IncomingmailisdeliveredtoCampeveryweekday.Lettermailandpackages thatarriveafteryourcamperhasleftisreturnedtothesenderandarecharged COD(costondelivery).OutgoingmailiscollectedatCampandtakentothe mailboxforsendingeachweekday.Weencourageparents/guardianstoinclude pre-addressed,pre-postedenvelopesfortheircamperstosimplifythings.
Communication ContactingYourCamper CarePackages Ifyou’rethinkingofsendingacarepackage,weencouragekeepingthings simpleandinclusive,astheycansometimesunintentionallyleadto comparisonsorfeelingsofdisappointmentamongcabinmates.Thoughtful, shareableitemslikesmallgames,trinkets,orpeanut/treenut–freesnacksare alwaysagreatchoice!
WecollectcarepackagesintheCBC(MainOfficeatCamp)onarrivaldayto givetoyourcamperatalaterdate.Makesurethenameanddateareclearly labelledoneachpackage.
MobileDevicesatCamp IffamiliesdecidetosendtheirchildtoCampwithacommunicationdevice,we havestrictrulesandregulationsinplaceregardingtheiruse:
AlldevicesmustbehandedinonthefirstdayofCamp.Alldevicesare lockedinasafearea.
Fortwo-weekandmonth-longcampers,therearedesignatedTalk&Text times,scheduledbycabingrouponetimeperweek.
Campersareonlyabletousetheirdevicesatthegiventime,inthe designatedareaunderthesupervisionofstaff.Devicesmustbesignedback inaftereachuse.
Ifacamperdoesnotbringadevicetocontacthome,andparentswouldlike theirchildtocallhomeduringtheircabin’sTalk&Texttime,pleasecontactSr. Director,JJatjj@campwenonah.com.
Visitors’Day&Day-in-Town Visitors’Day Forallcampersattendingforamonth,weprovidetheoptionofaVisitor’sDay roughlyhalfwaythroughtheperiod.PleasenotethereisnoVisitors’Dayfor campersattendingfortwoweeksorless.ForanycampersattendingCamp overtheJuly/Augustchangeover,thereisadaybreakinbetweenthemonths withnoprogramavailable.WedomakeexceptionsatthistimeforInternational orout-of-provincecampers.
Visitors’DaysthisyeararesetforSaturday,July11andSaturday,August8.
Camperscanbepicked-upstartingat10:30amonthosedays. Forcampersjustoutfortheday,areturnbeforedinnerisbest(5:30pm). Foranycampersstayingoutovernight,weaskthattheyreturnbeforeNoon onthefollowingSundaymorning.
Day-in-Town ForanycamperswhowillnothaveavisitorcollectingthemonVisitor’sDay (includingInternationalandOutofProvinceCampers)weprovideaDay-inTownProgramtogivethesecampersabreakfrombeingon-site.
Day-in-TownisatriptoBracebridge,includingamealoutandamovieat thelocaltheatre.Campersalsohavesometimetopurchaseanypersonal itemsnecessary.
A$50chargewillapplytoyouraccounttocoverthecostassociatedwith Day-in-Town,ifyourcamperisparticipating.Wethenprovidethesefundsin cashtothecamperinanenvelope.Campersareresponsibleforkeepingany changefromDay-in-Town.
Camperstravelinsmallgroups,andarealwayssupervisedbyWenonah staffmembers.
FoodService UnderthedirectionofourExecutiveChefFernandaMuniz,threemeals,plus snacks,arepreparedeachday.Anyinformationorinstructionsregarding specialdietsandallergiesmustbeincludedwhencompletingtheHealthHistory Form.Anychangesmadeneedtobecommunicatedimmediatelywiththe CampWenonahOffice.
Alternativemenuscanbeaccommodatedbasedupon: Allergiesand/ormedicalreasons
Ifyourcamper’sfoodallergyislife-threateningandmayrequirethe ExecutiveCheftomakeextensivemodifications,pleasenotifySenior DirectorTito(tito@campwenonah.com)directlytomakearrangements. Religiousbeliefs
Well-establishedpersonallifestylechoices
Onceanalternativemenuhasbeenmade,itistheexpectationofWenonahthat campersremainonthatalternativemenu.
Aspartofourcommitmenttopromotinghealthyliving,wedonotallowdieting or“experimentation”atCamp.Thatiswhyweaskforadvancenoticeofspecific dietaryrequirements.Ifyourcamperisrecoveringfromaneatingdisorder, pleasecontactboththeDirectorofHealth&Wellness (nancy@campwenonah.com)orSeniorDirectorJJ(jj@campwenonah.com).
NutPolicy OurentireSummercampingseasonisdesignated as "nutaware."Wewelcomemanypeopleto Campwhohavelife-threateningnutandpeanut allergies.Allfoodservedthroughthekitchenand onout-tripsiscarefullyscreenedsothatnothingis labelledascontainingor“maycontain”anynutor peanutproducts.
HealthServices OncetheHealthHistoryFormissubmitteditislockedandcannotbeupdated withoutcontactingCampWenonah.Ifyouneedtoupdatehealthinformation afteryousubmitit,pleasecontacttheCampWenonahOffice.
IfyouneedtoupdatehealthinformationwhileyourcamperisatCamp,please e-mailthechangetonurses@campwenonah.com.
Ifyouhaveanyadditionalquestionsorconcernsabouthealthandwellness whileyourcamperisatCamp,youmaycontactournurses (nurses@campwenonah.com).Anyurgentmattershouldbesharedbyphoning theCampOffice(905-631-2849).
OurHealthCareTeamatCampWenonahcandiagnoseandprescribe;our CampDoctorisavailableforconsultation.Ifyourcamperneedstovisitthe medicalclinicorhospitalinBracebridge,thisdecisionismadebytheHealth CareTeam.Wewillletyouknowaboutanystepsbeingtakentocareforyour camperinthiscircumstance.
Medictions&Supplements HealthServices Medictions&Supplements Ifyourcamper’smedicationisnotblisterpackedonarrivalatWenonah,wewill blister-packitonsiteandchargeyouraccount$75permedication.
AllinstructionsfordosageanddispensingMUSTbetranslatedintoEnglishif theyareinanotherlanguage,andincludedwiththemedication.International campersbringingmedicationtoCampmustalsoensurethatitisinitsoriginal container.
Medicationisdispensedaftereachmealandbeforebedtime.Ifyourcamper’s routinemedicationtimecannotfitintothisschedule,oranybreachofthe routinecouldresultinserioushealthconsequences,aletterofexplanationis requiredbeforetheirCampsessionbegins.Pleaseemailtheletterto nurses@campwenonah.com.Pleasesendclearinstructionsintheletterforthe administrationofmedication,includingthereasonfortakingitandusualtiming. Campstaffcannotacceptverbalinstructions.
SendenoughmedicationtolastthefullCampPeriodyourcamperisattending.
Campisnotthetimeto‘trial’yourcamperofftheirmedicationsortakea ‘medicationvacation’.PleaseDONOTexpectCampstaff/nursestomanageyour camperwhiletheyareofftheirnormalmedications.Thiscanhavemany negativeimplicationsonthecamper,theircabinmates,andthestaffwhoare workingwiththem.
UponarrivalatCamp,pleaseindicatetoCampstaffifyouhavemedications todropofforifyouwishtospeaktotheHealthCareTeam.Allmedicationis stored(andlocked)inthemedicaldispensary.HealthCareStaff(or,during outtrips,tripleaders)areresponsiblefordispensingthemedicationasper theprescriptionandyourinstructions.
HealthServices Medictions&Supplements Campersshouldknowwhytheytaketheirmedicationandwhentotakeit. Understandinghelpsthemremembertotakeit.Besuretodiscussthiswithyour camper.TheHealthCareTeamwillworkcloselywithcabinstafftoensureyour campergetstheirmedications,butwecannotforcechildrentocometothe HealthCentreiftheydon’twanttocome.
Weprovidemostcommonnon-prescriptionmedications,intheeventthatyour camperisdeemedtoneedthemduringtheirCampSession.
Prescriptions If,atanytime,aprescriptionneedstobefilledormedicationhasbeen prescribed,Camppaystheupfrontcostsandthenchargesyourhousehold account.IfthemedicationisnotcoveredbyOHIP,oryoudonotliveinOntario, youreceivetheoriginalreceiptandcanproceedforreimbursementfromyour personaldrugplan.CampWenonahcannotarrangefordirect-billingwithyour insuranceprovider.
Non-Ontarioresidents(oranyonewithoutanOHIPcard)arechargedafeeto seeadoctor(eitherinawalk-inclinicoratahospital).Camppaysthisupfront fee,andchargesareaddedtoyourhouseholdaccount.
LymeDisease WefollowtheguidelinesandrecommendationsoftheSimcoeMuskokaDistrict HealthUnitandtheOntarioCampsAssociationwithregardstosurveillance, assessment,andmanagementoftickbites.Wearevigilantinourfollow-upof tickbitesoranyinsectborneconcern.
HealthServices EpiPenPolicy IfyourcamperrequiresanEpiPen,theyshouldcometo CampwithatleasttwoEpiPens.Ifyourcamperrequires anEpiPenforaninsectstingallergy,CampWenonah requiresthemtohavetheirEpiPenwiththematall times.Pleasesendyourcamperwithsomethingthey cancarrytheirEpiPeninontheirbody.
AnycamperwhorequiresanEpiPenforafood,bee,orinsectallergymaygoon anoffsitetrip.Thereisriskofcomingintocontactwithallergens(food,insects) onatriporoffsiteactivity.Weaskfamiliestokeeptheserisksinmind.Ifyou preferyourcampertonotgoonanout-of-Campactivity,pleasenotifyusin writingatinfo@campwenonah.com.
HeadLice CampersarecheckedforheadliceonthefirstdayofarrivalatCamp. Campersfoundtohaveheadlice(asdeemedbyourHealthCareteamora professionallicecheckingcompany)aretreatedfollowingtheguidanceof theseprofessionals.
Ifyourcamperisfoundtohavelice,thefirsttreatmentwillbeadministered immediately.Afollow-uptreatmentisrequired4or5dayslater.Thereisacost associatedwiththesetreatmentthatyouwillbeexpectedtopay(thisisafee paidtotheprofessionalagencyresponsibleforthetreatmentandisestimated tobeupto$350).Thefinalamountwillbechargedtoyourhouseholdaccount.
AtWenonah,weunderstandandrespectreligiousobservanceofhead coveringsandaprivatespaceforchecksandifnecessary,treatment,willbe provided.
HealthServices BedBugs CampWenonahtreatsoursleepingspacesforbedbugsbeforethestartofour SummerSeason.Thisofferssomeprotectionfromtheestablishmentofbedbug infestationsinourCampercabins.Havingsaidthat,withnewcampersarriving eachsession,theseinsectscanreappear.
Sun&HeatSafety BeforepackingforCamp,weaskthatyou runallbelongingscomingtoWenonah, includingallbedding,sleepingbags, pillows,andyourbag(s)throughthedryer for30minutesonhighheat.Weencourage youtodothesameprocedurewith campers’belongingsuponreturninghome.
Wekindlyaskthatyoucontactusifyour familyhascomeintocontactwithbedbugs beforeyourexpectedarrivalatCamp.
Allstaffaretrainedtopromotesunsafetyforyourcamper.Sunscreenis availableattheHealthCentreandallprogramareasshouldcampersrunout. Watertapscanbefoundaroundcamp.Campersareencouragedtowear lightclothingthatcoversshouldersandarms,whennotdoingwateractivities.
Helpusbypacking: ahatwithabrimandsunglasses sunscreenforyourcamper(minimumSPF30,butSPF50orhigheris preferable) awaterbottlewithyourcamper’snameonit
HealthServices Immunizations Camperimmunizationhistoryisrequestedforthesafetyandwellbeingofall campersandstaffatWenonah.Camperswhoarenotimmunizedarewelcome atCampWenonah.OntheImmunizationForm,pleaseletusknowifyour camper’simmunizationsareup-to-dateaccordingtotheOntarioPublicly FundedImmunizationSchedules.Anyparentswithquestionsaboutwhether theirchild’simmunizationsareup-to-dateshouldcontacttheirhealthcare providerorlocalpublichealthunit.Ifpossible,pleaseattempttocatchyour camperuponanymissedvaccinations(especiallytetanus)beforetheyarrive atCamp.
CampWenonahreservestherighttosendacamperhomeimmediatelyifthey havehadaclosecontactwithasuspectedcaseofsomeonewitha communicablediseasetopreventtransmissionandtoensureeveryone's healthandsafety.
Inthiscase,parents/guardiansareresponsibleforanyexpensesincurredto bringachildhomeandtimemissedfromCampwillnotbereimbursed. FactorsthatCampwouldconsiderinmakingthisdecisionmayincludethe immunizationstatusofacamper,thedegreeofcontactwithapersonwhohas aninfection,andguidanceordirectionfromtheSimcoeMuskokaDistrict HealthUnit.
WildfireSmoke&AirQuality Weprioritizethehealthandsafetyofourcampers.Whilewildfiresmokecan travelfar,wemonitorlocalairqualitythroughtheSimcoeMuskokaDistrict HealthUnit.Wewilladjustcampprogrammingasneededtoensurecamper wellbeing.CampWenonahalsohasacomprehensiveplaninplaceforlocal wildfires,andwecontinuouslymonitorforestfireactivityacrossOntariousing governmentreal-timemaps.
HealthServices Head-to-ToeChecks Cabinstaffcontinuallymonitoracamper’shealthwhileatCamp.Toensurethat eachcamperishealthythroughouttheirtimeatCamp.Pleaseencourageyour camper(s)tospeaktotheircabinstaffiftheyarefeelingunwell.
Avisual“head-to-toe”check,iscompletedbytheCabinStaffeachweekinoneon-oneconversationswitheachcamper.Thisformisthenreviewedbythe HealthCareTeamtoensurethattherearenoongoingissuesand/orirritations whichcouldleadtomoreserioushealthissues(scrapes,bumps,bug-bites, etc.).Recommendationsforfollow-upwithyourfamilyphysicianoraclinicin yourhomeareacouldbemadebytheHealthCareTeambasedonthese checks.
ProgramNotes SwimChecks&ColourChords InaccordancewithOntarioCampsAssociation standards,wechecktheswimmingabilityof everycamper(andstaffmember).
OnthefirstdayofCamp,everycampermustcompleteaswimcheck. Campersthenwearcolour-codedchordsontheirwristssothatstaff memberscantellataglancewhetheracamperisaweakornon-swimmer, orastrongswimmer.
Non-swimmersorweakswimmersarerequiredtowearaPFDwhile swimming.PFDsarewornatboatingactivitiesregardlessofswimmingskill.
ProgramNotes OvernightCanoeTrips Allcampersaged12yearsorolderwhoarestayingforaminimumoftwoweeks participateinatleastoneovernightcanoetripwiththeircabingroupononeof ourlakes–SawLake.CanoetripsaresupervisedbytheCabinStaffandan additionalWenonahstaff.Costsforthesecanoetripsareincludedincampfees. Campersattendingforonemonthormorewillparticipateinmorethanone overnighttrip.Campersaged11yearsandundermayhaveanovernighttrip basedonthediscretionoftheSeniorDirectorsandbasedontheinterest,ability andexperienceofcampers.
Paddlemaking PaddlemakingisapopularPIC(Personal IndividualChoice)programavailablefor camperswhoarestayingforatleasttwoweeks.
ToselectPaddlemakingforyourcamper, indicatetheirinterestontheAdditionalOptions Form.A$50chargewillbeaddedtoyour accountforthepaddleblank.Ifyourcamperis returningtoCampwithapaddlethatthey’dlike tocontinueworkingon,nopre-selectionor paymentisrequired.
SwimmingLessons CampWenonahoffersswimminglessonsfortwo-weekcampersusingthe LifesavingSocietycurriculum.BronzeMedallionandBronzeCrossareavailable forone-monthcampersofappropriateage.
SelectingswimmingasoneofthreePICoptionsmeansthatcamperschoose twoPICSperweekwhentheyarriveatCampinsteadofthree.Selectswimming lessonsforyourcamperontheAdditionalOptionsform.
ProgramNotes WenonahGames InthelastthreedaysofPeriod2andPeriod4weholdtheever-popular WenonahGames.
DuringWenonahGamescampersparticipateinawidevarietyofactivities(at alllevelsofhealthycompetition)toearnpointsfortheirteam.
AllcampersareplacedinoneofthreeHouses:Aki(Green),Dawaa(Red)or Zibbins(Blue).CampersnewtoWenonahareplacedinHousesbeforetheir arrivalatCamp.
MembersofthesamefamilyareautomaticallyplacedinthesameHouse.If youarerelatedtosomeoneatCamp(pastorpresent)whohasadifferentlast name,pleasemakeusawaresothatallrelativescanbeonthesameHouse team.
PleasenotethatcampersmaynotrequestaHouseandmaynotswitch betweenHousesunless,throughanoversight,familymembershavebeen placedintodifferentHouses.
LeadershipPrograms POLARIS “PersonalOpportunitiesforLeadership,Awareness, Recreation,Instruction&SkillEnhancement” PleasenotethatallPOLARIS participantswillreceivea detailedemailfromSummer CampDirector,OwenDoane,in earlyJunewithafulsome overviewoftheprogram, expectationsandotheritemsto considerpriortoarrivalatCamp.
CanoeTrip Asapartoftheprogram,POLARISparticipantstakepartinaseven-daytripto AlgonquinPark.Thetripwillfocusoncanoetrippingskills(paddling,portaging, navigation,wildernesssafety).EachPOLARIShasaturnasLeaderoftheDay.
CampWenonahwillprovidemostnecessarymaterialsforthetrip.Inaddition,a fulsomepackinglistwillbeavailablefordownloadonMyWenonahand CampanioninMay.
PleaseNote:IfaPOLARISparticipantcomestoCampwithapre-existinginjuryit isatthediscretionoftheSeniorDirectorsandWenonahManagementTeam,in consultationwiththeHealthCareTeam,todeterminewhetherthatcamperis abletoparticipateintheAlgonquinParkcanoetrip.Wewanttoensurethe safetyofallofourparticipantsandwillnotjeopardizethesafetyand/orwellbeingofanyoneunderourcare.
LeadershipPrograms InstructionalProgram POLARISparticipantsspendextensivetimeinbothcanoeing&sailing,working towardsORCKAandCANSailcertificationlevelsrespectively.
ParticipantscanalsoworktowardsBronzeMedallion/BronzeCrossand EmergencyFirstAidLifesavingSocietylevels.
Participantshaveadditionalopportunitiestoreceiveadvancelevelinstructionin otherCampprogramareas,includingclimbing,kayaking,andmore!
TransitionalYear ItoftenhappensthatchildrenarriveatCamp,excitedaboutfinallybeinginthe POLARISprogram,onlytobeshockedatwhatisexpectedofthem.Nolongerare theycare-freecamperswhoareatCampjusttohavefunandtobewiththeir friends.WhilethoseaspectsarecertainlyimportanttothePOLARISprogram,itis alsoahighlystructuredexperiencewithfarlesspersonalchoice,andacertain amountofleadershipandmaturityisexpectedfromeachparticipant.Please discusstheseexpectations,alongwithyourcamper’sprogramgoals,inorderto ensuretheyunderstandtheirnewroleandpurposeatSummerCamp.
ParticipationinthePOLARISprogramdoesnotguaranteeaspotinnextyear’s WCITprogram.Registrationisonafirst-come,first-servedbasis.
LeadershipPrograms WCIT “WenonahCounsellorandInstructorTraning” ProgramComponents ThefocusoftheWCITprogramisthefurtherdevelopmentandenhancement ofindividualleadershipskillsandabilitiesthroughdirectinteractionwith campersandstaffmembersinavarietyofprogramareas,supportrolesand workshops(activeandtheory-based).
LeadershipWorkshops WCITparticipantsspendtimewiththeWCITDirectorsandotherWenonah staffinsessionsthataimtoenhanceindividualandgroupleadershipskills andabilities.
Internship WCITparticipantsprovideleadershiptothe Campcommunityinanumberofways. Thisprovidestheuniqueopportunityfor hands-onexperienceandallowsWCITsto developasprogramandactivity facilitators.WCITparticipantsmayalsobe giventheopportunitytoshadowstaff membersinavarietyofrolesatCamp. WCITscanbefullyimmersedincabinlife, programmingandcanchoosetoshadow staffmembersinsomeofthevarious supportrolesavailableatWenonah.
LeadershipPrograms WCITandStaff WCITstakeonamuchhigherlevelofresponsibilitythanothercampersandmay enjoycertainbenefitsthattheysharewiththestaff.However,itisimportantto rememberthatWCITsarenotstaffmembers.Ourstaffhavebeentrainedin Pre-Campandhavebeengivenamuchhigherlevelofoverallresponsibilityfor thecampers.
TheprogramisanexperiencethatallowsWCITswhomaywanttoapplytobe staffinthefuturetolearnandgainabetterunderstandingofwhatajobat Campreallyentails.WCITisthereforenotjustatrainingyear,butalsoa“tryout” year.TheWCITprogramoffersparticipantsachancetoshowwhattheyhaveto offerasastaffmember,andalsotolearnfrommistakesinasafeandsupported way.WehopethateachWCITleavestheprogramwithasenseof accomplishment,responsibility,independence,closebondsoffriendship,and havinghadtheopportunitytomakeapositiveimpactoncampers’lives.
WCITtoStaffTransition CompletionoftheWCITand/orPOLARISprogramsdoesnotguaranteeajobat CampWenonah.ToworkatCampWenonah,candidatesmustcompleteour applicationandinterviewprocess.Everyyearwehavesignificantlymore candidatesthanwehaveavailablestaffpositions.Candidatesareassessed basedon:performanceintheleadershipprograms,staffapplications,résumés, interview,campskills,aswellasgeneralattitudeandworkstyle.Allstaffare requiredtopossessaminimumBronzeCrosscertification(possessinganNL certificationwillhelpinourassessmentofacandidate)aswellasaStandard FirstAidandCPR-Ccertification.
AnyoneinterestedinapplyingtoCampWenonahforastaffpositionin2027 shouldcontacttheSeniorDirectorJJ(jj@campwenonah.com)sometimein SeptembertoobtainaStaffApplication.StaffApplicationswillbemade availabletoapplicantswhowerebornin2009orearlier.
InternationalCampers Campersarrivingfromanothercountrymusthave: Apassportandappropriatecitizenshipdocumentation,whichmay includeabirthcertificate.
Aletterofpermissionfromaparentstatingthatthecamperhas permissiontoattendCampWenonah,thedates,flightinformation,and thattheywillbemetbyastaffmember
AcardwiththeCamp’sname,address,andphonenumbertoshowto customs’officials.Seebelowforatemplate!
Canadiancurrencyfortheairport($25-$40Canadianshouldbeenough forsouvenirsandsnacks).
CampWenonahrequiresprescriptionmedicationstobeinblister packspreparedbyapharmacy.Instructionsfordosageand dispensingmustbetranslatedintoEnglishbyaPhysicianorPharmacist andincludedwiththemedication.
InternationalCampers UnaccompaniedMinors CheckwiththeairlineyouareusingfortheirpolicyonUnaccompaniedMinors. Thereisoftenafeeforachildunder13yearsoldtotravelalone,anditrequires arrivingearlierattheairport.Campdoesnotassumethecostandifanairline insiststhatthefeebepaid,wewillchargeyourhouseholdaccount.Pleasepay forthisserviceinadvance,andmaketheCampawaresothatwecanmakethe appropriatestaffarrangements.
ArrivingatCamp InternationalCamperswillgetanincrediblywarmwelcometoCampbyour dedicatedstaffteamwhoeagerlyawaittheirarrival.Theyleavevaluables(such aspassports,airlinetickets,andmoney)lockedintheOffice.CampWenonah emailsfamiliesoncetheircampershavearrivedatCamp.Then,theyoftensettle inforanearlybedtimetocombatanytravelfatigueorjetlag.
PhoneCalls InternationalcampersmaycallhomeonceperweekattheirdesignatedTalk &Texttime.CampWenonahwillallowtheuseofanofficephoneifthe camperdoesnothavetheirownmobiledevice.Weencourageinternational camperstoconnectwiththeirfamiliesviaWhatsApp,withWi-Fiavailablein ourMainOffice.Ifyouhavearelative,friend,orcolleagueinOntario(or Canada),pleaseconsiderusingthemasyouremergencycontact.
Language AllprograminstructionisinEnglishatWenonah.Campersandstaffmaybe abletospeakanotherlanguage(FrenchandSpanisharethemost common),butitisnotguaranteed.yourcampershouldbecomfortablewith basicEnglish,sothattheirCampexperienceissafeandpositive. 41
Lost&Found Wedoourbestduringthesummertoreturnanylostitemstotheirrightful owner(properlylabellingallitemsgreatlyhelpsthisprocess).However,every yearthereareseveralitemsthatareleftatCampattheendofeachPeriod. Wemakeanattempttoreturnanyandalllabelleditemstofamilies.
LostandFoundiskeptatCampfortwoweeksaftertheendofyourCamp Period.
Ifyouwishitemstobesentbymail,appropriatepostagechargesare addedtocamperaccounts.
Pleasecontactinfo@campwenonah.comimmediatelywhencampers returnhomewithadescriptionofitem(s)thataremissingsowecan conductapropersearch.
Afterbeingkeptfortwoweeks,unclaimedlostandfoundisdonatedtoa localcharity.
2027Registration 2027SummerCampregistrationwilloccurinphases: ChampionsCircle,ReturningFamilies&NewFamilies
Monday,August31from 8:00AMto8:00PM Tuesday,September1 at12:00PM
