CLK CAMP

About Christie Lake Camp:

IN-PERSON CAMP IS BACK ON!

All children should have the chance to experience the beauty of the natural world – to swim in a lake, paddle a canoe, and sit by a campfire. Every year, almost 400 children and youth aged 9 - 15 attend two weeks of summer camp at our picturesque 88-acre camp near Perth.

On the surface, our summer program resembles that of many other camps. The difference is that our programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of children living in poverty. Exceptional staff ratios allow for hours of dedicated behaviour management, all activities are geared towards the development of physical and socio-emotional skills, and our programs are fully subsidized for families living in low-income.

During their time at camp, children learn core skills in the areas of swimming, canoeing, camping, ecology, art and drama, rock-climbing and leadership. Each summer campers earn a new, higher level of badge in each of these skill areas. In working through the program, children find they have accomplished things they never thought were possible, and are more resilient to face challenges in life. They have learned they can succeed, and they take this improved self-image back to their activities in the city.

Our camp programs do more than just provide children and youth with life-long memories. Our programs help develop resiliency, allowing these children to lead happy and successful lives.

Join us this year as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of making a difference through Christie Lake Camp!

Parent FAQ

How much does camp cost?
Our camp is completely free and only available to kids whose families are living below the Low Income Cut-off.

What ages of children can attend camp?
Children from 9 to 15 years of age can attend camp.

I've registered my child for camp - what's next?
We will contact you to arrange a home visit, where we can learn more about your child and their needs. You will be contacted by staff to complete a camper intake form to learn a bit more about how we can make the session as comfortable as possible for your child. You will also get a Parent Handbook with information about what to pack, drop-off arrangements, etc.

Christie Lake Kids’ Camp
Visitors Policy – Effective June 2022

The safety of our campers and camp staff is our top priority. Limiting visitors when camp is in session is a required precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic and at all times to protect the vulnerable children in our care. For these reasons, unannounced visitors are not permitted onsite.  Our visitor policy follows standards set by the Ontario Camp Association as well as child-care and school settings.

Only paid staff in the direct circle of care for our campers are required and permitted onsite at the campground. With three category exceptions for visitors:

1. The visitor is essential to provide care directly to a camper, e.g, health, safety or wellness reasons.
2. The visitor is providing education and/or training applicable to all campers and/or camp staff.
3. The visitor has received prior written permission from the Camp Director, Executive Director, Property Manager or Director, Fundraising for a business reason not captured in category 1 or 2.  For example, vendors, volunteers, alumni, etc.

Visitors as part of the three category exceptions listed above must follow the below procedures:

1. Individuals must contact the Camp Director or an Assistant Camp Director(s) at least 48 hours’ prior to their planned visit. The visitor must be given verbal or written consent to visit camp by the Director or their designate. (a) Individuals cannot arrive at camp unannounced. They will be turned away by a member of the Camp leadership team (Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director) or Property Manager. (b) Situations deemed urgent do not require 48 hours’ notice, e.g. 911 attention for urgent health care needs and/or property repairs
2. Visitors arriving at camp must immediately check in at the Camp Office, located in the Lower Dining Hall. Visitors will be expected to arrive at a designated time at the Camp Director’s discretion.
3. Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and must present their driver’s license or other photo ID to camp staff present in the Camp Office and sign in the visitor log book. The camp staff will confirm the visitors’ information including name and reason for visiting with the Camp Director and/or Assistant Camp Director(s) who granted permission for the visit.
4. The visitor will then be given a name tag that must be worn and visible at all times. All visitors must be escorted by a camp staff at all times.
5. Upon departure, the visitor will return their name tag to the Camp Office and sign out of the visitor log book.

The following restrictions apply to visitors:

1. A visitor who meets the category exception criteria must give 48 hours’ notice in order to be allowed to visit camp.
2. Parents of campers are discouraged from visiting camp unless it is absolutely necessary. Parent or guardian visits can trigger feelings of homesickness for campers and require staff resources to supervise their visit.
3. The Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director(s) may choose to ask any visitor to leave at any time for any reason, especially if they are acting in a disruptive manner.
4. Visitors must be escorted by a camp staff at all times, and should not interact with campers unless for educational or health care reasons.
5. No one is permitted to visit who doesn’t pass a COVID-19 screening test as published on the Ottawa Public Health website.