are we there yet?
How do I register for camp?
To register for camp please visit our Registration Page to begin the process of enrolling in camp.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All major credit cards are the preferred method of paying your deposit. From there, we accept balance payment via cheques, money orders, bank transfers and email transfer.
When is the balance of fees due for the summer season?
Summer fee balances are due by May 1st.
Looking for payment plan information? Please contact the camp director for advice.
What cities do you provide transportation from?
Camp Can-Aqua is proud to offer transportation to and from camp from Oakville, Toronto, and Ottawa. For International Campers, we provide transportation to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport. Our transportation staff will escort campers to their airline gates at the end of each camp session.
How many campers are in each bunk?
Each one of our camper’s cabins holds up to 8 campers. In addition to the campers, every cabin has at least one Counselor and one Junior Counselor residing in the cabin. Can-Aqua ensures supervision on a 24 hour basis, which means that every evening one of the cabin staff remains in the cabin all night.
Can my child request to be in a cabin with a friend?
100%!!! When filling out our registration form, simply put the names of your child’s cabin mate requests onto the form and be sure kids are within 1 year apart. Camp Can-Aqua guarantees cabin requests that are two sided (both campers request each other).
What is a typical day like at Camp Can-Aqua?
Campers stay busy all day at camp! From our Morning Bell “Lights-Out” at bedtime, our day is packed with fun! Here’s a breakdown of a typical day:
8:00am Morning Wake Up Bell
Good Morning Campers!!!
The camp day starts every morning at 8AM! When the morning bell rings, the counsellors will round the troops and get dressed for the morning.
8:15am Flag Pole and O Canada
As the camp files down in the morning, we organize around the flag pole to sing O Canada. This is followed by the “Cabin Of The Day” performing a small skit to introduce the day. We also do lost and found so we can help make sure campers return home with their belongings.
8:30am Breakfast
The most important meal of the day! It’s still early, so this is the one meal of the day that we don’t get too rowdy…just lots of conversation and jokes with friends. A great meal to fuel up for the day!
9:15am Cabin Clean Up
You may not think cleaning up is fun, but at Can-Aqua, it’s one of the best parts of the day! Every morning after breakfast we go back to the cabins to let our food digest and do a light clean up as a team. Each cabin competes and adds up their clean-up scores over the session. The cabin with the highest score gets A SURPRISE!
10:00am Period 1
What did you choose??? There are more than 20 activities to take part in! Whichever you choose, it’s going to be loads of fun!
11:00am Period 2
What’s up next? Maybe some swim class, canoe, mosaics, woodworking, photo, frisbee golf, arts and crafts. Choose from over 20 activities. It’s almost lunch!
12:30pm Lunch
The loudest and funnest meal of the day! It’s the perfect mix of eating, chatting with friends and silly-ness!
1:30 Rest Hour
Half way through the day. Everyone needs a little break, so after lunch we head back to chill in the cabin, play some cards, or even write a letter home.
2:30pm Period 3
All rested and ready to go. Head to swimming or choose from over 20 activities and have a blast!
3:30pm Period 4
The last sign-up activity of the day. Enjoy the summer fun and choose from over 20 activities!
4:45pm Free Time
This one is all about you, whether you want to check out an activity, hang out with friends in main camp, or find a counsellor to help you gain skills for an award. It’s your choice!
6:00pm Dinner and Sign Up
Last meal of the day! Fuel up, sing with friends and sign up for tomorrow’s activities. Campers head out to the Can-Aqua Program Board with their cabin-mates and get to pick from a wide selection of activities for the next day.
7:00 Evening Program
After tuck we gather together for a fun camp-wide activity. From creative and dramatic activities like Air Bands, exploring the camp during Counsellor Hunts, or the ever popular running games where the camp is divided into teams like Capture The Flag. Lots of fun for everyone!
9:00pm Cabin Hang Out
After evening program we head back to the cabins to tell stories, play games and wind down for bed.
10:00pm Bed Time
Lights out! Time for bed…we need lots of rest for the next day of fun!
Who is taking care of my child?
The Can-Aqua staff team consists of hard working, passionate role models, who are committed to ensuring that each camper is given the opportunity to realize and appreciate the joys and the wonders of their summer camp experience. Most of our staff have grown up through in our community, beginning as campers, growing through the leadership program, they are ready to instill the same exceptional experience they were given as children. We are child focused and a staff culture that believes that even those small moments of interaction are important. All staff take part in our week long Pre-Camp training session and as a general standard, are required to hold First Aid, CPR and NLS (National Lifeguarding Level). In addition, all staff members undergo appropriate criminal background checks. At Can-Aqua we take pride in the exceptional instructional programming we provide. Instructors, who teach in each area, are skilled in those areas and follow detailed guidelines for effective skill development.
What if my child gets homesick while they are at camp?
To begin with, it’s important to know that homesickness is not an illness but a regular part of the camp experience. Furthermore, it’s a critical part of the growth and development of independence. If your child gets homesick while at camp, our first focus is to talk about it. Before you child arrives at camp, take some time to familiarize them with what Camp Can-Aqua is all about. Navigate the website together. Talk about all the incredible things they are going to be doing and the terrific kids and staff they are going to meet. Telling your child that you’ll pick them up if they miss home is a terrible idea and can be destructive to their experience. We ask that you don’t make any “pick-up” deals at all as it only serves to make the situation worse if your child has the idea in their head that if they’re sad they’ll be picked up.
How can I get in contact with my child during the camp session?
You are able to connect with camp any time for general updates. To connect with your child during this experience you can:
- Write a letter or send a care package!
Nothing brings a brighter smile to a camper’s face than mail from family! Be sure to write to your child during their stay at camp. It is like unwrapping a present from home! (Tip for new campers…don’t say things like “I miss you so much”. Instead try statements like “I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures”. - Send an E-Mail
This is less exciting but we deliver emails daily. You can email your camper through out their session at info@canaqua.ca. Be sure to put your child’s name in the subject line.
Does Can-Aqua support allergies and special diets?
Yes we do! Each summer, we hire a staff member to manage the special diets for all our campers. Our Dining Hall is equipped with a full service commercial kitchen as well as a separate food service kitchen devoted to special diets such as Celiac, lactose and dairy. It is important to us that each child’s special dietary needs are met. If your child has a dietary restriction, prior to the start of their camp session, our dietary staff will contact you to go over your forms and speak specifically to the needs and preferences of your child.
What if my child is a picky eater?
Can-Aqua places great focus on child friendly, nutritious meals. For the most part, kids love the food! In addition to the meals that are served each day, we also have a salad and alternatives bar that is stocked with healthy alternatives and additions to the meal. Campers enjoy several food options at each meal, so even picky eaters have choices!
What if my child gets sick?
If your child is sick or gets injured that will be brought to our Health Centre. Our Health Centre is staffed with a doctor or registered nurse for each camp session, so help is always at hand. In addition, we are located just 15 minutes from the hospital in Bancroft. If your child requires medical attention beyond day-to-day scrapes and bruises, the camp medical staff will contact home to keep you up to date.
How does camper medication get distributed?
Our day has specified medication times throughout the day and will dispense medication to campers at those prearranged times. Medication is often at the health centre before meals and is brought to the dining hall if a camper forgets. In the evening, campers stop in to see the doc before they go to bed.
How do you deal with campers who may wet the bed?
Bed wetting is an incredibly common issue at camp. So our first piece of advice is…don’t worry about! The camp staff are trained, and familiar with bed-wetting. We have laundry facilities on site where we can wash any bedding and PJ’s and have loaner sleeping bags so that in the event that we need to do a wash, we can be as discreet as possible.
For campers more prone to bed wetting, we encourage you to send them with pull ups. If there is a concern for privacy, campers have the option of storing them in the health centre and stopping in each night before bed to put them on. (Tip: When coaching your child about bed wetting, reassure them that their counsellor is in their corner. On their first day, take a moment to speak to one of their counselors with them. It’s important that kids have staff they know they can go to in the event of an accident).
How often will my child shower?
This question really depends on your child! Campers have the opportunity to shower daily during their free periods. In addition, Can-Aqua posts a shower schedule to ensure that all cabins attend planned showers three times each session. If you think showering is going to be a challenge for your camper, please let us know.
Are there flush toilets at camp?
Our Main camp has flush toilets and shower facilities. In addition, each cabin section is equipped with outhouses (we call them Kybo’s) located close to every cabin.
What should we pack for my child’s stay at camp?
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP:
CLOTHING
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 4 Pairs Shorts
- 3 Bathing Suits
- 5 T-Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Pairs of Long pants
- 1 Hat
- 2 Pairs of Pyjamas
- 1 Raincoat
- 2 Pairs of Running Shoes
- 1 Pair of Sandals or Flip Flops
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Towels
- 1 Lifejacket (sized appropriately)
- 1 Set of nice threads for our closing banquet at “Chez Can-Aqua”
BEDDING/ACCESSORIES
- 1 Sleeping Bag
- 1 Fitted Bed Sheet
- 1 Blanket/ Bed Sheet Linen (optional)
- 1 Pillow
- And don’t forget…Your stuffed animal is welcome to come too!
- Flashlight
- Camera (Note: not a phone that takes pictures!)
TOILETRIES (also available at the Tuck Shop)
- Shampoo (Fully Biodegradable)
- Soap (Fully Biodegradable)
- Toothbrush/Floss
- Toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Bug Repellent
DON’T FORGET…
Name Labels: Be sure to put name labels on articles like disposable cameras, and other common items.
Games T-Shirts: At the end of each two-week session, campers are divided into three teams as they compete for the session pennant. The Solaris Team (red), The Tritus Team (blue) and the Terrus Team (green) take part in friendly competition that is a highlight to our camp session. While Games shirts are available for purchase, kids camp simply bring shirts with of the three colors to ensure they are ready to play! You will keep your team identity for life.
Life Jackets: Don’t forget! Everyone is asked to bring their own D.O.T (government approved) and properly fitted lifejacket with their name clearly marked on it.
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP
Non-biodegradable soaps, shampoos and conditioners:In efforts to protect the ecology of the surrounding environment, we stress that campers bring FULLY BIODEGRADABLE soaps, shampoo, etc.
Food: we don’t allow food in the cabins.
Cell Phones
Electronics: ie. Anything that has to be plugged in or charged!
Hazardous Materials: Weapons, lighters, flammables, firecrackers, drugs and alcohol
Things that are unnecessary: Hair dryers, water guns, gum, jewelry or fancy clothing/shoes
Things that can make camp life unfair: Air mattresses, portable furniture, games that cannot be shared
Who does my child’s laundry?
Camp Can-Aqua works with a Laundromat. They pick up, wash and fold and return all camper laundry every second week.
Does Camp Can-Aqua allow campers to bring cell phones?
Can-Aqua has a NO TECHNOLOGY POLICY.
The camp experience is a big investment by you and growth opportunity for you child. Technology serves to isolate their experience and limit growth. While there are camps that allow technology and cell phones we are not one of them, and we’re proud of the community that thrives as a result.
*Campers are reminded to leave their cell phone at home or with parents/guardians for their stay at Can-Aqua. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping the social bonds at Can-Aqua strong.
Does Camp Can-Aqua allow campers to bring their own food/snacks?
Can-Aqua does not allow campers to bring in outside snacks/food, for a number of reasons:
- We find that bringing personal snacks into the cabin creates barriers between campers.
- Having food/snacks in the cabin creates safety issues and encourages animals.
- Allergies: Camp Can-Aqua frequently welcomes campers with food allergies. If you send your child into their cabin with snacks, you may be compromising the health and safety of another camper.
- Campers can visit the “Tuck Shop” each day, which offers a variety of snacks and drinks, clothing, novelties and camp essentials. Items purchased at the tuck shop are deducted from campers’ tuck accounts.
*If your child has a food allergy or other diet restriction, please get in contact with us and we would be glad to set up a meal/dessert/tuck alternative with you.
Does Camp Can-Aqua welcome campers from other countries?
You bet we do!!! We gladly welcome international campers, and many attend camp every summer. This is a great opportunity for Canadian and international children to create multicultural friendships. Many of our alumni are still in contact with international cabin mates from over the years.
Camp Can-Aqua has welcomed boys and girls from the United States, France, Spain, Mexico, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and many more.
Does Camp Can-Aqua have a religious focus?
Camp Can-Aqua is a non denominational summer camp experience. We are supportive and inclusive community that welcomes all.
DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? WE WOULD BE GLAD TO HELP OUT. Email Andrew Martin, our Camp Director with any questions you may have.
