Glen Bernard CAMPABOUT US

Glen Bernard was founded in 1922 and has an established reputation of helping girls develop self-confidence and independence. Each day is filled with opportunities to challenge campers of all ages and skill levels. Our wide variety of activities creates endless possibilities of new choices. Campers participate in the following activities: canoeing, kayaking, sailing, boardsailing, theatre, rock climbing, high ropes, low ropes, mountain biking, trampoline, canoe trips, arts & crafts, tennis, archery, golf and more!


Read Our HistoryCheck out our Facilities

A letter from the directorJocelyn Palm



Camp is a unique environment. It is a community of people living closely together, learning by example and depending for success on the presence of excellent role models. Camp staff must demonstrate positive values and make healthy choices. At camp, we learn how and when to lead and how and when to follow; how to look for risks, keep ourselves safe and challenge our comfort zones. We learn how to be positive role models. This is why we need camp more than ever and forever.

Give an opening to a camper of any age and instantly you get a camp story. Remember the camper who said, " I love it here at camp!" When asked why, she said: "At home I don't have a lot of friends and I don't do much, but at camp it's different. At camp, I think I might be cool." Most of these stories are recalled because camp is about experiences with other people — how you figure out who you are and what you want to become.

Any camper can tell tales of a staff member she/he looked up to and remembers that person long after camp days are over. The memory is usually of the positive influence the counsellor instilled on our future. For example: the counsellor who took you kayaking every day because you just couldn't perform an Eskimo roll, though you desperately wanted to master the skill.

My camp director often said, "We become like the things we admire", a guideline that I have never forgotten. We use it with camp staff every year.

Our approach since 1922 at Glen Bernard is to give campers opportunities to build self-confidence and develop successful interdependence in a safe, fun and nurturing environment. Camp is a great experience for young people and an investment parents never regret. Today's campers are tomorrow's role models.



Glen Bernard Camp is an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA).


The OCA sets operating standards for member camps, and GBC adheres to over 400 separate standards in the areas of: Health & Safety, Leadership, Food Service & Maintenance, Staffing, Programming, and Administration. Some standards duplicate government regulations, but frequently an OCA standard is higher. The document also includes areas not covered by government regulations. Every four years a representative of the OCA visits GBC to ensure compliance with each standard.


Did you know?In 2005, GBC was listed as a private school and has the authority under the Ministry of Education to grant high school credits.


A representative of the Ministry of Education visits GBC every two years to inspect our program and procedures to ensure they comply with Ministry standards and the Ontario curriculum. GBC currently offers 2 high school credit courses.

GPP30 – Leadership and Peer Support, Grade 11 Guidance


Campers entering grade 11 will be participating in the Pacer leadership program which focuses on skill development and teaching techniques in camp activities. This program is a leadership development opportunity and especially valuable for those who wish to be considered for GBC Assistant Counsellor positions the following summer. Campers attending either of the three-week sessions have the opportunity to earn this credit. This course prepares students to act in leadership and peer support roles. They will design and implement projects that contribute to the Glen Bernard community; develop skills in communication, interpersonal relations, teamwork and conflict management; and apply those skills in leadership and/or peer support roles – for example, teaching an activity lesson to peers and leading programs for younger campers. Students will examine group dynamics and learn the value of diversity within groups and communities.

PLF4M - Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership, Grade 12 University/College Preparation


Campers selected to participate in the 9 week Assistant Counsellor program have the opportunity to earn this grade 12 credit. This course enables students to explore the benefits of lifelong participation in active recreation and healthy leisure and to develop the leadership and coordinating skills needed to plan, organize, and safely implement recreational events and other activities related to healthy, active living. Students will also learn how to promoted the benefits of healthy, active living to others through mentoring and assisting them in making informed decisions that enhance their well-being. This course will prepare students for university programs in physical education and health and kinesiology and for college and university programs in recreation and leisure management, fitness and health promotion, and fitness leadership, as well as the role of counsellor at GBC.

We love camp, and that doesn't stop when the summer ends. We partner with a number of charities centred on environmental initiatives and promoting child development through camp.


Kids in Camp

KIC financially assists families to send their children to any Ontario Camps Association accredited camp. See what we're doing

Amici

Amici fosters personal growth and lifelong skills in children with financial need through multi-year access to the unique environment of camp. See what we're doing

NNEEC

The Near North Enviro-Education Centre empowers rural communities to become models for sustainable living. See what we're doing

Our staff: the people that make it all possible!


The camper/counselor ratio at Glen Bernard is 3:1. Staff members are 18 years and older and most are prior campers and Assistant Counsellors (ACs). Staff members are certified in Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid, and we have a physician on site at all times. Staff development at GBC is a key program and one that assures a high standard of leadership, integrity and program continuity.


More about our staff