PARENT INFORMATION

Here is where you will find valuable information about Health & Safety, Accreditation, preparing your camper for camp and more! Have a question? Talk to us!

View our Health & Safety Info

Campers are about to embark on an exciting adventure! Whether you are a first time camper, or a returning camper, there will be new experiences, new skills to learn and new friends to make. Here are some resources to help parents and campers prepare for a successful camp experience!

Have a First-Time Camper?

Click here for tips on preparing a new camper for GBC. Click here to view

Worried about Homesickness?

Click here for tips to help prepare a camper who might miss home. Click here to view

Don't know how or what to pack?

Click here for packing tips and a packing list for each camp session. Click here to view

Are you ready for camp?

Click here for our quick Preparation Checklist to make sure! Click here to view

Just have general questions?

Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions. Click here to view

Find More Parent Resources in our Blog

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.

The health and safety of each camper and staff member at GBC is a top priority.

Glen Bernard has a resident physician who sees campers and staff daily about any health concerns and is available on site for emergencies.
The camp is part of the 911 system and the fire station and ambulance bay are both located within 10 km. The closest major hospital is located about 40 minutes away, in Huntsville and North Bay.
Each staff member is trained in first aid and lifeguarding procedures, having minimum certifications of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid, and many have additional qualifications.
Staff training prior to camper arrival covers all aspects of health and safety and emergency procedures are reviewed each session with all campers and staff.

GBC also meets the stringent requirements set by the Provincial and Federal Ministries of Health, Environment and Transportation.
Our water is completely safe and tested twice daily. Should you wish to review our Drinking Water Systems Report for the current year, please contact the camp office.
The Ministry of Health conducts a site visit every year.

Meals are carefully planned and menus reviewed by a Registered Dietician. GBC is able to accommodate individual camper dietary restrictions and allergies. Please call our office to discuss any concerns or your camper’s individual needs.

Have a question?

Camper FAQ

What do we do at camp? Can I choose my own activities?

Each day includes scheduled activities (so you get the chance to try everything!) and choice activities. You don't need to select any activities prior to coming to camp; it's all done at camp! At GBC, you can earn levels in many different activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, trampoline, archery, tennis, horseback riding and swimming. The evening program changes every day. Sometimes, it's a special all-camp game, play or program. Or, it could be an activity with your section or cabin. Every day at GBC is action packed!

What are the meals like at GBC?

Can I be in the same cabin as my friend?

What if I miss home?

Many campers feel nervous about going to camp for the first time. New experiences are often challenging and exciting all at once. It can take a few days to get used to the camp environment, so be patient. Give yourself time to adjust to the routine and being away from home. Your counsellor is there to help you if you miss your parents or your pet, or if you need help in any way. Before you know it, you'll be having so much fun, you won't want to leave!

What is the tuck shop?

Parent FAQ

My daughter is nervous about camp, how can I help prepare her?

What do we do at camp? Can I choose my own activities?It is normal for your camper to feel nervous about being away from home. Discuss this with your camper before camp, and practice with sleepovers at friends' houses. Offer gentle reminders about the importance of co-operation with others and helping out the group. During pre-camp training, our staff review strategies to help campers who miss home, so let her know there will always be a staff member to help her if needed. Be supportive of her experience and developing independence, and talk about the excitement of new experiences and making new friends! Your confident attitude about camp will be contagious. GBC's program encourages campers to get involved and keep active, and campers usually feel at home after a few days. It's best not to tell her that if she doesn't like camp she can come home or talk to you on the phone. Be encouraging of her success!

How do I communicate with my camper?

Before she leaves, plan how you will stay in touch. GBC parents can send letters to campers by mail or through the Bunk1 email system. Campers can send postal mail to parents. Pack pre- addressed, pre-stamped envelopes to make letter writing easier. Letters by mail are the most personal and valuable communication with your camper. Packages can be fun; please don't include food or candy. Think about sending a game or activity that she can share with her cabin mates!

Will my camper eat well at camp?

GBC meals are wholesome and child friendly. Our menu has been reviewed by a dietician and meets the standards set by Canada's Food Guide. We have vegetarian, lactose free, gluten free and halal options at meals. GBC is "nut safe" and has a system for protecting those with food allergies. Campers are active and busy throughout the day and therefore are often hungry at meals and eat lots! We find campers are often willing to try things that they don't eat at home!

What if my camper gets sick or injured?

We have many safety aspects in place to prevent injury. GBC staff members are trained in first aid and we have a resident physician on site that is available for emergencies. The camp is part of the 911 system and the fire station and ambulance bay are both located within 10 km. The closest major hospital is located about 40 minutes away, in Huntsville or North Bay. Most campers who feel ill just need a little TLC from a staff member and a bit of down time, and then they are back on their feet! If more is required, our resident physician is available to see campers daily, and prescribe medication as needed. The physician will call you if she has any concerns or needs to inform you about any health issues.

Are there payment options?

What are my transportation options?

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