Info For Parents

Why Send Your Child To Camp?

As summer approaches, you may be planning summer activities for your kids. Going to summer camp is the perfect way for your child to experience new activities, develop character, create memories, make lifelong friendships, and most importantly, have fun! If you’re wondering about the benefits of summer camp for your child, our friends at CCI Canada compiled a list of all the best reasons to send them.

Child Protection Policy

Keeping our campers and staff safe is something that we take very seriously.  Camp Mishewah is a member of Plan To Protect.  Our Protection Plan includes anti-harassment and discrimination, anti-bullying, recruitment and hiring policies.  All of our staff receive training and we are committed to protecting children, youth and vulnerable adults. 

Food Services at TOP

All meals are served buffet style with good, wholesome food that campers generally like. We continually evaluate our menus to ensure we meet this goal. We have moved away from the traditional camp candy time in the afternoons and instead serve snacks that are prepped by the kitchen. On a hot summer day a freezie or an apple is a sufficient snack. Water stations are set up around the camp. We can work with allergies and diets, but need to have notice at least a week before the camp program starts. 

Sample Lunch Menus for a Day Camp

  • Chicken Fingers
  • Fries
  • Tossed Salad
  • Fruit Sherbet
  • Tacos in a Bag
  • Veggie Sticks
  • Jello & a Cookie
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Caesar Salad
  • Biscuit
  • Apple Crisp

Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions

I read in your literature that you are a Christian camp. What does that mean?

Stayner Camp is owned and operated by Evergreen Christian Ministries.  We are a Christian camp, with beliefs closely affiliated with the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada.  Stayner Camp was purchased and developed as a place where all could grow in their faith, in an atmosphere removed from the busyness of life.  Everyone is welcome to attend TOP regardless of their religious background, if any, and many of our campers are not regular church attenders.  Each day, we share the Christian message through some great singing and an interactive stories that emphasize principles from the Bible.  Staff also desire to share the Christian message through a consistent lifestyle.  You are welcome to call or email the office with any questions. 

What is the camper to staff ratio? 

At TOP there are two staff members in each huddle group with typically up to eight campers: that is a four to one camper to staff ratio.  But, if you count all campers and all staff in the program, the ratio is closer to a 2:1 camper to staff ratio on site. 

How are staff selected?

All potential staff go through a selection process.  They must fill out a detailed application and obtain three references, one of which is pastoral, after which a personal interview is arranged to determine their suitability.  The final step involves a Criminal Record and/or Vulnerable Sector check.  Typically we know our staff prior to camp as they attend the churches we attend and are recruited for their example of lifestyle and service. 

How closely supervised are the campers?

Campers are supervised all the time. Huddle group leaders, directors and an adult who roves the camp keeping an eye on activity ensure we keep a very close watch on the campers and our staff team performance. 

What safety standards do you meet?

We exceed the standards established by the government and the agencies that govern our facilities and operations.  Regular inspections ensure that our facilities are operating safely.  Stayner Camp has established its own Manual which addresses situations that may come up during the summer such as severe weather.  We do our best to ensure your child’s safety. 

How close is the nearest hospital?

The nearest hospital is located in the town of Collingwood 14.3 km or a 15 minute drive. The town of Stayner EMT services are just a few blocks away. 

My child is taking medications. How will this work at camp?

Medications are controlled by our Camp Nurse. The meds are distributed based on instructions sent with the medications on the camper health form. No medications are kept with campers. If it is essential that an EpiPen be on/with the camper at all times we suggest that it be in a backpack that the huddle group coach will have with them as they travel to activities with the camper.

Can my child be in the same huddle group or cabin as her friend?

We do our best to accommodate any requests to be in the same group as a friend.  Huddle groups are established based on age. 8 and 9 year olds are together, 12 year olds together, etc.  Learning, intensity and level of activity is best when the campers are in similar age groups.  Most times, with enough notice, fulfilling requests is possible if they are of a similar age. 

Can my camper keep their phone or other electronics with them?

We ask that phones not be brought to camp.  If a phone is needed at the end of the day to communicate camper with parent we will gladly provide use of the camp line.  Set that up with us when you drop off the camper in the morning.  Please do not send hand held game devices or tablets.  Camp has lots of activity to fill the day. 

Can my camper call home? Or can I call them?

In cases of homesickness, we find that talking to parents will actually make a homesick camper MORE homesick.  Unless prior arrangements have been made in special situations, it is best if phone calls do not occur.  Our staff have experience dealing with homesickness and most campers overcome their fear within a day.  The camp will contact parents/guardians with camper information should anything occur that the parent/guardian should know.  In case of an emergency, you are welcome to contact the camp office.