AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE FOR CAMPERS AND PARENTS. come be a kid with us this summer! waysofthewoods.ca

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Megan Collins
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1 AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE FOR CAMPERS AND PARENTS come be a kid with us this summer! waysofthewoods.ca

welcome to ways of the woods With more than 30 years of history delivering summer camp programs to children in the Halton Region, Ways of the Woods offers a unique outdoor summer camp experience to

Whether it be swimming, biking, or boating at Kelso, caving at Mount Nemo, exploring trails or longhouses at Crawford Lake, or hanging out with our feathered friends at the Mounstberg Raptor Centre,

2 welcome to ways of the woods With more than 30 years of history delivering summer camp programs to children in the Halton Region, Ways of the Woods offers a unique outdoor summer camp experience to children of all ages. Ways of the Woods is owned and operated by Conservation Halton, and as such, has access to Conservation Halton s amazing parks and facilities. Whether it be swimming, biking, or boating at Kelso, caving at Mount Nemo, exploring trails or longhouses at Crawford Lake, or hanging out with our feathered friends at the Mounstberg Raptor Centre, our campers enjoy action packed, adventurous days. Over the past two seasons, Ways of the Woods has undertaken major efforts to increase its program offerings, and expand into new and exciting areas. Biking, L.I.T. and C.I.T. camps, Waterfront and Lifeguarding programs, and so much more. Programs now cater to campers as young as 4 years of age right through to our Counselor in Training program at 15 years of age. This year brings new programs, facilities, and transportation options. We are proud to have been able to work with the phenomenal feedback from our 2014 families, and develop the best camp lineup yet for this summer. Come be a kid with us this summer! AJ Leeming Manager, Summer Camps Simon Holden Manager, Programs and Services our locations Ways of the Woods embraces all that defines the great outdoors. Our summer camps operate from within Mountsberg, Crawford Lake, Mount Nemo, Hilton Falls, and Kelso Conservation Areas. Each camp site sits on a unique piece of natural property located along the Niagara Escarpment and offers great activities and facilities to explore. With seven amazing locations to choose from, Conservation Halton s parks provide amazing settings for kids to spend their summer. The parks are natural playgrounds abundant with streams, lakes and ponds; rolling hills, rocky escarpment lines, and gorgeous wooded areas. Ways of the Woods Camps provide today s kids with access to the outdoor locations you cannot experience at other local day camps, with supervision that is truly second to none. Since Ways of the Woods is a Conservation Halton program, our campers also get the inside track when it comes to accessing all of the facilities and highly trained staff that our parks have to offer. our staff Ways of the Woods Camps are proud to employ some of the best counselors you will find at any camp, anywhere. Our camp staff are mature and fun individuals who know how to connect with kids. We make the effort to find staff who have real experience participating in our camp activities from outside camp settings. So the counselors teaching mountain biking are actual mountain bikers! They offer passion and knowledge that simply cannot be taught they instill a love for the outdoors and exploration.

our programming Three Great Camp Streams Ways of the Woods delivers programming in three unique camp streams. Primary and Junior Camps cater to our traditional programming at different age groups.

1 Primary Camps (Ages 4 8) Our Primary Camps include the Kinder WOW and Wee WOW programs. These camps offer a lower staff ratio (approx 8:1), and unique activities focused on our youngest friends.

Kinder WOW camp group sizes are smaller and counselors excel at leading young children and helping them feel comfortable in a new environment.

Tuesday & Wednesday: Mountsberg Wee WOW Camp Ages 6 8 Experience all the excitement of our Ways of the Woods programs at a speed and energy level friendly for younger campers!

3 our programming Three Great Camp Streams Ways of the Woods delivers programming in three unique camp streams. Primary and Junior Camps cater to our traditional programming at different age groups. Specialty Camps deliver unique programming with a more specific activity focus tailored to slightly different age groups. 1 Primary Camps (Ages 4 8) Our Primary Camps include the Kinder WOW and Wee WOW programs. These camps offer a lower staff ratio (approx 8:1), and unique activities focused on our youngest friends. Kinder WOW Camp AGES 4 6 Our youngest campers are sure to get up to BIG things! Kinder WOW camp group sizes are smaller and counselors excel at leading young children and helping them feel comfortable in a new environment. Kinder WOW campers explore our farm and its animals, the Raptor Centre, Play Barn, streams, and ponds. Tuesday & Wednesday: Mountsberg Wee WOW Camp Ages 6 8 Experience all the excitement of our Ways of the Woods programs at a speed and energy level friendly for younger campers! Try boating, swimming, hiking, exploring streams, hanging out with birds of prey, and more. Wednesday: Mountsberg 2 Junior Camps () Our junior camps offer traditional camp experiences with a unique twist! Groups are focused on similar ages and a 10:1 ratio. Traditional WOW Camp Join us for a week of camp like no other! Campers get their hands dirty exploring the great outdoors, enjoying time at the beach, and hanging out with amazing birds of prey at our Raptor Centre. Wednesday: Mountsberg & Mount Nemo Girls Camp Girls only! Offered for girls, and led by girls. Make the most of summer in a comfortable environment getting dirty. Checking out rivers, ponds and visiting the Raptor Centre are not only activities for boys! Wednesday: Mountsberg & Mount Nemo

3 Specialty Camps (Ages 8 15) Our Specialty Camps include awesome programming with specific interests, activities, and facilities. Groups are focused on similar ages and a 10:1 ratio.

Campers work alongside our Raptor Centre staff getting up close and personal with all of the amazing birds while learning how to handle, care for, and identify owls, eagles, vultures, and falcons.

New for 2015 Each week will have a unique focus to help ensure that campers attending multiple weeks have a great experience every time!

WOW s Waterfront Camp focuses on water and boating safety. We teach canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding skills; as well as content covered in the Lifesaving Society s Swim to Survive program.

Guard Camp 1 wk NEW Ages 10 14 Jr. Guard Camp is the first step toward joining our Waterfront Lifeguard team.

Campers must be 13 years of age, or have completed a recognized Bronze Star certification course. Need your Bronze Star for camp? Look for details at www.waysofthewoods.

This two-week camp will have campers feeling right at home in and around the water. Spend each day boating, swimming, and exploring the park at Kelso.

Campers who complete the Sr. Guard Camp will be eligible to apply for a position working with our Lifeguard Team. Campers will receive details at the completion of their camp.

All riders should have bikes with minimum 24 wheels and two functioning brakes. Proper fitting helmets are required. We also suggest gloves and a hydration pack.

4 3 Specialty Camps (Ages 8 15) Our Specialty Camps include awesome programming with specific interests, activities, and facilities. Groups are focused on similar ages and a 10:1 ratio. Raptor Camp Camp is definitely not for the birds unless of course you are talking about Raptor Camp! Campers work alongside our Raptor Centre staff getting up close and personal with all of the amazing birds while learning how to handle, care for, and identify owls, eagles, vultures, and falcons. Raptor Camp offers an opportunity to see the inner workings of our facility, and for campers to explore and develop their inner ornithologist! New for 2015 Each week will have a unique focus to help ensure that campers attending multiple weeks have a great experience every time! LOCATIONS: Monday Friday: Mountsberg Raptor Centre Caving at Mount Nemo on Wednesday Waterfront Camp Ages Become more confident around water. WOW s Waterfront Camp focuses on water and boating safety. We teach canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding skills; as well as content covered in the Lifesaving Society s Swim to Survive program. Excellent preparation for future Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, or NLS certification! Campers will require a properly fitted, certified PFD for this camp. All other equipment will be supplied. Jr. Guard Camp 1 wk NEW Ages Jr. Guard Camp is the first step toward joining our Waterfront Lifeguard team. Participate in a fun week of camp spent swimming, boating, and working on lifesaving skills; all while working on your Bronze Medallion certification. Campers must be 13 years of age, or have completed a recognized Bronze Star certification course. Need your Bronze Star for camp? Look for details at to find course dates for Bronze Star courses offered prior to camp starting! Sr. Guard Camp 2 wk NEW Ages Sr. Guard Camp takes your swimming and lifesaving skills to the next level! This two-week camp will have campers feeling right at home in and around the water. Spend each day boating, swimming, and exploring the park at Kelso. Over the course of two weeks, campers will earn their Bronze Cross certification* while working alongside the Kelso Lifeguard team. * Based on successfully meeting minimum course standards. Campers who complete the Sr. Guard Camp will be eligible to apply for a position working with our Lifeguard Team. Campers will receive details at the completion of their camp. Bike Camps Bike Camps offer an action packed week on the trail networks at Kelso; and visits to Hilton Falls for our more advanced groups. All riders should have bikes with minimum 24 wheels and two functioning brakes. Proper fitting helmets are required. We also suggest gloves and a hydration pack. Additional body armour is optional but not required. Parents may drop their child s bike off at Kelso on the first morning of camp, or on the Friday afternoon the week prior to camp. Bike Camp Intro NEW This camp is designed for those campers who are just getting started in their mountain bike adventures. Intro Bike Camp is the perfect fit for riders who are comfortable on their bikes on hard surfaces, and riding on grass or gravel. Campers will learn how to navigate single and double track trails, hills, trail features, and perform some basic bike maintenance. Bike Camp Advanced Ages Our Advanced Bike Camp is every young rider s dream! It is great fit for more experienced riders who have existing confidence on trails and trail features. Campers spend full days riding more than 22 km of trails at Kelso, and also exploring Hilton Falls. Counselors will help develop abilities on more challenging trails and trail features, and will introduce slightly more advanced bike maintenance skills. LOCATION: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: Kelso Wednesday: Hilton Falls Bike Camp Trail Builders NEW Ages An awesome camp for our most advanced and passionate bikers! Spend a week at Kelso and learn what goes into building and maintaining trail networks and features. Campers will spend time designing, laying out, and cutting new trail segments, installing new features and of course riding them a little too! This camp will focus on trail development more than riding. For a blend of both, consider attending a week of Advanced Bike Camp prior to Trail Builders Camp! For even more time on two wheels, consider signing up for the Kelso MTB Race Series. Campers may stay after camp on Tuesdays (no charge) in order to participate in the Kelso MTB Race Series. All that is required is a cheering section and a ride home from parents/guardians after the race! conservationhalton.ca/mtbseries NEED A RENTAL? Ways of the Woods is proud to have Devinci Bikes as a partner, and offers a fleet of rental bikes. Bikes are available in a variety of sizes and are fitted upon arrival. Rental bikes may be added to any Bike Camp for a full week, or daily as required. Visit waysofthewoods.ca to find out more.

Leaders In Training Camp Ages: 12 13 Leaders In Training (L.I.T.) Camp targets our most mature campers and offers a camp experience to match their age, ability, and interests.

LOCATION: Monday, Thursday & Friday: Kelso (overnight at Kelso on Thursday) Wednesday: Mount Nemo & Mountsberg ways of the woods overnighter! $60 Overnighter included with C.I.T. & L.I.T. Camps Counselor In Training Camp Ages 14 15 Welcome to the big leagues!

During the week, campers will take part in our most popular activities, and join our younger campers to see what it takes to be a leader.

5 Leaders In Training Camp Ages: Leaders In Training (L.I.T.) Camp targets our most mature campers and offers a camp experience to match their age, ability, and interests. Campers develop leadership skills, spend time with other campers their age, and take a peek at what it might look like to become a Counselor In Training (C.I.T.). LOCATION: Monday, Thursday & Friday: Kelso (overnight at Kelso on Thursday) Wednesday: Mount Nemo & Mountsberg ways of the woods overnighter! $60 Overnighter included with C.I.T. & L.I.T. Camps Counselor In Training Camp Ages Welcome to the big leagues! Counselor In Training (C.I.T.) Camp is designed to help teens who love camp learn what it takes to lead camp! During the week, campers will take part in our most popular activities, and join our younger campers to see what it takes to be a leader. Campers might even have the opportunity to volunteer afterward in a C.I.T. position! LOCATION: Monday, Thursday & Friday: Kelso (overnight at Kelso on Thursday) Wednesday: Mount Nemo & Mountsberg Kick the week up a notch with our overnight program! It s better value than babysitting! Offered on Thursday nights to Junior and Specialty Camps. Extend the regular camp day with an afternoon boat outing or dunk at the beach. Eat a delicious camp meal at the West Lodge and then spend the evening with bonfires, outdoor movies, a night hike, and more! Tents are provided. Overnighter includes: Meals Evening activities and programming Fireside treats Tents and other camping gear You should bring: Flashlight Sleeping bag/pillow Bed roll Change of clothing for evening & Friday Pricing Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week Sept Jun 29 3 Regular (after May 4) Early Bird (before May 4) schedule & pricing Primary Camps (Ages 4 8) Kinder WOW (Ages 4 6) $210 $245 Wee WOW (Ages 6 8) $210 $245 Junior Camps () Traditional WOW $205 $235 Girls Camp $205 $235 Specialty Camps (Ages 8 15) Raptor Camp $210 $245 Waterfront Camp $210 $245 Jr. Guard Camp $250 $285 Sr. Guard Camp $500 $575 (2 wk) (2 wk) (2 wk) Intro Bike Camp $210 $245 Advanced Bike Camp $210 $245 Trail Builders Camp $210 $245 L.I.T. (Leaders In Training) $250 $285 C.I.T. (Counselor In Training) $195 $225 PLUS HST Pricing is per week. Check our website for refund and exchange policy. Visit for all the details you need! Register online and in person starting March 7, Great discounts for multi-camper, multi-week, and return campers!

preparing for camp A prepared camper will be a happy camper.

clothing Water shoes Spending money for snack bars/gift shops Bathing suit swimming is offered to campers when they visit our Kelso location Please leave at home: Electronics Valuables Clothing or

Each Specialty Camp will have a few limited items that will be essential for a fun week at camp. BUSING Ways of the Woods is proud to offer FREE daily transportation to and from its camps.

6 preparing for camp A prepared camper will be a happy camper. Our camp staff ask that you use the following list to help pack your camper up each day: Required for all camps: Reusable water bottle Hat Closed toe shoes Sunscreen Bug spray Suggested: Change of clothing Water shoes Spending money for snack bars/gift shops Bathing suit swimming is offered to campers when they visit our Kelso location Please leave at home: Electronics Valuables Clothing or belongings that you do not wish to get dirty Please visit waysofthewoods.ca for a full listing of recommended and required equipment to match specific camps. Each Specialty Camp will have a few limited items that will be essential for a fun week at camp. BUSING Ways of the Woods is proud to offer FREE daily transportation to and from its camps. Specific stop times and locations are available online. Multiple pick-up/drop-off spots in the following locations: Georgetown Mississauga Milton Oakville Burlington Space may be limited Extended care available at Kelso and select stops on each route. New for summer 2015! KELSO MOUNTAIN BIKE skillzone Build skills and confidence in a safe and controlled environment Visit waysofthewoods.ca for more information. Funded by the Government of Ontario

7 To register and for all of the detailed information on camps, busing, extended care and everything else you need to know, visit: waysof thewoods.ca or register in person at the Kelso/Glen Eden Visitor Centre

Summer Camp at the Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Branch Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Camp at the Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Branch Frequently Asked Questions Where is camp located? The Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Branch 185 Sawmill Road Hamilton, NJ 08620 What are the dates for camp?