Participant Information Package

Transcription

1 Participant Information Package We are very excited that you have chosen to participate in the Learn-to camp event, presented by Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op. We ve designed the Learn-to Camp program to give you the opportunity to discover the joys of a real camping experience with your family or group. Please take the time to carefully read this information package so that you can properly prepare for your upcoming Learn-to Camp experience.

2 How to get there Your Learn-to Camp experience will take place at the Glen Rouge Campground. It is located at 7450 Kingston Road, in Toronto, Ontario, M1B 5S3. Driving To assist you with your trip planning, we have included directions to the campground. Directions to the campground are as follows: Highway 401: Coming from west of Toronto: Take exit 390, Port Union Rd/Kingston Rd, drive eastbound on Kingston Rd. Campground entrance is on left-hand (north) side of Kingston Road, before (west of) the bridge over the Rouge River. Coming from east of Toronto: Take exit 392, Highway 2/Kingston Road, drive east on Kingston Road. Campground entrance is on left-hand (north) side of Kingston Road, before (west of) the bridge over the Rouge River. Highway 407: Exit York Durham Line, which is then called Scarborough-Pickering Townline as it crosses south of Steeles Avenue. Turn left on Finch Avenue, turn right on Altona Road (southbound) and then right (westbound) on Kingston Road. At the bottom of the bridge, the campground entrance will be on your right-hand (north) side. Public Transit Please note: There is no transit stop at the campground. Nearby transit stops are a 1 km walk. For details on public transit access visit

3 When you arrive If you arrive early, please do not hesitate to tour the site at your leisure. A few things that you can do at the park on Saturday morning before the event are: Enjoy a picnic Walk around the campground paths and get to know the area Take a drive to the beach Please take a look at the Rouge Park Spare Time Information (also attached to this ) to find out more about what you can do at the park before or after the event. Registrations Registrations will take place between 12:30 and 1:00 at the marquis tent. After you have registered, you will be directed to your tent. Please allow yourself enough time to settle in before the orientation session which will begin at 1:00.

4 Workshops and Activities During the event, you will be presented with the opportunity to participate in many different activities, workshops and special programs. They will begin shortly after your arrival at noon on Saturday and end right before the end of the program at 10:30 am on Sunday. You will learn how to build a campfire, how to pitch a tent and you will learn about camp safety. You will also have the opportunity to participate in fun camping activities such as hiking and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Saturday, June 18th 12:00-1:00 Arrival and Registration 1:00-1:30 Orientation 1:30-5:30 Camping Workshops 5:30-7:30 Dinner and Free Time 7:30-9:30 Campfire 10:30 Lights Out! Sunday, June 19th 7:00-9:30 Wake Up, Breakfast and Learn to Fish 9:30-10:00 Take Down Tents 10:00-10:30 Evaluation and Farewell 10:30 Group Photo & Departure One of the best parts of camping is gathering around an evening campfire, telling stories and singing songs. If you play an instrument (for example a guitar, a ukulele or a harmonica), please feel free to bring it along so that you can play it around the campfire. If you know a good story, you can share it with us!

5 What to Bring Please note that all of the camping equipment will be provided with the exception of sleeping bags. Equipment for activities and workshops will also be provided. There are however, some personal items that you may wish to bring. Each member of your family should have a refillable water bottle that they can use throughout the event. Water spouts are located throughout the campground and provide safe drinking water. We d like to keep this event as green as possible, so we re asking you to bring along a reusable cup, bowl, plate and utensils for everyone in your group. It is very important to be prepared for any weather conditions, for during the day as well as at night. Please bring warm clothes, many layers and a change of clothes in case you get wet or dirty. Bring your rain jacket and appropriate footwear (one of the activities is a guided hike through the forest rain or shine!) Weather can be cool at night, so please bring warm pyjamas, under garments (long underwear) and warm socks. It is also a good idea to bring a tuque to keep your head warm while you sleep. As long as you are well prepared, camping will be enjoyable and comfortable in any weather conditions! If you don t have a sleeping bag, you may rent or purchase one from an outdoor retailer such as Mountain Equipment Co-op or another retailer that provides this service. You can also bring warm blankets from home. The following items are not permitted to bring at the Learn-to Camp event: Alcohol Pets Fire arms and/or weapons Illegal Drugs

6 Checklist Please be prepared to bring the following items Sleeping Bags (Sleeping bags will NOT be provided. Please ensure you have one for each member of your group) Pillows Suitable, comfortable clothing for the outdoors (Remember that it can be cool at night so bring a variety of clothing so that you will be able to layer for warmth.) Pyjamas Long underwear An extra change of clothes Warm socks Extra socks Rain gear Comfortable and supportive shoes (You will be involved in many different activities so be prepared to be on your feet.) Bug spray Sunscreen Refillable water bottles One cup, one bowl, one plate, one fork, spoon, knife PER PERSON A hat to protect you from the sun A tuque to keep you warm at night Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) Any personal medications Camera Flashlight or headlight Items for young children (bottles, diapers, etc.) Your health card

7 Meals, Snacks and Beverages The Saturday dinner and the Sunday breakfast, snacks and beverages will all be included so you do not need to bring food for during the event. If you do bring your own food, please make sure that it is never stored in your tent. You can keep it in your car (with the windows closed) or if you arrive by public transportation, you can ask a Parks Canada staff member to safely store it for you overnight and make it available to you first thing in the morning. Food should not be stored in your tent when camping because it may attract wildlife. Please ensure that you have eaten lunch before the registration begins at noon. You can eat before leaving home or pack a picnic lunch to eat at the park before the event. During the event, you will have the opportunity to take part in a camp-cooking workshop where you will learn about how to prepare meals when you are camping.

8 Share your experience! During and after the event, you are welcome to share some of your favourite experiences and memories through Twitter or Facebook. We would also love to hear about other camping trips you go on after learning how to camp with us. Be sure to use #RougeNUP in your social media posts! If you are looking for additional information about camping, please visit the Learn-to Camp section of our website: Some of the content is even available in 5 different languages! You can also download Parks Canada s Learn-to Camp app, it is available on itunes, on the Google Play store and through BlackBerry World. Camping on the go! We look forward to seeing you at Learn-to Camp!