S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 Leadership Information Package Check out information on equipment, what to pack, what not to pack, transportation and more!!
The major expectations of a YMCA Summer Camp, as developed by the Ontario Resident Camping Advisory Committee, are summarized as the Quality Eight. These are the major principles by which all Ontario YMCA Overnight Camps are guided: Fun Camp is fun! Fun is central to camp with new and exciting adventures and experiences that are grounded in positive YMCA values. Safety Camp focuses on all aspects of safety social, emotional and physical, while also recognizing the importance of campers actually feeling safe while at camp. Friendship Camp is a place where friendships that last anywhere from a week to a lifetime are created, valued and maintained. Belonging Camp is a place of caring, belonging and responsibility. It is important for campers to learn about care and responsibility for themselves, others and the camp, while feeling like they are part of something special. Learning Campers have lots of opportunities to learn, to be challenged and to improve in spirit, mind and body. Life Needs Camp meets personal life needs by providing clean and inviting spaces to sleep, wholesome, balanced and enjoyable meals and clean washroom facilities. Natural World Camp treasures the natural world and campers learn to care for and value their natural surroundings and environment. Place to Return Camp is a place to return to as campers develop a committed relationship with the camp and want to come back each year.
Greetings from John Island! Welcome to your YMCA John Island Camp Leadership adventure for the summer of 2015! Looking forward to another great summer, we often find ourselves wrapped up in the thoughts of seeing old friends, feeling the sand between our toes and thinking of the lyrics to that one campfire song that we can t get out of our heads. For many of you embarking on Leadership Programs, thinking about camp now involves more planning than before mentally, preparing yourself for the many sessions and challenges that you will come across during your time at camp physically, getting fit and putting together your equipment list for the long paddle ahead. This package is to help you get fully prepared for your upcoming adventure at John Island. Read through it, highlight the stuff you want to remember, and keep it in a safe place for future reference. Enjoy the time before camp and please let us know if you have any further questions! Yours in Camping, Scott Thomas Director Lindsay Mowat Assistant Director Suggestions: Try to bring one large duffle bag for your gear that you ll be leaving behind at camp BIG SIX Bedding Footwear Raingear Lifejacket Clothing Waterproofing More Information Inside Canadian Tire sells dry bags Mountain Equipment Co-op has a great online mail-order store for gear: www.mec.ca The camp provides the group equipment such as tents, canoes, paddles, cooking gear, etc. Wool hats will keep you warm on cold nights and make your sleep better Norquay River participants will require a bug jacket Avoid cotton clothing on trip...look for polyester, wool, nylon or spandex
*This information package should be read in addition to the Parent/Camper Handbook. The list of clothes on the, "What to Bring To Camp" sheet includes items to be used at camp, on canoe trips and anytime in between. As the trips and sessions at YMCA John Island Camp come in many lengths and sizes, you should treat this information as a guide and make substitutions and additions where you think they will be appropriate. Whether you are Greenway, Program Norquay, or River Norquay, you will be packing at camp for your canoe trips at the appropriate time. Any items that are left at camp can be left in your luggage bag (ideally a duffel or hockey bag). Make sure the bag is clearly labelled with your name. We will store your bag and items not going on the trip at camp. That way, you'll have a set of clean clothes to wear when you return from your leadership trips. If medications are coming along on a trip with a participant, there are some important points to keep in mind: All medications should be clearly labelled with the user's name If the participant is taking a prescribed drug which s/he cannot do without, two sets of the prescription should be obtained from the prescribing physician and brought to camp (one for use, the other to be stored in a separate place in case the first is lost or damaged) A detailed note outlining the proper use of the medication should be included with the medication and the medical form in a water tight bag (i.e. Ziploc) to be given to the trip leader at camp PLEASE NOTE: Although dark coloured PFDs are now government approved in Canada, they are not allowed on expeditions at YMCA John Island Camp. The PFD MUST be Red or Yellow. The dark colours are not safe for the types of expeditions we undertake. For canoeing and kayaking expeditions, you must bring your own government approved PFD. All staff and participants are REQUIRED to wear a personal flotation device at all times in all boats. A vest style PFD is recommended as it is light and comfortable on hot summer days and allows for free movement of the arms. Proper fit is very important, make sure the PFD is snug and won t ride up when you are in the water. Whether you are hiking, paddling a canoe or kayak, you want to be sure that your gear is packed so that it won't get wet. We recommend using the multi-bag system. We also recommend using waterproof dry bags. One bag is used for your sleeping bag and the other is used for your personal gear and clothing. The dry bags should be about 20-30L in size. A groundsheet is a simple way of keeping your sleeping bag dry at night; it goes under the bag to keep moisture from getting at you and your sleeping bag from underneath.
Your sleeping bag is one of your most important pieces of equipment. A good WARM sleeping bag ensures a good night sleep and allows an individual to be ready for the challenge of the upcoming day. When deciding what type of bag would suit your purpose, consider: fill, durability, compressibility, warmth, and weight. Fill Sleeping bags can be divided into two broad categories by their insulation type: down or synthetic. Down is nature s best insulator. It moulds to your body in the sleeping bag filling gaps, it is highly compressible, it has a great warmth-to-weight ratio. The drawbacks to down are that it is generally expensive, it doesn t retain heat as well when it is wet, and you have to maintain the sleeping bag carefully. Synthetic fills are cheaper, and they provide some warmth when wet. They tend not to last as long as down. There are a wide variety of synthetic fill types available. The less expensive fills will tend to break up when stuffed and un-stuffed repeatedly. Either type of sleeping bag is acceptable for use on the expedition. Durability You want a bag sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily stuffing and un-stuffing (good seams, a durable material for the outer shell, and quality fill). Compressibility You will want a sleeping bag which gets a lot smaller when you roll or stuff it (compare the stuff sack size of the bags you are considering; you want the most warmth for the smallest size, and the least money!). Warmth Most bags are rated by temperature. A "three season" bag with a rating of 0 to -9c will be adequate for the trip. Weight and space are two important factors in selecting trip gear. Remember that what you bring is what you will be carrying; space and weight are always limited. The lighter and smaller the bag, the better. Sleeping Pads We strongly recommend that all participants have a sleeping pad. Sleeping pads insulate your body from the ground, which without a sleeping pad, wicks away heat during the night and can make for a very uncomfortable sleep. Closed cell (blue foam-10mm) pads cost around $10 and work well. Some participants and staff opt for Therm-A-Rest style mattresses which are made from self-inflating foam (they cost $75-$100, but provide for a very comfortable sleep). Do not bring large air bubble or air mattresses. Your sleeping pad must not be large or bulky. Rainy days can be a common occurrence in the summer and should be prepared for. When you are on an expedition, you won't always be able to stop and wait for the rain to go away. Good, waterproof (NOT water-resistant ) rainwear is essential. We require you to bring quality two-piece rainwear which fits loosely enough to allow for the layering of warm clothing underneath. You should test the rainwear for its range of movement (you should be able to move your arms and legs with minimal restriction) and for its ability to repel water (test it in the shower!).
Dressing properly while away from the comforts of home is challenging given the unpredictability of summer weather. Some days will be hot and dry, while others will be cold and wet. Hot weather can be overcome with lightweight and coloured clothing, sunscreen (minimum 30SPF), a hat, sunglasses (inexpensive but UV protected), and lots of water. Cold weather is dealt with using the layering system. A thin layer worn next to the skin (wool, silk, or polypropylene undergarments are best...cotton works poorly) that wicks moisture away from the skin. The second layer is for insulation (a wool shirt, fleece jacket, or sweater is sufficient). The rain suit is the outermost layer; it acts as a barrier for wind and rain. For dry cool days, a wind breaker will be more comfortable because it "breathes" (allows for the transfer of moisture from you to the outside air). Helpful Tip: If you need additional information, any outdoor store associate will have a wealth of knowledge in the equipment/tripping field. Two sets of footwear are essential for outtrips. One pair will be used during the day (and most likely will be wet) on hiking and canoe/kayak trips (for portages and other on-land explorations. This pair MUST cover and protect the toes, have sturdy support and good treads. The other pair of shoes will be dry for evening campsite wear. All shoes that you choose to bring should be durable and comfortable. **PLEASE NOTE THAT FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE SHOES FOR OUTTRIPS Here are some further suggestions when choosing footwear: Comfort: Day shoes are worn for long periods of time on outtrip and it is essential that they fit well and provide stability for uneven terrain while portaging. You should consider that your feet may get wet often throughout the day. Wear your shoes before coming to camp to break them in so you don t get blisters. Socks: Socks are an important part of footwear, too! Often, one pair of good quality wool socks will keep feet warm and prevent blisters Style: There are many types of footwear that people bring on outtrip; the most important thing is that they are comfortable, sturdy, protect your toes, and have good tread. Remember that not every type of shoe will fit every person s foot. Popular day shoes include: running shoes with tread, amphibious shoes (with mesh sides for faster drying), and closed -toe strap-on sandals. Please note that Crocs and water shoes without sturdy toe-cover are not appropriate day shoes.
Mandatory Lifejacket government approved PFD (vest style red or yellow) Health History Form and any medications Waterproof Raingear jacket and pants Bedding Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (therm-a-rest), pillow for in-camp use Outtrip Clothing Adequate supply of underwear and socks (some wool) Long johns or warm pants (fleece) Bathing suit Quick Dry Pants and Shorts T-shirts or light long-sleeved shirt Warm Long-sleeved shirts (long underwear, fleece/polypropylene) Warm sweaters or fleece jacket Sun hat, toque, mittens Bug Jacket Day shoes and campsite shoes (see footwear section) Camp Clothes Other Optional Adequate supply of underwear and socks Pajamas (for warm and cool nights) Bathing suit and towel T-shirts and shorts Pants and warm sweatshirts or jacket Closed-toe shoes and everyday shoes or sandals Toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste (**Shampoos and soaps must be biodegradable!) Insect repellent (no aerosols please; Health Canada recommends less than 10% DEET) Sunscreen (very important, SPF 30 or higher) Water bottle (consider wide-mouth Nalgene type bottles 1 L capacity) Sunglasses Waterproof Dry Bag (20 litre preferred 30 litre max) Duct Tape Flashlights, extra batteries (we recommend headlamps) Sunscreen (very important, SPF 30 or higher and waterproof) ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT CAMP OR ON TRIP * Tobacco * Illegal drugs * Alcohol * Hair dryers * Video games * CELL PHONES * Ipods *Other Electronics Cotton clothing should be avoided as it takes a long time to dry and offers very little insulation when wet! Camera, film, fishing gear, books, journal, thread for bracelets, cards, paper, envelopes, stamps
If you are taking the bus, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the bus is scheduled to leave to allow for loading. SUDBURY (LILY CREEK) If you are taking the bus from SUDBURY, your child will depart and return from the Lily Creek Parking Lot on Centennial Drive at Paris Street across from Science North for all sessions on the first day of camp. Drop Off Pick Up 5:00pm ESPANOLA If you are taking the bus from ESPANOLA your child will depart and arrive from the Tim Horton s/wendy s parking lot on Highway 17 at Highway 6. Leadership Program Drop Off Pick Up TRAVEL BY CAR If you are driving your child to camp, directions to Walkhouse Docks are below. Parents will not be allowed to travel with their child on the boat to camp. Please arrive at the times indicated Drop Off Pick Up Leadership Program 12:00pm 12:45 pm 3:45 pm Leadership Program 1:00 pm 2:00 pm TRAVEL BY AIR AND GREYHOUND BUS If you are using air or Greyhound transport, please ensure that our office has a copy of your flight or bus numbers and arrival times. Please provide our office with a contact name and phone number in the case flights or busses are delayed or cancelled. DIRECTIONS TO WALKHOUSE BY CAR Take Hwy 17 West (East from Sault Ste. Marie) to Cutler, turn South on Weegwas Road. Turn Left at the First Stop Sign onto Village Road West, then right onto Walkhouse Bay Road (after the railroad tracks). The camp docks are 6 km down Walkhouse Bay Road. Please drive slowly down Walkhouse Bay Road many children at play and the road can be rough. LEADERSHIP DATES 2015 Greenway A - Sunday June 28th - Friday July 24th Greenway B - Sunday July 19th- Friday August 14th River Norquay - Sunday June 28th - Friday August 14th Program Norquay - Monday July 6th - Friday August 7th *Please note Program Norquay start times correspond to Camp Falcona arrival dates. You will receive a call about transportation closer to camp start times* CONTACT US! Winter: Camping Services YMCA SUDBURY 705.674.6171 Summer: John Island Camp 705.285.5111 Scott Thomas Director Scott.Thomas@sudbury.ymca.ca