2023 Parent Handbook
Below you will find extensive information on most every aspect of our 2023 Summer Camp. If you prefer to download a pdf copy of our 2023 Parent Handbook simply click here or on the image to the right.
Welcome
Welcome to Camp Summer Blast! Our camp was created with a vision to provide Milton children with a unique summer camp experience. Located at the Milton Fairgrounds, our summer camp has what we feel is the best location in town! Our weekly programs offer day campers with a variety of activities that meet the needs and interests of all children. Our counselors are experienced and strive to provide an experience that will create memories for a lifetime!
Please take the time to read our parent guide thoroughly as it contains important information about our camp and policies.
Our Motto
“Let’s Create Memories” because that’s what we do!
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to equity and inclusivity of all campers and EVERYONE is accepted. Our counselors also receive annual equity, diversity and inclusivity training as part of our ongoing commitment to include all.
Summer Camp is a place where everyone should be welcomed and celebrated for the who they are. We recognize the uniqueness of all children and have an unwavering commitment to our campers.
Important Camp Dates
Monday July 3, 2023 - First Day of Camp
Friday August 25, 2023 - Last Day of Camp
Monday August 7, 2023 - Civic Holiday (no camp)
Session Dates & Times
WEEK 1: July 3 - 7, 2023
WEEK 2: July 10 - 14, 2023
WEEK 3: July 17 - 21, 2023
WEEK 4: July 24 - 28, 2023
WEEK 5: July 31 - Aug 4, 2023
WEEK 6: August 8 - 11, 2023
WEEK 7: August 14 - 18, 2023
WEEK 8: August 21 - 25, 2023
*August 8 - 11 is a 4 day camp week
Theme Weeks
For our 2023 Summer Camps we are super excited to introduce our seasonal theme weeks! On Wednesday of each week our facility will be decked-out to match the season-of-the-week! Crafts and activities will match the theme of the week and campers will be invited to dress up for the day (if they choose).
WEEK 1 & 4 - SUMMER
WEEK 2 & 6 - FALL
WEEK 3 & 7 - WINTER
WEEK 4 & 8 - SPRING
A Day In The Life Of Camp
MONDAY
Welcome to Camp
Campers will meet their counselors and engage in a variety of exciting indoor and outdoor activities.
TUESDAY
Park Day
Campers will visit Rotary Park in downtown Milton and have the opportunity for Water Fun in the Splash Pad!
WEDNESDAY
Seasonal Theme Day
Every Wednesday our facility will be decked-out in the theme-of-the week. Campers are invited to dress up in seasonal costumes for the day!
THURSDAY
Camp Games
Campers will engage in a variety of fun games throughout the camp.
FRIDAY
Summer Blast Amazing Race!
Every Friday campers of all ages will partake in Camp Summer Blast’s Amazing Race. They will compete in groups and have a “Blast” at the same time!
Important Information
SUNSCREEN
As we like to spend as much time outside, please send your child to camp ready for the day with sunscreen already provided. Please send your child with sunscreen that is labeled with your child’s name so that we may re-apply throughout the day. Note: please do not send sunscreen containing coconut or nut oils.
TOILETING
Please note that it is the expectation that all campers are fully toilet trained. We do understand that accidents can happen and, as such, we ask that you send your child to camp with a chance of clothes in a large Ziplock bag labelled with their name.
PRIVACY
As educators, our camp director and supervisors understand the need for privacy and respect this privacy wholeheartedly. Any information collected from families in the process of registration is kept confidential and not shared with any third party, ever.
CAMP ATTIRE
As we are an outdoor summer camp (with available indoor space for rainy or extremely hot days) we ask that you send your child to camp with comfortable summer clothing. We will have the opportunity to visit the splash pad at Rotary Park on Tuesday each week so ask that you send your child with a bathing suit on that day.
PICKUP AND DROP OFF
Our location at the Milton Fairgrounds allows our Milton Summer Camp to provide a drive-thru pickup and drop off. In the mornings we ask that you follow the guide of our staff and drive right up to the front door to drop your child off. We will warmly greet your child and bring them to their group each morning. At the of the day the process is identical. Simply pull up to the front door and we’ll have your child ready to go!
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
DROP-OFF
- Summer Camp drop-off at the Milton Fairground takes place each day between 8:50 am and 9:00 am.
- Staff will direct you through the pylons to the front door for drop-off.
- Please be patient as you drop your child. We ask that you do NOT get out of your car.
- If your child is experiencing anxiety show them that you are happy and confident they will have an amazing time. Hesitation will make your child more anxious so try your best to keep that brave face!
- Once you drop your child we will ensure they are safe and happy and will escort them each day to their counselor.
PICK-UP
Pick-up each day takes place between 3:45 and 4:00 pm. The procedure is the same as drop-off in that you will proceed through the pylons to the front door of our main building. Campers can only be signed out by pre-approved adults (Mom, Dad, Grandparent, etc.). Photo identification is required EVERY day regardless of familiarity with staff. This is for the protection of your child, which we take very seriously.
ARRIVING ON TIME
In order to ensure the smooth operation of Camp Summer Blast and to ensure the safety of all campers it is extremely important that campers arrive on time each day. Late campers disrupt our daily program as our counselors must pause their program to ensure the late camper is integrated into the group. Please ensure your child is on time each day.
ABSENCES
As we are responsible for the safety and well-being of you child it is extremely important that you report your child’s absence to us by calling 905-691-8945. If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent please email us at fairgrounds@campsummerblast.ca.
Before And After Care
Camp Summer Blast operations on a 9:00 am to 4:00 pm schedule. However, we realize that some families may need an extended period of time for drop-off and pick-up. Below are the options available: Campers will meet their counselors and engage in a variety of exciting indoor and outdoor activities.
BEFORE CARE
Before-care is offered daily from 8:00 - 9:00 am at a cost of $25 (plus HST) per one week session.
AFTER CARE
After-care is offered daily from 4:00 - 5:00 pm at a cost of $25 (plus HST) per one week session. Note: 5:00 pm is the absolute latest we have the Fairgrounds at our disposal. *Pick-up later than 5:00 will result in additional fees.
Setting Your Child Up For Success
For Our Youngest Campers
Leaving Mom and Dad for the day can be scary for our youngest campers, and for parents too! The staff at Camp Summer Blast are here to support the little ones as they embark on this new exciting journey. Here are a few things you can do to support your child in a successful camp experience:
- Let them know how excited you are for them to have a “Blast” as Summer Camp
- Listen to them when they express worries and remind them that you’re close by
- Involve them in getting ready for camp each day:
- Choosing Clothing
- Packing Lunch
- Keep your own worries private: it’s normal to feel nervous for your child. It’s important thought for them to see how excited you are and to reassure them
For Our Older Campers
We know that anxiety is real for many children, regardless of age. If you have a child with high anxiety you can still practice the skills above to ease the transition to camp. You can also let us know so that we can further assist your child when needed.
Dates, Rates and Fees - 2023
Weekly Program Fee: $325 + HST *Leader In Training $285
*Week of August 8th: $260 + HST *Leader In Training $225
|
WEEK |
DATES |
THEME |
|
WEEK 1 |
July 3 - 7 |
SUMMER |
|
WEEK 2 |
July 10 - 14 |
FALL |
|
WEEK 3 |
July 17 - 21 |
WINTER |
|
WEEK 4 |
July 24 - 28 |
SPRING |
|
WEEK 4 |
July 31 - Aug 4 |
SUMMER |
|
WEEK 6 * |
Aug 8 - 11 |
FALL |
|
WEEK 7 |
Aug 14 - 18 |
WINTER |
|
WEEK 8 |
Aug 21 - 25 |
SPRING |
Registration (February 15 - April 30)
- Registration begins February 15, 2023 at midnight.
- Registration continues until available spaces fill up. Once full, we will begin a wait list but cannot guarantee a spot.
- A 50% deposit is required at the time of registration.
- The remaining balance is due April 30, 2023.
REFUNDS: All camp fees are fully refundable until April 30, 2023. A $50 administration fee will apply.
Registration (May 1 - August 25)
- Camp registration continues from May 1 until August 25. All registrations must be paid in full at the time of registration.
CREDITS: After April 30, 2023 there are no refunds. A 50% credit will be applied to the 2024 camp season. Notice must be given a minimum of 14 days notice prior to your session beginning.
*No credit/refund will be issued if you cancel less than 14 days prior to the beginning of your weekly session
What To Bring To Camp
FOOD & DRINK
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Lunch Bag with Nutritious Lunch (peanut/net free)
- Snacks (morning/afternoon)
CLOTHING
- Backpack (labelled with child’s name)
- Appropriate daily clothing (dress for the weather)
- Change of clothes in a labelled ziplock bag
- Appropriate footwear (NOTE: no open-toed shoes for safety)
- Baseball cap or sun hat
*We recommend you LABEL EVERYTHING with your child’s name
LABEL, LABEL, LABEL!
If we know anything about our children it’s their ability to leave everything everywhere! Thus we will do our utmost to return items to you and your children if they are left behind.
So please ensure that all items are clearly labeled. There are many iron-on options out there (Amazon has some terrific options)
What NOT To Bring
- Cell phones
- Stuffed animals
- Products containing nuts/tree nuts
- Glass water bottles
- Open-toed shoes or ‘Slides’
- Trading Cards (like Pokemon)
Health & Medical
MEDICATIONS
If the administration of medication is necessary during the day please communicate directly with the Supervisor on the first day. All medication must be clearly labeled with the camper name and in the original bottle/packaging. Campers are not permitted to keep any medications with them during the day (with the exception of Epi-Pens or Asthma Inhalers).
*Note: Camper Health Forms must be completed each year indicating any on-going medications necessary for your child.
ALLERGIES
Epi-Pens: If your child suffers from a life-threatening allegry that requires the use of an Epi-Pen please indicated on the Camper Health Form. We require that each camper have two Epi-Pens at camp - one with the Supervisor, and one stays with the camper.
Inhalers: If your child suffers from Asthma or another condition that requires the use of an inhaler you must provide directions for use of the inhaler in our Camper Health Form.
ANAPHYLAXIS - NOTE TO ALL PARENTS
At any given moment we will have several campers with serious, life-threatening allergies to foods such as peanuts and tree nuts. As such our camp policy is that NO CAMPER will be sent to camp with food containing NUTS OF ANY KIND. This is a strict policy and is mean for the safety of our campers.
ILLNESS AT CAMP
At Camp Summer Blast we are experienced working with children and know that children can sometimes get headaches/tummy aches. If this happens we will have your child rest and will contact the parent to speak about next steps. Often times a brief rest is all they need!
If the illness is more serious (fever, vomiting etc.) will will contact the parent for immediate pickup.
