Preparation is the key to a successful camp experience!

Preparing for overnight camp is exciting—for campers and parents alike. A little planning goes a long way in helping your child feel confident, comfortable, and ready to make the most of their time at Sparrow Lake Camp. This page outlines what families should know and do before arrival.

Preparing Your Child for Camp

Overnight camp is a big step, and some nerves are completely normal. Talking openly about camp ahead of time helps children feel prepared and supported.

Helpful ways to prepare:

• Talk positively about camp and what your child is excited to try

• Normalize missing home and reassure them that it’s okay to feel that way

• Practise short overnight stays with friends or relatives

• Look through photos of camp together or arrange a camp tour

• Help your child plan what to do if they feel homesick (talk to a counsellor, write a letter, spend time with cabin-mates)

Sending a comfort item from home—such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or photo—can also make a big difference, especially during the first few days.

Health Forms, Medications, and Allergies

Accurate health information is essential to keeping campers safe.

Before camp:

• Complete all health forms fully and honestly

• List any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or dietary needs

• Submit dietary information at least two weeks before camp

Medications

• Prescription medications must be in original packaging with a prescription label

• Non-prescription allergy medications must be listed on the health form and clearly labelled

• Supplements and naturopathic remedies cannot be administered by staff

• All medications are stored securely in the camp clinic

Allergies

• Campers with life-threatening allergies must bring two EpiPens

• Families should understand that while we reduce exposure risks, we cannot eliminate them entirely

• Please do not send nuts or nut-containing products to camp

If your child has a complex medical need, we strongly encourage you to contact our medical team in advance.

Water Safety and Swim Testing

Water safety is a top priority at Sparrow Lake Camp.

• All campers must complete a mandatory swim test before participating in waterfront activities

• The test includes swimming 50 metres and treading water for one minute

• Campers who do not pass or choose not to take the test may have restricted access to deep water and some boating activities

• Personal flotation devices (PFDs/Lifejackets) are required at all times while boating and are provided by the camp

Inclusion and Readiness for Camp Life

Sparrow Lake Camp is committed to inclusion, while also ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

To participate fully, campers must be able to:

• Communicate needs and understand directions in spoken English

• Manage personal hygiene and toileting independently

• Dress themselves and navigate uneven terrain

• Eat and drink an appropriate amount at meals

• Participate willingly in camp activities

• Manage impulses that could cause harm to themselves or others

If you have questions about whether camp is the right fit for your child, or if additional support may be needed, please contact us early so we can discuss options together.

Homesickness: What to Expect

Homesickness is a normal part of the camp experience. Our staff are trained to support campers through these feelings with care and patience.

Most campers adjust quickly as they build friendships, establish routines, and gain confidence. In cases where homesickness significantly affects a camper’s experience, families will be contacted and involved in next steps.

What Not to Bring to Camp

To help keep camp safe and focused on community, please do not send:

• Phones, tablets, or other screens

• Weapons or knives of any kind

• Recreational drugs, alcohol, or vaping products

• Matches, lighters, fireworks, or flammable items

• Food or candy (these attract wildlife)

We also recommend leaving valuables, expensive items, and irreplaceable belongings at home.

Sparrow Lake Camp is an unplugged camp. Any screens brought to camp will be held in the office until departure.

Sun Safety and Clothing

Please pack:

• A hat

• Sunscreen

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Water bottle

• Comfortable footwear for outdoor activities - including at least one pair of closed-toed shoes

Extra sunscreen, hats, water bottles are available for sale at camp if needed.

Full Packing List in our Family Guide

Staying Connected While Your Child Is Away

Parents can follow along through our online photo gallery and are welcome to send letters to campers. While we know you’ll miss them, trust that your child is building independence, confidence, and friendships that will last long after summer ends.

BUNK1

Bunk1 is a third party service that facilitates communication between parents and campers via email or the Bunk1 app. The app also hosts our free camper photo gallery which is updated throughout each session. Information on how to connect using bunk 1 will be sent via email.

Regular Mail

Your child’s full name

c/o Sparrow Lake Camp

1437 United Church Camp Lane

Severn Bridge, ON

P0E 1N0

(Be sure to provide your child with stationary and stamps so they can send a reply.)

Visiting and Tours

Visitors are not allowed at Sparrow Lake Camp. However, if you wish to tour the camp before sending your child, we would love to arrange a time for your visit. You can Book a Tour online!

Transportation

Because Sparrow Lake Camp is a small camp, we do not offer in-camp drop-off or pick-up. This allows our staff to stay fully focused on welcoming campers and ensuring a safe, positive arrival experience. Vehicle traffic within camp creates unnecessary distractions and increases risk, so all camper transportation to and from camp is handled by bus.

We provide bus transportation from five locations:

Orillia (25 mins from camp)
Families may drive to our Orillia pick-up point, located just off the highway. From there, campers travel the final portion of the journey to camp by school bus. This option allows parents to spend most of the drive with their child and is provided at no charge.

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Two coach buses serve four GTA locations for families unable to travel to Orillia:

• Bus 1: Ajax and Toronto (401 & DVP)

• Bus 2: Vaughan and Oakville/Mississauga

There is a $30.00 fee each way (HST included) for GTA bus service. Space is limited.

Arrival by Boat
Families located on Sparrow Lake or along the Trent–Severn Waterway may arrange to arrive by boat.

Questions?

If you have questions at any point while preparing for camp, we’re here to help.

📞 Phone: (416) 483-2619
✉️ Email: office@sparrowlakecamp.com

We can’t wait to welcome your family to the sunny shores of Sparrow Lake—and help your child have an incredible summer.