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.

Is My Child Ready for Overnight Camp?

Overnight camp is a big step for parents and kids! So how do you tell if they’re ready? How can you be sure you’re ready? Here are a few signs:

• They can spend the night away from home (even at a relative or friend’s house)

• They’re excited about the idea of making new friends - even if they might have trouble (our staff can help!)

• They can follow basic routines like getting dressed and brushing their teeth (we can encourage, of course)

• They are curious and excited about seeing and trying new things.

Most kids are ready before we might think. While there’s no magic age - and some kids are ready by 6 or 7, a great time to start is after 2nd or 3rd grade. While it might seem early for some parents - Sparrow Lake is built around the idea of providing comfort, hospitality, connection, and fun - just for kids!

Our ‘One Week’ sessions are a great first step for many kids. While they’re only 5 sleeps long, the sessions are built with first time campers in mind. We find that 2 nights just isn’t enough - they only get one full day of camp, and it’s not quite enough time to make a strong connections.

What if They’re Nervous?

All first-time campers feel anxious and excited. What matters most is how we can help them prepare for the adventure!

Helpful ways to prepare:

• Practice short overnight stays with friends or relatives

• Talk about camp activities and what they’re excited to try. Our new inflatable water park is going to be big hit!

• Swimming lessons - not only do kids gain confidence, but they allow kids to enjoy all of our water activities. (not to worry, kids who aren’t yet strong swimmers can still do most things at camp, and our staff can help them learn if they like!)

• Normalize missing home and reassure them that it’s okay to feel that way sometimes - let them know how happy you’ll be knowing that they’re having fun (keep an eye out for our daily photo updates as well!)

• Look through photos of camp together or arrange a camp tour - you can even book a weekend at camp together during one of our Holiday Camps

• 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.

What if You’re Nervous?

Don’t worry - we’re anxious parents too! That’s also perfectly normal. Here are a few things you can do to help:

• Buy a good book to read - maybe even some tea. Get yourself something to do with the extra time.

• Check our website. We hope it answers most of your questions, but you can also book a call or even book a camp tour if you like.

• We also have new parent Webinars or you can call us with questions - we work weekdays and we can schedule a time to talk if you like.

• Bring the whole family to one of our Holiday Camps!

• Download the Bunk1 App for your phone. This is a private photo gallery and 2-way messaging service that helps you keep in touch without them having a phone. The gallery is updated daily by dedicated staff. You can also send packages or letters as well!

• Remember it’s only five sleeps.

• Remind them you’re excited for them. If they think you’re going to be overly sad that they’re gone, they may worry about you.

Homesickness: What to Expect

Homesickness is a normal part of the camp experience. Campers have been missing home, and moving on to have a great time at Sparrow Lake since 1912.

That’s because our staff are trained to recognize homesickness early and respond with care, patience, and experience. With support, kids can process these feelings, and work through them in their own way.

Here’s what that looks like:

Noticing it early
Our counsellors spend all day with campers and pick up when a child is feeling unsure or overwhelmed.

Getting Kids Connected and Engaged
The best remedy for feeling alone is belonging. The first 24 hours of camp are spent focusing on getting kids connected with one another, with the camp, and with their counsellors. By focusing on ensuring that every child feels Welcome, Worthy, and Safe, we can help camp feel like a home away from home.

Building Confidence - One Step at a Time
Whether it’s making a new friend, trying something new, or getting through the first night—these moments add up quickly. Recognizing the wins helps kids to know that they have a capacity to handle what comes their way.

Parent Communication
If a camper is having a more difficult time, we will reach out to bring you in on it. That means a private phone call from us to discuss how your child is doing and to work with you on how best to deal with it. You’re the parent, and we respect all parent decisions. In most cases, letters, encouragement, or some cheering on from their favourite fans (you) is all it takes to get them back in the action.

We’ve Seen it Turn Around—Again and Again
Many of our most confident returning campers (and staff!) started out feeling homesick. With the right support, those first feelings of homesickness can turn to confidence, independence, and strength - knowing that there are people supporting you both near and far.

For many families, a one-week session is the perfect way to start—long enough for children to settle in, but short enough to feel manageable.

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

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 & Swimming Ability

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 will 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. Campers should label their’s if they choose top bring one.

Inclusion and Readiness for Camp

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. In many cases, we can arrange ways to support campers who require extra support in these areas.

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?

Check out or New Family Webinars

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.