We can be reached in our office between the hours of 8:30am-3:30pm in the summer. If you have any questions before camp begins, or need to reach us during camp hours (9am-3pm), please contact: 

Hanna Schleppe: administrator@loonfoundation.org 

Caroline Maycock: Email: educator@loonfoundation.org Phone: (613) 305-2069 

We send out pre-arrival emails one week before your child’s camp to the email address provided. It contains information such as what to bring, details regarding parking, and reminders to print and fill out waivers. If you do not receive this by five days before the camp start date please ensure you are checking the correct purchaser email account, and also check your junk/spam folder. If you still have not received it but are confident your child is booked in for the camp please email us at administrator@loonfoundation.org. 

Please remember the drive to The Iris & Billy Griffith Center is 15km from Madeira Park and takes 15-20 minutes, the turnoff will be signposted. Please drop off your campers at 9:00am and pick them up at 3:00pm. 

To ensure the safety of all children in our care, the adult assigned to pick up a child must confirm a security code before the child can be released. The security code will be noted in the email you receive before camp. 

We run comprehensive staff training before camp begins. We focus on behaviour and group management, numerous safety protocols, lesson-specific learning, activity facilitation, and building a strong supportive, fun instructor dynamic. All staff are certified in a minimum of Standard First Aid and have an up-to-date Criminal Record Check. 

To ensure each camper has a safe and inclusive experience at camp, we are able to provide assistive measures to accommodate specific needs and behaviours within reason. If a camper needs to be repeatedly withdrawn from activities and their behaviour is determined to be a threat to their safety or the safety of others, we will not be able to accommodate them. 

If any camper behaves in a way that negatively affects our ability to sustain a sense of respect and safe environment for every person at camp (including staff), the consequences are as follows. 

Any camper that exhibits any of the following behaviours MAY be sent home based on the severity of the offence. If that is the case, NO refund or credit will be issued. 

• Inappropriate behaviour, including bullying, teasing, harassment, swearing, acts of aggression, pranks, practical jokes or disrespect of others or the environment; 

• Vandalizing or intentionally damaging any camp or resort property and/or equipment; 

• Stealing or borrowing without consent another’s belongings; 

• Tampering with any safety devices or operations equipment, including but not limited to propane tanks, vehicles, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and tools; 

• Knowingly leaving the camp activity boundaries 

We make it a priority to create a safe and respectful environment for campers, staff, and our local community. This includes the behaviour of parents, guardians, and any adult that is associated with Art & Nature Camp or one of our campers [referred to as parent/guardian]. 

Any inappropriate behaviour of a parent/guardian towards Loon Foundation staff will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behaviours include but are not limited to abusive language, harassment, swearing, bullying, screaming and shouting, and aggressive acts. We have zero tolerance of any inappropriate behaviour towards any of our staff. If a parent/guardian displays any inappropriate behaviour, the associated child may be removed from camp or not permitted to register in the future. No refund will be given. If a parent/guardian has any concerns, questions, comments, or feedback, regarding their child’s experience at camp we ask that they contact our office directly. 

Please provide as much detail as possible in the registration form regarding anything medical or physical we should know to keep your child safe and provide a great experience. This includes allergies (history, symptoms, procedure), medication taken and instructions, and your everyday strategies. 

Pack any medications in your child’s backpack and label them with your child's full name. Please inform us as to where they are located specifically, and what has been packed. This is particularly crucial if it is an Epi-Pen. 

We are a Nut Safe/Nut Aware program. We recognize that we cannot be “nut-free” as we cannot control what is eaten/handled outside of camp hours. Please leave nuts and nut products at home. 

There are 12 children in a group when fully booked, with 2 instructors, so a 6:1 ratio. We also have stellar volunteers that often join us. 

If your child is slightly younger than the specified age group (7-12) and you would like to enroll them in camp, we encourage you to contact our camp administrator to discuss our capacity to potentially accommodate your request. 

Contact: Hanna Schleppe: administrator@loonfoundation.org 

We do not swim as part of the Art and Nature Camp. 

The best footwear is hiking shoes or hiking boots, but they are not required! Any closed toed shoes suitable for walking outdoors are appropriate. Please no sandals or open toed footwear. 

A change of clothes is highly recommended to be brought to camp, for when the mud mysteriously jumps out of the puddles and gets your child muddy somehow…it’s inexplicable really. 

• No electronics at all please. 

• Sturdy close-toed shoes. 

• Full change of clothes including socks. 

• Sun protection. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a shirt that will cover shoulders is best. 

• Reusable water bottle. 

• Rain gear and warm layers. A waterproof jacket is a must (weather dependent) and pants if you have them. We head outside rain or shine, and some days are not the warmest in the morning! 

• Plenty of Nut-Free Snacks and a Healthy Lunch. We are a nut-safe/nut-aware program, so please participate in our efforts to keep everyone as safe as possible. It is an active camp so please pack lots of snacks!! 

• Medications. Should your child require them. 

• Suggested Items. Insect repellent. Lightweight longsleeve cotton t-shirt and pants: protect campers from the sun and mosquito bites. 

We ask that no other electronics come with your child so that we are able to practice distraction-free nature immersion. 

For week long campers we require notice a week in advance of camp start dates. 

For daily drop in campers we require notice 3 days in advance of camp start dates. 

Cancellations are subject to a $25 cancellation fee per camp, the remainder will be refunded to the original method of payment. Reschedules are available for no penalty, but are subject to availability. 

Art and Nature camp operates rain or shine 

We do not supply food. 

Bear awareness, bear safety, and “what to do if we see a bear” procedures are taught to every camp group on the morning of day one and practiced throughout the week. If we have a bear in the area we are respectful, safe, and cautious. We like to teach respect and appreciation for these amazing animals ahead of fear and do actively try to avoid bears. We rarely see them, as they prefer more peace and quiet than a group of children provide, but if we do, don’t be surprised if it’s the week’s highlight! 

The Loon Foundation is primarily a volunteer-run organization, and we rely on the generous contributions of community members to make what we do possible. We are always seeking new volunteers to join the team – whether you’re interested in supporting ecosystem monitoring in the field, joining events, or working at the Iris & Billy Griffith Nature Centre, there is always plenty to do! 

Please note that volunteers are sorted by our staff and further details about time and location are provided by our Field Research Supervisor Jenn Blancard: jenn@loonfoundation.org