Camp Policies

Camper Code of Conduct

Connection Camp is committed to providing a safe, friendly and respectful environment for all of its staff, campers, and volunteers. This means that employees, volunteers, campers and others using Connection Camp Facilities are expected to treat others with courtesy and respect. At Connection Camp, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all. Discrimination or harassment of any kind—whether based on ethnicity, gender, religion, family status, disability, political beliefs, or sexual orientation—is not tolerated. We take concerns seriously and handle them with care, fairness, and respect to ensure a positive experience for every camper.

At Camp, we take care of each other’s well-being by:

  • Treating everyone - including ourselves - with dignity, compassion, patience, and respect

  • Understanding our own limits by paying attention to our feelings

  • Sharing openly and listening patiently

  • Asking for support as we need it, especially when challenging emotions show-up

  • Following our curiosity while respecting each other’s privacy

  • Believing other people when they tell us how they’re feeling and what they need

  • Focusing on solutions to problems that are inclusive, empowering, and allow everyone to learn from our experiences

Camp Guidelines

  • Campers and staff are encouraged not to bring valuables to camp. We cannot guarantee that important items will maintain their condition while at camp. Digital cameras, music players, and readers are the electronics that are allowed and encouraged. The responsibility of their care lies with the person to whom they belong.

    If an item goes missing, we will all work together to locate the missing item. There will be a Lost & Found box in the Dining Hall.

    • Campers should not share hats, brushes or combs, face cloths or toothbrushes.

    • Individuals should not share make-up.

    • Individuals should not share water bottles.

    • Campers and Staff all wash their hands thoroughly (with soap) prior to meals.

    • Campers and Staff reapply sunscreen and bug repellent several times a day. (Make sure to apply the spray varieties outside and not in the cabins).

    • Because we are encouraging environmental awareness, the showers are to be used at least 3 times per camper through the week.

  • Our Clean-Up Values:

    ✔ Leave no trace – If you bring it, take it with you.
    ✔ See trash? Toss it out! – Keeping camp beautiful is a team effort.

    Daily Expectations:

    • Cabin Clean-Up: Campers will tidy their space each day by:

      • Keeping floors and bathrooms clear and organized.

      • Making their beds.

      • Hanging towels properly.

      • Minimizing food and garbage in cabin areas.

      • Following a posted checklist to stay on track.

    • Program Areas: Campers and staff will set up and clean up after activities together.

    • Mealtime Responsibilities: Campers will wash dishes on a rotating schedule, with staff support.

    By working together, we create a cleaner, more connected camp community—both at camp and beyond!

  • Connection Camp is a smoke-free facility.

  • At Connection Camp, we believe unplugging enhances the camp experience. A study from the University of Utah found that without phones, campers better understand social cues, form stronger friendships, and fully engage in camp life. Since we are only together for one week, we want everyone to be fully present and immersed in the experience.

    General Guidelines:

    • Camp is a no Wi-Fi site, and each cabin has only two electrical outlets.

    • Devices with screens may not be used at camp.

    • Campers must always ask for and receive consent before taking photos of others.

    • Private posts only—no location sharing or personal information to protect camper safety.

    Allowed Electronics:

    ✔ Digital cameras (for capturing memories)
    ✔ Music players (for personal listening)
    ✔ E-readers (for reading only)

    Not Allowed:

    ❌ Phones, tablets, iPads
    ❌ Gaming devices (Nintendo, Leapster, PSP, etc.)
    ❌ Any device that connects to a cell network
    ❌ Devices used for calling, watching videos, gaming, or downloading/uploading data

    Any restricted devices brought to camp will be safely stored in a locked cabinet and returned at the end of the week.

  • Connection Camp is hosted at Five Oaks, a nut-aware facility. We will ensure that no nuts are used in the kitchen or served as part of meals or snacks.

  • Connection Camp does not tolerate or allow the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Prescription medication are the only drugs allowed onsite.

  • All Staff are First Aid, AED & CPR-C certified by St. John’s Ambulance. Several staff are also Mental Health First Aid certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.