Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ratio of counsellors to campers?
2. At what age are they allowed to participate in certain special activities?
3. Can my child be in the same group as his/her friends?
4. What are the hours and cost for Before & After Care?
5. Is busing available?
6. What are the busing boundaries?
7. How often do the campers swim?
8. What is the ratio of swim instructors to campers in the pool?
9. What is the temperature of the water in the pool?
10. Can all the campers swim in the deep end of the pool?
11. How old are the people on your staff and do you have any special requirements for them?
12. Do you accept Special Needs Campers?
13. Do you offer financial subsidies for families in need?
14. What is the registration deadline?
15. Do you have an Open House?

1. What is the ratio of counsellors to campers? 

• Primary Division - 3 1/2 to 5 years: 1:5 ratio with 10 campers in each group.
  The Grasshoppers and Fire Flies which are 3 1/2 and 4 year olds, each have an extra counsellor in the group due to the age of campers.
• Junior Division 6 & 7 years: 1:7 ratio with 14 campers in each group.
• Intermediate Division - 8 & 9 years: 1:7 ratio with 14 campers in each group.
• Sophomore - 10 & 11 years: 1:7 ratio with 14 campers in each group.
• Senior Division - 12 & 13 years: 1:10 ratio with 10 campers in each group.

Campers will be placed in the appropriate division according to their birth year. For example, in 2008, 2000 = 8 years old / 1995 = 13 years old.

2. At what age are they allowed to participate in certain special activities? 

• Canoeing, Climbing Wall and Overnights: 7 years old and older
• Mountain Biking: 9 years old and older
• Archery: Intermediate and Senior Divisions, i.e. 9 1/2 to 13 years old

3. Can my child be in the same group as his/her friends? 

We can only guarantee one friend to be grouped with, because of the size of our groups it is not possible to guarantee that all friends will be together. The friend must be in the same age division as the camper - ie: we will not group a 5- and a 7-year old together because of the activity differences.

4. What are the hours and cost for Before & After Care? 

• Before Care Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
• After Care Hours are 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• The fee is $4 per half hour per family.

5. Is busing available? 

Busing is available, either for pick up and/or return, for one week or more. The cost is $65 per child per week.

6. What are the busing boundaries? 

• South East: Toronto Beaches
• South West: West of the Don Valley Parkway & 401
• North: Davis Drive in Newmarket
• East: Pickering
• West: West - Dufferin Street, Toronto

Families can choose one way busing and, either Before or After care option - You will only be charged for busing because it is a flat rate which has to be paid.

7. How often do the campers swim? 

Everyone has the opportunity to go swimming each day. We encourage everyone to participate in the swim program which is Red Cross Swimming Lessons. We will attempt to notify parents if their child has not participated in the swim program for more than 2 days. We ask you also encourage your child to try swimming.

8. What are the ratios for lifeguard/instructor to camper in the pool? 

Ratios in the pool vary between swim levels and groups. We have 7 lifeguards/instructors that are teaching and guarding. The counsellors participate with the lessons as well.

9. What is the temperature of the water in the pool? 

Both pools are heated and kept at 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius) all summer.

10. Can all the campers swim in the deep end of the pool? 

Campers have to pass a deep end test before being allowed to swim in the deep end of the big pool. Once they pass this test they will be given a bracelet to wear for the duration of their time at camp indicating they are allowed in the deep end. Please allow your camper to wear it for the duration of their stay with us.

11. How old are the people on your staff and do you have any special requirements for them? 

• All members of our staff are 16 years or older.
• Everyone on our staff has been interviewed and has an interest in working with children in future careers.
• All new staff is required to obtain a Police Check which is kept on file.
• Our staff is trained during a number of different events before camp starts.
• Our staff is supervised and evaluated by our Support Staff throughout the summer.

12. Do you accept Special Needs Campers? 

Yes, of course, Special Needs Campers between the age of 5 and 13 years old are welcome. They will be integrated into a group of their peers by a counsellor who is responsible for 2 campers with varying special needs. To apply for this program you need to fill out an additional information form so that our staff has a good idea how best to serve your camper. Please contact the office for more information... You can also ask about our Unbound Program for youth and young adults, aged 14 to 25 years old.

All campers in our Special Needs Program need to be:

1. toilet trained,
2. able to communicate, and
3. independently mobile.

If your camper has difficulty with one of the above, we suggest sending their own mediator with them that you would hire. If you are hiring a mediator the Glenbrook Special Needs Program Fee would not apply.

13. Do you offer financial subsidies for families in need? 

Yes, we offer financial assistance to campers who need help paying for camp. To apply for this program you need to write a letter describing your situation and complete the camper registration form, including the $100 deposit, along with this, you need to attach one of the following:

• an income tax return
• a pay stub from your work
• a letter from your employer
• a cheque stub/receipt for the government benefits you receive
• a letter from a subsidized day care or housing corporation

Once we have received all the appropriate documents, we will assess our ability to subsidize your camper(s). The maximum allowable amount would be 50% subsidy for 2 weeks of camp, including bus service. If a subsidy is not available, your deposit will be refunded in full.

14. What is the registration deadline? 

The Special Needs program fills up very quickly - usually by the end of March, we have very limited space.

July is our busiest month. If you are requesting weeks in July, please book by the end of April to guarantee you get your selected weeks. If you would like to extend weeks in August, there usually isn't a problem but we can't guarantee availability.

Waiting Lists will occur when specific age groups in specific weeks are filled. In order to be on the Wait List, we require a completed application as well as a deposit. If your camper does not get into the requested week, the deposit will be refunded in full.

15. Do you have an Open House? 

Our Open House(s) are usually held in early spring, April or May. Check our Home page for posted dates when they are confirmed.

"Thank you for a wonderful summer experience. Gregory loved it!"

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