The OCA continues to follow Public Health guidelines.
In March 2020 the OCA Board struck a COVID-19 Task Force to share the most up to date information and resources on COVID-19. The Task Force members included OCA Board member and Health Committee Liaison Bev Unger, Health Committee Co-Chairs Michelle Colomvakos and Nancy Vandenbergh, consultant Thomas Appleyard (co-author of Ontario’s pandemic plan), OCA Vice President Mark Diamond, OCA Executive Director Joy Levy, and OCA President Jeff Bradshaw.
On June 30, 2020 the Task Force disbanded and the creation of working groups were established to continue OCA efforts related to COVID-19. In addition, work relating to already established OCA committees were followed up on by the appropriate committee. As overnight camps were cancelled for 2020 and some day camps were opening on a smaller scale, the Task Force met as necessary; members included Jeff Bradshaw, Mark Diamond, Bev Unger, Joy Levy and Thomas Appleyard.
In September 2020 the OCA COVID-19 TASK FORCE – 2021 was struck to develop guidelines for the safe operation of our camps and outdoor education centres in 2021. The Executive Committee members include Jack Goodman (Camp New Moon) as Task Force Chair, Jeff Bradshaw, and Joy Levy. There are three sub-committees: Overnight Camps, chaired by Dana Zosky (Camp White Pine); Day Camps, chaired by Sari Grossinger (Camp Robin Hood); and Outdoor Education Centres, chaired by Marika Chandler (Outward Bound Canada).
Resources:
Ontario Camps Association and Canadian Camping Association
- –OCA Recommendations (April 6, 2020)
- –A Letter From Your OCA Preferred Vendors
- –The Business Of Camp – Tools For Planning For a Different Summer
- -OCA In Partnership with Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) – Guidelines for Professional Boundaries for Camps Offering Virtual Programming
- –OCA Property Checklist for Summer 2020
- –Canadian Camping Association Funding Request Presentation
- –OCA COVID-19 Summer 2020 Standards
- –OCA Summer 2020 Information
- –Letter from the 2021 OCA COVID-19 Task Force to Dr. David Williams (Oct. 29, 2020)
Templates and Recommendations
- -OCA Health Care Committee Recommendations – What should be included in your camp’s Infectious Disease Protocols?
- –Temporary Cut in Salary Template
Lobbying Letters
- –List of MPs and MPPs
- –How to Lobby Your MP/MPP
- –CCA Template Letter (November 3, 2020)
- –Camp Manitou Letter to Parents Template (November 3, 2020)
Ontario Camps Association Member Letters to Camp Community
- –Camp Northland-B’nai Brith
- –Camp Mini-Yo-We
- –Silver Lake Mennonite Camp
- –Camp Misquah
- -Camp Pathfinder – (March 20, 2020), (May 3, 2020), (May 20, 2020)
- –Onondaga Camp
- –Camp Northern Lights
- –Camp Messaging to Families Winter 2020
Media
OCA in the Media
Date | Publication | Who is Referenced? | Article |
---|---|---|---|
October 7, 2020 | Cottage Life | Joe Richards (Pearce Williams), Stéphane Richard (Canadian Camping Association), Mark Diamond (Ontario Camps Association) | Canadian camps plea for funds to ensure survival |
September 1, 2020 | Global News 640 Toronto | Eric Shendelman (Crestwood Valley Day Camp) | School lessons from camp |
August 10, 2020 | The Globe and Mail | Joe Richards (Pearce Williams), Stéphane Richard (Canadian Camping Association), Eric Shendelman (Crestwood Valley Day Camp) | Faced with permanent closing, Canada's camps appeal to governments for COVID-19 aid package |
August 9, 2020 | Global News | Eric Shendelman (Crestwood Valley Day Camp) | The new normal for summer camp during the pandemic |
August 6, 2020 | The Peterborough Examiner | Jacob Rodenburg (Camp Kawartha), Mark Diamond (OCA) | Docks quiet at summer camps this year but will children ever return? |
August 6, 2020 | CTV News | Natalie Benson (Christie Lake Kids Camp), Mark Diamond (OCA, Camp Manitou) | Summer camps face bleak future without government aid: advocates |
August 6, 2020 | CBC Radio Ontario Morning with Wei Chen | Brian Shelley (YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka) | Part 1 |
August 5, 2020 | Simcoe.com | Brian Shelley (YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka), Mark Diamond (OCA), Taylor Poulin (Camp Simpresca) | Summer camp crisis: Closures loom in Ontario after year without income |
August 3, 2020 | CBC Radio Ontario Morning with Wei Chen | Joe Richards (Pearce Williams) | Part 3 |
August 3, 2020 | CBC News | Joe Richards (Pearce Williams), Mark Diamond (OCA) | Fallen on desperate times, an Ontario summer camp opens its cabins to migrant workers |
July 31, 2020 | CBC News | Sally Gunz (Belwood Lodge and Camp), Mark Diamond (OCA) | The end of a summer tradition? Overnight camps struggle to survive COVID-19 |
July 28, 2020 | Global News The Morning Show | Mark Diamond (OCA, Camp Manitou) | What needs to be done to ensure Ontario's camp industry survives COVID-19? |
July 22, 2020 | Citytv Breakfast Television | Farmer Mel (YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre) | On Location YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre |
July 21, 2020 | CP24 Breakfast | Eric Shendelman (Crestwood Valley Day Camp) | Part 1Parts 2 & 3 |
July 19, 2020 | OrilliaMatters | Amanda Swick (Wye Marsh Day Camp) | Wye Marsh continues day-camp tradition from a distance |
July 15, 2020 | Camp Rightsleeve | Camp Quality | Case Study | Camp-in-a-Box for Camp Quality |
July 13, 2020 | CTV News | Joe Richards (Pearce Williams) | Pearce Williams Camp launches fundraiser to stay afloat |
July 9, 2020 | Go Camp Pro | Rachel Kent (Girl Guides of Canada), Cassie Bloy (Stéphane Richard Development Consulting), Ruby Compton (Ruby Outdoors) | Beyond Camp Podcast |
June 28, 2020 | The Catholic Register | John Spatazzo & Karen Hartnett (Catholic Youth Organization), Joy Levy (OCA) | Hamilton CYO’s future hangs in balance |
June 26, 2020 | CTV News | Danial Sprintz (Camp Massad), Stéphane Richard (Canadian Camping Association), James Gagnon (Easter Seals Canada), Corey Mandell (Camp Timberlane) | New Normal: What summer camp looks like without campers |
June 17, 2020 | The Hamilton Spectator | John Spatazzo (Catholic Youth Organization) | CYO has been cut to its core by COVID-19 |
June 10, 2020 | Global News The Morning Show | Howie Grossinger (OCA, Camp Robin Hood) | Ontario allow day camps to reopen with restrictions - what will the camp experience look like? |
June 7, 2020 | OrilliaMatters | Ross McIntyre (Camp Couchiching) | Camp Couchiching thinking inside the box to support isolated kids |
May 24, 2020 | CBC News | Kiron Mukherjee (ROM Summer Club), Simon Wolle (Camp Northland-B'nai Brith) | Children's camps cancelled or restricted by COVID-19 could mean a bleak summer for kids, parents |
May 22, 2020 | TVO | Brandon McClounie (YMCA GTA), Judy MacGowan (Amici Camping Charity) | What will low-income families do without summer camp? |
May 21, 2020 | The Canadian Press | Howie Grossinger (OCA) | Summer camp closures crushing but necessary, industry insiders say |
May 21, 2020 | Toronto Life | Joanne Kates (Camp Arowhon) | “It will cost us about a million dollars not to operate this year”: Camp Arowhon director Joanne Kates on the devastating decision to close summer camps |
May 20, 2020 | CBC News | Polly Hodgetts (Camp Hurontario) | Overnight summer camps cancelled in Ontario |
May 20, 2020 | CTV News | Stéphane Richard (Canadian Camping Association) | Can my kids go to overnight camp? Depends where it is |
May 18, 2020 | The London Free Press | Jill Hodgins (Camp Kee-Mo-Kee), Tyler Shaule (Forest Cliff Camps), Howie Grossinger (OCA, Camp Robin Hood) | Summer camps waiting, wondering if they can operate – and how |
May 15, 2020 | Global News 640 Toronto | Bev Unger (OCA) | Will parents be able to send their kids to camp this season? |
May 15, 2020 | TVO | Jocelyn Palm (Glen Bernard Camp), David Latimer (Kilcoo Camp), Grayson Burke (Cedar Ridge Camp) | Should Kids Go to Camp This Summer? |
May 14, 2020 | CBC | Howie Grossinger (OCA, Camp Robin Hood) | Howie Grossinger of the Ontario Camps Association on Summer Camps Across Ontario |
May 14, 2020 | Toronto Star | Miriam Paas (Camp Oochigeas & Camp Trillium) Howie Grossinger & Bev Unger (OCA, Camp Robin Hood), Mark Diamond (OCA, Camp Manitou) | Can Social Distancing Save Summer Camp: Operator Face a Tall Order if They Get the Go-Ahead |
May 11, 2020 | CP24 | Howie Grossinger (OCA, Camp Robin Hood) | Will COVID-19 Cancel Summer Camp? |
May 9, 2020 | MuskokaRegion.com | MPP Norm Miller | ‘Summer camp is part of our culture’: Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP sympathetic in COVID-19 |
May 7, 2020 | Toronto Sun | Polly Hodgetts (Camp Hurontario), Howie Grossinger (OCA, Robin Hood) | Ontario summer camps making plans as they await go-ahead |
May 6, 2020 | CHCH | Howie Grossinger (OCA, Camp Robin Hood) | Summer camps across the province in doubt because of COVID-19 |
May 6, 2020 | Scott Aitchison, MP Parry Sound-Muskoka | Parliamentary Session |
Podcasts
- -Go Camp Pro – Beyond Camp
- -Go Camp Pro – The Camp Owners Podcast
Financial Support
- -Government of Canada – Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
- –Prime Minister announces extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
- -Government of Canada – Support for Students and New Grads Affected by COVID-19
- -Sterling Backcheck – Offering all camps that are part of the Canadian Camping Association a discounted Enhanced Criminal Record Check (E‐PIC) rate of $20.00 ($9 discount) for the 2020 camping season
- –Advice for Employers about Maximizing Emergency Government Benefits During COVID-19 webinar (password in April 30, 2020 OCA Weekly)
- -Government of Canada – Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: COVID-19, Eligibility Criteria and Application Process and Program Guidelines
- -Government of Canada – Work-Space-in-the-Home Expenses
- -Government of Canada – Benefits payments for eligible Canadians to continue until Fall 2020 (May 15, 2020)
- -Government of Canada – Canada Summer Jobs start rolling out to keep young people working during COVID-19 (May 15, 2020)
- -Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – COVID–19: CECRA for small businesses: Apply for CECRA for small businesses and help commercial tenants with rent relief
- -Government of Canada – Find wage subsidies to hire post-secondary students
- -Government of Canada – Disability tax credit and Prime Minister announces supports for Canadians with disabilities to address challenges from COVID-19
- -CBC – Hundreds of thousands of Canadians could get a tax break for working from home during pandemic
- -Proof Strategies – Understanding the CERB Extension and Transition (August 20, 2020)
- -Government of Canada – Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
- –Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Resilient Communities Fund
Government Updates
-
-Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Guidance: Summer Day Camps
- -Public Health Agency of Canada – For the latest news on COVID-19, the Public Health Agency of Canada’s main web page is updated daily. Check regularly for up-to-date information.
- -Public Health Ontario – What We Know So Far Documents
- -Government of Ontario – List of Essential Workplaces and –O. Reg. 82/20: ORDER UNDER SUBSECTION 7.0.2 (4) – CLOSURE OF PLACES OF NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
- -Health Canada – COVID-19 Website
- -Government of Ontario – Frontline and business: help us support you during COVID-19: Learn how to request a temporary rule or regulation change to help your business respond to COVID-19 (coronavirus)
- -Government of Ontario – Protecting Ontario’s Children with COVID-19
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Makes it Easier to Conduct Business during COVID-19: Legislative changes allow corporations to operate virtually and electronically
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Extending Infectious Disease Emergency Leave for Workers during COVID-19: New Regulation will protect employees from permanent layoffs and businesses from potential closures
- -Government of Ontario – Backcountry Camping available at Ontario Parks and on Crown Lands Starting June 1: Province providing more activities to help people get outside and enjoy nature while physical distancing
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to Support Its Reopening Efforts: Province Extends the Suspension of Limitation Periods and Time Periods for Legal Proceedings until September
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Helping Parents Return to Work: Province Reopening Child Care with Strict Protocols to Keep Kids and Staff Safe
- -Government of Ontario – Beaches and Campsites to Open at Ontario Parks: People encouraged to enjoy the outdoors responsibly during COVID-19
- -Ministry of Education – Operational Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak: Child Care Re-Opening
- -Government of Ontario – Child Care and Early Years Act
- -Government of Ontario – O. Reg. 263/20: ORDER UNDER SUBSECTION 7.0.2 (4) OF THE ACT – STAGE 2 CLOSURES
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Public Health As Economy Reopens: Proposed Bill Would Provide Flexibility to Address the Ongoing Threat of Covid-19
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Starting Down the Path to Growth, Renewal and Economic Recovery
- -Government of Ontario – A Framework for Reopening Our Province – Stage 3
- -Government of Ontario – O. Reg. 364/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STAGE 3
- -Government of Canada – More support for Canadians through the Safe Restart Agreement
- -Public Health Ontario – COVID-19 Pandemic School Closure and Reopening Impacts
- -Government of Ontario – O. Reg. 228/20: Infectious Disease Emergency Leave
- -Government of Ontario – Corporations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.38
- -CanLII – Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, SO 2020, c 17
- -PICCOLO HEATH LLP – End of the COVID-19 “Deemed Leave” in Ontario
- -Government of Canada – Government Announces Extension of Rent Relief for Small Businesses
- -Government of Ontario – Changes to the Employment Standards Act
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Limits the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings across Entire Province
- -Government of Canada – Liberals promise to extend emergency COVID-19 supports, build national child-care program in throne speech
About COVID-19
- -Public Health Ontario – Coronavirus Resource Site
- -Ontario Medical Association – What you need to know about COVID-19
- -World Health Organization – Information for Members of the Public
- -AboutKidsHealth – A health education resource for children, youth and caregivers that is approved by health-care providers at The Hospital for Sick Children
- -Children’s Healthcare Canada – Educational Webinars (scroll to bottom of page for recordings)
- -The Globe and Mail – COVID-19 cases are on the rise among young adults, but health experts aren’t sure why
- -Public Health Ontario – Finding your way on the public health information highway during COVID-19
- -Public Health Ontario – Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Pediatric Population: An Umbrella Review
Health and Wellness
Prevention
- -Government of Canada – Hand Hygiene
- -Government of Canada – Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada
- -Public Health Ontario – IPAC (Infection Protection and Control) Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19
- -Government of Ontario – PPE Suppliers
- -Workplace Safety & Prevention Services – Guidance on Health and Safety for Tourism and Hospitality Sector during COVID-19
- -Workplace Safety & Prevention Services – Guidance on Health and Safety For Maintenance and Facilities Maintenance Employees during COVID-19
- -Workplace Safety & Prevention Services – Guidance on Health and Safety For Restaurant Servers, Cooks and Dishwashers during COVID-19
- -Public Health Ontario – Mask Use for Non-Healthcare Workers
- -Public Health Ontario – Non-medical Masks and Face Coverings
- -Government of Canada – Risk mitigation tool for workplaces/businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic
- -Government of Ontario – Resources to Prevent COVID-19 in the Workplace
- -Government of Ontario – COVID-19 (coronavirus) and your employment standards protections
- -Government of Ontario – COVID-19 (coronavirus) and workplace health and safety
- -Heart & Stroke – Modification to Public Hands-Only CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic: Guidance for the public to reduce the risk of virus transmission
- -Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Guidance: Workplace Outbreaks
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Releases Guide on How to Develop a Workplace Safety Plan: New Toolkit Will Help Employers Create Safer Working Environments for Employees during COVID-19
- -Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Patient Screening Guidance Document
- -Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Advice: Religious Services, Rites or Ceremonies
- -Public Health Ontario – Negative Impacts of Community-Based Public Health Measures During a Pandemic (e.g., COVID-19) on Children and Families
- -Government of Canada – For travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 returning to Canada
- -Government of Ontario – Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
- -York Region – CHECK YOUR CHILD DAILY FOR SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: Complete this self-assessment daily before sending your child to day camp, child care or school settings
- -National Newswatch – Tam to young people: stop spreading COVID-19, don’t infect parents, elders
- -Government of Canada – Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19): List of disinfectants with evidence for use against COVID-19
- -World Health Organization – WHO COVID-19 Mass Gatherings Risk Assessment Training
- –Canada’s COVID Alert App
- -Government of Ontario – Guidance for professional meeting and event facilities during COVID-19
- -CTV News – Infectious disease expert rates back-to-school activities by COVID-19 risk
- -loveholidays – How to practise responsible tourism during COVID-19
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Revises COVID-19 Screening Guidance for Schools and Child Care
- -Government of Ontario – Ontario Implementing Additional Public Health and Testing Measures to Keep People Safe
- -Public Health Ontario – COVID-19 Preparedness and Prevention in Elementary and Secondary (K-12) Schools: Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Overview
- -Government of Ontario – COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open
- -Ministry of Health – Gatherings, Ethno-Cultural and Festive Occasions, and Other Events
- -Public Health Ontario – COVID-19 Transmission from Singing and Playing Wind Instruments – What We Know So Far (Nov. 18, 2020)
- -Public Health Ontario – Schools and COVID-19 (Nov. 24, 2020)
- -Ontario Health – COVID-19 Testing and Lab Analysis Update (Dec. 4, 2020)
- -Public Health Ontario – Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test: Biosafety Considerations (Dec. 4, 2020)
- -Public Health Ontario – Additional Precautions Signage and Lanyard Cards
- -Public Health Ontario – COVID-19 Data and Surveillance
- -Government of Canada – COVID-19 Immunization Plan
- -Government of Canada – Guidance on the prioritization of initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine(s)
Self-Assessment and Self Isolation
- –Ontario’s COVID-19 Self Assessment
- -Public Health Agency of Canada – New self-assessment tool regarding COVID-19
- -Public Health Agency of Canada – How to Self-Isolate at Home- COVID-19
- -Public Health Agency of Canada – How to Self-Isolate at Home- COVID-19 [French]
- Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms
Mental Health
- -Mental Health Commission of Canada – Choosing sources of information carefully during COVID-19 is critical to mental well-being
- -Harvard Business Review – That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief
- -Billboard – Here Are All the Live Streams & Virtual Concerts to Watch During Coronavirus Crisis
- -International OCD Foundation – Resources for the OCD and related disorders community during the COVID-19 outbreak
- -Mental Health Commission of Canada – Resource Hub: Mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic
- -Joshua D. Rosenblat, MD, MSc, FRCPC (Psychiatry) – March 19, 2020 – Maintaining Mental Health Hygiene During a Pandemic
- -Telephone & Mobile Mental Health Crisis Support (24-hr) Call: 1-855-310-2673
- -The Warm Line (Mental Health Helpline) Call: 416-960-9276 Text: 647-557-5882 Online Chat: warmline.ca
- –Toronto Distress Centre Call: 416-408-4357
- -jack.org – COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub
- -camh – Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
- -Webinar by Bob Ditter – Keeping Our Courage in This Time of Uncertainty
- -Social Work Consulting Group – Coping with COVID: Youth and Teen Mental Health
- -Michael B. Waxman – Grieving the Loss of Camp
- -Good2Talk (ages 17 to 25) – Toll-free: 1-866-925-5454, Email
- -Kids Help Phone (ages 5 to 20) – Toll-free: 1-800-668-6868, Live web chat, Text
- –211 Ontario (adults) – Call 2-1-1, Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213, Live web chat, Email
- -ConnexOntario Helpline (adults) – Toll-free: 1-866-531-2600, Live web chat
- -BounceBack® – A free cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help support for adults and youth 15 and older. Toll-free: 1-866-345-0224
- -Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport – Mental Health Resources
- -Government of Ontario – Virtual Mental Health Resources
- -City of Toronto – City of Toronto announces mental health support strategy for residents
- -York Region – Tips for parents – Keeping teens safe during COVID-19
Health Information Specific to Camps
- -Webinar with Dr. Michael Ambrose and Tracey Gaslin from ACN – Coronavirus Considerations for Camps (https://vimeo.com/401222108)
- -Public Services Health & Safety Association – COVID-19: Precautions When Working In A Day Camp
- -Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit – Day Camp Resources
- -York Region Community and Health Services Department: Health Protection Division – COVID-19: Summer Day Camp Self-Audit Checklist
- -York Region Community and Health Services Department: Health Protection Division – COVID-19: GUIDANCE FOR DAY CAMPS
- -Toronto Public Health
- -Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Department
- -Public Services Health & Safety Association – COVID-19: Precautions When Working in a Day Camp
Recalls and Safety Alerts
- –Shortage of salbutamol inhalers in Canada
- –Unauthorized test kits claiming to diagnose or detect COVID-19 put your health at risk
- –Risk of poisoning from hand sanitizers sold in beverage containers
- –Recall of certain hand sanitizers that may pose health risks
- –Recall of certain hand sanitizers that contain technical-grade ethanol
- –Recall of Counterfeit Daily Shield Hand Sanitizer
Activities
Aquatics: Qualifications and Safety
- -Lifesaving Society – Society To Extend Currency Of Vocational Awards (April 22, 2020)
- -Lifesaving Society – Cleaning, decontamination, and safe water management of aquatic facilities webinar (April 29, 2020)
- -Lifeguard Authority – A Covid Conversation – Camp Edition: A Discussion on How Covid Will Impact Your Aquatic Operations This Year (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmTIaA-X6Yg)
- -Lifesaving Society – Aquatic Facility Inspection and Activity Assessments (May 7, 2020)
- -Lifesaving Society – COVID-19 and Staff Training (May 10, 2020)
- -Lifesaving Society – Guide to Reopening Pools and Waterfronts
Archery
- -Archery Ontario and Archery Canada – Return to Sport for Archery Clubs
Challenge Courses
Business
Programming
- -Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Virtual Programming
- -OCA In Partnership with Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) – Guidelines for Professional Boundaries for Camps Offering Virtual Programming
- -Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Commit to Kids Program Kit
- -Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Commit to Kids Online Training
Fundraising
- -Giving Tree Associates – COVID 19: Fundraising in a time of crisis Webinar
- -Association of Fundraising Professionals – Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resource Guide
- -Wild Apricot – How to Host a Successful Virtual Fundraiser for Your Nonprofit
Specific to Non-Profits and/or Charities
- -Maytree – Five good ideas about how your non-profit organization can respond to the COVID-19 pandemic
- -Borden Ladner Gervais LLP – Governance advice during COVID-19
- -Borden Ladner Gervais LLP – Charities and Not-for-Profit COVID-19 Update
Legal
- -Piccolo Heath LLP – COVID-19 Employer Resource Centre
Briefings
- -Crestview Strategy – COVID-19 Public Affairs Data Room
Talking to Children about COVID-19
- -Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Fact Sheet: Talking to Children About the Pandemic
- -Ontario Camps Association – Talking With Kids About COVID-19 Webinar
Education
- -Athabasca University – MOOC: Introduction to technology-enabled learning
Other Provinces
Go Camp Pro
OCA Member and owner of Go Camp Pro Travis Allison has created an online community on Slack and MEGADoc for COVID-19 discussion with resources, including what other camps and outdoor centres are using for messaging, and much more. We encourage you to take a visit the below links:
- -Slack Invitation – zoic.ca/covid-slack
- -MEGADoc Invitation – zoic.ca/camps-covid-19
American Camp Association
Camp Is On No Matter What. Tell Everyone Today!!!
by Eric Shendelman, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
To all camp owners, directors, programmers and administrators:
Does anyone think that you honestly believe camp is not happening this summer? Well you all need to start thinking differently from today onward. For those naysayers you need to start thinking like camp people think. This may turn out to be the longest ‘Rainy Day Program’ you have ever planned but you’ll plan it nonetheless. Let me explain further. This came to me this morning as we prepared to send out a note to camp families regarding summer 2020 at the day camp I work with. The thought of telling campers and parents that there may or may not be camp this summer with 3 months to go did not sit well with me. I thought Really? Seriously? I said, “NO this is Not going to happen today my friends. NOT TODAY and NOT EVER!!”
I have been to camp in some capacity over the last 49 years consecutively (I am almost 52) and I am not willing to accept the idea that I won’t be there this summer. Some may say, “what do you mean by camp is on no matter what?” Very simple (sort of).
It is March 23, 2020 and most kids will be working from home today in an e-learning environment. Sounds awesome!! I wish all of the students and educators out there the very best in the coming weeks as we all ‘settle’ in to our home environments. We are all hoping that some good will come out of this. Covid 19 numbers are growing, we all have questions about our future, our finances, our families and our friends. We need some good news today.
Camp does that!!!! Let me digress a touch. In 1992, I was the Program Director at Camp Winnebagoe in Hunstville, Ontario Canada. It rained for the first 3 weeks of camp that summer as some of you may remember. I was responsible for fun and special programs at camp. How does one do that in the rain? When I say rain, I am not talking about rain for a little bit each day, I am talking about hard rain all day, every day for 3 weeks – STRAIGHT!! With no relief in sight, a creative team of people with me and a bunch of time, we came up with the most creative, indoor and fun programs we could possibly come up with. It didn’t matter how silly or different the ideas were, everything was a possibility. In fact, when the rain stopped on that fateful day in late July 1992 and the sun started shining, the camp administrators were shocked to find out that campers wanted to extend their time through August.
At the end of that summer, I remember telling the camp director, “Hey I had a great time, I love you but I am DONE!!” It almost killed me but it got done. The key is it GOT DONE!! It always gets done no matter what. For those that have been in the industry for many years, you clearly understand what I am talking about. We have weathered many ‘storms’ over the years and we will weather this one. No matter what you are reading, what you are listening to or talking about on Facebook Live or Zoom or whatever social media outlet you are using, It is the right time to start telling your creative team to get to work like Santa’s little helpers. We need camp this year, campers and parents need camp this year and you all have it in you to plan it NOW. Plan as if there will be no camp outside this summer. If we are fortunate to go back to our sites and be outside interacting with friends and breathing in that amazing summer air, we can use all of our innovative, new and creative plans for a rainy day. We can share ideas with our colleagues locally, nationally or even globally. The most creative camp minds can unite and share the burden of planning so all camps can benefit. This could be the biggest and best online conference we have ever had. I know this sounds crazy, but I say we go for it. I say we update our families that have registered and tell them that we are in the process of planning the best summer ever ‘rain or shine’.
Do you see where I am going with this. We are CAMP people. We are part of an amazing creative group wondering what to do. You should only be thinking one way right now. This is the time to get even more creative. In 1992, if I was given a 3-month head start on something different, on something unexpected, the possibilities would have been endless.
Now is the time. Now we create stuff that has never been created. If I were to start right now, I’d create 39 days of camp in a box. Will they be delivered to every camper’s house? Will lunch be included? Yes, there are many other challenges and questions that will come up (too many to list here) but you and your team will figure it out. Why? Cause you always have. If you are a new camp and this is your inaugural summer – well lean on those that can help. Everything is on the table!!!
Covid 19 won’t take camp away from us, our families and our friends. Let parents know today that CAMP IS ON NO MATTER WHAT? The ‘WHAT’ might be so awesome you’ll be talking about summer 2020 for years to come.
Have fun, play safe, stay home and enjoy every camp day
Shendy (AKA Eric Shendelman)
Eric Shendelman is a Director at Crestwood Valley Day Camp in Toronto, Ontario Canada, owner of Shendy’s Swim School Inc. and Past President of the Ontario Camps Association.
Camping in Ontario
- –Camping in Ontario is the representative body of privately and publicly owned and operated campgrounds in the province of Ontario. 289-660-2192, 877-672-2226, info@campinginontario.ca.
Parents
- -If you are a parent looking for updates, contact your camp directly.