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Health & Safety

Our Commitment to Safety

We carefully examine all aspects of our programs on an ongoing basis to ensure they provide the highest standards of safety and care. Alongside professional instruction is our commitment to health & safety for all participants. Please note, all Camp Kawartha outdoor education programs are OPHEA compliant. We continually re-assess our programs for any safety issues.

Other safety measures include:

  • A review with students of boundaries and emergency procedures
  • All buildings are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
  • An onsite staff person will be appointed to your group during overnight stays to assist in the event of an emergency (Clear Lake Facility)

Safety Regulations

Camp Kawartha adheres to the safety regulations of a number of organizations including:

  • Public Health
  • Ontario Camps Association (OCA)
  • Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)
  • Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA)
  • Lifesaving Society

Staff Qualifications & Training

  • All staff are required to have a clear criminal record check/vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment
  • All instructors have CPR and First Aid certification
  • As well, our year-round support staff (office, kitchen, maintenance and housekeeping) receive Standard First Aid and CPR training
  • Training & search protocols reviewed on a regular basis
  • Kitchen Cooks required to take Food Handler Training and Certification Course (Clear Lake Facility)
  • All staff are required to complete training in Health & Safety Awareness, Accessibility, and WHMIS

Emergency Response

  • All program staff carry basic first aid supplies along with a walkie-talkie or cellphone
  • A First Aid station and an AED (automated external defibrillator) unit are located in the dining hall at our Clear Lake facility, and at the Environment Centre in Peterborough
  • In the event of a more serious or suspected injury, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is approximately 15 minutes from our Environment Centre in Peterborough, and approximately 35 minutes from our Outdoor Education Centre in Douro-Dummer

Climbing Wall & High Ropes Safety (Clear Lake Facility)

  • All climbing and high ropes elements and equipment are inspected on a regular basis by both our staff and the accredited organization which built our high ropes course and climbing wall
  • Level 1 and Level II Certified Challenge Course Practitioners 
  • Our instructors attend training courses to remain current in all aspects of risk management and safety.

Waterfront Safety (Clear Lake Facility)

  • Certified lifeguards on duty for all waterfront activity
  • Mandatory swim test for any recreational swimming
  • Participants are required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times while participating in boating activities

Nut Policy

Camp Kawartha is a “nut aware” site and ‘nut free’ in practice. Each year we welcome many students, summer campers, and staff members with life-threatening nut allergies. In order to insure the safety of all of our clients, we prohibit nuts and foods containing nut sources at both our facilities.

Natural Hazards/Nuisances

Camp Kawartha’s number one priority is keeping students, teachers and all visitors safe, healthy and happy.  We do our utmost to reduce and manage risks.  However, encountering some measure of risk is an inevitable part of going outside.

Our goal in providing the information below is to inform and educate our clients (aka you!) about specific natural hazards (e.g. poison ivy, ticks) and nuisances (e.g.  head lice, bed bugs), as well as suggested remedial actions post visit (e.g. washing clothing & bedding, checking for skin reactions). Camp Kawartha has been working with Public Health, the Ontario Camps Association and other camps to develop the most up to date policies and procedures that deal with these natural hazards/nuisances. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.

we practice sun safety

Information Sheets

Resource Websites

  • Camps and Outdoor Education Learning Hub – Read about keeping your child safe and healthy at camp, including outdoor safety tips, supporting your child’s physical and mental health, how to treat common injuries and health issues, and managing your child’s allergies and complex care needs.

Insurance & Liability

Camp Kawartha is covered by Liability Insurance. A copy is available upon request. Personal accident protection is not provided by Camp Kawartha and it is recommended that you arrange coverage for third party liability, loss of baggage and personal injury.