Health and 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. All Camp Kawartha Outdoor Education programs are Ontario Physical and Health Education Association compliant, and Camp Kawartha is an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association. Additionally, Camp Kawartha adheres to the safety regulations of a number of organizations including:
Staff Qualifications & Training
- All staff have completed a criminal record check/vulnerable sector check
- All staff are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR
- Search and rescue protocols are reviewed on a regular basis
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 I and Level II Certified Challenge Course Practitioners
- Our instructors attend training courses to remain current in all aspects of risk management and safety.
Allergies and Nut Policy
Each year we welcome many students, summer campers, and staff members with a variety of dietary needs and life-threatening nut allergies. Camp Kawartha is a “nut safe” facility, meaning we avoid any nuts in all of our meals. In order to ensure the safety of all of our clients, we prohibit nuts and foods containing nut sources at both our facilities.
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
Waterfront Safety
- 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
Insurance and 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.
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 may have.
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.
