Some Frequently Asked Questions (and the answers)
HEALTH
Is there a medical staff person residing on the premises?
Yes, we have a highly qualified resident Registered Nurse available at all times, and a fully equipped infirmary.
How close is the nearest medical facility?
Both the Perth Medical Clinic and the Great War Memorial Hospital are located in Perth, which is 7 – 10 minutes away from our campgrounds.
Have arrangements been made with these facilities in case of emergency?
Yes, we have an ongoing arrangement with both facilities for many years in which we notify them of our date of arrival and the precise dates our camp is running. They, in turn, are on alert to provide all medical care in case of emergencies, as well as regular medical care when necessary.
Is suitable transportation available at all times in the event of an emergency?
Yes, there is always one car designated for emergency use only. In case there is a need for an ambulance, one can arrive minutes after our phone call due to the short distance between our camp and the hospital.
WATERFRONT SAFETY
What is the camp policy on waterfront use?
The waterfront is open for use only at designated times and only under the Supervision of certified lifeguards (National Lifeguard Services certificate holders, Red Cross Instructors). A Buddy System is employed whenever swimming activity takes place.
Are campers restricted to clearly established swimming areas?
Our waterfront area is clearly marked by docks and there is a border between the shallow and deep ends made up of white buoys.
Are campers tested to establish their swimming abilities?
In the first week of camp, each camper takes the “deep end” test. The degree of participation in water activities such as water-skiing, tubing and distance swim depends on the results of this test.
Are campers participating in a distance swim outside the regular swim area accompanied by a boat?
Yes, there are always canoes accompanying the distance swimmers.
Do non-swimmers in boats wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)?
All campers wear PFDs both in the boats and the canoes. They do so when water-skiing and tubing as well.
LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
What is the ratio of staff to campers?
We have a very high ratio of staff to campers. We ensure that there is at least one staff member to every four campers.
What experience has the Camp Director had in working with children, and what are his qualifications in general?
The policy of Hashomer Hatzair is to bring in a new “Shaliach/a” every three years from Israel to serve as our Educational Director. Our current shaliach is Doron Erez who served as a central administrator and educator at a boarding school in Israel. He has more than a decade and a half of experience as an educator, and continues to be a passionate leader, teacher and director.
Who are the camp counselors?
Our counselors are mostly past campers who grew up in our youth movement and completed a special leadership training program in Israel at the age of 16. They serve as counselors throughout the year in our weekly Hashomer activities and at our annual winter camp.
Does the camp have a planned pre-camp training period at camp before the arrival of the campers?
Yes, we have a week long orientation period prior to the arrival of the campers, in addition to seminars throughout the year.
TRIPS
Is there a suitably stocked first aid kit accompanying all camp trips?
Yes, whether the campers are on day or overnight trips, a first aid kit always accompanies them.
Is there a minimum of two trained staff on all trips?
Our camp policy is to send no less than five staff members on trips.
FOOD SERVICE
Does the menu follow Canada’s Food Guide?
We are very strict about our menus. Our meals contain all the important food groups, with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables being offered as snacks as well.
Are kashrut requests accommodated?
Yes, we do accommodate kashrut requests with meat provided by such kosher suppliers as Perl's and Chai Kosher Poultry.
Are vegetarian requests or special diets accommodated?
Yes, we prepare special meals for vegetarian campers.
WATER SUPPLY
Has the source of the water supply been approved by the Ministry of Health?
Yes, the Ministry inspects our water supply on a regular basis to ensure that it meets proper standards. In the spring of 2000, we installed a “state of the art” water purification system.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Do sleeping quarters have ample floor space for each camper?
The minimum required floor space is 2.72 s. m. for each camper, and we exceed that.
Is appropriate fire fighting equipment readily available to all buildings and appropriate activity areas?
Definitely. There are fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in every cabin building and activity area as well as all other necessary equipment.
SANITARY FACILITIES
Are there the number of toilets specified as a minimum by the Ontario Ministry of Health?
The Ministry dictates that there must be a toilet for every 10 campers of each sex, and we exceed this number.
Where are the bathrooms located?
The bathrooms are located in buildings outside the cabins in both upper and lower sections of the camp. The younger children are put in cabins that are right next to these facilities.
INSURANCE
Does the camp carry comprehensive liability insurance?
Yes, we carry the comprehensive liability insurance package that the OCA recommends to all camps.
Is there a medical staff person residing on the premises?
Yes, we have a highly qualified resident Registered Nurse available at all times, and a fully equipped infirmary.
How close is the nearest medical facility?
Both the Perth Medical Clinic and the Great War Memorial Hospital are located in Perth, which is 7 – 10 minutes away from our campgrounds.
Have arrangements been made with these facilities in case of emergency?
Yes, we have an ongoing arrangement with both facilities for many years in which we notify them of our date of arrival and the precise dates our camp is running. They, in turn, are on alert to provide all medical care in case of emergencies, as well as regular medical care when necessary.
Is suitable transportation available at all times in the event of an emergency?
Yes, there is always one car designated for emergency use only. In case there is a need for an ambulance, one can arrive minutes after our phone call due to the short distance between our camp and the hospital.
WATERFRONT SAFETY
What is the camp policy on waterfront use?
The waterfront is open for use only at designated times and only under the Supervision of certified lifeguards (National Lifeguard Services certificate holders, Red Cross Instructors). A Buddy System is employed whenever swimming activity takes place.
Are campers restricted to clearly established swimming areas?
Our waterfront area is clearly marked by docks and there is a border between the shallow and deep ends made up of white buoys.
Are campers tested to establish their swimming abilities?
In the first week of camp, each camper takes the “deep end” test. The degree of participation in water activities such as water-skiing, tubing and distance swim depends on the results of this test.
Are campers participating in a distance swim outside the regular swim area accompanied by a boat?
Yes, there are always canoes accompanying the distance swimmers.
Do non-swimmers in boats wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)?
All campers wear PFDs both in the boats and the canoes. They do so when water-skiing and tubing as well.
LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
What is the ratio of staff to campers?
We have a very high ratio of staff to campers. We ensure that there is at least one staff member to every four campers.
What experience has the Camp Director had in working with children, and what are his qualifications in general?
The policy of Hashomer Hatzair is to bring in a new “Shaliach/a” every three years from Israel to serve as our Educational Director. Our current shaliach is Doron Erez who served as a central administrator and educator at a boarding school in Israel. He has more than a decade and a half of experience as an educator, and continues to be a passionate leader, teacher and director.
Who are the camp counselors?
Our counselors are mostly past campers who grew up in our youth movement and completed a special leadership training program in Israel at the age of 16. They serve as counselors throughout the year in our weekly Hashomer activities and at our annual winter camp.
Does the camp have a planned pre-camp training period at camp before the arrival of the campers?
Yes, we have a week long orientation period prior to the arrival of the campers, in addition to seminars throughout the year.
TRIPS
Is there a suitably stocked first aid kit accompanying all camp trips?
Yes, whether the campers are on day or overnight trips, a first aid kit always accompanies them.
Is there a minimum of two trained staff on all trips?
Our camp policy is to send no less than five staff members on trips.
FOOD SERVICE
Does the menu follow Canada’s Food Guide?
We are very strict about our menus. Our meals contain all the important food groups, with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables being offered as snacks as well.
Are kashrut requests accommodated?
Yes, we do accommodate kashrut requests with meat provided by such kosher suppliers as Perl's and Chai Kosher Poultry.
Are vegetarian requests or special diets accommodated?
Yes, we prepare special meals for vegetarian campers.
WATER SUPPLY
Has the source of the water supply been approved by the Ministry of Health?
Yes, the Ministry inspects our water supply on a regular basis to ensure that it meets proper standards. In the spring of 2000, we installed a “state of the art” water purification system.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Do sleeping quarters have ample floor space for each camper?
The minimum required floor space is 2.72 s. m. for each camper, and we exceed that.
Is appropriate fire fighting equipment readily available to all buildings and appropriate activity areas?
Definitely. There are fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in every cabin building and activity area as well as all other necessary equipment.
SANITARY FACILITIES
Are there the number of toilets specified as a minimum by the Ontario Ministry of Health?
The Ministry dictates that there must be a toilet for every 10 campers of each sex, and we exceed this number.
Where are the bathrooms located?
The bathrooms are located in buildings outside the cabins in both upper and lower sections of the camp. The younger children are put in cabins that are right next to these facilities.
INSURANCE
Does the camp carry comprehensive liability insurance?
Yes, we carry the comprehensive liability insurance package that the OCA recommends to all camps.
Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria Canada: mail@campshomria.ca; 416 736 1339
