Camp Shomria
  • Mission and Values
  • Summer Camp
    • Dates and Rates
    • Financial Support
    • Family Handbook
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Camp Policies
    • Shira (Camp Songs)
  • March Break Day Camp
  • Winter Camp
  • The Ken (Year Round Programming)
  • The Movement
  • Glossary
  • Join our team
  • 󠀠​​
  • Israel Programs
  • Renting out Camp
  • 󠀠
  • • • •
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
  • Visit our Reunion Website
  • Mission and Values
  • Summer Camp
    • Dates and Rates
    • Financial Support
    • Family Handbook
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Camp Policies
    • Shira (Camp Songs)
  • March Break Day Camp
  • Winter Camp
  • The Ken (Year Round Programming)
  • The Movement
  • Glossary
  • Join our team
  • 󠀠​​
  • Israel Programs
  • Renting out Camp
  • 󠀠
  • • • •
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
  • Visit our Reunion Website

Camp Policies.


Below you will find the following policies:
1. Cancellation and Refund Policy
2. Camper and Parent Code of Conduct
3. Food and Allergies
4. COVID-19
5. Lice Policy
6. Unplugged Policy
7. Phone Calls and Communication with Campers Policy​
8. No Packages Policy

Cancellation and Refund Policy​.

Our operating costs are by and large fixed for the season by the time we hit spring. If a camper withdraws between March 31st and May 31st, an additional $500 (plus the $500 deposit) will be forfeited to the camp. If a camper withdraws for any reason on or after June 1st, the entire camp fee will be forfeited. 

Once a camper arrives at camp, no refunds will be issued in the case that your child leaves camp early or misses days of camp for any reason, including, but not limited to, being sent home as a result of breaking the Code of Conduct*. This policy enables us to continue keeping camp affordable, invest in our programming, site, and staff, and provide needs-based support to reduce access barriers to camp. 

​
*The only exception to this policy is in the rare situation that a camper is sent home for medical reasons. In this circumstance, and at the discretion of the camp, a partial refund of 35% of the daily tuition paid for missed days may be issued at the end of the camp season.

Camper and Parent Code of Conduct​.

Providing a fun, and meaningful program experience begins with creating an environment that ensures campers' emotional and physical security. We entrust all our chanichimot (campers/participants) with the responsibility of treating each other, staff, visitors, and our environment with respect.

To ensure that all chanichimot (campers/participants) experience at Camp Shomria/the Ken is positive, and to help ensure the safety and security of all participants, the Chanichol (Camper/Participant) and their Parents/Guardians hereby acknowledge and agree to this code of conduct:

AS A CAMPER I WILL….
  • Recognize I am a part of the Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria community. I will respect the environment, peers, staff and practices and customs that are part of the program.
  • Treat people the way I would like to be treated. I will be inclusive and kind to others.
  • Cooperate with Hadracha and camp staff and follow their instructions. This includes rules and regulations put forth by any staff member, as well as the restrictions and guidelines surrounding staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Recognize I am a part of the Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria community. I will respect the environment, peers, staff and practices and customs that are part of the program.
  • [Summer Camp] Help keep my cabin and the surrounding environment clean and put all litter in the trash cans.
  • [Summer Camp] Respect all areas of the camp that are considered off limits and not leave the campgrounds unless it is part of the program and under staff supervision
  • Be aware of and manage my attitude, body language, tones, expression, etc. in a way that makes others feel welcomed rather than excluded, and makes others feel positively encouraged rather than being negatively impacted.
  • Talk to someone if I feel unsafe, or if I need help with anything (including following rules or instructions).
  • Have lots of FUN, a positive attitude, and always try to have a GREAT time.
​
AS A CAMPER I WILL NOT…
  • Be mean, bully, exclude or put down other campers or staff online or in-person. I will NEVER hit, threaten, intimidate, inappropriately touch anyone 
  • I will not touch any camper or staff member that has not provided explicit consent for me to do so. 
  • Engage in any act of harassment or abuse including, but not limited to, physical, emotional, psychological, verbal or sexual harassment or abuse, obscene conduct, violence, immoral behaviour, sexually inappropriate behaviour and bullying, or foul, inappropriate, or abusive language (this includes language of a sexually explicit nature).
  • Violate Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria's zero tolerance policy around drugs (including marijuana), alcohol, smoking, vaping or any prohibited act or substance as defined by both law and camp regulations.
  • Deliberately hurt anybody’s feelings, which includes pulling pranks on others that could cause someone to feel offended or unsafe or that might result in retaliation, which could lead to injury or property damage.
  • Behave in a way at camp, in the city, at school, through social media or otherwise, that is abusive, harassing, inappropriate or that goes against the spirit of this Agreement with respect to other campers, staff, or members of our community.
  • Use or be in possession of cellular telephones, pagers, devices capable of uploading, downloading or streaming data, devices capable of watching movies, television shows or music videos or other communication devices during the camp season

As a camper I understand that if I am having trouble following this code of conduct, the following could happen:
  • I may have a meeting with my counsellors, or one of the members of the Hanhaga (Leadership Team) or the Shlicha and/or Camp Director.
  • A staff member might call my parents to discuss my behaviour.
  • I may be given, or be asked to carry out, a suitable consequence to be decided by Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria staff. (Examples of consequences include but are not limited to: writing an apology letter, missing activities, losing privileges, having your own bunk (cabin) or bunk mates moved, being sent home from camp early at your parent/guardian(s) expense and responsibility, not being allowed to attend or return to camp, not being allowed to attend Ken programming, etc.)
  • [Summer]If my behavior is hurtful to myself, others, or camp property, I will likely be sent home that same day or as soon as possible thereafter at the parent/guardian(s) full expense and responsibility.
  • [Ken] If my behavior is hurtful to myself, others, or Ken property, my parent/guardian(s) may be asked to pick me up early and I may not be allowed to attend future programming at the parent/guardian(s) full expense.

AS A PARENT/GUARDIAN, I UNDERSTAND:
  • There is often no ‘hard evidence’ in matters relating to relational responsibility, bullying or similar areas of conduct. Nonetheless, I trust and accept Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria leadership to make determinations on these matters and accept the judgment of the camp/Ken and any related consequences included, but not limited to, dismissal from camp/Ken.
  • There are no entitlements to refunds of any kind if a camper is sent home/excluded from Ken programs for behavioral reasons (all the above).
  • I am fully committed to this Code of Conduct and agree to its content. In addition, I will always treat the camp/Ken and the staff with respect regardless of circumstances or challenges that may arise. If I fail to meet this expectation, it will be deemed to reflect a failure to trust the camp/Ken and its staff. Therefore, I understand that my child(ren) may be sent home from camp/Ken and/or not be accepted back to camp/Ken. I will also disclose all information as requested and implied in the medical form including medical, psychological and socio-emotional issues or concerns past or present. I also understand that comments or complaints are to be directed to the camp/Ken’s adult leadership staff.


I/We have read the Code of Conduct and fully understand that the Chanichol's (Camper's/Participant's) participation in this program is contingent on the Chanichol's (Camper's/Participant's) adherence to the above noted rules and policies. I/We further confirm that we have reviewed the Code of Conduct with the Chanichol (Camper/Participant) and we have no reason to believe that the Chanichol (Camper/Participant) will be unable to comply with such terms. I/We understand that Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria will not refund any portion of the Camp/Ken fees or related cost if the Chanichol (Camper/Participant) is dismissed from Camp/Ken.

Food and Allergies.

Camp Shomria is able to accommodate most dietary needs for our campers and staff, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options as well as accommodating for allergies shared with us through the health forms. 

We provide kosher-style food service, which means that although not all ingredients have a hechsher, we do not serve meat and dairy in the same meal, nor do we serve pork, seafood, or shellfish. Campers and staff who keep fully kosher at home generally choose to eat vegetarian meals while at camp.

We are a peanut-aware camp. This means we do not serve peanut butter or peanut products, but some of our ingredients will have a "may contain" warning. 

COVID-19.

As the pandemic evolves, so to does our response to COVID-19.  The health and wellbeing of our campers and staff are our highest priority. With this in mind, Camp Shomria reserves the right to change it's policies and approach to COVID-19 prior to and during camp.

At this time, we continue to have a vaccine mandate in place which requires ALL campers and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses required and boosters strongly encouraged.

Lice Policy.

Head lice are tiny insects which live on the scalp. They do not pose a health threat; they are, however, a nuisance. You are responsible to ensure that your child does not come to camp with lice. 

As a courtesy to fellow campers and staff, we require that everyone who will be attending camp this summer to be checked 5-7 days prior to the start of camp and then again the day before departure.  Any evidence of nits (lice eggs), nymphs (tiny immature lice bugs) and adults (mature lice bugs) must be thoroughly removed. You can do this yourself (using on-line resources or you can book a professional lice inspection at a convenient location for you and with any number of other providers across the GTA. 
We will be conducting a mandatory lice check within the first 24 hours of arrival at camp. If your child is found to have any evidence of head lice on arrival (or at any time during camp), the camp will do its best to treat your child, which may include services administered by an outside professional. Families will be charged for the cost of lice treatments.

Please note that part of the treatment process involves extensive combing and depending on the severity of the case, this could be anywhere from 3-6 sessions in the Health Centre.  Not only does this disrupt the medical program, but more importantly, it takes time away from your child being able to enjoy camp as it is meant to be.  Campers or staff with lice/nits will also experience periods of isolation from regular activities and/or be required to wear a head covering as determined by camp staff. 

If you are planning on booking a professional screening with a professional service, of which many are available, it is recommended that you call in advance as their clinics are often by appointment.  Direct numbers can be found on the above linked websites but feel welcome to find a suitable service close to your home.

Unplugged Policy.

Being at camp is an opportunity to unplug and get back to basics. Most of our time is spent outdoors, enjoying nature, participating in creative games and programming, and taking the time to think, breathe, connect with others, learn and grow. We believe in the benefit and the need for time unplugged, especially for today's youth.

Campers are not allowed to bring electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, etc. to camp. These devices will be confiscated if found. 


We limit the use of personal music devices to quiet times in the cabin, particularly in the evenings for campers who benefit from auditory self-regulation practices. Only devices that do not have internet access will be allowed. Please contact us to discuss with our Community Care team. 

Campers wishing to take photos at camp are permitted to bring a digital camera (not a phone) to do so. Please do not send expensive cameras to camp as they could get lost or damaged.

Phone Calls and Communication with Campers Policy.

Camp is an opportunity to practice independence and cultivate resiliency. Homesickness is a normal occurence for many campers, and that's why we have many layers of support in place to help campers experiencing homesickness.

To allow for the best possible adjustment for your child to life at camp, we ask that you
do not call the camp with the expectation of speaking with them directly. If there is a problem, please be assured that we will call you. It is our experience that phone calls home do not help children who are having a difficult time adjusting to camp life. Please do not tell your child(ren) that they may call you whenever they want, or if they want to go home or feel homesick. Instead, encourage them to discuss their problems or concerns with their madrichimot (counsellors), the Rosh Chinuch (Head of Education), Community Care staff, or any other staff member they feel comfortable to speak with. Phone calls between campers and their families may be arranged at the discretion of the camp staff. 

Campers may call home on their own birthday. Birthday calls are generally made in the evening after dinner. If you would like to arrange a specific time for your child to make their birthday call, please contact our office and we will make the arrangements. 

Camp Shomria will call parents/guardians if there are any health or other concerns. We will also call at your request around concerns that you have identified. 

During camp you may send your camper letters and/or emails which will be printed and distributed three times per week (not daily). Campers may write letters which can be mailed or scanned and e-mailed to you. 

Please review the full communications section of the Family Handbook for more detailed information regarding communications during camp.

No Packages Policy.

This year we are shifting to a 'no packages' policy. Please try to send your child(ren) up to camp with everything they will need for the summer. You are welcome to send them up to camp with snacks (please note that in the spirit of community kupa, snacks should be nut-free and shared with the group). Of course, if your child writes home requesting an extra sweater because they are cold, or would like some extra reading material, you may feel free to send it up to camp (though you might want to check with our office first as we probably have something to lend!). However, we would like to discourage big packages of treats  as we find that they create feelings of comparison and competition among campers. ​

Bullying, Harassment, Abuse, and Violence Policies.

Being Worked on

AODA Policy.

Something Eventually

Privacy Policy​.

Camp Shomria is committed to keeping the personal information of our campers, staff, families, and clients accurate, confidential, secure, and private. Our Privacy Policy has been designed to inform families, clients, staff, and third parties of Camp Shomria of our commitment and recognition to meet the terms and spirit of generally accepted privacy expectations for camps of similar size and scope.

ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY
At Camp Shomria, your privacy is, and always has been, very important to us. We are dedicated to providing you with excellent experience at camp while protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Camp Shomria controls and centralizes the collection and distribution of information. However, we do transfer personal information to third parties for processing (i.e., the CampBrain data management systems and related payment providers), data enrichment, demographics understanding and expanding our client base.

WHY DO WE COLLECT PERSONAL INFORMATION?
We collect information about your camper and family so that we can provide the best and safest experience for your child at camp. We also collect and share information to support growth and sustainability of the camp. Personal information allows us to ensure the safety and welfare of the children in our care and building the strongest and most sustainable camp.

We use personal information to share updates with our families and clients about news and other events at camp. We also use personal information for business demographics and community analysis, and to provide statements of account to families when requested to do so.

WHAT INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT?
The personal information we collect shall be limited to that which allows us to run a safe summer camp, and which helps us provide campers and other clients with a safe experience always with a view to further growth and sustainability of the camp and understanding our market. The information that we collect includes:

  • The Camper Application requests names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for regular contact thorough the year and in cases of emergency.
  • Custody information that is important for camper safety and welfare.
  • Health Information Form requests personal health information about the camper as required by camp policies and/or the local Health Department.
  • Other health and behavioural information (i.e. special needs, mental health information, allergies, medical history etc.) is necessary for the counsellor, nurses, and program leaders to provide the best care for your child.
  • We may also collect other personal information orally or electronically throughout the year to support these purposes without limitation.
​
CONSENT TO USE PERSONAL INFORMATION 
​
We may obtain your express consent to use personal information, or we may determine that consent has been implied by the circumstances. Consent could be in writing such as: signed application form, signed health form, submitted e-forms online, parent manual/packet disclosures, or verbally in person or over the telephone.

Providing us with your personal information is always your choice but failure to do so may limit participation or void registration. As part of the application process, we ask that you provide information that allows us to provide the best care for your child. In doing so, you consent to our collection, use and disclosure to appropriate third parties of such personal information for these purposes.

USE, DISCLOSURE, AND RETENTION OF INFORMATION
Camp Shomria only uses and discloses the personal information in order to fulfill the identified purposes except when required by law.  Staff members whose job functions or responsibilities require personal information have access to all of your information.

KEEPING YOUR INFORMATION ACCURATE
It is important that your personal information is accurate and complete. Having accurate information about your family and child allows us to provide the very best camp experience. You have the right to access, verify and amend the information we have about your family. We rely on you to keep us informed of any changes, such as a changes of address, phone number, email address, the health of your child or anything else – simply contact our office (416-736-1339) and let us know about any changes.

KEEPING YOUR INFORMATION SAFE
We use electronic and procedural safeguards to protect our systems and all personal information under our control against unauthorized access and use.

CHANGES TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY
If we decide to change any part of our Privacy Policy we will post those changes here and in places we deem appropriate, so that you can be aware of what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it. You will always have a choice as to whether or not we can use your information.

YOUR RIGHT TO ACCESS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
You have a right to access your personal information that we have in our possession. On written request to the Camp Director, a client is informed of the existence, use and disclosure of their personal information that is under our control, and may be given access to that personal information as required and permitted by law.

​You may challenge the accuracy and completeness of that personal information and request that it be amended, if appropriate.
 
Camp Shomria may use a centralized process in collaboration with UJA Federation for various initiatives including but not limited to scholarship funding, grants, and joint projects and/or initiatives. Similarly, Camp Shomria collaborates with other funders or 'partners' on various initiatives in place to support and benefit the camp. By agreeing to this Privacy Policy you are giving us permission to share your information notwithstanding anything else contained in our privacy policy, and to accept the privacy policy of the relevant organization(s) or affiliate(s) we are collaborating with at the time. 
 
HGF ALL TOGETHER NOW 2022 MATCHING GRANT
Camp Shomria is the recipient of a generous matching grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF). As part of the donor agreement, it is understood that anonymous gifts do not meet eligibility requirements for the matching grant. As such, all donations submitted for matching eligibility must include donor contact information, including name, complete mailing address, and/or email address.  HGF may use this data to maintain records of donations, send acknowledgements, newsletters, notices, and direct mail pieces.  HGF will not sell, rent, or trade donors’ personal information to outside organizations. 
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about our privacy statement, please contact our office (416-736-1339) or by email at mail@campshomria.ca
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​​copyright © Hashomer Hatzair Canada. 2023.
​​All Rights Reserved.
  • Mission and Values
  • Summer Camp
    • Dates and Rates
    • Financial Support
    • Family Handbook
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Camp Policies
    • Shira (Camp Songs)
  • March Break Day Camp
  • Winter Camp
  • The Ken (Year Round Programming)
  • The Movement
  • Glossary
  • Join our team
  • 󠀠​​
  • Israel Programs
  • Renting out Camp
  • 󠀠
  • • • •
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
  • Visit our Reunion Website