Summer Camp

Each camp day will involve a mix of hiking the trails, playing games, and hands-on exploration of nature artifacts. We structure the day to have a morning and afternoon snack break, as well as lunch. Our programming throughout the week will be guided by the interests and curiosities of the campers, so no two days will look exactly the same. Each day will involve lots of time outdoors, rain or shine, so be sure to come prepared!

We spend most of the day outdoors, rain or shine, so make sure your camper is dressed for the weather. We will be quite active, so closed-toe shoes that are secure to the foot (running shoes or hiking boots) are essential. Please send your camper with sunscreen already applied on arrival; we will remind them to reapply part way through the day. Dressing in layers is always a good idea as this allows for easy adjusting based on activity levels or as the temperature changes throughout the day.

Please also bring:

• Nut-free lunch & snacks for the day
• Refillable water bottle
• Hat
• Sunscreen (to reapply as needed)
• Rain gear for wet days (coat, pants, boots)
• A change of clothes (especially extra socks)
• Any required medication
• Face mask (if desired)
• Bug spray (if desired)

Please do not bring toys, electronics, or any valuables. HCA is not responsible for any lost or damaged valuables.

Our camp day runs from 9:00am until 4:00pm. You are welcome to drop your camper off starting at 8:45am and all campers must be picked up by 4:15pm. Unfortunately we are not able to offer any extended care hours at this time.

On the first day of camp a staff member will be at the main gate to let you through. Please park in the main parking lot, then make your way to the Trail Centre to sign in your camper. The Trail Centre is located approximately 300m from the parking lot. When you sign in your camper you will receive a pass card that will allow you to get through the gate for pick up and drop off the remainder of the week.

All adults picking up a camper must show photo identification and must be listed on the child’s registration as either: a) a parent/guardian, b) an Emergency Contact; c) additional authorized pick up. The individual must be over the age of 18 years.  Any changes to these names on your initial registration must be noted in writing by letter addressed to the camp and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian’s signature.

The camp program is led by the Environmental Education staff, Natalie & Kyra, who between themselves have more than a decade of camp experience. They coordinate and deliver HCA’s environmental education school programs, teaching visiting classes all about the Dundas Valley. Natalie has a Bachelor of Education, Kyra has a Bachelor of Science, and both of them have Standard First Aid & CPR training. They are excited to introduce more children to the fascinating nature that can be found in Dundas Valley Conservation Area!

If you need to contact the camper leaders they can be reached at hcaenved@conservationhamilton.ca or 905-525-2181 ext. 266.

We are an outdoor program, so campers are expected to come prepared for the weather. In the event of inclement weather conditions we will modify programming to spend a greater portion of the day indoors.

In the event that the conservation area needs to be closed due to extreme weather the camp program will be cancelled and families will be notified as soon as possible. A refund will be issued for the camp day.

Hamilton Conservation Authority reserves the right to cancel any camp program if the minimum number of participants is not reached. If HCA cancels a camp, registrants are fully refunded.

Purchasers wishing to cancel and receive a refund will be subject to a cancellation fee.

If the cancellation is made more than two weeks before the start of the camp week there is a $25 cancellation fee.

If the cancellation is made less than two weeks before the start of the camp week there is a $100 cancellation fee.

All refund requests must be made by the Friday prior to the start of the registered camp week.

If you need to cancel please contact the Environmental Education team at hcaenved@conservationhamilton.ca or 905-525-2181 ext. 266.

Absolutely! The temporary pass you will receive on the first day of camp can be used to get into any our conservation areas throughout the week. Your pass expires the Sunday after your camp week.