Caring for your Child

When you send your children to camp for a week, you are entrusting them into our care and we fully understand the responsibility this places on us. Caring for your children is the primary concern for us at Muskoka Woods. Our hope is that your child feels cared for throughout their entire stay. The following are just some of the ways we seek to ensure the Muskoka Woods is a safe place to grow.

In Arts and Athletics Development Philosophy:

Challenge By Choice:
Our Challenge by Choice philosophy is based upon the idea that guests define their own success throughout the week. Guests at Muskoka Woods set individual goals with their instructors, who then chart out their progression through the week. This allows our guests to develop at their own pace. We believe that participation at each activity is more important than the outcome. The Muskoka Woods experience focuses on guests pushing themselves to new limits and trying new things beyond their comfort level. We want to ensure that participation in each activity is a positive experience and that it follows our trademark: FUN!


Athletic Achievement Awards:
Muskoka Woods is fully committed to developing youth and we have a deep desire to see them grow in all aspects of their lives. Our Athletic Achievement Awards Program was developed to reward guests who show improvement in their chosen activities. Our Gold, Silver and Bronze levels allow all guests, whether skilled or just starting out, to be recognized for their accomplishments. Achievement at Muskoka Woods goes beyond just athletic or artistic ability. We recognize guests who excel in areas of Creativity, Confidence, Teamwork, and Perseverance.

J Smarts:
Taking risks is part of life and there is some level of risk in camp activities. Building upon activities’ guidelines, the JSmarts program utilizes a practical tool called the Circle Check. It encourages guests to consider four simple questions designed to help them think about risks and the impacts of those risks. Those questions are:

Should I? Could I? Would I? and What If?

The “Circle Check” encourages our guests to take thier time, slow down, and “Think it Thru” before making a decision.



Facilities & Equipment:
Muskoka Woods has strived to exceed the expectations of our guests for the past 32 years. We are committed to providing first class facilities for our guests. This commitment continues with the selection of high quality equipment from leading manufacturers. New equipment is purchased regularly and existing equipment is inspected on regular basis.


In the Health Care Centre:
Just as we believe in offering our guests the very best staff, facilities and equipment available, we also believe in providing the best possible medical care. Our Health Care Centre is staffed with several full-time registered nurses and one doctor in residence. The medical team attends to emergency medical needs 24 hours a day. For routine consultations and medication, the Health Care Centre is open at three convenient times each day. All guests must submit a completed health form, including health insurance (OHIP or equivalent).

Upon arrival at Muskoka Woods, all medication needs to be taken to the Health Care Centre. Be sure to take the time to meet our medical staff. Should it be necessary for our doctor to prescribe special medication during your child's stay, parents will be billed for the cost of the medication.

Health & Allergy Concerns:
Many children attending Muskoka Woods have specific allergies and some can be life-threatening. Though Muskoka Woods cannot guarantee to be a peanut-free environment, we do seek to reduce the risk of exposure and therefore do not use or serve peanuts, peanut products or tree nuts. Certain products however do have “may contain traces of nuts” labels so guests with life-threatening allergies should consult with the kitchen staff regarding foods served at each meal and check labels on products in the Tuck Shop. We ask that guests do not bring snacks/food from home that may contain nuts. All guests who carry an Epipen are asked to carry it with them at all times. They will be asked to wear a specific wristband that alerts our staff to their health concerns.

Homesickness:
Homesickness is a natural and common occurrence. In our experience, homesickness is most prevalent at the beginning of the week and usually subsides by midweek. Since calling home often amplifies homesickness, younger guests (7-11) are not encouraged to call home unless you have notified us otherwise. If you permit your 7-11 year-old to call home, a staff member will accompany him or her. If you receive a call from your child, we suggest focusing on the fun they are having and the exciting things they are learning. When you call our office, we will take a written message and deliver it to your child daily.


IN THE CABIN:

Discipline:
Muskoka Woods Senior Leadership Staff are knowledgeable and experienced in how to handle behavioural situations. Our priority is to ensure all guests at Muskoka Woods have a safe and positive experience. In the event a behavioural issue does arise, our staff will evaluate the situation and take appropriate action with the guest(s) directly involved, while making every effort to not interfere with the experience of other guests participating in the cabin/activity.

Bullying:
Muskoka Woods is a safe place for all children. Behaviour that negatively impacts another guest’s camp experience is not tolerated. Specific camp rules are outlined for all guests on Saturday evening - including our policy on bullying. Guests are encouraged to bring any concerns regarding potential bullying to their counselor or another trusted staff member. When a matter is brought to our attention, we intervene and take action until the behaviour stops.

Personal Belongings
Policies are in place to discourage guests from entering other guest cabins. Since it is impossible for Muskoka Woods to guarantee that theft or losses will not occur, we strongly advise that belongings be secured in a lockable suitcase or trunk. If you are concerned about the security of items like iPods, cell phones, computers, or any other valuables, we recommend that you do not bring them to camp. Muskoka Woods does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen articles.